Page 11 of Knot in Bloom
I think Reid Harper looks like the kind of man who’s used to getting what he wants. And right now he’s interested in more than just flowers. I think his timing is suspiciously convenient and his interest seemed pretty focused on the florist, not just the flowers.
“Seems professional.”
“Right. Business.” She seems genuinely excited about the possibility of bigger projects. “We should get back to work. How’s the roof coming?”
As we spend the rest of the day working—me on the roof, her organizing and preparing for the week ahead—I tell myself that I have no right to be territorial about Sadie Quinn. That I’m just here to fix her roof and help an old friend through a difficult situation.
But when the day is done and she touches my arm to thank me for the work—when she looks at me like I’m still the boy she used to follow around with absolute trust—I know I’m lying to myself.
I’m not just here to fix her roof.
I’m here to see if she might want something more than just getting her building repaired.
Chapter 5
Sadie
Saturday night and I can’t sit still.
I keep walking around my apartment. Kitchen to living room to bedroom and back. Like I’m looking for something I lost but I don’t know what.
The Kerr wedding went perfect. Or at least I think it did. Sarah looked happy. Nobody complained. The arrangements didn’t fall over. But now I’m sitting here—walking here—and my brain won’t shut up.
Because of Levi’s notebook on my coffee table.
I pick it up again. Put it down. Pick it up.
Those pressed leaves are still perfect. The poem makes my chest do weird things. “Coffee’s just my sweet excuse to see the joy you never lose.”
That’s not friendship poetry. Is it? Maybe it is and I’m being crazy like always. Taking normal human kindness and turning it into some fantasy where people actually?—
No. Stop.
Wednesday morning when he helped clean up the flood. Standing so close I could smell cedar and books and something that made my nipples tighten under my sweater. When he saidhe wanted to take care of me with his voice all rough and promising.
I’ve been avoiding him since then. Ducking into stores when I see him coming. Buying coffee from the gas station instead of letting him bring me the good stuff twice a week like he has for weeks.
Because what if I’m wrong? What if I make it weird? What if he’s just being nice and I ruin everything by wanting more?
My scent spikes sharp and bitter. I smell like stressed omega and it’s gross.
Then there’s Caleb.
Who rebuilt my entire ceiling today. Shirtless for most of it because apparently October is still warm enough for construction work without clothes. Which I definitely wasn’t watching. Much.
Except I was totally watching. The way his shoulders moved when he lifted those heavy beams. How his tool belt hung low on his hips. The scar near his wrist from something he did in the military probably.
My body’s still humming. His sandalwood and leather scent wrapped around me all day making me feel safe and also like I wanted to lick the sweat off his neck.
This is Caleb Maddox. Dean’s big brother. Who used to let me tag along when I was ten and annoying. He probably still sees me as little Sadie Quinn who can’t figure out basic life stuff.
Like how to pay for roof repairs. Or why my insurance company hates me. Or whether I can afford groceries this week if I pay the electric bill.
My stomach growls loud enough to echo in my tiny apartment.
Right. Food. That thing I keep forgetting about.
And then Reid Harper showed up today.
