Page 86 of Accidentally in Bloom

She leaned against the wrought iron patio railing and gazed over the valley. The sun reflected over the sloping, green hills full of trees, with small open fields dotted with cows. The tangerine rays of the setting sun cast a glow over the valley, and a fresh breeze blew a stray hair across her face. It smelled like freshly mowed grass and the sweet scent of lilacs.

I cannot get used to this. I don’t belong here. I hate small towns. Hate relationships. She took another sip of champagne and felt a shiver of possibility run through her.

Or do I?

This town felt like quicksand. The longer she was here, the harder it was to leave. Tinges of shame poked through her brain, thinking about what her colleagues had probably already said behind her back about getting fired.

She’d worked hard to be known as a shark that could deliver what her clients wanted. Her reputation had probably deteriorated already. Could she have an identity without her corporate climbing past?

Gray carried their salads to the table. “You look pretty great against that sunset, Parker. Can I take some shots? I have my camera.”

“Maybe when I don’t want to eat my hand from starvation. The store was so busy I couldn’t take a lunch break today.”

He pulled her chair out for her to sit down.

Rose raised an eyebrow. “Look who has on his fancy manners tonight.”

“I always have manners when I’m on a date.”

A moment of silence landed between them as he sat down.

What did you say on a date with the guy you initially hated but have banged several times and might be starting to fall for?

“How was your day?” Rose asked.

So original.

“Busy planting a million and a half rose bushes. I thought of you every time a thorn got the better of me.” He sent her a wink. “And video chatted with Alex. He still hasn’t gotten the hang of staying with the phone when he talks to you, but I’ll take what I can get.”

“Alex seems like a great kid.” Rose tested the waters. They still hadn’t talked about that day at the farm.

A smile formed on his face, quick and happy. “He is. The best, really. I wish I saw him more, but Giselle and I thought stability would be good until he was older.”

“You surprised me that day.” Rose smiled warily. “A secret photographer, a secret dad, who secretly speaks French.” She speared her salad with each word and glanced up at him. “Any other secrets I should know?”

Gray peered at her mischievously, “If I told you all my secrets, how could I keep you on your toes, Parker?”

“Roberts, don’t test me.” She sent him a playful glare.

“No other secrets and I barely speak French.” He chuckled, a spark in his eyes as he held her gaze. “I’m allergic to mustard. Does that count?”

Rose felt a small knot of tension relax. She hadn’t realized she’d been holding onto that fear of more surprises. “As long as another beautiful international family doesn’t pop out of the woodwork, we’re good.”

“You don’t talk about your life in LA, either, you know. Anyone you’ve missed the last few months?” Gray asked.

“No,” Rose said quickly. “All the people I knew were colleagues, and no one’s reached out since—” Violet and Lily were the only ones who knew what happened, and it felt like ripping open a part of herself, exposing her underbelly, to admit it now.

“Since what?”

“Since I,” she gulped, “since I was fired.” Her eyes could barely meet his.

His eyebrows raised. “I thought you decided to leave.” She noticed the lack of judgment in his tone.

“I know, I just—” She swept her hand over her face. “I feel like I have to be perfect all the time, and it could damage my reputation if it gets out. I haven’t told my listeners because—”

“Because you expect them to be perfect, too?”

“No, God…” Rose put her fork down. “They should be themselves. They should make mistakes and grow and learn, try things, try their best…what?” She saw his eyebrows raise.

---