Cream (Gimme Series 4)

“It’s the 13th, so tomorrow,” he tells the worried guy.

“Damn, my wife is going to kill me. I have to get something.” He looks at his watch, frowning. It’s only going to be nine. He’s got at least a full workday before he can buy something. The same thing for me. Shit. I’m going to have to find something for my woman too. I already have one thing in mind. No. That would be moving too fast. At least to her. I feel like I can’t move fast enough as if time is running on slow motion.

“We’re open for twenty-four hours today only, making arrangements for tomorrow. Call it in or order online.” He moves the arrangement expertly to one arm before digging out a business card.

“Thanks.”

I look at him and say, “When you’re done delivering that arrangement, come to the eighteenth floor, ask for Mr. Williams and hand them this,” I tell him, giving him one of my personalized business cards. I want more than just one arrangement. I want at least a dozen. It’s going to be a hefty order, but it’s nothing when it comes to Lia.

When I reach my office, my assistant Stephen jumps up with the agenda for the meeting. “Are they already in the conference room?” I ask as I take it from him.

“Not yet. Mr. Williams.”

“Damn. I want this meeting over with. I need to run out by ten to eleven. Make an excuse if I’m not out yet.”

“Yes, sir.” He stares at me like I’m acting peculiar, and I can’t say I blame him. I’m not myself at the moment. Lia’s sudden appearance in my life has knocked my world off its axis, and I’m just here for the ride.

“Also, there should be a gentleman coming to see me. Send him in to see me. It’s important.”

While I’m in my office, I prepare to gather everything to work from home. I don’t know why I don’t do it more often, but I can. Stephen knocks on my door before coming in with the flower guy.

“Hello, Mr. Williams. I’m Donatello Maggiano. You wanted to see me.” He’s a handsome looking guy that I don’t want Lia to actually meet. Does he have a different delivery driver?

“Yes, I don’t know how busy you are, but I need a huge favor. I want two dozen of your most elegant bouquets delivered tomorrow.”

His mouth drops open before he speaks again. “Two dozen? Twenty-four? Sir, I don’t know if that’s possible.”

“Will a hundred thousand dollars be enough to get it done?” I ask. Refusing to take no for an answer, I pull out my checkbook.

“Wow. Are you serious?” The comical expression on his face almost causes me to smile, but I hold back because I’m nothing but serious.

“Very.”

He runs his fingers through his hair. “I suppose I can make it happen.”

“Fantastic. All I ask is that you include some cream-colored roses as well.” Red roses are great, but I want my new favorite color to be highlighted, so she knows that these are specially made just for her.

“I can do that.” Nodding, I cut him a check on the spot.

“Here you go. I’ll have the address available for you later today.”

He leaves my office, and I head into the meeting where the finance department is waiting to go over this month’s goals and plans. It takes forever as I listen to my long winded CFO go on about the current successes after a bad quarter due to heavy storms. It’s about five minutes to eleven when I call an end to the meeting myself. I have to get to Lia.

I’m just running out of the conference room when Stephen runs up to me, breathing heavily with my things while my security guard holds open the elevator. “There’s a fire at the café.” I’ve never moved so damn fast in my life. I’m down in front of the café in less than five minutes, refusing to grab my vehicle. The café’s been evacuated with a massive crowd gathered at a safe distance from the fire truck. I’m looking for my sister, praying that she’s okay. Fuck, I spot her, crying and talking to two police officers who have blocked off the area near the building.

“Brie,” I shout, moving closer to her. She turns and searches for me through the crowd. Once she sees me and runs into my arms, crying hard. “It’s okay, baby. It’s going to be okay.” Her sobs break my heart. I should be going to pick up Lia, but I can’t leave my sister just yet. Holding onto Brie, I kiss the top of her head and close my eyes. Thank God, she’s safe. When I open them, Lia’s standing there reading the situation wrong. She looks furious, and I already understand why. My arms are wrapped around another female. I’m going to have to correct her assumption.