Thorned embrace, p.8
Thorned Embrace, page 8
When I reach his car door, he’s two steps behind me.
“You gonna let me get that for you?” He asks, reaching out to open the door.
I laugh, stepping back to let him. “Well, it’s the least I can do after letting you pay for my coffee.”
“You’re finally getting it.” He closes the door, the satisfied smirk is evident on his face as he gets into the driver’s seat.
Chewing on my cheek, I pour over his words. I can’t help but wonder, what am I supposed to be finally getting?
I’m silent as we drive. My thoughts spin, switching back and forth between Aiden and the author of the letter.
His car stops outside my shop and I turn towards him, not fully ready for our morning together to end. “I don’t want to wait that long to return the letter. If we wait, the woman won’t show up.”
I’ve been going over this again and again the entire way here. Since there is no way for us to find this woman, there is only one solution.
His thoughts sync with mine, and he says the words just as I think them. “Then we’ll just have to show up for her. Maybe he doesn’t realize she never got the letter.”
I sit a little straighter at his words. “If she doesn’t show up, he’ll be heartbroken. She’ll never know how he feels. What if she feels the same way?”
Tears form in the corners of my eyes. That kind of heartbreak hurts to even think about.
His eyes soften, and he reaches out to brush a hair from my face. “Don’t worry. We won’t let that happen, will we?”
The motion is borderline intimate. Tingles rush over my skin where his fingers brushed against it. My cheeks burn, and I don’t understand why, but I want him to reach out and do it again.
I can’t stop the smile that forms on my face. It feels like we are in this together. I am fully committed to seeing this through. Defiance and determination snake through my voice. “No, we won’t.”
“Then it’s a date.” He says it so nonchalantly that it takes a moment to realize what he said.
“I’m glad you’ll be with me. I don’t think I’d be brave enough to go alone.” A sly smile slants his lips when I don’t argue about his use of the word date.
A frown tugs at the corner of my lips. “But wait. It’s the same night as the rehearsal dinner.”
“Well, it’s a good thing we’ll already be there then, isn’t it?”
My brows draw together in question.
A smile tugs at his lips, gloating that he knows something I don’t. “The rehearsal dinner will be at the Grand Mountain Hotel. Abby confirmed it with me this morning.”
The frown vanishes, a smile taking its place. “It’s like fate. Everything is falling into place.”
“It definitely seems that way, doesn’t it?” He leans closer, and hazel eyes lock on mine.
I can’t believe my ears. “Do you believe in fate?”
He nods, fixing me with a discerning stare. “Of course I do.”
“Who are you Aiden Cole?” I stare at him like I’ve never seen him before. Like he’s a stranger.
“What do you mean?” He runs a hand through his hair, and I know I’m making him nervous.
“I don’t know.” I shrug my shoulders. “You’ve shown me pieces of you I don’t think I’ve ever seen before.”
“Like what?” He stares into my eyes, searching for the answers he seeks.
I stare back, a flicker of something blooming low in my stomach. “You’re funny. I never knew that.”
Pausing, my thoughts land on the letter and this journey we’ve been on. I laugh, a splash of embarrassment showing pink on my cheeks. “I didn’t realize you had a heart.”
It’s his turn to laugh with me. “I guess you don’t know me very well, do you?”
Taking him in with a long look, warmth spreads through my chest. “I guess not.”
Maybe he’s right. Maybe I don’t know Aiden like I thought I did.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
MY HANDS TWIST nervously in my lap. Out of the corner of my eye, I watch the front door. I’m trying not to watch it directly, because I don’t want to seem overly eager. Abby and Raven should be here any minute, and each moment that passes, the nerves coursing through me grow stronger.
I know I have no reason to be nervous. Abby loved the way the flowers turned out at her engagement party. So today should be no different.
But, for me, it feels like today is the real test of my abilities. A test of whether I can blend our visions for the wedding. The vision of what Abby sees in her head, and what I can bring into reality. This is the moment she could back out. And the fact that Raven will be here makes me even more nervous.
These are the girls I always wanted as friends, but was too shy to even try. They weren’t mean, they never made me feel like I was unwelcome. I just never took that step. After high school, I used to have a lot of regret about not trying harder to make friends, but I tried to move past it. And with this opportunity standing right in front of me again, I’m worried I’m going to choke. I don’t want to miss out on this again.
The engagement party was a tremendous step in the right direction. When Abby asked me to stay, it was genuine. She wanted me there.
The bell jingles, and I jump to my feet. My heart thuds in my ear as Raven steps through the doorway first, Abby following closely behind her. Their conversation stops as soon as they enter, and a blush rises to my cheeks as they take in my shop for the first time.
I have nothing to be nervous about; I love being in my shop more than anywhere else. It’s my haven from the outside world. But an insecure part of me can’t help but worry that they won’t like it.
Raven’s eyes land on me, giving a small nod of acknowledgment my way.
“Hi guys, welcome.” The words stick in my throat.
Abby spins to face me. “Lilly! Why didn’t you tell me your shop was absolutely adorable? And that name, it’s perfect!”
A nervous laugh bubbles in my chest. Am I actually supposed to answer that?
“I’m so glad you could make it. I’m excited to go over the plans for the ceremony and reception.” I motion to the two seats opposite me, and the girls move to take their places.
My gaze shifts nervously between them. As they sit, the need to fill the silence overwhelms me. “Raven, I’m glad you could join us.”
The corner of her lips tilt in what I assume is a smile.
“I didn’t realize you had a flower shop in town.” Her gaze shifts around the room as she takes the space in again, her eyes linger on a vase of sunflowers near the table. She notices my gaze following hers and her eyes snap back to me. “But I suppose it shouldn’t surprise me.”
Abby laughs, smacking Raven on the shoulder with a lighthearted warning. “I think what Raven means to say is that you’ve always been amazing with plants. So it comes as no surprise that you made working with them your livelihood.”
Raven nods her head in agreement, not bothered that her best friend is speaking for her. “Remember the flower garden in the commons area she put in? You never wanted to eat lunch anywhere else when the flowers were in bloom.”
The compliment brings a new blush unbidden to my cheeks. I never even knew that they noticed me. I stare at them both in stunned silence, unsure of how to respond.
Abby laughs, a warm sound that fills the room. “Show me what you’ve been working on. I can’t tell you how excited I’ve been about this.”
“She has not stopped talking about it. She might be more excited about this than the cake tasting.” Raven adds, widening her eyes at me.
I can’t help but laugh at their banter. “Is that even possible?”
Raven shrugs as if she finds this incredulous as well.
“How about,” Abby flashes Raven with a glare, “we talk about flowers and not cake.”
Raven rolls her eyes. Clearly, there are some tender feelings regarding cake at the moment.
In an instant, I snap into work mode. “Of course.”
I stand, walking to the cold storage behind the counter. “These are two concepts I’ve been working on for centerpieces for the reception.”
I pull the two pieces out and bring them to the table. Each one is beautiful, a mix of white roses and carnations, but one look from Abby tells me everything I need to know. She smiles as I set them down. “Lilly, they are beautiful.”
Raven sits up a little straighter in her chair, clearly finding the pieces intriguing. Her eyes say wow, but the flowers are for Abby. Her opinion is the only one that matters to me at this moment.
I stare into her eyes, an intuition in my gut telling me this isn’t what she wants. “Would you mind if I show you one more?”
Raven glances between us, clearly unsure what is going on.
I hold up one finger and step back behind the counter again. Reaching deeper into the storage container. “I know this isn’t what you asked for, but I saw the flower and thought of you.”
I keep my eyes fixed on Abby’s face as I step back around the counter. Her eyes light up as they land on the vase in my hands, and a blossom of triumph forms in my chest.
White ranunculus and vedella roses make up the body of the arrangement with blue thistle and blue nigella for filler. Indigo veronica gives the arrangement a sense of movement. Tears form in her eyes as they land on the center of the show, half a dozen white calla lilies, with their centers dyed blue.
The piece is like nothing I’ve ever attempted before. Typically, blue flowers are chosen as complementary elements rather than the focal point in a floral arrangement. I saw the flower, and I knew I needed to use it. The color perfectly matches the mix of blue between Abby and Spencer’s eyes.
“It’s perfect.” Her breathless voice and flushed cheeks betray an unspoken emotion. She stands and walks to me before I can even reach the table.
A smile lights my face. I feel like jumping in the air and pumping my fists. But I don’t or I’ll break the vase and the tentative composure I’m holding onto.
Glancing at Raven, a smile lights up her normally fixed features. “You’ve outdone yourself. It’s beautiful.”
Placing the piece on the table, pride swirls through me. “I’m so glad you like it. I know it’s not traditional, but I think that’s what makes it special.”
I glance back down at the flowers before meeting Abby’s teary gaze again. “I wanted the flowers to be as special as the two people who are getting married.”
Without hesitation, Abby throws her arms around me and squeezes tightly. “I knew Aiden recommended you for a reason.”
She releases me, reaching into her pocket for her phone. “We have to show Spencer.”
Wiping her face clean, she presses his name. The screen goes dark as the video call rings, waiting to be answered.
Surprise floods my system, ringing fills my ears. “Aiden recommended me?”
My voice doesn’t even sound like my own. Blood rushes in my ears, making the ringing of the phone match the ringing in my ears. I thought Abby requested me specifically.
But now that I think about it, that doesn’t make any sense.
How could Abby have known I have a shop? I’ve done some work for her mom, but - but that was all through Aiden. I never had direct contact with her. So her mom couldn’t have told her about me.
I can’t even remember why I thought Abby picked me specifically. What had Aiden said when he brought the contract over?
I wrack my brain, trying to remember the conversation from that day.
I’m the one who said they picked me.
He said, “Who else would they pick?”
Aiden never said they chose me. I just assumed that. My name was just the one on the contract.
Abby nods her head, distracted as she eagerly awaits to show Spencer the flowers. “Mhm. He said he doesn’t work with anyone else.”
I don’t have anymore time to process her words, because her phone fills with Spencer’s face. “Hey!”
Abby moves closer to me, putting my face into the screen with hers. “Look who I’m with!”
“Hey, Lilly.” Spencer calls out, waving one hand at me. Abby moves the phone to show Raven, and he adds. “Hey, Ray.”
She rolls her eyes, but waves back.
“Hi, Mr. Grant.” My world is still tilting dangerously on its axis, things shifting uncomfortably inside me.
Abby laughs, throwing her red hair over one shoulder. “You don’t have to be so formal. We are all friends here.”
Despite my inner turmoil, a new warmth blooms in my chest, hope mixed with excitement forming at one simple word.
Raven reaches for her phone distractedly. A groan leaves her lips as she stands. “I’ll be right back. I need to take this.”
Abby nods, her attention already fixed back on Spencer.
“Is that Blake?” He asks, his brows knitting together in concern.
Raising one eyebrow, I try to recall which Blake they could be referring to.
“Probably.” Abby rolls her eyes. “I swear they can’t even have a civil conversation. I thought they’d get over this by now.”
Spencer’s deep laugh rumbles through the speakers. “Didn’t I tell you what happened at the engagement party?”
Abby glances over her shoulder, checking to see if Raven is safely out of earshot.
“No!” She lowers her voice, but her excitement causes it to climb again. “Tell me everything.”
He stands, crossing his makeshift office, to close the door. He doesn’t speak again until he settles back into his chair. “As I made my way to the bathroom, I couldn’t help but notice that the door to the patio was left open.”
Involuntarily, we both scoot closer, eager for what he is about to say. “Hearing raised voices, I peaked out to make sure everything was okay.”
He runs a hand over his chin as he continues. “Seeing it was them, I was about to step away when Blake pulled Raven into his arms.”
We both gasp, our hands moving to cover our gaping mouths. I don’t even care that I don’t know who this man is.
Abby’s voice comes out as a hissed whisper. “Did she punch him?”
Spencer shakes his head, leaning forward in his seat. “Not even close. She didn’t even push him away. I can’t be sure what else happened. It was too dark. But I have a very active imagination.”
“Oh, my goodness.” Abby runs a hand through her hair, her face frozen in shock. “I can’t believe this.”
Shrugging his shoulders, Spencer’s chest shakes with laughter. “Crazier things have happened.”
“How could you keep this from me?” She asks, a fake pout forming on her lips.
He chuckles fondly, clearly seeing through her rouse. “It slipped my mind. I promise to give you all the drama next time I have anything.”
A smile tugs at her lips. “And that’s why I agreed to marry you. You always share the drama with me.”
He rolls his eyes. “Oh? Is that why?”
She licks her lips, giving him a seductive side glance. “Well, that isn’t the only reason.”
I clear my throat, reminding them both that I’m still here. Abby’s entire face turns red. “Sorry, Lilly.”
Laughing, I wave it off. “Don’t worry about it. You guys are adorable.”
Spencer sputters out a laugh. “I don’t think anyone has ever described me as adorable before.”
The conversation flows easily between the three of us for several more minutes, and I find myself comfortable in their presence for the first time. This must be what having friends is like. Affection for these people spreads through me. Maybe this wedding will bring about more than just my saved business.
Abby’s eyes catch on the flowers. Smacking herself on the forehead, she curses. “I forgot all about why I called you.”
“Look what Lilly made us.” Abby turns, pointing her phone to my arrangement, and a similar surprise lights Spencer’s eyes.
“Wow.”
I beam, because wow might as well be a round of thunderous applause coming from a man like Spencer.
“Aren’t they perfect!” Abby squeals, turning back to me. “Do you think you can make a smaller version for my bouquet?”
I nod without even thinking. “I can make anything you want.”
She turns her attention back to Spencer, and I take my cue to step away and give them some space.
I move towards the back of the shop, wondering where Raven has wandered off to. Near the back wall, a low voice meets my ears. “Blake, can’t you just do one thing the way I ask?”
Anger and annoyance thread through her voice. Raven isn’t always the most joyful person, but I don’t think I’ve ever heard her so irritated.
I peek around the corner, feeling stuck between two conversations I want no part in. Raven is staring at another vase of flowers. Sunflowers again.
“Just make it happen. Okay?”
The person on the call says something, and she rolls her eyes. “And don’t you forget it.”
She pulls the phone away from her ear and ends the call. Letting out a sigh, she rolls her shoulders.
I move to leave, but she jumps slightly when she turns around and discovers me standing there. I shoot her a shy smile, guilt washing over me. “Sorry, I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop. It’s just a small shop.”
She nods her head. Her face remains neutral and unbothered. “Don’t worry about it. It’s nothing my employees haven’t heard a thousand times.”
I arch an eyebrow at her in question.
She sighs, running one hand through her long dark hair. “It’s my business partner. He drives me nuts.”
“Ah.” I smile at her. “I can relate to that.”
My thoughts drift back to Aiden. He isn’t my business partner, but sometimes it feels like he is.
Abby’s words run through my mind once more.
He doesn’t work with anyone else.
That can’t be true. Can it?
My first instinct is denial, but the facts are staring me right in the face.
Aiden only works with me. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him work an event where he didn’t bring me on for some project or another.
