Page 45 of Finlay

“Ah…the tulips.” I touched one lightly. “Again, can be used for love, but passion is the main symbolism.”

I raced through the others as quickly as I could. I had to. I couldn’t focus on anything with him standing this close. All I could smell was him. Some combination of salt and forest that made me wonder what cologne he wore. It was intoxicating, and making it very difficult to remember that I was supposed to be professional.

His arm brushed against mine as he bent forward to sniff at a rose. Such a simple touch, but my body responded as though I’d been shocked with electricity.

“What about the calla lilies?”

“Beauty,” I whispered. Were we standing closer now? I didn’t recall moving, but suddenly he was right there, his full lips so close I could almost feel the heat of his breath. “They symbolise beauty.”

“That’s good, because the man in question is exceedingly beautiful.”

His words had me slamming back to reality. I jerked away, taking two full steps back. “Excellent.”

Finn’s brow was contorted in confusion, not seeming to understand my meaning.

“Excellent because that means they suit him,” I said, aiming for pleased instead of strained. “I’m glad I’ve caught what you intended for this bouquet.”

Finn’s face softened as his grin reappeared. “Ye certainly have.”

I gave him a tight smile. “I wish you all the best with him, Finn.”

“Good.” He looked far too cheerful. “I can’t wait to givethem to him. He’s going to love them. Knows far more than me about flowers too, so this is perfect. He’ll know exactly what I’m hinting at.”

I nodded towards the door. “Best get them to him before they start to wilt.”

That was a lie. I’d packed them in enough water and feed to keep them healthy for days. But I needed Finn gone. I knew I had no right to be feeling this level of jealousy, but I was.

I didn’t like it. I’d never been a jealous or possessive man. Something about Finn was changing me. I didn’t like that. I’d changed enough for one man already.

Never again.

But then, Finn did something completely unexpected.

“Oh, you’re right, I didn’t think of that.” He picked up the bouquet gingerly before holding them out to me. “Here.”

My mind went blank. What was he doing? “Huh?”

His smile was almost shy. “These are for you, Chester.”

My hands moved on autopilot, accepting the bouquet. I stared at the flowers, the various meanings still ringing in my ears.Desire. Lust. Passion.

Beauty.

“I’m sorry,” I said faintly. “I don’t think I’ve had enough caffeine today. What’s happening right now?”

Finn chuckled, raising his hand to touch my cheek. This time, I was certain there was no dirt there. “This is my clumsy way of hitting on ye, Chester. The flowers are for you.”

I swallowed around the sudden lump in my throat.

“Was this not a good idea?” Finn shuffled his feet anxiously. “Course it wasn’t. Ye have a whole shop full of fucking flowers. It’s cheesy, isn’t it.”

It was official. I was speechless. I’d been back there, tearing myself apart with jealousy, and they’d been for me all along.

Me. Finn wanted to hook up withme.

His words from earlier came rushing back.“But this man is special.”

Special. Finn thought I was special.

---