Page 3 of Grumpy Girl and Amaryllis

He doesn’t waste a moment, his large hands grip the edge of the window. “It’s not against the rules, just cautioned. We’re adults, Mari.”

He’s not wrong. His eager face forces me to consider. Plus, the zings can’t be wrong, either.

“Please.” His smile shines. “Plus, I’ll let you take my virginity…plant virginity that is.”

A bubble of laughter rolls off my tongue. “Well, we are theDirty Hoes. We have plenty of experience.”

He grins wide, anticipating my answer.

“Okay.”

He taps the roof of my sedan. “Okay then, Friday. I’ll be atDirty Hoesat five.”

And I’ll be freaking out.

Croix

It’s Friday,I’ve been waiting for three days for today, and I couldn’t speed out of the school parking lot fast enough. Well, I still obeyed the traffic laws. Safety first, kids.

Making the drive home in record time so I could take a shower, change into something less teacher—khakis and a sweater, and more date—jeans that I’ve been told accent my efforts at the gym and a long sleeve, green Henley that I’ve been told accents my eyes. I’m pulling out all of the stops.

I make it toDirty Hoesfive minutes before I’m supposed to, my foot pressing the accelerator of my Jeep Wrangler to the speed limit.

I’ve wanted to see Mari since she pulled away from me after her presentation. It was strange how my heart ached a little at watching her drive off. From the moment I saw her wheeling in the wagon, Santa and Cupid got together, as Santa-Cupid, to answer my Christmas wish early.

Who knew they both worked so hard during the Thanksgiving season? I’m not going to complain, though.

I’ve been waiting my whole life for a woman like Mari to cross my path, and now nothing will get in my way. As a business owner she has tenacity and works hard—two things I value after being in the military, and she’s a single mom—something my own mother taught me is hard work raising me and my two brothers. Three against one is always hard, but she raised us with laughter and love. The way it should be.

Stepping foot into the jungle known asDirty Hoes Plants & Décor, I can’t believe how amazing this place is. A sea of green, with splashes of color from holiday decorations and gifts. My mother would be in heaven here.

Mari holds a couple of plants at the counter and talking animatedly with a customer about their best qualities, like they are living breathing creatures.I guess they are.

A large smile graces her face, and it’s confirmed. I’m a goner.

And nobody can do anything about it, and if they try, I’m going to put up a fight.

She hasn’t noticed me yet, so I take the opportunity to sink my eyes into her delicious curves, ones belonging to a woman who lives life free from expectations that plague some women. That bountiful body is meant to be snuggled, and Mari is the snuggliest woman in the room. I appreciate that she is tall. Her 5’10” fits nicely with my 6’2”. Bending over can be a bitch all the time.

Another tick in the box showing Cupid-Santa knows what they’re doing.

Mari looks up and sees me watching her. Her full and puffy lips rise just slightly, and my heart speed races to the happily ever after.

I smile back and turn, so I don’t appear creepy. Spotting a clearance table, I head over that way. This table is the one for a teacher’s salary.

I’m still trying to figure out what I’m doing, picking up plants, looking at them intently like I know what the fuck I’m doing, and putting them back down.

“Oh, I love abudgetvirgin,” Mari’s voice comes from behind me. Her voice has the sweetest, sing-song quality sound I’ve ever heard. Hearing her speak in class has kept me going the past few nights and mornings in the shower.

“On my salary, this is probably what I need.” I chuckle and set my sights on her once again.

She reaches around me, and her floral scent spikes my blood pressure. Going for a cactus, she holds it up to me.

“Behold the virgin’s plant. It can be ignored after you make it wet.”

I laugh but squint my nose. “I have a cat, Jean-Claude, who would see this as an adversary and go all Kung Fu on it. Maybe something a little less spikey.”

Stepping closer, I let my arm graze hers and inhale her scent. I watch her breathing quicken, but she doesn’t move. I fist pump in the air. Well, in my mind, I do. I don’t want to scare her away.

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