Page 44 of Harvest Moon (Riverbend 3)

“Not even going to greet your customer?”

“Are you here to buy another plant?”

“I believe I will. My mom loved the violet. Thank you.”

“No need to thank me. You’re the one who bought it.” She blew out a breath. “Are we really going to do this again?”

“Do you have any potted peonies?”

Her favorite—but he wouldn’t remember that. She’d only mentioned it once in passing. She gestured across the greenhouse. “They’re over there.”

“Can you show me?”

Willing herself to be patient and professional this time, she pulled off her gloves and walked to the end of the row. She wouldn’t let him get to her. Wouldn’t let him know that his nearness disrupted her heart’s rhythm.

“Maybe you can select one for me,” he said when they reached the right section.

She chose a flourishing plant with beautiful coral blooms.She’d been admiring their vibrant color all summer. “How about this one?”

He accepted the plant without even looking at it. “Perfect.”

He didn’t move.

Laurel crossed her arms. “Aren’t you going to ask me how to care for it?”

“Nope.” He offered a smile. “Thanks, Laurel.” He carried the plant toward the register.

Laurel gave her head a shake. Was he just going to come in here every few weeks and knock her marbles loose? Give her lungs a workout? What was his deal anyway? Was he one of those guys who thought a couple could actually be friends after a breakup?

She huffed. Fat chance.

By the time her shift ended, she was ready for a nice, warm shower and a good book. But when she reached her car, her foot connected with something on the ground. There, right beside her car, sat that beautiful coral peony plant, and she didn’t need a note to tell her who had left it.

Gavin didn’t return to the nursery until late July. Laurel tried not to react when she saw him striding down the row of petunias toward her.

She continued watering the hanging plants. “Can I help you?” she asked when he stopped beside her.

He leaned casually on the table beside her. “Did you like the peonies?”

She’d never thanked him for the flowers. But she cared for the plant like it was a newborn baby. “You know I did since I picked it out myself. But you didn’t have to do that. Can I help you find something?”

“Meet me for coffee, Laurel. Come on. I just want to talk.”

“We really don’t have anything to talk about.”

“Speak for yourself.” He continued staring at her. “I have plenty to say.”

She kept working, but her hands wouldn’t cooperate. The water dribbled down her gloves and into her sleeves.

“Are you dating anyone?” he asked.

Laurel pursed her lips. He was not going there. She told herself she didn’t care about his interest in her romantic life, but her racing pulse refuted the claim. Maybe it wasn’t only friendship he sought.

“Mallory said you’re not.”

She couldn’t believe her friend had divulged that information. Then again, Mallory had always thought Laurel and Gavin were perfect together. “Mallory doesn’t know everything.”

He tilted his head. “So youareseeing someone?”

---