Country Lightning

Chapter 5

Butterflies tumbled through Jillian’s belly as she rushed around her flower shop with last-minute preparations for her grand opening. In moments, she would be an official florist. Her brother, Bear, had draped a Grand Opening sign across the top of the store”s front wall, and the window displays looked beautiful.

The room smelled of fresh paint but also of flowers and greenery.

“Are you ready?” Leeann walked out of the back room and looked at her phone. “You have one minute to put on your business face.”

“What if no one comes in?” Jillian looked at the front door, wringing her hands, wishing a line of customers were ready to enter.

“Take a deep breath and smile.” Leeann strode to the entrance and removed the key that had been dangling from a holder on her wrist. She unlocked the door, then turned and beamed at Jillian. “It’s official. You’re now a businesswoman.” She batted at the bells hanging from the door, and they jangled cheerfully.

Haylee peeked in through the backroom doorway. “Is someone here?”

“That’s just Leeann.” Jillian pulled her phone out of her pocket and checked the time. “Kara’s late, and there are no text messages from her.” Jillian walked around the counter. She brushed her palms down her navy-blue slacks, then adjusted her scoop-neck blouse, feeling jittery and on edge. “She’s been on time every day this week to help get the shop ready for our grand opening. Hopefully, she’s all right.”

“Calm down. I’m sure she’s just running behind schedule.” Leeann rested her hand on Jillian’s forearm. “Take a deep breath, sis, like I told you to.”

Jillian inhaled, filling her lungs before she slowly let it out. She shook out her arms, trying to get rid of some of the tension that had gripped her all morning.

“Now, smile.” Leeann gave her an encouraging look.

Jillian smiled, but her nerves wouldn’t let her relax. She peered through the doorway leading to the backroom. “The baskets look great, Haylee.”

“Thanks.” Her sister’s long, blonde braid swung over her shoulder as she focused on one of her creations for the front displays. “This is fun for me.”

The bells jangled. Jillian startled and turned to see CJ striding through the doorway, holding Sadie’s leash as the puppy trotted at his side.

Warmth flushed through her at the sight of the tall, sexy cowboy. His cute grin had her smiling back at him as tingles raced through her from head to toe.

He reached the counter, and she wished it wasn’t between them. If it hadn’t been, she might have thrown her arms around him, so maybe it was better the barrier was there.

“It all looks great.” He let his gaze move around the shop, taking in the sparkling new cases and displays. “You’ve done a terrific job.”

“With a lot of help.” Jillian squeezed her hand into a fist on the countertop, tension gripping her again. “The rose order is running late. This morning, they called to let me know that law enforcement closed down I-10 for a major accident at the tunnel.”

“They’ll be here soon.” CJ put his hand over hers, lending her strength. “Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”

Jillian’s phone rang, and she slid her hand from beneath his. She raised her finger. “Just a sec.” She tugged her phone out of her pocket and saw Kara’s name on the screen. She accepted the call and brought the phone to her ear. “Is everything okay, Kara?”

“I’m so sorry, Jillian.” The young woman’s voice came out in a snuffly croak. “I’ve got a cold.”

Jillian’s stomach bottomed out. She felt bad for the teenager, but it left her without a delivery person.

“I hope you feel better soon.” Jillian gripped her phone so tightly her fingers ached.

“Thank you.” Kara had a coughing fit. When she stopped, she said, “It’s grand opening day. I should be there.”

“Just rest and take care of yourself.” Jillian tried to put a smile into her voice. “We’ll see you when you’re over your cold.”

When Jillian disconnected the call, panic overwhelmed her. “What am I going to do without a delivery person?”

“I’ll happily be at your service today.” CJ scooped up the puppy. “I have Sadie’s crate, and I just picked up a small fence. Can she hang out in your backroom? Puppies sleep most of the time, anyway.”

“Of course she can.” Jillian met CJ’s gaze. “Are you sure you want to do my deliveries?”

“Yep.” He flashed her a grin. “I just need to get everything out of my truck. I’ll grab a bag of puppy food from Hannigan’s first and be right back.

Leeann took Sadie out of his arms and hugged her. “Ooooh, we get to watch this precious girl.”

CJ strode toward the entrance, and Jillian watched the way his Wranglers hugged his tight ass, and she sighed.

Leeann stood beside her. “Yep. He’s got one sexy ass.”

Jillian shot a look at her sister, who smirked back at her.

The landline rang, grabbing Jillian’s attention. She snatched the receiver off its cradle. “It’s a beautiful day at Desert Blooms. How may I help you?”

“I’d like to send an arrangement to a sick friend at King Creek Hospital,” a croaky female voice said. “Can you deliver it today?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Jillian’s heart buoyed. “We’ll make the perfect arrangement for you.”

The woman told Jillian what she wanted then gave her information, including her credit card. Jillian entered everything into an app on the iPad she had on the counter.

She hung up the phone as Leeann’s excited voice came from the back. “An online order just came in for a chocolate-lovers gift basket.”

“Wonderful.” Jillian peered through the doorway and saw Leeann with the puppy in one arm and an iPad in her opposite hand. Jillian smiled at the sight. “We had a call for a get-well arrangement, too. She wants sunflowers, chrysanthemums, and daisies.”

Her cell phone rang. She didn’t recognize the number, but she wanted to answer all calls to make sure she didn’t miss anything important.

It was the delivery truck driver, telling her the accident had cleared and they’d arrive within the hour.

She held her hand to her chest and breathed a sigh of relief. “The roses are back on their way.”

“Yay!” Leeann, who was still holding the Aussie, cheered and waggled the puppy’s paw. “Sadie’s excited, too.”

“Awesome.” Haylee raised a gift basket. “And another ready for your display.”

“You’re both the best.” Jillian beamed at them.

Bells jangled. Jillian figured CJ had returned, so when she turned, she was surprised to see a gentleman in his forties walking up to the refrigerated cases.

“Welcome to Desert Blooms,” she said, and the man turned to face her. “Can I help you find something?”

His brow furrowed. “I don’t see any roses.”

“Our delivery will be here soon.” Jillian rounded the counter and walked up to him. “Are you looking for long-stemmed?”

He nodded. “My wife loves orange roses.” His expression turned hopeful. “Will you have any?”

She smiled. “Yes, and they’re grown right here in Maricopa County.”

“Great.” The man smiled back at her. “Our anniversary is today, so I’d like to pick them up when I get off work, around 5:30. How late are you open?”

“Until 6:00 p.m.” She picked up the iPad. “Let me take your information, and I’ll have the bouquet ready for you when you come by.” She gestured to a display stand. “Would you like to purchase a vase for them?”

Jillian started inputting the order as the man perused the crystal and porcelain vases. He chose a green glass vase that would look beautiful with the orange roses. He went to the card rack and chose an anniversary card. After she got his contact information and he paid, the man left with a spring in his step, the card in his jacket pocket.

CJ arrived not long after, carrying a crate and a bag of dog food. Jillian stepped aside so that he could take the crate to the back room. He went out again, returned with the fence, a few toys, and bowls for water and food, and set it all up in a corner. He put the crate inside the fence with the door open.

Leeann didn’t want to put the puppy down, but she did as the iPad chimed, signaling another order, this one for a floral arrangement to be delivered to the accounting firm Jillian used to work for.

The roses arrived, and CJ helped Jillian put them in the display case. She took a dozen of the orange long-stemmed roses into the back along with the green vase.

Haylee put together the arrangements for the accounting office and the hospital. CJ took off with both deliveries then Haylee made a beautiful ombre orange bow for the orange roses.

The morning continued with a steady stream of business. Jillian felt so pumped like her blood was on fire. She barely had time to finish a task before something else called for her attention.

“So far, so good,” Jillian said to herself after a woman left with a gift basket.

“Yep.” Leeann rested her hand on Jillian’s shoulder. “King Creek, watch out for Jillian McLeod.”

Jillian smiled at her sister as her phone rang. She looked at it and saw Grandpa Daniel on the screen.

She connected the call and brought the phone to her ear. “Hi, Grandpa.”

“How’s your opening day going, pumpkin?” His voice sounded strong, belying his 98 years.

His endearment always made her smile. “It’s going wonderfully.” As they spoke, Jillian went up to the greeting card display stand and straightened the cards, ensuring the appropriate envelopes followed their corresponding cards. Only a couple of cards had been purchased so far, so it wasn’t any real effort. “We’ve been busy since opening, and it hasn’t let up.”

“That’s my girl.” He coughed, and the sound tugged at her heart.

“Are you okay, Grandpa?” She frowned. “That cough doesn’t sound good.”

“I’m fine, young lady.” His voice strengthened. “I’ll stop in and see you later in the week when you might not be so busy.”

The thought of her grandpa driving at his age always caused a sense of unease in her, but he was a stubborn, strong, proud man who was determined not to rely on others.

“Your grandma would have been just as proud of you as I am,” he went on. “I always knew you were destined for great things.”

“Thank you.” She gripped her phone tighter as she moved behind the counter. “Your support has meant everything to me.”

Bells jangled, and she looked up to see a young woman with a toddler in tow heading straight for the counter.

“Another client just walked in,” Jillian said into the phone. “I’d better get back to work.”

“I won’t keep you,” Grandpa said. “Just remember that one of the secrets to being happy in life is to enjoy your job, too.”

“Thank you, Grandpa. Talk soon.” Jillian disconnected the call, pocketed the phone, and turned her attention to her customer.

CJ pulled his truck into the parking lot of King Creek Elementary, where he was delivering an arrangement of pink, yellow, and purple tulips. He carried the bouquet into the front office and greeted Mrs. Olson, the secretary, who had been working there since he was in school. The years had been kind to her, and she now was an attractive silver-haired woman in her sixties.

“Well, good morning to you, CJ.” The woman smiled, looking up at him from behind a counter. “It’s been a very long time—you’re all grown up.”

CJ grinned as he set the delivery on the countertop. “And you haven’t changed a bit.”

“That statement makes you my favorite former student.” Mrs. Olson laughed and looked at the bouquet. “What beautiful tulips. Who are they for?”

He looked at the card. “Mindy Ross.”

“I think this is her planning period.” Mrs. Olson picked up her phone, and after speaking to someone and ending the call, she returned her attention to CJ. “She’ll be right in.”

A few moments later, a stunning blonde walked into the office. Her eyes widened when she saw him. “CJ?”

He stared at his old girlfriend in surprise. “I had no idea you’re the same Mindy.” He smiled at the leggy woman who had once upon a time stolen his heart. “It’s damn—darn—good to see you.”

“I got married and then divorced. I just haven’t changed it back yet.” She gave CJ a hug. “It’s good to see you.” She felt, looked, and smelled as good as he remembered.

Mindy parted from him. “How are you doing?”

He smiled. “Just moved back to King Creek, and I’m taking over my mom’s ranch.”

“That’s wonderful.” She gave a radiant smile. “Welcome home. We’ll have to get together sometime and catch up.”

“Sounds good.” He picked up the arrangement from the countertop. “I’m helping Jillian McLeod at Desert Blooms with her deliveries for today since her normal gal called in sick. These are for you.”

“I heard she was opening a flower shop.” Mindy took the bouquet from him. “These tulips are gorgeous—they’re my favorite.” She set them back on the countertop, read the card, and sighed. “They’re from my ex.”

“Would you like me to put them in the circular file?” Mrs. Olson asked.

Mindy looked at the bouquet. “Seems a shame to toss them.” She turned her attention back to CJ. “Thank you for the delivery. It was good to see you, and I hope we can get together soon.”

He touched the brim of his hat. “My pleasure.”

“Just a sec.” She turned to the secretary. “Mrs. Olson, may I have pen and paper?”

“Of course, dear.” The woman handed both to Mindy.

Mindy scribbled something on the small notepad, tore off the top sheet, and handed it to CJ. “That’s my cell number. Give me a call, and we’ll set up a date and time.”

He took the paper and saw that Mindy had put a heart next to her name. He folded the sheet and stuck it in his wallet. “Nice to have run into you.” He gave a nod to her and then to Mrs. Olson. “I hope you ladies have a great rest of your day.”

The two women said goodbye, and he left the shop, thinking about his meeting with his old girlfriend.

Mindy and Jillian were both beautiful, but they couldn’t be more different. In high school, he really cared for Mindy, and she’d broken his heart when she ended their relationship. He didn’t hold that against her, but he wouldn’t call her—not when he was seeing Jillian.

As lovely as Mindy was, as far as he was concerned, she didn’t hold a candle to Jillian. But it was far more than beauty—Jillian touched him in a way that he couldn’t explain. She was sweet, level-headed, and intelligent. He couldn’t remember when he’d had a better time than he’d had with her since the day they’d met.

CJ drove back to the flower shop, parked, and headed inside. Jillian stood by the gift basket display with a woman he knew from his mother’s church. Jillian spoke animatedly and wore her beautiful smile.

He wanted to pause and drink her in and enjoy the way her slacks hugged her shapely hips and the curves of her breasts that pressed against her blouse. It was modest but just low enough to show a little cleavage.

His palms itched to touch her, and he wished he had her all to himself. He headed to the back, where Haylee worked on a display, Leeann studied the screen of an iPad, and Sadie slept in her crate.

Haylee looked over the top of a bouquet. “How are the deliveries going?”

“Smooth as glass.” He glanced at the puppy pen. “How was Sadie?”

“Perfect little angel.” Leeann smiled. “She loves that Lambchop stuffed toy.”

CJ grinned. “So far, it’s her favorite.”

“We have one order ready to go.” Leeann inclined her head in Haylee’s direction. “We’ll have another for you to deliver as soon as Haylee finishes it.”

Jillian slipped into the room. “A cookie gift basket just flew off the shelf. The Grand Opening sign is bringing in quite a bit of business.”

“I bet it’s making people curious,” Leeann said. “When they see all you have to offer, they’re sold.”

Jillian pushed her hair behind her ears. “It already feels like it’s been a long day, but I’m so pumped I’m not tired.”

“You will be.” Haylee laughed. “By the end of the day, you’ll be dead on your feet.”

“You’re probably right.” The front doorbells jangled, and Jillian spun to head back in that direction.

CJ couldn’t help but watch her walk out of the back room. She had the sexiest ass, and he loved her figure. He had to admire her composure under fire. She’d been going like a mini hurricane all day and handled it well.

He turned back to Leeann and Haylee, and they grinned at him like they knew where his thoughts had been. His interest in Jillian was no doubt easy to read.

CJ waited for Haylee to finish the orders while talking with her and Leeann. When both bouquets were ready to go, he headed out the front with them. He winked at Jillian, who was with one of the ladies who worked as a bank teller down the street. Pink touched Jillian’s cheeks, and she gave him a quick smile before focusing on the woman.

He put both orders on the floorboard in the back, then climbed in and drove first toward a church on the north side of town. He passed the fairgrounds where some of the Spring Fling activities would take place. Just past that, a junior competition would be held at the rodeo grounds.

When he reached the church, CJ entered the quiet recesses and was met by a man of the cloth a few steps in. The preacher was pleased with the display, which he set on the altar. Haylee had outdone herself with the arrangement made of Easter lilies, carnations, daisies, and hydrangeas. CJ’s mom had loved flowers, and he had a passable knowledge of various types.

After that delivery, CJ headed to a residential address but had to stop behind traffic backed up to the highway leading to the southern end of King Creek.

He leaned out the window and saw that he was five cars behind an accident between a tractor and a truck with a plumber’s logo. The truck had taken the worst of the impact, its side smashed in. It didn’t look serious, but two men stood between the vehicle and the tractor, yelling at each other, faces purple with fury. They looked close to throwing punches. CJ recognized one of the pair, Wade Milton, who owned the farm on the other side of the nearby fence. CJ didn’t know the other man.

He pulled his truck off the highway, climbed out, and strode toward the two men. When he reached them, he said, “Howdy.”

Wade and the other man abruptly stopped at the interruption and looked at CJ.

“Nice afternoon, boys. Good to see you, Wade.” CJ gave a nod before turning to the other man and holding out his hand. “I haven’t had the pleasure. I’m CJ Jameson.”

The man hesitated but took CJ’s hand and mumbled. “Dave Ross.”

Was this man Mindy’s ex-husband? If he had as bad a temper as he looked, it might have been a reason they divorced.

When they released grips, CJ looked from Dave to Wade. “What’s the problem?”

Wade snarled. “This idiot tried to drive around me without giving me a chance to move to the roadside.”

“He wasn’t doing no such thing.” Dave’s face purpled again. “When I tried to pass him, he rammed my truck.”

Wade narrowed his gaze. “Since when is passing on the right shoulder legal or smart?”

CJ pushed up his hat and studied the vehicles. Wade was correct, as far as CJ could tell. Dave’s truck would have had to pass the tractor on his right since the damage was on the truck”s left.

“Tell you what.” CJ inclined his head to the road’s shoulder. Why don’t you both pull over to the side and let traffic pass? I’m sure the sheriff’s department can help you sort things out when they get here.”

“I have an appointment.” Dave gestured to his truck. “Look what he’s done—can’t drive my truck with that damage.”

Wade growled. “Wouldn’t have happened if you’d waited to pass me on the left.”

Both men balled their fists and glared.

“Go on and move your vehicles out of the way.” CJ kept his tone calm. “You’re not solving anything by blocking traffic.”

Wade spit on the ground before striding to his tractor. The engine growled as he put it into gear and pulled onto the side of the road.

Ross followed. His truck was already mostly on the shoulder and barely looked drivable, but the man managed to get it to limp further to the right.

Sirens sounded in the distance as the backed-up cars began moving past the tractor and truck.

By the time two sheriff’s department SUVs arrived, the stopped-up traffic had passed.

The lawmen split the three of them up. CJ explained his part to one of the deputies and told him that he hadn’t witnessed the accident, that he’d just been trying to keep the peace between the two.

The deputy let him go, and CJ climbed into his vehicle. He checked the time and saw that he would be late with the delivery if he didn’t get going. He drove around the accident scene and headed toward his next destination.

He reached the home, where he handed the bouquet of long-stemmed red roses with baby’s breath and greenery to a middle-aged woman who looked surprised and overwhelmed. “I’ve had such a rough day.” Her voice caught, and she held the roses closer to her. “This—this was such a sweet thing for my boyfriend to do.”

“I hope the rest of your day is much better.” CJ touched the brim of his hat and returned to his vehicle. She had retreated into her home and closed the door behind her by the time he hoisted himself into his truck.

He had a new appreciation for florists. Flowers brought brightness into people’s lives, lifting their spirits, even if just for a moment.

When he arrived back at the flower shop, it was closing time, and Jillian locked the door after he walked in.

She turned to him. “Thank you so much for what you did for me today.” She rose on her toes and kissed his cheek before stepping back, her face pink. “I couldn’t have done it without you and my sisters.”

“It was my pleasure, Jillian.” He rested his hands on her shoulders. “I’ll be happy to help you tomorrow, too.”

“Thank you, but I don’t want to keep you from your ranch another day.” She smiled. “Bear’s wife, Rae, is doing the deliveries. They have their three-and-a-half-year-old son in preschool three days a week now, and she said she’s been looking for something to do on the days he’s not home.”

CJ slid his palms down Jillian’s arms. He liked the feel of her beneath his touch. “If you need my help at all this week or any time, give me a call.”

“Thank you.” She cleared her throat. “Would you like to come over to my and Leeann’s home for a celebratory dinner?” She glanced toward the backroom and returned her gaze to him. “Haylee made a big pan of sour cream enchiladas, everyone’s favorite. Tyson will be there, too.”

“Thanks for the invite, but I’d better get Sadie home.” He stepped back. “It’s been a long day for that pup.”

Jillian looked disappointed, but she inclined her head to the backroom. “She’ll be excited to see you. That girl loves her daddy.”

“She’s found her way into my heart already.” He followed Jillian to the back, where Haylee sat in the pen with Sadie and played tug-of-war with the little one.

Haylee glanced up. “I’m not ready to let her go.”

CJ grinned. “I’m not surprised.”

With Haylee’s help, he gathered the toys, food and water bowls, puppy food, and with the fence, took it all to his truck. When he returned, Jillian carried the Aussie to his vehicle while he loaded the crate. He hefted Sadie into his arms and transferred her to the crate before closing the door behind him.

A streetlight lit Jillian’s features as she held her arms around herself. She shivered as the chill wind stirred her dark hair around her shoulders.

She caught her breath as he took her into his embrace and brought her to him. She smelled sweet, like orange blossoms and cool night air. “Let me warm you up,” he said.

“You’re comfortable.” She snuggled against him, and he held her for a long moment. She tipped her head back to meet his gaze. “Thank you again.”

“Anytime.” He brushed his lips over hers, and another shiver ran through her. He wanted to kiss her fully, but he’d been waiting for the right time. He didn’t want to rush things with her.

She stepped back, out of his arms, and smiled. “Have a good night.”

“I’ll call you tomorrow.” He touched his fingers to the brim of his hat. “Good night, Jillian. Now, go inside before you freeze your ass off.”

“You don’t have to tell me twice.” She gave him a little wave and hurried back into the shop.

CJ headed home, his thoughts filled with Jillian. In such a short time, she had such a hold on his heart that he couldn’t imagine not having her in his life.

He shook his head. He had a habit of jumping into things feet first, and he just hoped he wasn’t headed for heartache.

But then, a relationship wasn’t such a good idea when he wasn’t sure he’d hang around King Creek forever.

He blew out a long breath as he guided his truck onto the dark highway. He had to get his head on straight and figure things out sooner rather than later. The last thing he wanted to do was break Jillian’s heart if he decided he would sell the property and wouldn’t be sticking around.