Page 21 of Knot in Bloom
“Really?” The news fills me with pride. More local business means more stability.
“Really. You’re building quite the reputation for yourself.” Millie glances meaningfully at Reid. “Good thing too. Pretty girl like you deserves to be appreciated.”
After she leaves, Reid raises his wine glass. “To building something that matters.”
“To new opportunities,” I respond, clinking my glass against his.
The wine is better than anything I usually drink—rich and smooth with hints of dark chocolate and something that might be blackberry. Reid asks more questions about my process, about seasonal challenges, about my plans for expansion. His interest seems genuine, not just polite dinner conversation.
“The flood last week must have been devastating,” he says. “Starting over with all new arrangements on such short notice.”
“It could have been worse. I had help.” I think of Levi jumping into the water without hesitation, of Caleb fixing my roof for free. “The town really came together.”
“That kind of community support is rare.” He pauses, considering his words. “In my world, people are more... transactional. Everything has a price, every relationship serves a purpose. What you have here, people helping just because they care, it’s refreshing.”
“Your world?”
“Architecture, development. High-stakes projects where everyone’s competing for the same contracts.” He swirls his wine thoughtfully. “I’ve been thinking lately about what it would be like to be part of something more... connected. More genuine.”
The conversation feels like it’s shifting into deeper territory. Personal instead of just professional.
“Is that why you’re here? Looking for something different?”
“Maybe.” His smile is softer now, less polished. “I’m finding this town has more to offer than I expected.”
The way he says it, looking directly at me, makes my pulse quicken. Warmth pools low in my belly.
“The Tuesday arrangements should work well,” he says, steering back to business but not breaking eye contact. “Simple, elegant pieces that won’t distract from business discussions.”
“I can have the first one ready for pickup Tuesday morning,” I offer. “Or I could deliver if you prefer.”
“Pickup works fine. I’m staying at the Honeyridge Inn while I’m in town, so I pass your shop regularly.”
“How long are you planning to be in the area?”
“That depends on how the project develops. Could be a few weeks. Could be longer.” His eyes hold mine for a moment. “I’m finding the town has more to offer than I expected.”
The comment feels layered somehow, but before I can analyze it, Millie appears to refill our water glasses.
“Y’all save room for dessert? Got some fresh apple pie that’s calling your names.”
“I couldn’t eat another bite,” I protest, though the offer is tempting.
“Maybe next time,” Reid says, which makes Millie beam at him like he’s just promised to adopt her favorite grandchild.
When we finish dinner,Reid insists on walking me home despite the short distance. We walk in comfortable quiet, but the space between us feels charged now. When a cool breeze picks up, I shiver slightly, and he steps closer without thinking.
“Cold?” he asks, his voice rougher than it was during dinner.
“A little.”
For a moment I think he might put his arm around me. His hand twitches toward me before he seems to remember this is supposed to be professional. But he stays close enough that I can feel the warmth radiating from his body, can smell how his scent has deepened with whatever he’s feeling.
At my door, we pause under the streetlight. His scent wraps around me, warm and sophisticated in the evening air, but there’s an edge to it now. Something that wasn’t there when we started the evening.
“Thank you for dinner,” I say. “And for the business opportunity. The weekly arrangements will really help.”
“Thank you for trusting me with your work.” He studies my face in the soft light, and I can see him fighting something. “I can see why this town appreciates you so much. You have a gift for making people feel...seen.”
