He Loves Me Not (Bunch-A-Blooms 1)

“You looked preoccupied,” his Channing teased.

Mason cleared his throat, and she bit her bottom lip, shrugging bashfully. “Surprise?”

***

Mason

They’d expanded their plan. Now that the family knew, they had to normalize their relationship with others. After putting their heads together, they came up with a list of dates. Today was their first one. As he peered in the mirror, he couldn’t deny the feeling of excitement that filled the air around him, or the knots twisting his gut. This didn’t feel like a deception. It felt like an ideal reality. After straightening the collar of his bright blue button-up, he turned away from his reflection, unable to handle the emotions visible in his eyes.

He moved to the dresser and opened the Patten Jeweler’s box that housed the charm bracelet he’d purchased for her earlier. She wasn’t huge on flashy things, but he couldn’t resist the Star Wars themed charms. He’d added a silver circle with a P in fancy font. A token of his appreciation for her. They’d struggled to find a new normal since the barbecue. It was hard to do when their families were elated, smothering them like wet blankets, and constantly inviting them to dinner and other engagements where they had to put on a show. Tonight was time for the two of them to reconnect. The thought of losing her made him sick to his stomach. They needed to bridge the gap that had formed between them like yesterday.

Shutting the velvet box, he placed it in a black bag with Patten’s scrawled across it in a bold, cursive font and grabbed her favorite scent on him, Cypress and Sandalwood cologne. Spraying a bit on his shirt and the pulse points in his wrist, as she’d once showed him, he deemed himself ready.

The drive to her house stretched out like salt water taffy, making the fifteen-minute trek seem like an hour. Finally, he pulled into the driveway of the two-story red brick home with their A-frame peaks and stone detailing on the wall that surrounded the front perimeter. It had always reminded him of a cottage from a fairytale. She’d sold her one-bedroom bungalow and taken it over when her grandparents had made the transition to a top-notch nursing home about thirty minutes north of their home. It was too much home for one person, and he knew the electricity bills and property taxes stretched her resources. Still, she refused to sell the family home.

Now she won’t have to. He wasn’t attached to his condo. He had no problems moving in here with her. Parking his car in the wide driveway, he grabbed the bag and walked up to the front door. He knocked and rocked back on his he

els, feeling like a teenager on prom night. When she opened the door, the breath left his lungs in a rush. The cream-colored sweater dress contrasted with her skin and stopped just above her knees. The light brown boots adorning her long legs matched her soft suede jacket and added a few inches to her height, putting her right into his line of vision. She’d curled her hair. Soft ringlets framed her face, and a rich red color coated her lips.

“You look nice, Mas.”

He blinked. “So do you.”

“Thank you.”

“Here.” He thrust the bag toward her, cursing his unintentional abandonment of suaveness. She was wreaking havoc on him

“For me?” A wide grin lined her lips.

“”Course, little flower. I owe you.”

The light faded from her eyes. “I already agreed. You don’t need to keep giving me things.”

“Since when did I ever need a reason to give you a present? Open it.”

“Okay.” She stepped back, headed to the kitchen island, and he followed, locking the door behind him. She lifted the black box from the bag and opened the case. “I love it, Mason!” She ran toward him, and he caught her in a hug. Inhaling her sweet scent, he stifled a groan as her generous curves pressed up against him. “I should feel bad that you’ve basically funded my entire jewelry collection, but I don’t.”

“Good. Because I have taste, and you make it look exquisite.” His throat felt tight, and his body heat rocketed. Releasing her, he moved back to prevent embarrassment. “Are you ready to go?”

“I am. Are you going to tell me where we’re headed?”

“The Melting Pot.”

“Ahhh. I love that place.”

He winked, and took the box from her hand. “I know.” Removing the bracelet, he handed her the velvet case and fastened it around her delicate wrist.

“Now your outfit is complete, mademoiselle.” He gave a small bow, and she giggled.

“This is why you’re so good at your job.”

“Maybe.” He placed the box on the island and offered her his arm.

“Most definitely,” she said, hooking her arm in his.

“Now, how do you know I don’t save this all just for you?”

She snorted. “Because I’ve been around too long.”