Alek: Good morning! Are we still on for today?
Me: Good morning! Yes. Unless you need to cancel?
Please don’t let him cancel
Alek: Not a chance. See you at noon.
Me: See you then.
I close the app, a smile lingering on my face at the thought of Alek texting me. When he asked for my number last night, I never dreamed that he would use it so soon. I hop off the barstool, rinse my yogurt cup and toss it in the recycle bin. Securing the lid on my coffee cup, I drop my phone in my purse and grab my keys as I head out the door.
When I get to the shop, I immediately start on the overnight orders. Once I’m finished, I do inventory and contact our supplier to place an order. I’m in the middle of meeting with Megan, a bride-to-be whose wedding we’ll be supplying the flowers for in just a few weeks, when Janet arrives. I can tell by the smirk on her face that she is bursting to know about last night.
It takes to the count of three for Janet to appear at my side once I’m finished with Megan. “Well?”
I laugh and shake my head, “Three seconds that has to be a new record for you.”
She waves a dismissive hand, “Yeah, yeah, whatever. Tell me about last night.”
I turn to her with a huge grin, “You know how I hate to gush about things, but it was amazing!”
A squeal splits the air as Janet begins to bounce beside me. “Details, I need details.”
“First he did this charity show at the hospital for the children, and then we went to dinner at Cucina.”
“Oh nice choice, their food is delicious.”
“It was, and we had such a great time. We laughed and talked and he was so good with all the kids at the hospital.”
Janet smiles as she studies me, “You really like him don’t you?”
“I do, but…”
She lays a comforting hand on my arm, “Hey, don’t do that. Don’t let what happened with Todd keep you from the happiness you deserve.”
I give her a quick hug, “Thanks Janet.”
“Besides,” she begins as she releases me. “If I know you, like I think I do, you’ve already Google searched this guy, so you know he’s exactly who he says he is.” She raises a brow at me, challenging me to say she’s wrong, but of course I can’t.
I laugh, “You know me too well.”
“Yes I do. I’d also venture to say, judging by this dress you’re wearing, that you have plans with the handsome violinist today.”
This time I feel my cheeks heat, “I do. He’s picking me up at noon. I hope that’s okay with you.”
Rolling her eyes, she bumps me with her hip, “Please, I’ve already told you I don’t mind at all.”
I laugh just as the bell sounds on the door and Alek walks in, stealing my breath. The first night I met him, he was wearing a black, perfectly tailored suit, last night it was dress pants with a light blue dress shirt. Even for our impromptu lunch, he wore khaki slacks and a button down shirt. Alek is equally handsome in all three looks; however, nothing compares to the way he looks in a pair of jeans and a black t-shirt. The black cotton stretches across his muscular chest and the sleeves pull tight over his bicep, dark denim hugs his thighs and accentuate his trim waist and I have a sudden desire to see what exactly is underneath the fabric.
He grins and clears his throat, no doubt trying to hide his laughter at my blatant perusal as he slides his hands into his pockets. “Ladies.”
I swallow trying to give my suddenly dry throat some relief, “Hi.”
“Are you ready to go?”
Finally getting my wits about me, I begin to untie my apron, “Yes, give me just a minute to gather my things.”
Alek smiles and gives a gentle nod, “Of course, take your time.”
I step into the workroom, hang my apron on the wall, and pull my purse from the desk drawer. I smooth the front of my dress and take a deep breath as I place my purse on my shoulder and walk out to meet Alek. The sound of my footsteps catches his attention and he turns towards me, a slow smile taking over his face as he closes the distance between us.
Alek gently grasps my fingers, his thumb slowly caressing them as he leans in and kisses my cheek. “Rose, you look beautiful.”
“Thank you,” I whisper as I feel my cheeks turn red and hear Janet swoon.
Alek entwines his fingers with mine, “Ready?”
I give a quick nod, “Ready.” As we walk toward the door, I call over my shoulder, “Janet, I’ll see you tomorrow. Call if you need anything.”
As I step through the door I hear her say, “I won’t. Have a great time.”
As we walk to his car, Alek leans in and says, “I need to be sure to thank Janet, for letting me steal you away this week.”
“Believe me she is more than happy to cover for me.”
“That’s good to know.”
When we reach his car, Alek opens the door for me and then climbs behind the wheel. He grins and looks at me, “Where to?”
I laugh and shake my head, “You don’t have anything planned?”
He looks at me sheepishly, “Well, I was hoping you’d show me your favorite places.”
“That I can do. But first we need to stop by the café first.”
His grin widens and he winks at me, “To the café we go then.”
After a stop at the same café where Alek and I dined yesterday for a couple of brown bag lunches, I direct him to my favorite place. “Take a right at the next stoplight.”
He grins and follows my instructions, “Yes, ma’am.”
I turn to him, a grin of my own teasing my lips, “Are you laughing at me, Mr.
