Chapter 17
Chapter Seventeen
Brynn
When I get back to the shop, Tabby is at the counter, chatting with a customer while she rings them up. She gives me a quick wave as I slip into the back room to check on the stock.
The cooler is still humming along, and the shelves are neatly organized, just the way I like them. I grab a fresh bucket of lilies and set them on the worktable, letting the familiar rhythm of arranging flowers soothe my frayed nerves.
But even as I work, Jack’s face keeps popping into my mind. His stupid smirk. The way his eyes crinkle at the corners when he’s amused. The way his voice gets all low and rough when he’s being serious.
“Arrogant piece of…” I growl before finishing the sentence. “The audacity of that man to accuse me of trying to pay for his coffee to one-up him. I was simply doing a nice thing, but nooooooo, he has to take offense to it like a….”
I let out another growl, frustration taking over. My movements are jerky, and I’m muttering under my breath about what a pig Jack is.
Get it together, Brynn. Get him out of your head.
I shake my head, trying to focus on the arrangement in front of me. The lilies are for a young couple celebrating their anniversary, and I want them to be perfect. I add a few sprigs of greenery and step back to study the effect.
It’s not until I hear Tabby’s voice calling from the front that I realize how much time has passed.
“Brynn? Someone’s here to see you.”
I glance up, wiping my hands on my apron. She walks into the back room with a wide grin.
“Who is it?” I ask.
She shrugs. “Some hottie in a cowboy hat. Said he needed to talk to you.”
My heart skips a beat, and I don’t have to ask who it is.
“We don’t refer to customers as hotties, Tabby. What if he hears you?” I ask in a loud whisper.
“I don’t care,” she says with a grin. “He is gorgeous. It should be illegal how hot he is.”
I can feel my cheeks turning pink, and then my eyes immediately go wide, realizing that Tabby can see my embarrassment. I quickly turn away.
“I’ll be there in a second.”
“Ooookay,” she says sassily.
I roll my eyes. I take a deep breath and square my shoulders before heading out to the front. Sure enough, there he is, leaning against the counter like he owns the place, his hat pushed back just enough to reveal his messy hair.
Damn it, whyyyyyyyyy does he have to be a cowboy?
“Jack,” I say, crossing my arms. “What are you doing here?”
“Needed some flowers,” he says, his tone casual.
“For what?”
I take in a slow breath. My stomach drops.
Does he have a girlfriend? And I just made out with him this morning?
No, oh my God. I think I’m going to be sick.
Please don’t have a girlfriend. Please don’t be that guy. Please.
He shrugs. “I forgot that it’s my mom’s birthday, and while my being back home should be enough of a gift, I thought flowers would be a nice touch. I thought you might be able to help me out.”
I narrow my eyes at him, trying to decide whether he’s serious or just messing with me.
“You could’ve gone to the grocery store,” I point out.
He grins, and it’s the kind of grin that makes my stomach do a little flip, even though I hate it.
Stop thinking these things, Brynn.
“Yeah, but my mom deserves better than grocery store flowers.”
“You’re right, she does.”
“So, you’ll help me out here?”
I roll my eyes, but I can’t help the small smile that tugs at my lips. “Fine. It’s going to cost you, though, since it’s such late notice. What does she like?”
Jack steps closer, his gaze steady on mine. “Surprise me.”
I cock an eyebrow at him and give him a displeased look. “It’s your mom’s birthday. I will not surprise you.” I step back from the counter, hands on my hips, staring at him in exasperation.
“What’s wrong with that?” he asks, leaning against the counter. His hat casts a shadow over his face, but I can still see the challenge in his expression.
“What’s wrong with that?” I echo, stepping closer, “is that anyone can throw together a bouquet. But the meaningful part, the part that shows someone how loved and special they are, is when you actually put thought into it. Like remembering their favorite flower or picking out blooms that remind you of them. Not something corny like, ‘Oh, sunflowers because she reminds me of the sun.’” I roll my eyes for emphasis.
“Your mom deserves real thought and feelings put into these flowers.”
He straightens, his smirk fading. He looks at me like he’s seeing something new. “You really care about this, don’t you?”
“Of course I do,” I say, softening. “Flowers aren’t just pretty things to stick in a vase. They’re memories, emotions, stories. When I make an arrangement, I’m not just putting together colors and shapes. I’m telling someone’s story.”
He watches me closely, his eyes searching mine. It’s unnerving like he’s peeling back layers I didn’t even know I had.
Or is he lost in a memory?
“Tiger lilies,” he says finally, his voice quieter now.
“My dad used to bring my mom tiger lilies before he died. She’d always light up when she saw them.
But…” He hesitates, rubbing the back of his neck.
“I want something that shows her strength. Her resilience. She’s been through a lot, and she’s still standing. ”
I nod slowly, my mind already whirring. “Tiger lilies, definitely. They’re bold, vibrant, full of life.
For resilience… maybe protea. They’re hardy, unique, and they symbolize courage.
And for strength…” I trail off, scanning the shop.
“Gladiolus. They’re striking, and they’re all about strength of character. ”
He watches me as I speak, his gaze steady and intense. A small smile tugs at the corners of his mouth, his eyes crinkling softly. My stomach flips again at the sight. I blow out a small breath.
Calm down, Brynn.
“That sounds perfect,” he says gruffly.
I glance at him, surprised by his tone. “Really? You trust me to get it right?”
“I do,” he says simply. “The grocery store clerk definitely wouldn’t have just yelled at me for grabbing a random bouquet.”
“They didn’t make flowers their life’s purpose.”
“I guess you’re right.”
There’s a moment of silence between us. Then I clear my throat and turn back to the flowers. “Okay, let’s get started.”
As I work, I explain each choice, thinking out loud.
“We’ll start with a base of greenery to give it structure.
Maybe some eucalyptus for its soothing scent.
Then the tiger lilies as the focal point, surrounded by the protea and gladiolus.
I’ll add some softer blooms, like lisianthus, to balance it out.
And maybe a touch of baby’s breath for a hint of delicacy. ”
He doesn’t say much, but I can feel his eyes on me the whole time. It’s distracting, and I have to force myself to focus on the arrangement instead of the way his presence fills the room.
Maybe I should have taken this to the back room to do instead of right out here where he could watch me. His eyes, the way they watch me like a lion stalking its prey, it’s so unnerving.
My entire body is on high alert.
I can feel myself fumbling around awkwardly, my cheeks heating up as he continues to watch me.
Hurry up and get this done before I overheat!
When I’m done, I step back and gesture to the bouquet. “What do you think?”
He steps closer, studying it with an intensity that makes my heart skip a beat. He’s so close that I can smell his woodsy aftershave and see the small scar that runs along his neck. I inhale slowly, trying to calm my racing heart.
Why am I so…aware of him and everything about him right now?
I could just move a little closer so that he looks down and kisses me again. Yeah, that would be nice.
“It’s beautiful,” he says finally. “She’s going to love it.”
I smile, clearing my throat as I get out of the spicy scene that was unfolding in my head.
Get it together, Brynn. I know it’s been a while since you’ve been with a man, but this is ridiculous.
“Good. She deserves it.” I say softly.
He reaches for his wallet, but I shake my head. “This one’s on me.”
“No, ma’am, it is not. What was the whole point of your speech if I let you just hand these to me?”
“Okay,” I giggle. “I see your point.”
“I appreciate the gesture, though. You did an amazing job with these.”
“You’re welcome,” I reply, meeting his gaze.
I can feel the ridiculously goofy grin on my face.
Oh my God, Brynn! Knock it off! I’m acting like my childhood actor crush just walked in the room.
We stand there briefly, neither of us speaking, but it feels as though both of us want to. Then the bell jingles again, and the moment is broken.
“I’d better get going,” Jack says, taking the bouquet.
“Yeah,” I say, my voice a little unsteady. “Take care.”
He nods and heads for the door, but just before he leaves, he turns back. “You’ve got a gift, Brynn. Don’t ever forget that.”
And then he’s gone, leaving me standing in the middle of the shop, my heart racing and my mind spinning.