Page 89 of Taken By the Pack

“Shows what you know,” he says, carefully arranging a bouquet. “My mother made me take floral arrangement classes before Galla season.”

I stop mid-step. “I’m sorry,what?”

His expression is dry. “Rich people shit.”

I burst out laughing. “You? Learning flower arrangements?”

He shrugs. “She heard ikebana was the latest trend in her social circle. Figured her son should be ‘well-rounded.’ Joke’s on her, though—I actually like it.”

I shake my head, watching him work. “Damn. You’re actually good at that.”

“Told you.” He sets down the bouquet like it’s a masterpiece. “You should listen to me more.”

I roll my eyes. “Don’t get ahead of yourself.”

His gaze flickers to mine, something softer in it now. “Still. Think about it. Farmers’ market, maybe a little tea stand. Could be nice.”

I nod slowly. “That’s… actually kind of genius.”

His mouth lifts at the corner. “Obviously.”

I pause, looking around at the shop, thinking of the ways I’ve always just gotten by. The foster system never left room for dreams. Owning this shop was already more than I ever expected.

Ash leans against the counter. “What?”

I shake my head. “Nothing. Just… your life was so different from mine.”

He snorts. “Yeah. Lavish parties, strict rules, parents who think my brother Liam is a fucking saint.”

I tilt my head. “And you?”

His jaw tightens. “It’s complicated.”

I nod. “At least I had two loving parents. Even if I lost them, I had that.”

His gaze darkens, something unreadable passing through it.

“Yeah,” he says quietly. “You did.”

25

ROWAN

The lighthouse needs a damn cleaning. I run a hand over the old wooden table, frowning at the dust.

Grace asked if she and the guys could come over for dinner, and I said yes before thinking about how much of a mess this place is. Now I’m regretting it.

I grab a rag, wiping down every surface. The couch gets fluffed, dishes put away, and the floor swept. It’s not perfect, but it’s better.

I shouldn’t care this much. But it’sher.

Grace.

I still remember the first time she stumbled in here, drenched from the rain, shivering, in heat. I had no idea what to do with her then. No clue she’d turn into my favorite person.

A knock at the door pulls me from the memory.

Jake.

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