Page 87 of Mr. Flirt

Did he just want to see if I’d agree to his plan and that was enough of a win for him?

I shook my head and let out an exasperated sigh just as Ann knocked on my door again.

“Special delivery.”

“Yeah?” I stood from the chaise and tried to make myself look less rattled than I felt.

Ann brought in an orchid plant, larger than the top half of her. In fact, I think it had to be several orchids together.

“Should I put them on your desk?” she asked, spitting out a pink stalk from her mouth.

“That would be perfect.” I eyed the arrangement and shook my head as I pulled out a card.

“I never thought I’d see the day,” she said, chuckling.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Ann’s brows raised, and she leaned toward me. “Was it supposed to be a secret?”

“Was what supposed to be a secret?”

“That you hate men,” she whispered.

“I don’t hate men.”

Surprise washed over her features as she backed up. “You don’t?”

I frowned and nodded. “No.”

“Are you sure?”

I laughed and smiled, taking in the beautiful arrangement but refusing to open the card while Ann stood in my office.

“I’m positive. They’re necessary for the survival of the planet,” I teased.

“Well... that’s debatable.” She winked at me and looked at the card in my hand. “I’m going to head out and meet my husband for drinks. Do you need anything else before I leave?”

“No. Go have fun with your man.” I smiled as she grinned and shut the door after her.

I yanked out the card, excited to see what Shep had to say for himself since the silent treatment.

I hope these get there before I do. Surprise! I’m bringing my favorite Greek takeout to eat with you while you work tonight.

My heart swelled up twice the size it should as I tucked the card back into the envelope and let out a happy sigh. He knew I had to work late most nights, and instead of making me give up my own dreams, he was willing to work with them when he could.

Wow.

Just wow.

I sniffed the fresh smell of the orchids and closed my eyes, willing away all the bad thoughts from earlier when I was with my client.

I couldn’t keep painting all relationships with the same brush. Some did work out.

Then why did I have a gnawing feeling chipping away at me with every passing second?

I glanced around my office and the stacks of paper I needed to review before tomorrow morning, not to mention getting the ball rolling for Leslie from this afternoon.

Never mind always worrying that I’m going to wind up with a broken heart after I date someone. How would I ever be able to carve time out for a relationship?

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