April turned from her artwork and smiled at her sister. “Are you kidding me? As if I’d ever say no after what you’ve done for me.”
“Just because I lent you money doesn’t mean you’re obliged to help me.”
“No, but being your sister does. We Moore girls stick together. What did you have in mind?” April walked over to the water fountain near her desk. “Water?” She held up a crystal water glass from the collection on a silver tray.
“Sure, thanks. I was thinking of keeping the displays more heritage-like. Use some of the stuff in the attic and mix in some color with flowers or whatever takes your fancy. I know you’ll do a great job.”
“Aww, you say the nicest things.” April filled two glasses, added a slice of lemon to each and then brought it over. “So, I get to do what I want so long as it fits in with the heritage theme of the hotel?”
“I guess. How about you make a couple of arrangements and we can go from there?” Mari accepted her glass. “You’ve evaded the issue long enough. Tell me about you and David.”
Huh? “What are you talking about?”
Mari rolled her eyes. “I heard from Bella that Jake said you two were making eyes at each other at the cookout on the weekend and David might have said something to the guys about you. I did hear something about wine after work and maybe a pizza one night.”
“Really. What else did he say?”
Mari shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know. They won’t say but I’m guessing it was complimentary or we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”
A warm shot of pleasure pierced her skin. “I’ve gone all goose bumps.”
“Well, I wouldn’t get too excited over it. He’s a confirmed bachelor from what I can gather and no matter what his friends say, doesn’t seem at all keen to change that status.”
April rested her chin on her hands and smiled. “I like him, Mari. He’s far too serious but underneath all that smooth exterior is a man who’s scared to commit. I know it.”
“Honey, don’t go getting hurt, okay? David is a lovely guy but you two have nothing in common.” Mari jiggled her slice of lemon. “I’d suggest you keep looking if you’re keen for a relationship.”
“Maybe.” Not a hope in hell.
She liked what she saw when she looked at him. Sexy with his black-framed glasses, and different enough to be a tantalizing challenge. One she was more than prepared to rise to. But what was he scared of? There was definitely something there, she could tell. The successful doctor must be hiding a secret or a big case of hurt and April had every intention of finding out what it was.
“Back to you. How soon do you want these arrangements?”
“Soon as you can get around to it. I have a couple of suites ready to go and want to start taking bookings next week. Can you come and have a look, too, please? Make sure the rooms are good enough. Maybe tweak them a little if you think they need it.”
“Of course I will. Look, don’t worry. I’ll work on them today or tomorrow. How about a couple of arrangements with fresh flowers for the bars, too, and maybe something a little bit longer lasting for the rooms? That way you don’t have to fuss about falling petals or leaves and they wouldn’t need to be replaced every other day.”
Mari thought for a moment. “I was hoping they would lend a fragrance to the room though. You won’t get that with dried arrangements.”
“Actually, you will. I can infuse them with essential oil buds which will last for weeks. Leave it with me and see what I come up with. I’m sure you’ll be happy.”
Later the next day, April stood back and surveyed her creation. The washed out green painted antique tin she’d come across in the attic was the perfect choice for her first display. Dried green chrysanthemum buds bunched in between the faded lilac flowers held the hot pink roses into the heart shape perfectly. She’d placed the oil buds she’d designed throughout the arrangement using an old-fashioned rose oil that pulled back to her grandmother’s time when her lace handkerchiefs smelled of fresh baby roses no matter the season. The same roses that clambered over the back fence and dropped their pink petals to the ground.
April dropped her nose to the dried flowers. She took a sniff with her eyes closed and let the scent transport her to a time when the pace of life was slower, romantic, and playful. Hamish growled and she opened her eyes.
David stood at the door, wary.
“Come in, don’t mind him. Hamish, behave. You two should be used to each other by now.” Her dog loped over to David, glared at him before he sniffed his way around his shoes.
“Sorry. He only does that to you for some reason. Must be Oscar’s smell on you. Hamish, come here.” Hamish looked at her, back at David, and finally returned to her side. “Come in, David. Obviously I’m going to have to work on his obedience.” She growled a warning as her dog slunk down beside her.
“Can’t say it endears me to him at all. At least Oscar is better mannered than this.” David wiped at the dog dribble on his trousers. “Another pair for the dry cleaners.”
“I’ll take your word for it.” April grinned despite her best attempts at trying to keep
