Page 43 of This Feeling

“No, it’s not, but don’t you think he might wonder why you’re giving him the eyes when you’re dating his brother?”

“For the love! I amnotgiving him the eyes.”

He raised his hands in self-defense. “If you say so.”

“Yes, I say so. Now, I need you to stop talking about Sean. Especially in front of his brother. What were you thinking?”

“Well, I was being honest. I thought I raised you to do the same.”

Looking at my father, I sighed. “Daddy, don’t do that to me. Besides, don’t you want to see the Giants?”

He narrowed his eyes and looked thoughtful. “Season tickets, you say?”

“Yep.”

The bell above the door rang again, and we both headed out to the front. Declan was walking toward us, that panty-melting smile on his face. “Is now an okay time?”

“For what?” my father asked.

“Nothing,” I replied, as Declan spoke at the same time.

“To help.”

My father folded his arms over his chest. “Help with what?”

“Declan wanted to help me make the bouquets for his parents’ wedding anniversary dinner tonight.”

“After all, my mom did wait until the last minute to order them. It’s the least I could do.”

My father smiled. “Yes, well, she’s lucky her son is dating my daughter, or else I hope the business-savvy Harper would have told her to bugger off.”

“Dad!” I scolded, as Declan laughed.

“I’ll leave you two to work. Do you want me to put the closed sign up on the door?” my father asked, making his way to the front.

I followed behind him and replied, “It’s not time to close just yet.”

Before he slipped out the door, he winked at me. “It doesn’t look busy. I bet you could close up andget towork.” He chuckled, glancing at Declan before looking back at me.

“Are you done?” I whispered.

Dad winked. “Enjoy your evening, sweetheart. Close up shop, you deserve a bit of extra time off.”

I smirked. “I will. Bye, Dad.”

The door shut, and I turned the lock and pulled down the shade. I drew in a deep breath and slowly let it out. I could do this. I could spend time with Declan and simply be friends. I won’t think about how hot he is or how soft his lips look. If I start to think naughty things, I’ll simply think about Sean. That will put out any flames.

Easy-peasy.

I nearly fell to the floor when I spun around and saw Declan smelling a Gerbera daisy.

Why in the hell is that so hot?

Throwing up a silent prayer, I started toward the counter. “Declan, you really don’t have to help me out.”

“I know I don’t. I want to.”

Sighing, I nodded. “Okay, well then, see that bucket of daisies? Grab it and bring it on back.”

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