Chapter 6
CHAPTER 6
H annah
I stood outside the empty shop and peeked through the windows, imagining everything was set up inside. I was nervous about going to the bank because I was afraid I would get turned down for the loan. If I did, I’d have to figure out another plan because, one way or another, I was opening a flower shop.
“Finding anything interesting in there?” I heard a man’s voice from behind.
Turning around, my eyes locked with the blue eyes staring back at me. I swallowed hard as my heart began to beat faster. Words wouldn’t come from my mouth, and I stood there staring at him like an idiot.
“I don’t suppose there’s much in there.” A smirk crossed his sexy lips. “Although it was once a flower shop.”
“That’s what I’ve been told, and hopefully, before too long, there will be another flower shop in this space.”
With his hands tucked into his pants pockets, he leaned in closer.
“Do you know something I don’t?” The corners of his mouth curved upward.
“Maybe.” I smirked. “I’m actually on my way to the bank to present my business plan.”
“ You want to open a flower shop?” he asked.
“I do.”
“I’m Alex.” He extended his hand.
“Hannah.” I placed my hand in his as the fluttering in my belly intensified.
“It’s nice to meet you, Hannah.” His captivating smile shook me. “Do you have an appointment at the bank?”
“Yes.” I glanced at my watch. “In fact, I have to be there in ten minutes.”
“I’m headed to the bank as well. How about we walk there together? It’s right around the block.”
“Oh, okay.” I bit my bottom lip.
“How long have you lived in Harbor Falls?” he asked as we walked down the sidewalk.
“I don’t live here yet, but I hope to. My sister lives here.”
“Where are you from?”
“New York City.”
“A city girl.” A smirk crossed his lips.
“One hundred percent.” I smiled.
“And why do you want to move to a small town?”
“I need a life makeover, and Harbor Falls is the perfect place to make that happen,” I said.
We reached the bank, and he opened the door for me. When we stepped inside, I noted how everyone stared at him.
“Who are you meeting with?” he asked.
“Phil LaCrosse.”
“Ah, Phil. Follow me.”
I followed him to an office made up of glass, and he lightly tapped on the doorframe.
“Alex?” The older man stood from his desk. “My goodness.” He walked over and lightly hugged him. “How are you?”
“I’m good, Phil. It’s been a long time.”
“It sure has.”
“This is Hannah. I do believe she has an appointment with you.”
“Hannah, yes. It’s nice to meet you.” Phil extended his hand. “Please have a seat.”
“I need to attend to some business. Phil, ensure she gets all the money she needs to open her flower shop.”
“Of course, Alex.” Phil nodded.
I stared at him as a smile crossed his lips, and he winked before walking out of the office. Sitting there in confusion, I looked at Phil.
“Is he your boss or something?” I asked.
“No.” Phil chuckled. “That’s Alex Harbor.”
“As in Harbor Falls Harbor?”
“Yes. His mother just passed away. His family has owned this town for decades.”
“I see.” I swallowed hard.
“Is that your business plan?” Phil pointed to the folder in my hand.
“Yes.” I handed it to him.
“I’ll look it over later. Congratulations, Miss James, on your business loan.” He grinned.
“But you didn’t look over my business plan.” My brows furrowed.
“If Alex Harbor wants you to open a flower shop here in Harbor Falls, it shall be. Nobody tells the Harbor Family no.”
After leaving Phil’s office, I looked around the bank for Alex. I didn’t see him, so I left and walked to the art gallery.
“How did it go?” Adalyn grinned when I walked through the door.
“I got the loan.” I smiled.
“Oh my God!” Adalyn jumped up and down and hugged me. “It’s official. You’re moving to Harbor Falls.”
“What are we celebrating?” Luis asked, walking down the stairs.
“Hannah got the loan!”
“Already? Didn’t you just meet with Phil?” Luis asked.
“The weirdest thing happened. I was standing outside the shop, looking through the window, when a man approached me. We talked and walked to the bank together. He told Phil to make sure I got all the money I needed for the shop.”
“Who is this guy?” Adalyn’s brows furrowed.
“Alex Harbor.”
“Mrs. Harbor’s son? The woman who just passed away?” Luis asked.
“Yep. Oh my God. You should see him. Shit, Adalyn.” I shook my head.
“Describe him, darling.” Luis smiled, hooking his arm around mine.
“Six foot three, dark hair, blue eyes, a slight five o’clock shadow, and a captivating smile that would get any girl in trouble.”
“He sounds dreamy. I can’t wait to meet him.” Luis grinned.
Adalyn stood there, narrowing her eyes at me.
“What?” I asked.
“Nothing. I’m happy for you. When are you telling Mom?”
I let out a sigh. “I guess I should call her.”
“Let’s go up to the office and do it now.” Adalyn grabbed my hand.
I pulled my phone from my purse, sat down, and Facetimed our mother.
“What a nice surprise.” Her smiling face appeared.
“Hi, Mom.” Adalyn stood over my shoulder.
“Adalyn, sweetheart. It’s good to see you two together.”
“Mom, I need to tell you something,” I nervously spoke.
“Okay, Hannah. What is it?”
“I’m moving to Harbor Falls and opening a flower shop,” I blurted out.
“What?” Her brows furrowed. “You’re moving to Harbor Falls?”
“Yeah, Mom.”
“Why?”
“It’s time for a life change.”
“Things didn’t work out with Matthew, did they?”
“No. He wasn’t the man I thought he was. I love it here, Mom.”
“A flower shop? You were always good at making floral arrangements. That’s why I was surprised when you went into fashion design. I have to run. We’ll be home in a few days, and I’ll call you when we get back to New York. When are you planning on moving, Hannah?”
I could hear the sadness in her voice.
“As soon as possible, Mom. I already got the loan for the flower shop. All I need to do is find a place to live here.”
“Alright. I’ll talk to you girls soon.”
She ended the call. I looked up at Adalyn and shook my head.
“She’s happy for you, sis. She’s just upset that both her daughters aren’t living in New York anymore.”
“I know.”
“So,” Adalyn wrapped her arms around my neck from behind, “what is the name of your new shop?”
“Blooming Beauty.” I smiled.
“I love it!” She kissed my cheek.