Page 41 of This Feeling

He shrugged. “Or I could help you with the ones for tonight.”

“If you think this will get you out of paying for the flowers, you’re wrong.”

When he laughed, I tried to ignore how it felt like butterflies in my stomach. It was a beautiful sound, his laugh. One that I found myself wanting to hear again and again.

“No, I really want to help. I’m interested to see what you do here in the flower shop.”

Tilting my head, I asked, “You are?”

“Yeah. Does Sean never help you or hang out to watch you work?”

Before I could stop myself, I snorted and laughed derisively. Declan’s head drew back, and his expression was one of clear surprise.

I cleared my throat and looked anywhere but at Sean’s brother as I spoke. “You know Sean. He’s not interested in anything other than numbers. I don’t think he’s ever even set foot in the back of this place.”

“That’s a shame. Since he’s dating you, I would think he’d want to be a part of something so important in your life. At least, I assume flowers are your passion, since you own a flower shop.”

Looking at Declan, I wanted to tell him that I wasn’t dating Sean, and that his brother was a complete asshole who only thought of himself.

Luckily, the bell above the door rang, and my father walked in, saving me from a spontaneous confession.

“Dad, what are you doing here?” I asked, quickly making my way around the counter and to my father. He gave me a big bear hug, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

“How’s my favorite daughter today?”

I smiled and kissed him on the cheek. “I bet you say that to all four of your girls.”

He chuckled and winked. When he saw Declan, his smile grew even bigger. “Declan Gallagher! I haven’t had a chance to welcome you home, son.”

Declan reached his hand out to shake my father’s. “Thank you, Mayor Browning.”

“We appreciate your service to this country, and now to our town. I was thrilled to hear you were joining the force. Though it’ll be a bit calmer than what you’re used to.”

With a soft laugh, Declan said, “I don’t mind, sir. And thank you for the kind words.”

My father looked at Declan, then back to me. When a wicked smile played across his face, I knew exactly what he was about to do. “So, how are things going with…” He looked to Declan. “Ignore what I’m about to say.”

Declan held up both hands and took a couple steps back.

“The little asshole?” my father finished.

I blinked a few times as I fought for something to say. I never lied to my parents.

“It’s, um…it’s complicated, Dad. Like I said before.”

“Complicated?” he repeated, making a show of seeming distraught, all for Declan’s sake. “He broke up with you—in front of half the town—and you took him back!”

“What?” Declan asked sharply.

I closed my eyes. “That’s something I’ve been trying to move past, Dad.”

“Yeah, well, imagine my surprise when I found out you were with the little twerp again. And again, no offense, Declan.”

“None taken.”

“Dad, can I talk to you in private really quick?”

He looked intrigued.

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