Page 13 of Bloom and Burn
My brain works overtime to comprehend what he just said. If Emily Keller is part of the focus group, then that means… “Your sister has paralysis?” I ask carefully, sorting out memories and coming up short of anything. From what I can remember, Emily didn’t have paralysis in high school.
“Paraplegia, yes. She got into a car accident back when we still lived here… It’s why we moved away.”
There is so much sadness in his voice, so much pain, it rips my heart open. He averts his gaze and looks out the window, lost in thoughts or memories. I’ve wondered, just like the rest of the town, why the Kellers up and left one night without an explanation. No one ever found out—aside from the fact that it had something to do with Emily—even though Estacada is one of these towns where news travels fast.
“Sorry,” I mutter dumbly, not sure what else to say.
His smile is a notch forced when he faces me again. “It’s okay. Em’s a real fighter, has always been. Plus, I really believe I’m onto something with my research. It’s very promising, the findings, the simulations. I just… need to move onto the next stage and the actual testing, and once that’s over, Em can start the treatment.”
There is so much love and resolve in his eyes as he says that, in his voice, in his being. It’s suddenly hard to breathe, and impossible to look away from the rawness he’s showing me for no reason. He’s beautiful in the most vulnerable way, his soul on display whether he realizes it or not.
I simply cannot resist it.
This man has changed. He didn’t go down the wrong path, he pulled himself up by his bootstraps and made all the right decisions so he can be here today before me as someone worth my time and attention. He’s rich, that much is obvious, he’s successful and has a good life, but he hasn’t let it consume him. Selfishness doesn’t drive him—it’s kindness, maybe some guilt, too. I’m powerlessagainst him as his determination pulls me into his orbit. I want to lend this man a hand so he can help not only his sister, but all those other people who live with paralysis, too.
Fuck, what do I do? It never crossed my mind to sell this place. I mean, why would it? But this is big, probably even world-changing if he succeeds. And I can’t stand in the way of it, I don’t want to. So, does that mean I want to sell? The Blooming Orchid has been here since the day it first opened, but it’s not like the building is part of the shop’s history. It’s just the current location…
So does that mean I could move? I consider that, visualizing the town in my mind. I think so. A place closer to the center would be good for business, actually. Or near the station where there is more traffic. I know for a fact that there are a couple of places up for sale, and they even come with small backyards which I could transform into a greenhouse. Excitement floods my chest. Holy shit, that would be awesome, wouldn’t it? It will be like a new, fresh start for me, away from my mom’s influence. She won’t have a say in any of it—I will be the one with the reins, the one making all the decisions.
I can see it. This is my chance to break off the chains holding me down. To become independent, to show her I don’t need her butting in or telling me what to do. And who knows, maybe I can even make a start on my dream by setting up a small garden center.
Fuck. I want this. And I can’t believe Jack trying to convince me to sell is what made me realize it. This is how I truly take over, how the Orchid finally becomes mine.
“I haven’t considered moving the shop, but… I’m not opposed to it.”
His face lights up with the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen. God, he’s gorgeous. But while I want to help him accomplish what he’s set out to do, it’s not the only reason. I have my own ulterior motive, so really, this could be a win-win for both of us.
It will be inconvenient, and I will have to confront my mom about it, but the excitement coursing through me far outweighs the apprehension. The fear and worry. It’s like I’ve seen the light at the end of the tunnel, and no matter how challenging getting to it might be, it’s all going to be worth it at the end.
“Shit. Is this for real?” Jack huffs out, joy swimming in his eyes.
It feels good making a person smile like this. But as it goes, anything that seems too good usually is. So here comes the caveat.
“Yes, but there is one problem. I own the business, but I don’t own the place. The share in the building is not in my name, so you’d need to talk to my parents about that.” I offer him an apologetic smile. “You have to know that they can be a bit bull-headed. Don’t count on them agreeing as easily as I did.”
He frowns, rubbing the bridge of his nose. But the smile stays. “Yeah, it figures it wasn’t you who my team spoke to when they called to enquire about the building a while back.” As his gaze grows distant, I leave him alone with his thoughts and prepare his tulip basket. “I’m sure I’ll manage to convince them if I make it worth their while. And… maybe you can put in a good word or two about me?”
His sexy little wink is diabolical, in the best way. He’s friendly and all smiles in public, but it makes me wonder if that’s just a façade and in reality, he’s a possessive beastthat can wreck my asshole so good I won’t be able to sit down for days.
“I don’t know you well enough to vouch for you,” I point out, humming. Then I return his wink, making it extra seductive.
He waves his credit card at the card machine. When the beep confirms the transaction has gone through, he cradles the flower basket with both hands against his chest. His suppressed smile betrays he’s got the perfect reply at the ready, though he takes a few moments to appreciate my ribbon tying efforts before he holds my gaze again.
“I guess we should amend that. Besides, it’s probably a good idea for both me and Em to get to know the locals, seeing as we are planning to live here.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to add ‘if my parents agree to sell’ considering he said they’ll probably move if he can’t build the facility, but the note of enthusiasm in his voice stops me from doing that. I do think he will have to fight with all he’s got to buy this place and then get the construction approvals, but I’m rooting for him. Genuinely. It really makes no difference to me if the flower shop stays here or moves.
“That might not be a bad idea, yeah,” I reply, smiling.And he should start by getting to know me.
He steps back, holding the basket in one hand and shoving the tablet back in his pocket with the other. “Hey, can I have your mom or dad’s number?” he then says with a hopeful expression. “So I can work my magic and charm them?”
Aw, snap, is he not going to ask me out?
I extend my hand, demanding his phone so I can input my mom’s number. “Just don’t come whining to me when they shoot you down. I warned you.”
“I’ll keep that in mind, Ryan.” Our fingers brush as I hand him his phone back and a pleasant shiver rushes down my arm. My heart skips a beat, but I do my best to ignore the urge to reach out and touch him again. “Thanks for the tulips, I’m sure Em will love them. I’ll see you around.”
“Yeah, see you around, Jack,” I say and watch him walk out of my shop, hoping his call with my mom doesn’t go as badly as I fear it will.
