Page 51 of Surprised By Love

“When are you coming home?” I ask Jess.

“The plan is to be home for Christmas. I hope Queen Bitch doesn’t give me some last-minute party to plan and make me stuck here for Christmas.”

“She better not. Sam and Amelia are finally home for Christmas, and I need all of you here this year. It’s been way too long since we were all here at Christmas,” Vicki says, twisting my curls and covering them with hairspray.

“Not too much hairspray, please. I want my hair to move,” I laugh.

Vicki gives me the death stare and I can’t help but laugh harder.

“Yeah Vicki, she needs her hair to move so Josh can run his big strong hands through it,” Jess giggles.

“That is not why. I’ve never been a fan of hairspray. It makes my hair feel heavy. My hair is heavy enough already.”

Jess laughs. “It’s been great being able to see and talk to you guys for so long today. It doesn’t happen often, but I have some things to get done. So I should let you guys go. And Sam… you look stunning, Sis. If Josh’s jaw doesn’t hit the floor when he sees you, there is something seriously wrong with the man.”

Josh

On my way to pick up Sam, I decide to get Sam some flowers. I want to show her I’m a gentleman and not all men are assholes like her ex.

I need to take things slowly with her. It is going to take all the strength in me to do so. Ever since I kissed her, I can’t get her out of my mind. Every time I see her, I want to grab her and kiss the daylights out of her. I want to wrap my arms around her and feel her body against mine.

I enter The Flower Pot, and Brandon, one of my best friends, raises an eyebrow. He stands, meeting me halfway, and gives me a bro hug with a pat on the back. “What’s up, brother? It’s been a minute.”

“Yeah, sorry, man. Work’s been crazy,” I say, following him into his shop.

“So what brings you by?” Brandon asks, heading behind the counter.

“I need some flowers.”

He once again raises a brow. “You? Need flowers? It’s not your mom’s birthday or your parents’ anniversary.”

I laugh, knowing this is going to blow him away. “I need it for my date.”

“A date? As in… a date with a woman? From town?” His look is priceless, his mouth is open, and both eyebrows are now raised. It makes me laugh.

“Yes. A woman from town.”

“Bro, are you feeling alright?”

I chuckle. “Yes, I’m feeling great, actually. Her name is Sam, and she’s—”

“Holy shit! You have a date with Samantha Miller?”

I glare at him.

He burst out laughing. “I never thought I’d see the day. Josh Prescott is going on a date with a woman from town and he’s actually happy about it.” He takes a pink flower from the counter and cuts the stem, placing it in a vase. “Shit. I wish I could have made a bet on that one. I’d have made a killing.”

“Ha ha,” I say, grinning. “So, can you help me out?”

“Of course, man. What are you thinking?”

“Um, I’m not sure. I don’t do this kinda thing anymore. Unless it’s for my mom or sister.”

“Okay, do you know her favourite flower?”

I shake my head and chuckle. “Not a clue. I want something pretty, something that says I like you, but I don’t want it to say too much. Ya know. This is only our first date.”

Brandon nods his head. “Be right back. I think I might have the perfect thing.”

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