Page 32 of Accidentally in Bloom

“You’re late.” She sent him a cool smile as he shut the door.

“Didn’t realize we were punching timecards, Bertha.”

She politely smiled back. “You said you’re ready to talk, so talk, Roberts.”

“If you’re mean, you don’t get the latte I brought you.” He held out a to-go cup to her.

She took it with a small smile. He was clever. Free lattes were the paved path to her heart.

Gray’s eyes traveled the length of her body, taking in every inch. She saw him lick his lips and his eyes came back up to meet hers with hot intensity. Goose bumps ran down her arms.

His eyes ripped away from hers as he took in the empty, cleaned showroom and let out a little whistle. “Did you get robbed?”

She took a sip of the latte and let herself revel in the creamy goodness for a second. “They were that special kind of robbers only interested in dirt.”

“Hilarious, Parker.” His work boots echoed on the wooden floor and bounced around the cavernous open space.

Rose had managed to clean everything out, including the coolers, so they could paint the walls tomorrow. “We’re reopening the store.”

A flash of anger passed through his face, but he fixed it into a neutral expression. He bit his lip as he wandered over to the counter, taking in the changes.

“You didn’t talk to me about this.” His low voice cut into her. Gone was the smiling, happy-go-lucky hometown hero she’d seen outside. “This is the second time, Rose. You said we’d be partners in this.”

“I never said we were partners. I said I’d think about it,” she countered, walking toward him. God, why did she feel like a moth drawn to his flame?

“Are you aware I work in the flower business?” he thundered. “Let me help you.”

“I don’t need your help.”

He sat his coffee down on the marble countertop. “No, but you do need my cooperation.”

Her face couldn’t betray the goose bumps forming on her arms and heat curling in her belly from this spikey side of him. “You wouldn’t dare hold up reopening the business just because your little feelings got hurt.”

He huffed a small, mirthless laugh as he peered at her, looking disappointed. “Sounds like you need me to sign off on this fancy new plan you have, and looks like I just got more leverage in our deal.” He sent her a sizzling smile, but his eyes narrowed. He was cooking up some sort of strategy.

Those damn storm-green eyes reached into the depths of her soul, and she was afraid he could see who she truly was, someone who wasn’t good enough, who didn’t have it all together and was just trying to put one foot in front of the other. She could fool most people, but she had a feeling she couldn’t fool him.

He twirled his coffee cup on the marble counter as he leaned back on it. “Tell me about this vision you have for a shop that could barely do any business.” He looked like a dessert spread laid out just for her as he crossed his ankles and peered up at her.

Game face, Rose. Stop staring at those fucking forearms.

“We have big plans to reimagine the shop. My sister is a creative genius, and I have full faith we’ll turn this place into something amazing. We’ve already fielded investor interest.” Rose kept an even tone as she lied through her teeth.

She met his eyes with feigned confidence.

Neither of them broke eye contact and Rose started feeling a flutter in her chest.

“So,” Gray started. “You’re right that eight thousand dollars was unfair for the greenhouse.”

Smug satisfaction tickled Rose’s throat, but her face couldn’t betray her.

Gray took a breath and met her eyes. “I’m prepared to offer thirty thousand on the condition—”

“You wasted my time for thirty thousand?” A spark of fury ignited in her.

His grin was quick and hot. “I don’t think spending time with you is a waste, princess.” His eyes roamed her body in a comical come-on.

His broad shoulders taunted her in the tight-fitting Henley shirt. His wicked grin played on his face, and she couldn’t stop staring at his jawline. Heat crept up her cheeks. While her body might be interested in something more, her brain knew better. “I’m out of your league, Roberts.”

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