Chapter Seven – Harper
Harper
I stood back and surveyed the flower shop. The apothecary cabinet I’d bought months ago looked adorable. I had dried flowers in frames in the upper cabinet behind the glass doors, small gifts tucked inside some of the drawers I’d pulled out, and a few small flower bouquets that I couldn’t resist adding. It was currently my favorite piece of furniture in the shop.
The bell above the door rang, and I glanced over my shoulder. My breath caught in my throat when I saw who it was.
Holy. Shit.
Declan Gallagher stood at the front of my shop dressed in his police uniform.
It took everything I had earlier today, when he and Gavin had stopped by to chat with me and Sean, not to stare at him. I’d seen pictures of him in his Marine Corps uniform and always thought he was handsome, but Declan in a police uniform was hot. Very hot.
“Declan! What are you doing here?”
His one brow rose as a smirk played at the corner of his mouth.
“I mean…hi, what brings you by the shop?” A part of me didn’t want to admit that I was hoping it wasn’t to buy someone flowers, unless that someone was his mother.
“My mother asked me to stop by and see if you had any daisies.”
I laughed. “We’re not called Crazy Daisies for nothing.”
He smiled, and I tried to ignore how that smile made my stomach clench with desire. “How does this work?”
You strip me naked and take me right here on the floor, the counter, the chair…anywhere.
Declan walked farther into the shop and glanced around. There was something strange about having him in my space like this. No, strange wasn’t the word. It felt…right.
“Um, well, I’ve got some premade bouquets over here, or loose flowers. With those, your mom can make up her own bouquets at home.”
He frowned. “I’m not sure which she wants.”
I chewed nervously on my lip as I tried to avoid looking the man up and down. He looked so good in that uniform. The next time I saw Sean, I was going to punch him. It was because of him that I couldn’t openly ogle his brother. Or flirt. Not that I would flirt with Declan, he’d never even looked twice at me before, as far as I knew.
“Did you want to call and ask her?” I suggested, making my way behind the counter and distancing myself from him. Was it hot in here?
“No, it feels comfortable to me,” Declan said, pulling out his phone and swiping through it.
My eyes widened in horror. I’d said that out loud? You idiot, Harper! Idiot!
“Oh, good, I wasn’t sure if I needed to turn on the AC. I’m sure before you know it, I’ll be turning it on.”
Declan just gave me a look, then spoke into his phone. “Mom, did you want premade bouquets or loose flowers?”
I was pretending to look through some papers, and when I glanced up, Declan was watching me. He grinned, and I found myself smiling back like a stupid, love-struck idiot.
“Yes… I’m not sure if she’s coming or not.”
Oh no. The dinner tonight.
I didn’t want to pretend to be with Sean in front of his whole family, especially since I couldn’t seem to stop thinking about his brother. And not in an innocent way.
“Mom wants to know if you’re coming for dinner tonight.”
My mouth opened, but nothing came out. If I were truly dating Sean, I would want to be there for their anniversary dinner. I found myself reluctantly nodding. “Of course, I’ll be there.”
“She said yes.” Declan turned away and walked toward the other side of the shop.
Ugh. I don’t want to do this. It was hard enough knowing that Sean would be falling all over Caroline while Maddy would be pushing him toward Crystal—being a bitch to me the whole time. Now I had to be in the same room as Mr. Hot Cop here, somehow pretending he didn’t make me want to combust.
I really needed to charge my vibrator and get a round in before tonight. I was going to need the release.
“Mom said she’ll leave it up to you, but she needs four bouquets for four tables.”
Clearing my throat, I nodded. “Okay, um, I’ll just bring them with me then.”
“I could help you if you want. I mean, I’m just right next door. I’m sure it won’t be easy to carry four vases of flowers.”
I waved off Declan’s concern. “Nonsense. I do it all the time. I have a special box I use in the back of my Subaru. The vases fit in perfectly.”
He frowned. “You’re not riding with Sean?”
“No, um, it’s easier for me to meet him there. I’ve got a busy day tomorrow, so I won’t stay very long.”
“What’s going on tomorrow?” Declan asked.
“The Memorial Day BBQ and boat races are tomorrow. They’re having them on Saturday since other events are planned for Monday. It’s a pretty big event. I provide the flowers for the tables they set up on The Green.”
He looked past me. “Are those all the flowers?”
Turning to see through the small open window into the back room, I said, “Yep. I’m just about done with them. I was taking a break when you came in.”
“Do you need any help?”
I laughed. “You’re offering to help me make flower bouquets?”
He shrugged. “Or I could help you with the ones for tonight.”
“If you think this will get you out of paying for the flowers, you’re wrong.”
When he laughed, I tried to ignore how it felt like butterflies in my stomach. It was a beautiful sound, his laugh. One that I found myself wanting to hear again and again.
“No, I really want to help. I’m interested to see what you do here in the flower shop.”
Tilting my head, I asked, “You are?”
“Yeah. Does Sean never help you or hang out to watch you work?”
Before I could stop myself, I snorted and laughed derisively. Declan’s head drew back, and his expression was one of clear surprise.
I cleared my throat and looked anywhere but at Sean’s brother as I spoke. “You know Sean. He’s not interested in anything other than numbers. I don’t think he’s ever even set foot in the back of this place.”
“That’s a shame. Since he’s dating you, I would think he’d want to be a part of something so important in your life. At least, I assume flowers are your passion, since you own a flower shop.”
Looking at Declan, I wanted to tell him that I wasn’t dating Sean, and that his brother was a complete asshole who only thought of himself.
Luckily, the bell above the door rang, and my father walked in, saving me from a spontaneous confession.
“Dad, what are you doing here?” I asked, quickly making my way around the counter and to my father. He gave me a big bear hug, and I couldn’t help but laugh.
“How’s my favorite daughter today?”
I smiled and kissed him on the cheek. “I bet you say that to all four of your girls.”
He chuckled and winked. When he saw Declan, his smile grew even bigger. “Declan Gallagher! I haven’t had a chance to welcome you home, son.”
Declan reached his hand out to shake my father’s. “Thank you, Mayor Browning.”
“We appreciate your service to this country, and now to our town. I was thrilled to hear you were joining the force. Though it’ll be a bit calmer than what you’re used to.”
With a soft laugh, Declan said, “I don’t mind, sir. And thank you for the kind words.”
My father looked at Declan, then back to me. When a wicked smile played across his face, I knew exactly what he was about to do. “So, how are things going with…” He looked to Declan. “Ignore what I’m about to say.”
Declan held up both hands and took a couple steps back.
“The little asshole?” my father finished.
I blinked a few times as I fought for something to say. I never lied to my parents.
“It’s, um…it’s complicated, Dad. Like I said before.”
“Complicated?” he repeated, making a show of seeming distraught, all for Declan’s sake. “He broke up with you—in front of half the town—and you took him back!”
“ What? ” Declan asked sharply.
I closed my eyes. “That’s something I’ve been trying to move past, Dad.”
“Yeah, well, imagine my surprise when I found out you were with the little twerp again. And again, no offense, Declan.”
“None taken.”
“Dad, can I talk to you in private really quick?”
He looked intrigued.
Turning to Declan, I said, “I’m sorry, this’ll only take a moment.”
“I’m going to head up to my place and change, then I’ll be back down.”
I smiled and tried to ignore the way my father was bouncing his gaze between me and Declan with a wide grin on his face. “Sounds great.”
We watched as Officer Hot Pants walked out the front door.
The second it closed, my father asked, “What in the hell is going on? You’re fake-dating his brother the twerp, but you look at Declan like you want to eat him up. If you don’t think people will notice, I’ve got news for you, deary, you’re a terrible actress.”
My mouth dropped open. “I’m sorry?”
Rolling his eyes, my father waved me off. “Please. I have four daughters. I know when one of you is lusting after a boy.”
I choked. “Lusting after a boy? First off, Dad, I don’t lust after anyone. And second, Mr. Hot—I mean, Declan isn’t a boy.”
His brows raised. “Mr. Hot what?”
“Nothing! Never mind.”
“Someone told me they saw you kiss that idiot today. I thought you said the fake-dating was for his mother. Why are you kissing the man in public?” My father shivered as if the thought made him sick.
“I had no choice! I think Declan might suspect something’s up.”
My father closed his eyes and shook his head. “I’m sorry, Harper, but do you remember what that jerk did to you? Why in the world are you helping him out?”
“Dad, aren’t you supposed to be nice to everyone? You’re the mayor, and you’re calling Declan’s brother names in front of him.”
“To hell with that! You’re my daughter . That comes first and foremost.”
I grabbed his hand and squeezed it. “Dad, do you remember I got two season tickets for the Giants out of this deal?”
His brows nearly shot up into his hairline. “How did I miss that part? You must have told us when I was having a laughing fit over the whole thing.”
I sighed and shook my head. My father and mother both broke out into breathless laughter when I told them.
“One of these days, your bleeding heart is going to get you into trouble, Harper.”
“I know.”
“Two questions: why are you really doing this, and for how long?”
I exhaled a breath. “I gave him almost two months. I’m already ready to strangle him with my bare hands though. The why…I already told you and Mom.”
“Yes, yes, his mother’s trying to set him up with Crystal Stevens, and Sean is in love with Caroline Stevens, but she’s dating someone. The boy needs to grow a damn pair of balls and stand up to his mother.”
“That’s what I said!”
“So meanwhile, you have to pretend to be with twerp boy while making eyes at Declan?”
I gasped. “I am not making eyes at Declan, Daddy.”
He gave me a look that silently said I needed to rethink that statement.
“I’m not . I’ll admit, he’s hooo…um…cute.”
“Mr. Hot something,” he teased.
Rolling my eyes, I walked to the back room. If I was going to finish everything in time, I needed to get to work. “It’s not a crime to think someone’s cute.”
“No, it’s not, but don’t you think he might wonder why you’re giving him the eyes when you’re dating his brother?”
“For the love! I am not giving him the eyes.”
He raised his hands in self-defense. “If you say so.”
“Yes, I say so. Now, I need you to stop talking about Sean. Especially in front of his brother. What were you thinking?”
“Well, I was being honest. I thought I raised you to do the same.”
Looking at my father, I sighed. “Daddy, don’t do that to me. Besides, don’t you want to see the Giants?”
He narrowed his eyes and looked thoughtful. “Season tickets, you say?”
“Yep.”
The bell above the door rang again, and we both headed out to the front. Declan was walking toward us, that panty-melting smile on his face. “Is now an okay time?”
“For what?” my father asked.
“Nothing,” I replied, as Declan spoke at the same time.
“To help.”
My father folded his arms over his chest. “Help with what?”
“Declan wanted to help me make the bouquets for his parents’ wedding anniversary dinner tonight.”
“After all, my mom did wait until the last minute to order them. It’s the least I could do.”
My father smiled. “Yes, well, she’s lucky her son is dating my daughter, or else I hope the business-savvy Harper would have told her to bugger off.”
“Dad!” I scolded, as Declan laughed.
“I’ll leave you two to work. Do you want me to put the closed sign up on the door?” my father asked, making his way to the front.
I followed behind him and replied, “It’s not time to close just yet.”
Before he slipped out the door, he winked at me. “It doesn’t look busy. I bet you could close up and get to work .” He chuckled, glancing at Declan before looking back at me.
“Are you done?” I whispered.
Dad winked. “Enjoy your evening, sweetheart. Close up shop, you deserve a bit of extra time off.”
I smirked. “I will. Bye, Dad.”
The door shut, and I turned the lock and pulled down the shade. I drew in a deep breath and slowly let it out. I could do this. I could spend time with Declan and simply be friends. I won’t think about how hot he is or how soft his lips look. If I start to think naughty things, I’ll simply think about Sean. That will put out any flames.
Easy-peasy.
I nearly fell to the floor when I spun around and saw Declan smelling a Gerbera daisy.
Why in the hell is that so hot?
Throwing up a silent prayer, I started toward the counter. “Declan, you really don’t have to help me out.”
“I know I don’t. I want to.”
Sighing, I nodded. “Okay, well then, see that bucket of daisies? Grab it and bring it on back.”
He winked and picked up the bucket. “Right behind you.”
I wasn’t even going to let my mind go down that road.
Once we were in the back, Declan let out a whistle. “Wow. This is cool, Harper.”
“You think so?” I asked as I glanced around my work-slash-storage area. In the back left was a giant walk-in cooler where I had flowers. A large table sat toward the front of the room, filled with vases and flowers for this weekend’s event. I needed to get them into the cooler.
“Should we finish these and then work on Mom’s?” Declan asked.
“I wish you knew how to make bouquets,” I said with a laugh. “You could do your mother’s, and I could work on these.”
Declan stared at the flowers. “Will you make up one first? Let me see what you do, and I’ll give it a shot.”
“Wait, seriously?” I asked, stunned he would even suggest it. Here was an ex-Marine, now a cop, who wanted to make floral bouquets simply to help me out. I’d swoon if I didn’t think it would make me look insane.
“Of course. I’m not afraid to try something new.”
“But…flowers?”
“What’s wrong with flowers? Just because it isn’t considered manly in some people’s eyes, I figure it could be a good creative outlet.”
I blinked at him a few times. “Oh my God, are you…?” When I reached over and pinched him, he jumped.
“Ouch! What the hell, Harper?”
“Sorry, but I needed to make sure you were real. I’ve never met a guy who wanted to play with flowers.”
He grinned as he watched me assemble a small bouquet of daisies. “Play with flowers?”
A breath of laughter slipped free. “That’s what my mom calls it. Has ever since I was a little girl.” I slipped a few pieces of baby’s breath into the arrangement and stood back. “Simple as that.”
“What’s this called?” he asked, pointing to the tiny flowers.
“Baby’s breath.”
He nodded, reached for a vase, and went to work creating his own bouquet. I watched him for a moment before continuing the ones for the Memorial Day BBQ.
“You’re a natural at this,” I said, nodding my head toward the bouquet Declan was working on.
With a soft chuckle, he replied, “It’s relaxing.”
“You should try planting them. It’s even more fun to play in the dirt.”
Declan looked up at me and winked. “Like to get dirty, huh?”
And given the way my mind instantly went into the gutter, my mother would be ashamed. I quickly focused on the flowers in my hand.
“Do you have a garden where you live?”
I grinned. “I live on top of my shop, but yes, I do. My father helped me make some planters for the rooftop terrace, so I have a small vegetable garden up there and more flowers than I care to admit.”
“You live upstairs?” he asked, surprise in his voice.
“I do. I’d love to live outside of town with some land, but all my money goes into the shop, so it only made sense to live in the apartment upstairs for now. But at least it’s cute, and it’s all mine.”
“That’s all that matters.”
“What about you?” I asked, as I grabbed more red, white, and blue carnations and got to work on the next arrangement. “How long are you going to live over the toy shop?”
He let out a low whistle. “That, I’m not sure. With my previous career in the Marines, I was hardly stateside and shared a three-bedroom apartment with a few friends. We were all on the same team, so we were gone at the same time and home at the same time. Which wasn’t often.”
“It makes sense you’d have an apartment.”
“Yeah. And that allowed me to put money away. Hoping I’ll buy a house someday.”
I pushed a blue carnation into a vase and looked over at him. “Why not now?”
He shrugged and kept his focus on his flower arrangement. “I don’t know. I guess I just figured I’d buy a house when I got married, or was seriously dating someone I saw a future with. What if I buy a house now, and the woman I end up with doesn’t like it?”
“That is seriously the sweetest thing. Who are you, Declan Gallagher? What happened to the jock from high school who only cared about football and the Marines?”
He laughed. “He grew up fast.”
“I bet,” I said, pausing what I was doing to look at him once more. “From what Sean has said, you loved being a Marine. Why’d you get out?”
“The program I was in was like the Navy SEALS, but for the Marines. It was honestly just time for me to come home.”
“Makes sense. What made you want to be a cop?”
He looked up, and his hazel eyes seemed to grow darker. “It wasn’t actually my idea to become a cop. It was James Quinn’s suggestion. We’ve kept in touch over the years, and when I told him I was moving back to Moose Village, he mentioned there’d be a spot on the force for me if I wanted it. I was thinking of state police, but this allows me to be home. I’ve been gone for so long, and I didn’t want to do that to my parents again.”
“That was thoughtful of you. I hope your mom gives you more breathing room than she does Sean.”
He scoffed. “Sean needs to grow a pair when it comes to my mother and father.”
“ Thank you! I said the same thing.”
His brow quirked up. “Did you?”
“Yes. It’s insane how he lets your mother walk all over him, and this whole stupid arrange…” My voice trailed off when I realized what I was about to say.
“Stupid what?”
Frowning, I stepped back and studied my vase. “This stupid arrangement isn’t looking the way I want.”
From the corner of my eye, I saw him look at it, then back to me. When I glanced his way, I plastered on a fake smile. “Look at you! Those look amazing, Declan.”
When he glanced at his arrangements and smiled, I let out the breath I’d been holding.
The feeling of guilt inside me was almost unbearable. It wasn’t like I owed Sean anything, and Declan had always been so kind to me, and here I was lying to him. Maybe I should tell him the truth. Sean couldn’t be mad about his brother knowing. Could he?
“Harper? Harper?”
Declan’s voice pierced through my wandering thoughts.
“Sorry, I was in my head there for a minute.”
He nodded. “It’s okay. I’ve got mine finished. How many more do you have?”
Looking over the table quickly, I replied, “Four more.”
“Move over, I’ll help you.”
I did as he said and watched as he picked up an array of flowers to put into a vase. It was interesting to see what type of flowers he chose. He’d noticed I was sticking to red, white, and blue, and he proceeded to make an arrangement that could actually put mine to shame.
“Whatever you do,” I said, pushing a blue delphinium next to my Asiatic lilies, “don’t let my mother see how good you are at this. She’ll put you to work here part time.”
He laughed. “I thought you owned the place now?”
“Oh, I do, but that doesn’t stop her from giving me her two cents. Any moment now, my phone will ring, or a text will come through with a reminder to make sure I have the floral arrangements for the BBQ finished up.”
Declan laughed as he held a white rose and studied where he wanted to put it. Not two seconds later, my phone rang.
“Speak of the devil.”
I tapped my phone and smiled. “They’re almost all done. I’ve got a helper.”
When Declan looked at me, I winked. He smiled and went back to working on the arrangement.
My mother’s voice practically purred through the phone. “I heard. Declan Gallagher is there.”
“Mom,” I warned.
“Your father mentioned he was at the shop.”
I was silently thanking the stars above I hadn’t put her on speakerphone. I decided the best course of action was to completely ignore her insinuations.
“The arrangements will be in the cooler. Are you sure you don’t need help tomorrow? I can find someone to cover the shop.”
“I’ve got plenty of people to help with that.”
My plan worked. Her attention was off the Gallagher boys and back on flowers. “Great, then I’ll just leave them be.”
“Sounds good. Oh, honey, I’ve got to run. Granny Larson is arguing with Betty Lou about where the bookstore’s booth is.”
“Okay, Mom.” I chuckled. “See you tomorrow.”
After I hung up, Declan and I faced one another.
“Declan, I can’t thank you enough for helping. You really didn’t need to do that.”
“I know I didn’t need to. I wanted to.”
I felt my cheeks heat, and I turned once more to admire the arrangements he’d made. “Do we dare tell your mother you made these?”
“Hell no. I’ll just say I saw you bringing them to your car and offered to help.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
We worked in silence as we brought the arrangements to my car and carefully placed them in the holder I had for deliveries. I tried to ignore how Declan’s muscles flexed in his arms with every little movement he made. The guy was built like a brick house—the complete opposite of Sean. Not that Sean didn’t have a nice body; he did. His was more of a lean physique. He just lacked the muscles his older brother had.
I watched him place the last of the arrangements, and when he delicately moved a flower just so, I couldn’t help but imagine what it would feel like to have those strong hands move over my body. Would he be gentle or rough?
I jumped when he pressed the button to close the liftgate, and it beeped.
“Lost in that pretty head of yours again?” he asked teasingly.
All I could do was nod.
When I didn’t say anything, Declan clapped his hands. “Okay, well, I guess I’ll see you when you get to my folks’ place.”
“I just need to change, and I’ll be right behind you.”
Declan smiled, but his gaze moved from mine down to my mouth—and for a split second, I nearly closed the distance between us and kissed him.
Get it together, Harper Browning!
“Right,” he finally said. “See you soon.”
“Yeah, I’ll see you soon.”
Forcing myself to turn away, I rushed through the back door of the flower shop, locked it, and then headed up the back steps to my apartment. First things first…take care of the ache between my legs and, hopefully, not picture Declan Gallagher while doing so.