Page 62 of A Secret Chance
“I thought that we had a field trip booked for today.”
“What?” she hissed.
“I thought you were going to take me out, show me what makes this place so special that it should never change.” He was doubtful that she could change his mind but told himself that he was willing to give her show and tell tour of Chance Rapids a chance when in reality he just wanted a few more hours alone with her.
“Oh, right. That.”
“Here.” He thrust the bouquet at the opening in the door. “These are for you.”
“I really shouldn’t accept those. From you.” He looked up and down the street. “Just take them. You don’t have to tell anyone where you got them.”
She bit her lower lip; he could see that she was torn.
“I drove all the way to the greenhouse in Windswan for these. I thought that these were your favorite.”
They are,“ she said, puzzled about when she told him about the tulips but didn’t move from her jailor stance in the doorway. He thrust the bouquet at her. “If you don’t want them, just give them to someone else. Or throw them in the snowbank.”
Lauren seemed to soften but didn’t move to take the flowers from him.
“Who is it?” A woman’s voice yelled out from behind Lauren.
“I didn’t realize that you had company,” Baxter said stepping back.
“It’s not company,” Lauren chuckled. “It’s my sister.” Lauren turned away from him and said, “It’s Mr. Caldwell.”
“Hi, Baxter.” Lauren jumped as Charlotte popped up behind her. “I’ll put those in some water,” she reached around Lauren and took the tulips from his hand. Baxter’s eyes followed Charlotte over Lauren’s shoulder and spotted Tabitha on the sofa.
“Thank you for the flowers,” Lauren said. “I have a lot of work to do today, so we will have to reschedule our tour for another day.”
“Sure, um, okay.” Baxter ran his hand through his hair. He hadn’t expected the red carpet, but the cold reception surprised him. “Another time then.”
“Another ti—Ouch” Lauren winced.
“Are you okay?” Baxter turned and rushed to the door.
“I’m fine.” Baxter could see her rubbing her back, no it was lower, she was rubbing her ass. “Could you give me a minute?” she said through gritted teeth.
Baxter inhaled sharply but agreed. “Sure. I’ll wait...” She shut the door before he could finish. “...here.” He shook his head. He hadn’t gotten the crazy vibe from Lauren, but this morning she was acting really strange. His feet were starting to turn into ice blocks, and he stomped them in place while he waited for her to return. The snow along her walkway was about six inches deep. He grabbed the red-handled shovel that was propped up against the side of her house and proceeded to clear her walkway while he waited. His footprints, along with the little girl’s and he was guessing Charlotte’s were almost filled in with fresh snow.
He heard the door open and Lauren emerged from the house. She was wearing her puffy coat and tall lace-up winter boots, her hair was no longer in a pile on her head but tumbled out from underneath her wool hat. She looked so gorgeous it took his breath away.
***
WHILE BAXTER SHOVELEDher walkway she and Charlotte had been holed up in Lauren’s bedroom, whisper-arguing about what she should do.
“You’re being incredibly rude,” Charlotte had said.
“Rude? He just showed up here,” Lauren said.
“Sounds like you two had plans.” Charlotte’s voice was calm and rational compared to Lauren’s, which was quivering. “And you’re bailing on them.”
“I didn’t expect him to show up.”
“Well, he did.” Charlotte had rummaged through Lauren’s closet and tossed her a pair of leggings and the green sweater – the one that Baxter had bought for her. “Here, put this on.”
“I’m not going.” Lauren clutched the silky fabric in her hands.
“Lauren. Don’t be a fucking idiot,” Charlotte said.
