Page 26 of Saffron and Secrets

He's always there when I need him.

“Thank you,” I mumble into his solid chest, taking a deep inhale of his scent.

Masculine, fresh and calming.

After a couple of minutes of holding each other, he asks, “You okay?”

Am I? Honestly, I don't know.

I shake my head, unable to speak.

“I have an idea,” he says.

“Mm?”

“How about we go to Sally's? James can suck it; you’re more important. And I’ll take you to your grandma’s house?”

I think about his offer, and I remain silent, soaking in the information.

“I don't think you're in the right frame of mind to drive right now.”

“But what about the cops?”

“I'll deal with it. And they can follow us to her house if needed. But at the moment, I think you need comfort and your grandma.”

I nod as my heart swells. “Thank you. That’s exactly what I need right now.”

However, I'm not ready to disconnect from his arms.

He takes the choice away from me and steps back but takes my hand. “Come on. Let's get this over with.”

“James is gonna be mad at you,” I say as we step inside Sally’s.

“I don't care. You're more important.”

I can't help but be happy to hear that.

Walking through the flower shop, holding his hand, looks like we are together, but I’m not letting his hand go.

Sally turns at the sound of us walking through and watches us with a raised eyebrow. Her eyes dart between us. “Ruby. John. How nice to see you. Ready to pick up your orders?”

“Yes,” I say before John takes over to talk to Sally.

“I need you to send mine as a delivery this week for James’s order.”

Sally nods and says, “Sure thing, just tell me the address and I'll arrange for delivery today.”

He rattles off the address and gives her money for the delivery.

“Can I have my usual saffron order?” I ask quietly.

“You don’t sound like yourself, Ruby. Is everything okay?” She leans forward with a concerned expression.

“Not really, but I will be. I just can't explain it today.”

“Oh, no problem. Just that you look pale.”

I cough out a laugh.

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