Total pages in book: 142
Estimated words: 134073 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 670(@200wpm)___ 536(@250wpm)___ 447(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 134073 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 670(@200wpm)___ 536(@250wpm)___ 447(@300wpm)
"Text him," Sue tells me. She probably knows I’m starting to second guess myself.
I pick up my phone and scroll to his number. I already programed it in as soon as I got to work. As I tap on my messages, the chime over the door rings, and both Sue and I look up. John, the new superintendent, walks into the shop. He’s been here the past few weeks and it’s been a godsend. He fixes stuff around the shop that Sue has been trying to get the landlord to fix for months. I guess the building got bought by someone new and he’s making sure everything is good to go.
"John, I don't think I have anything else for you to fix around here," Sue tells him.
"I'm going to be checking the water lines today. Can't have a flower shop going without water." He shoots Sue a wink. I love all that he's done around here, but I feel like he doesn't like me. He never meets my eyes and barely acknowledges I'm here.
"Hi, John," I try, but he only gives me a nod as he heads toward the back.
"Such a sweet boy," Sue says. "If you and this Beau don't work out—"
"Married, ma'am,” we hear John say from the back.
Sue giggles. I shake my head, feeling a little embarrassed. "Okay, okay. I’ll go text him," I say as she goes back to her arrangement.
I put in his name and type out the text.
Me: Hey, it's Dove from the coffee shop. Wanted to make sure you knew where I worked and what time I get off.
I stare down at the phone thinking he’ll text me back right away, but there’s no response.
"He's probably busy, honey."
"Yeah," I agree halfheartedly. Sue gives my arm a squeeze and we both get back to work. I start putting flowers together, getting lost in the job until Luke comes in to pick up some orders for delivery. I help him carry some outside, making sure the balloons don't tangle as we load them into the truck.
When I walk back in I come up short when John is blocking my path. He’s actually making eye contact with me.
"Can I use your phone? Mine isn't working," he asks.
"Yeah, sure." I walk over to the counter where I left it and put in my code real quick, then hand it to him. He looks down at the phone and hands it back to me without making a call.
"Looks like you got some missed texts." He turns and walks away.
"I thought you needed to use it," I yell to his retreating back.
"I forgot I already had the part I needed. Don’t need to call anyone," he throws back without looking at me.
I glance at Sue, who just shrugs like she has no idea.
When I see the texts, my heart flutters at all the responses.
Beau: Sorry, sunshine, I was in a meeting.
Beau: I'll be at the flower shop at 5.
Beau: I can't wait to see you.
Beau: I’ve been thinking about you a lot today.
Beau: Dove?
"Oh my god, he texted me five times," I squeal. "That means he's excited, right?" I look at Sue, who is bouncing on her toes.
"I would think so," she laughs.
Me: I'll be ready!
I pause for a second, wanting to tell him more, but I need to try and play it cool. I’m new at this, but I don’t want to go overboard too fast. My face hurts from all the smiling. I don't know how I'm going to make it until tonight. I'm excited and nervous all in one.
Deciding to distract myself with work, I pick up more orders and see the one on top and roll my eyes. We get orders from this guy almost twice a week. Always two dozen white roses. They never have a note on them. Just the name, B. Heart, and it goes to a different woman every time.
It reminds me what dogs men can really be. Heck, for all I know Beau could be a player. My stomach rebels against the idea of it. He's so sweet. My mind can't wrap around the idea that I'm a conquest to him. We've been dancing around each other for weeks. Would a man who is after a quick lay do that?
"What's that look for?" Sue asks.
"I'm terrible at this dating thing. I'm already second-guessing everything. What if he's a player or something? What if I make a fool of myself? What if I fall hard for him and he breaks my heart?"
"Slow down, sugar."
"Maybe I should cancel," I blurt out, and my phone vibrates with another message.
"You're not canceling," Sue says in a stern voice.
I try to ignore all these crazy thoughts in my head and glance down at my phone.
Beau: You'll be lucky if I'll be able to let you go tonight.