Page 11 of Forget me Knot
“Uhm, near the back corner,” she murmurs.
After what feels like an eternity of grunting and shoving, we finally manage to set the cactus outside in its new spot. Lily takes a step back, hands on her hips, surveying our work with satisfaction. “Nicely done, Fireman Sam. You rescued the omega from ending up looking like an acupuncture project.”
I smile at her easy confidence and ignore the nickname, which I hear about ten times a day. But from her, it’s something else altogether. “Anything else you need rescuing from today?”
“Nah, unless it’s myself. Fancy a cup of tea? My treat for your heroics.”
“Tea sounds brilliant,” I reply, feeling that familiar flutter of excitement, even though I haven’t drunk tea in about ten years, for her to smile at me again, I’d drink sewer water.
We head inside to her cosy back room. Flowers are everywhere, even here—like she can’t bear to be without them. She sets about making tea while I stand around awkwardly in the small space.
“So,” I begin casually as she rattles around with cups and tea bags. “What’s new?” I wince inwardly at this highly lame chat that I’ve got going on here.
Lily laughs, turning to give me a mock-serious look. “You know, same old, same old. Attempting to conquer the botanical world, one oversized cactus at a time. You?”
“Oh, you know, the usual—saving cats from trees, putting out fires, rescuing omegas from killer cacti,” I joke.
She laughs, a light and airy sound that makes my heart jump. “It’s a real Day of the Triffids around here.”
I snort and nod in agreement.
As she pours hot water into the cups, her movements are smooth and easy. I admire her grace, even in such a mundane task.
“Thanks,” I say, taking the cup from her.
“You’re welcome,” she replies, lowering her gaze.
If I hadn’t already fallen like a chump, that coquettish action would do it.
I’m a goner.
Chapter 7
Lily
Itry to focus on the tea, but let’s face it, my mind is all over the place. Mostly, it’s on Sam. His scent—a mix of smoke and fresh timber—fills the small space, making me feel safe and something more I can’t quite put my finger on. But I’m not stupid enough to think it’s nothing.
“So, when’s your next shift?” I ask, desperate for anything to say, so I don’t blurt out something I’ll regret.
“Tomorrow evening,” he replies, taking a sip of his tea and making a face. “That’s hot!”
I chuckle. “Tea usually is!”
He gives me a good-natured glare that makes my heart skip a beat. “Cheeky.” He leans against the counter, his muscles rippling under his shirt in a way that makes it hard for me to concentrate on anything else. “You ever think about getting some help around here?”
I laugh softly. “Why? Are you volunteering as tribute?”
His eyes twinkle mischievously. “Depends on the benefits package.”
I raise an eyebrow, biting my lip to keep from outright grinning. “Benefits package? Well, let’s see. Free tea—thoughyou’re not much of a fan, clearly. All the flowers you can carry, and lots of sweaty work.”
His eyes widen.
So do mine.
My cheeks heat up like the fires of hell and I hide my face with the teacup, not that it does anything to make me invisible.
He chuckles, setting his cup down on the counter. “Not sure I can afford to pass that up.” He takes a step closer, and his scent intensifies, making my already scrambled thoughts even more chaotic.
