Page 74 of Accidentally in Bloom

Gray could see the blocks of her shield falling into place. He’d seen beyond it as she opened her eyes. A blissful, happy moment, and then something cold came down.

She turned to leave and opened her phone, checking that fucking to-do list. “Do you want to go to Allison’s store next or Friendly Florals?”

Goddamnit. He thought they had a moment, but he lost her. He jogged up behind her, his hand coming around her waist.

“Rose, stop. We have plenty of time. We can just enjoy the day.” She moved in front of him so his arm fell. He was determined to win her over; break down the ice shield she felt she had to put up.

“We have a lot to go over today, and I told Violet I’d help with the favors this evening for next week’s event.” She walked backward as she spoke, and her heel slipped into a gopher hole.

She yelped, falling backward, and Gray grabbed her waist, pulling her toward him. He caught her in a dip, clutching her close as her hands grasped his jacket, eyes wide.

He sent her an arched eyebrow. “If you wanted romance, Parker, you just had to tell me.” He pulled her up to standing, keeping her close. His traitorous eyes glanced at her bright red lips, and he wanted to capture her mouth again. Practically ached with it.

She rolled her eyes, and he let her go. She shoved at her hair, embarrassed. “Thanks for saving my outfit from the mud, I guess.”

A few minutes later, Gray wound the bike through the country roads to Friendly Farms. They talked with the owner, and he wasn’t planning to expand his shop footprint anytime soon, but they had a good conversation to plant the idea in case things changed.

Gray had higher hopes for their visit to Allison’s store in Cooperstown. He’d told Rose that Allison was thinking about expanding, given her success.

His stomach sank as he crossed into his hometown. He hated being back here, near his old dealer that had gotten him started in high school and near his father’s reputation as the longest-running mayor the town had ever had.

They drove through Cooperstown, and before he parked in front of Allison’s store, he scanned the area for signs of his father. George Roberts loved being the Cooperstown mayor and felt it was his right to stick his nose every damn where.

No sign of him, so Gray parked, and they walked to the front of Allison’s store.

Rose took it in with an approving smile. “This is charming.”

Allison’s shop had a classic Americana feel with a striped overhang, wrought iron benches with lush planters, and a painted buttercream front.

They walked up the few short steps to Allison’s store and into the bustling flower and gift shop.

Rose looked around the space with a smile. “I like the style. A little more rustic than my preference, but it’s similar enough to Bloom.” Rose ran her hand along a gift table filled with candles and knick-knacks next to a table of house plants.

“You supply here?” She pointed toward the arrangements in the cooler.

Why did it make him so happy that she recognized his stuff? “Yep. Allison’s been one of my customers since day one.”

“Hey, Gray,” a sultry voice said quietly behind him. “I’m so glad you stopped by today.”

“Allison, hi.” Gray gave her a brief hug. “Thanks for chatting with us. I know today’s busy.”

“It’s my pleasure. You must be Rose.” Allison held out her hand to Rose.

“Your store is lovely.”

“I stopped by Bloom on opening day,” Allison said. “I didn’t want to interrupt, but it was honestly such a breath of fresh air to see what you’ve done with the place.”

“Gray made sure we had an excellent opening day.” Rose patted him on the back. “Though we’re only re-opening the business to get it re-established for acquisition. My real life is in LA. I’m only here for a few more weeks until we can get that underway.”

Gray’s stomach dropped. Weeks? He thought he might get at least a few more months with her.

Allison’s eyes lit up at the mention of acquisition. “I’ve thought about expanding into Fairwick Falls, given Frank was a lovely guy, but didn’t love the floral business, I don’t think. If you don’t mind my saying so,” Allison chuckled.

“Yes, I met my father. Flowers were not his passion.” Rose laughed along with her.

“I’d love to keep talking, and please let me know if you have any offers that come through. I don’t want to miss out.”

Rose sent her a happy smile. “Here’s my card. If anything comes up or if you have any questions, stop by or call the shop.”

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