Chapter 16
sixteen
. . .
Emilia
I stepped outside, gawking at the car that had been dropped off at the flower shop.
My car.
Beatrice was standing beside me as we both stared at the new tires.
“So let me get this straight,” she said, rubbing her hands together in an attempt to warm them up.
It was freezing outside now, and we were both bundled up.
“You crashed your car into the billionaire’s driveway, and he not only got it repaired, but there’s a new set of snow tires on the car as well? ”
“I don’t know? I’m as confused as you are.” I circled the car as I shook my head in disbelief.
“Wow. For being your nemesis and all, he’s not so bad.”
“He hates me. Why would he put snow tires on my car?” I asked. Steam surrounded my face when I spoke, making a cloud in front of me.
“Maybe he enjoys torturing you, and he wants to keep you alive so he can continue doing so?”
“That would be more on brand for him for sure.” I shrugged. “But I can’t have him doing me any favors. He’ll hold it over my head for another decade.”
“Just take the tires, Emilia. He’s rich AF, and he did a nice thing. Don’t let pride ruin this.”
“Did you just say ‘rich AF’? Who are you, and what have you done with Beatrice?”
“Hey, I’m thirty-five, and I’m trying to stay hip.” She chuckled.
“You’re the hippest mama I know.” I gave her a quick hug. “Go home to that sweet hubby and baby of yours.”
“Okay, drive safely.” She waved as she walked backward toward her car. “I guess you will, with your new fancy tires.”
I laughed as I slipped into my car and quickly cranked up the heat.
I loved this time of year so much. All the storefront windows and light posts had just been changed out from being fall-themed to winter-themed.
There were white and red bows on every light post on Main Street, with hanging baskets filled with holiday flowers.
I’d just finished designing our window this week, and I’d pulled out the antique sleigh that I kept in storage all year just for this occasion. I’d filled it with faux wrapped gifts and white poinsettias.
I’d strung twinkle lights around the window frame, and I’d created fake snow on the ground beneath the sleigh out of this sparkly fabric. Beatrice had helped me make dozens of snowflakes that we hung from the ceiling, so it truly looked like a winter wonderland.
A window competition was held in December every year, and whichever business won received a free full-page spread in the Rosewood River Review .
You’d think it wouldn’t be a big deal for me, considering my family owned the paper, but a full-page spread was a big deal, and even with my parents owning the paper, we’d never done an advertisement of that size for the flower shop.
I was as excited to win as the next gal.
I’d never won, and I was hoping this year would be my year.
I was meeting Henley and Lulu for dinner at the Honey Biscuit Café. They were going to give me some tips, as I’d agreed to sub on their pickleball team tomorrow night. Luckily, we’d be playing on the indoor courts, since it was far too cold to play outside now.
I wasn’t exactly the most coordinated person, and I knew the Chadwicks took their pickleball very seriously, so I’d been hesitant to say yes.
But Eloise had begged me, and I would do just about anything for that girl. She was traveling with Clark this week for an away hockey game, and they needed another sub.
I pulled the door open when I arrived. Lulu waved me over, since Henley was looking down at her phone.
Edith greeted me with a big smile. “Hey, girlie. The last floral arrangements you did for us are still going strong. I think that was your best work. They were a real showstopper. I need to get in there and place an order for some more flowers for the café this week.”
“I’m so glad to hear you’re enjoying them. And we’ll be open all week, so stop by any time.”
“Can’t you just do fake flowers?” Oscar grumped as he walked up behind us while she led me to the table.
“We aren’t doing fake flowers, you broody old man,” she hissed, and I used my hand to cover my mouth to keep from laughing.
“Fine. Let’s go broke paying for flowers that just go off and die a few days later,” he said. “No offense, Emilia.”
I shrugged and forced a smile. What was I going to say to that?
I ran a flower shop. I couldn’t very well encourage him to switch over to fake flowers.
“None taken,” I said as he stormed away.
“Hey,” I said as we approached the table, and Edith took our drink orders and hurried off. “How are you guys?”
“Well, it’s freezing outside, so I’m happy to be out of the cold,” Lulu said.
I tugged off my hat and mittens and set them beside me in the booth.
“Same. But it’s so pretty, isn’t it?” Henley asked. close to the flower
“It is,” I agreed. I’d grown up in this weather, so it didn’t bother me. Aside from driving on the icy roads. “And I just got my car back.”
“Thank goodness. You can’t be walking in this weather.”
I chuckled, because I’d still walk most days, just because I lived close to the flower shop, and I didn’t mind the walk. Edith came by and took our orders, after setting our hot cocoas down in front of us.
“So, I’m a little surprised because my car was returned with snow tires on it,” I said, once Edith had stepped away. “I’m not sure how to handle that.”
A wide grin spread across Henley’s face. “Bridger had the car sent to Bert’s auto shop, right?”
“Yes. And there was no bill because he said that Bert owed him a favor. But that shouldn’t be used on my car repairs, nor should my snow tires be his expense.”
Lulu laughed, her head falling back against the booth. “I swear that man is impossible to read. He’s such a grumpy bastard, but then he does these things, you know? Really nice things. He’s so misunderstood.”
“Agreed. And I wouldn’t do anything other than just say thank you. I mean, he did torture you for months about writing ‘The Taylor Tea.’ Let him get you a pair of snow tires—it’s the least he can do.” Henley smirked as she took a sip of her hot chocolate.
I sighed. “I’m not really big on owing people favors. And he seems like the type to throw it in my face.”
“I don’t think he’ll even bring it up. That’s how he is. He’s actually very generous—he just doesn’t want to talk about it.” Lulu shrugged.
The Honey Biscuit Café was fairly quiet tonight, probably due to the temperature outside. People tended to stay home when it was snowy on the roads.
“Ladies!” A deep voice pulled us from our conversation, and I cringed when I saw Josh Black standing there. “Did I overhear something about someone not wanting to talk about something? Because I’m all ears if you need to speak to someone.”
He flashed this disingenuous smile. His teeth were too white. His smile too big. His confidence too large for his own good.
“Are you eavesdropping on us?” Henley asked, her tone much colder than I’d ever heard it. I knew Easton and Josh didn’t get along, per a fight I’d read about a while back in “The Taylor Tea.”
“Nah. I just saw Emilia over here, and I was hoping I could get a rain check on that date we never got to have.” His gaze locked with mine.
I sighed. “I’m not really in a place to date, Josh. I’m just sort of focused on starting up my new business and staying on track at the flower shop. But thank you for thinking of me.”
“I don’t give up easily, Emilia. Maybe I’ll have to hire you to come renovate my home,” he said, and my heart pounded in my chest.
I was desperate to get my first client.
But the thought of working at Josh Black’s house was my worst nightmare.
He just made me uncomfortable for reasons I couldn’t explain.
Call it instinct.
I didn’t want to be alone in a house with this guy.
Edith walked over with our food and raised a brow. “Josh, your date is still waiting for you at the back table. Not very polite to leave a woman waiting.”
I covered my mouth with my hand to keep from laughing. Way to hit on one woman while you’re out with another.
Like I said, my instincts were spot on with this guy.
“Thank you for reminding me.” He shot a hard glare at the older woman setting our plates down in front of us. “Emilia, I’ll stop by the flower shop this week.”
I gave him a curt nod, and we all shook our heads once he walked away.
“I swear that man is always lurking around and getting in everyone’s business,” Edith said.
“Yeah, he’s a real piece of work.” Henley rolled her eyes.
Once Edith moved to wait on the next table, we started eating.
“So…” Lulu said as she dabbed at her mouth. “Have you found a client yet, because we know you are not going to let Josh freaking Black be your first client.”
I exhaled sharply. “Yeah. Agreed. I do think it’s hard because of the holidays. I’m just going to keep spreading the word, and hope that someone bites.”
“As long as it’s not Josh biting,” Henley said over her laughter. “Maybe you could do something at our place.”
Henley and Easton’s home was fully renovated and absolutely stunning. “I am not renovating your house out of pity. It’s spectacular, and there is no room that needs updating. You just moved in a year ago to a brand-new space.”
We were all chuckling now.
“I was going to offer as well, but Rafe just did that huge renovation a few months ago,” Lulu said as she reached for her grilled cheese sandwich and took a bite.
“I’m fine. It’ll happen. No pity jobs, please.” I smirked. “We need to pick our next read tonight, too.”
We decided to go with the hot new book we’d been hearing about. We texted Eloise, as the four of us had started our own little romance book club, and I loved all the book talk with these girls.
“I heard Hannah Chase is the new queen of angst,” Lulu said.
“Yes. I’m seeing her all over BookTok.” Henley wiped her hands with her napkin.
“I love that you’re on BookTok now.” I chuckled, since Eloise and I had gotten them started on romance books, and now they were both completely addicted.
“Of course I am. She went viral with this last book. I can’t wait to dive in.” Henley reached for her hot chocolate. “Speaking of romance, are you open to trying out that dating app I told you about?”
“I don’t know if I want to go there,” I admitted.
“You’ve got to put yourself out there. Just don’t tell Josh.” Lulu’s head tipped back in laughter.
“Exactly,” Henley said. “I know some guys at the office that are single.”
“Nope. Nope. Nope. No pity jobs and no pity dates. The only date I want right now is one with a hot book boyfriend.”
More laughter.
The next hour was spent with them telling me how intense Easton was about pickleball, which I’d already witnessed from a distance.
They gave me some tips, but I knew I was no good, so I was definitely hesitant about playing.
I felt even more anxious about subbing for Eloise than I did before I arrived.
And after we’d finally hugged and said our goodbyes, I headed home.
I glanced over at Bridger’s house as I drove by, my tires not sliding one bit now.
Once I was home, I dropped my coat and my purse on the counter and walked straight to the bathroom and turned on the tub.
It was my favorite way to relax.
I went to the kitchen and poured myself a glass of wine before tying my hair up and slipping into the bathtub.
I reached for my phone, and my fingers hovered over the keys for a few seconds before I worked up the nerve to send Bridger a text.
Hi. Thank you for the snow tires. Can you let me know the cost so I can pay you back?
Daddy Warbucks
Isn’t this when you just say “thank you”? Isn’t that your thing?
Thank you. But I would like to pay for my own tires. It only seems right.
Daddy Warbucks
Did it ever cross your mind that maybe I did it for my own well-being?
How so?
Daddy Warbucks
I don’t need you barreling into my driveway and hitting any more of my cars. It was a gift to myself.
I chuckled. Bridger Chadwick was much funnier than I would have guessed back when he was just glaring and growling at me.
I chewed on my thumbnail as I thought over what to say next. Was I really going to just let him pay for my tires?
Thank you. And if I can return the favor, please don’t hesitate to let me know.
Daddy Warbucks
You can actually. I was going to stop by the flower shop tomorrow to speak to you about something. Assuming I won’t be banned for some unforeseen reason.
You aren’t banned. You met the requirements when you said those two little words… “I’m sorry.”
Daddy Warbucks
Yeah, yeah, yeah. You got what you wanted.
And what is it you want, Bridger Chadwick?
As soon as I hit send, I panicked, because I realized it sounded kind of flirty.
I hadn’t meant it to.
Daddy Warbucks
Are you drunk?
What? No. I’m soaking in the bathtub, completely sober.
I slapped myself on the forehead, because why the mother-flip did I just tell him I was in the tub?
I’d just bragged about being naked.
In a pool of hot water.
Would he think I was hitting on him?
I groaned as I stared at the three little dots moving around the screen.
Daddy Warbucks
You’re soaking in a tub naked and asking me what I want? You’re a filthy girl, Emilia.
I lunged out of the tub in a complete state of panic, dropping the phone on the stool as I reached for my towel. I had no business texting this man right now.
And that’s when the phone rang, and “Daddy Warbucks” flashed across the screen.
I couldn’t ignore him. That would look more obvious.
“Hello?” I said, tucking my lips between my teeth as my heart pounded against my chest.
Loud laughter filled my ear.
Bridger freaking Chadwick was laughing.
Loudly.
“I’m fucking with you, Emilia,” he said in a gruff voice. “I don’t think you’re filthy, although my thoughts might be a little filthy at the moment.”
Was he flirting with me now?