I tease her by moving my head back and forth in consideration, “Most of the time.” Rose is quiet for a moment as she picks at her food, so I cover her hand with mine, “Hey, what’s going on in that pretty head of yours?”
She smiles as she glances up at me, “It’s nothing really.”
I squeeze her hand, forcing her to look at me again. “Tell me.”
“I was just thinking how much I would have loved having a brother or sister growing up.”
I lean over and kiss her soft lips, “I will gladly share my family with you.”
“You would?”
I kiss her again, “Of course I would. I’m pretty sure they’d love you as much as I do.”
Her smile lights up her face, eyes sparkling, “I love hearing you say that you love me.”
“Then I’ll tell you as often as possible. Now let’s finish our breakfast so we can go to the shop.”
Once we have everything cleaned up from breakfast, I help Rose into the car and we drive over to her flower shop.
Janet greets us with her hands on her hips, eyes zeroing in on me. “You are supposed to keep her home.”
I shrug before gesturing toward Rose, “Have you met Rose? She’s pretty determined once she has something in her head.”
Rose raises her hand, “Hello! I’m standing right here.”
“I know,” Janet says making her way around the counter. “You should be home resting.”
I chuckle and lean in to kiss her cheek, making Janet laugh as Rose rolls her eyes.
“I’m fine. You do realize I’m not going to stay away the entire six weeks right?”
Janet fires right back, “I do know that missy, but I’m pretty sure you shouldn’t be here five days after being released from the hospital.”
Rose sighs, “I was starting to go a little stir crazy so Alek brought me out for a little while. I promise I’m not staying, I just wanted to sign off on payroll and make sure everything went well with the wedding.”
“Well, I’m sure everyone would like to get paid so I’ll allow it. As for the wedding, Megan hated to hear what happened to you, but she loved all the flowers and promised to stop by and show you some of the photos when she gets back from her honeymoon.”
“I’m so glad she loved them, and I can’t wait to see the photos.” Rose looks first at me and then Janet, “Now if you’ll both excuse me, I’ll go send payroll over and then get out of your hair.”
Rose makes her way to the back room to do payroll, leaving Janet and me in the front of the shop.
Janet watches and once Rose is out of ear shot she turns her attention back to me. “Tell me the truth is she giving you a hard time?”
I smile and lean against the counter, “Not at all. But she was getting a little antsy, so I thought it best to get her out for a little while.”
“Good idea. I don’t want her worrying about this place, we have everything under control here. She just needs to focus on healing.”
“Thank you. I know she really appreciates you taking charge while she’s out.”
Janet waves a hand dismissively, “Please, it’s no problem at all. I’ve told her a hundred times all she has to do is say the word and I’d look after the place.”
“That’s good to know.”
Rose comes through the doorway, a puzzled look on her face. “What’s good to know?”
I wrap my arm around her waist and draw her into my side. “That Janet is willing to look after the shop if I want to whisk you away for a romantic getaway.”
She leans into me and smiles, “A romantic getaway, huh? I like the sound of that.”
I lean down and drop a chaste kiss on her lips, “Me too.”
Chapter 17
Rose
After we left the flower shop, Alek and I stopped by the grocery store to pick up a few things. When we pull into the driveway of the house, Alek puts the car in park, turns off the engine and comes around to open my door. He offers me his hand, which I take and step out of the car.
Smiling up at him I tease, “You know opening doors is one of the few things I can do on my own.”
“That may be so, but if I allowed you to do it, I’d be breaking rule number two.”
“Rule number two?”
Alek drapes his arms around my waist, “Yes, rule number two, always open doors for a lady. You wouldn’t want me to break a rule would you?”
I grin up at him and wrap my arm around his neck urging his lips closer to mine. “No, I wouldn’t want that.”
Alek’s gaze travels over my face before landing on my lips once again as he whispers, “Not to mention how disappointed my parents would be.”
“Oh we definitely couldn’t have that. I can’t have them thinking I’m a bad influence out to corrupt their son.”
Alek kisses the corner of my mouth while backing me up against the side of the car, his body pressing into mine. “Who’s to say I’m not the one corrupting you?”
“Oh you are, but only in the most delicious ways,” I purr just before he captures my mouth with his.
My body ignites as his tongue slips into my mouth doing a sensual dance with mine. His hand grips my thigh raising it to his waist allowing me to feel his hardened length. I grind against him needing the friction only he can provide in this moment.
Alek tears his mouth from mine, as we both gasp for much needed air. Soft warm lips find my ear as he kisses the sweet spot on my neck. “What are you doing to me?”
“The same thing you’re doing to me,” I reply breathlessly.
His thumb caresses my cheek as he places a kiss on my forehead. “Whatever it is, don’t stop because I need it as much as I
