Page 5 of Saffron and Secrets

Her lips part, and my chest warms. The look of surprise does things to me.

“How did you know I get saffron?” Her cheeks and nose have the cutest dusting of pink, and she looks adorable.

“I heard you and the florist talking.”

“Oh.” She nibbles at her lip, and I wonder if I’m making her nervous.

“You thought I was some crazy stalker?” I tease.

“No. But I won’t lie; I was a little freaked out for a second.”

“I promise I’m harmless.” I hold up my hands in surrender.

She lifts a brow and is biting back a laugh. “I’m supposed to trust your word for it?”

I shrug. “I guess so.”

We have both turned completely to face each other.

I tuck my hands into my pocket as she has hers tightly gripped to the bouquet.

“Well, we kind of missed a step that makes trust form.” She breaks the silence lingering between us.

“We did?” I ask with a curious expression.

“Mm-hmm.”

She extends her hand out, and I look down at it and then back at her face. She sports a grin, and her eyes glimmer with kindness.

“Ruby.”

I can’t help but smile. She is so freakin’ adorable.

I slip my hand in hers and a buzz of electricity hits me. Not only does her hand fit perfectly in mine, but it’s so soft and warm I don’t want to let go. “John. It’s nice to meet you, Ruby.”

“It’s nice to meet you too.”

“Does this mean you can trust me now?”

“Listen, I wouldn’t go that far, but it’s definitely a start.” She returns her hand to the bouquet with a smile.

“Well, that’s all I can ask for—”

“Hi, sorry to keep you both waiting.” The owner’s rushed voice has us both spinning around to face her. “Who can I help first?” she asks, her eyes darting between Ruby and me.

I gesture to Ruby with an outstretched hand and she does the same, which causes our hands to crash. The touch doesn’t last because she pulls back and I’m apologizing straight away.

“So sorry. I guess we both had the same idea,” I say and see her touch her lips with that same hand, rubbing it mindlessly, and I follow the movement, transfixed.

“It’s okay. You go first. I'm not in a rush.” She has an unusually high pitch in her voice.

“Ladies first,” I encourage.

“I agree. Ruby, I’ll serve you first and I’ll be back to you.” Sally says.

I nod. “Take your time.”

Ruby smiles. “Thank you.”

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