Chapter 9
Chapter Nine
Wanting Isn’t Having
Lilly
Morning light spilled through the front windows of Bloom maybe I was climbing out of the hole. Then, with a single email, the weight of my financial situation came crashing down again.
I leaned there a long moment, staring at the screen as if it might spell out an answer I couldn’t find. The shop was too quiet now; the wall clock ticked loudly enough to grate against my headache.
I told myself I’d go home, curl up with Sunny, and let the silence do its work. No men. No messy feelings. No more late-night door knocks that left me raw by morning.
But then I pictured Sawyer, the way he’d looked last night with that half-smile, like he wanted to devour me and run from me all at once. The thought sent a flush racing over my skin.
Before I knew it, I slipped the phone into my purse and reached for my keys. I wasn’t going to text him after all. I’d take Sunny home first, then just… drive by.
Maybe knock on his door.
Maybe not.
If I showed up, it would only be to talk—just to clear the air and figure out what this thing between us really was. Nothing more, nothing dangerous.
At least, that’s what I told myself as I shut off the lights, locked up Bloom & Vine, and let the night close in around me.