Page 40 of This Feeling

Declan walked farther into the shop and glanced around. There was something strange about having him in my space like this. No, strange wasn’t the word. It felt…right.

“Um, well, I’ve got some premade bouquets over here, or loose flowers. With those, your mom can make up her own bouquets at home.”

He frowned. “I’m not sure which she wants.”

I chewed nervously on my lip as I tried to avoid looking the man up and down. He lookedso goodin that uniform. The next time I saw Sean, I was going to punch him. It was because ofhimthat I couldn’t openly ogle his brother. Or flirt. Not that I would flirt with Declan, he’d never even looked twice at me before, as far as I knew.

“Did you want to call and ask her?” I suggested, making my way behind the counter and distancing myself from him. Was it hot in here?

“No, it feels comfortable to me,” Declan said, pulling out his phone and swiping through it.

My eyes widened in horror. I’d said that out loud?You idiot, Harper! Idiot!

“Oh, good, I wasn’t sure if I needed to turn on the AC. I’m sure before you know it, I’ll be turning it on.”

Declan just gave me a look, then spoke into his phone. “Mom, did you want premade bouquets or loose flowers?”

I was pretending to look through some papers, and when I glanced up, Declan was watching me. He grinned, and I found myself smiling back like a stupid, love-struck idiot.

“Yes… I’m not sure if she’s coming or not.”

Oh no. The dinner tonight.

I didn’t want to pretend to be with Sean in front of his whole family, especially since I couldn’t seem to stop thinking about his brother. And not in an innocent way.

“Mom wants to know if you’re coming for dinner tonight.”

My mouth opened, but nothing came out. If I were truly dating Sean, I would want to be there for their anniversary dinner. I found myself reluctantly nodding. “Of course, I’ll be there.”

“She said yes.” Declan turned away and walked toward the other side of the shop.

Ugh. I don’t want to do this.It was hard enough knowing that Sean would be falling all over Caroline while Maddy would be pushing him toward Crystal—being a bitch to me the whole time. Now I had to be in the same room as Mr. Hot Cop here, somehow pretending he didn’t make me want to combust.

I really needed to charge my vibrator and get a round in before tonight. I was going to need the release.

“Mom said she’ll leave it up to you, but she needs four bouquets for four tables.”

Clearing my throat, I nodded. “Okay, um, I’ll just bring them with me then.”

“I could help you if you want. I mean, I’m just right next door. I’m sure it won’t be easy to carry four vases of flowers.”

I waved off Declan’s concern. “Nonsense. I do it all the time. I have a special box I use in the back of my Subaru. The vases fit in perfectly.”

He frowned. “You’re not riding with Sean?”

“No, um, it’s easier for me to meet him there. I’ve got a busy day tomorrow, so I won’t stay very long.”

“What’s going on tomorrow?” Declan asked.

“The Memorial Day BBQ and boat races are tomorrow. They’re having them on Saturday since other events are planned for Monday. It’s a pretty big event. I provide the flowers for the tables they set up on The Green.”

He looked past me. “Are those all the flowers?”

Turning to see through the small open window into the back room, I said, “Yep. I’m just about done with them. I was taking a break when you came in.”

“Do you need any help?”

I laughed. “You’re offering to help me make flower bouquets?”

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