I stop the music on my phone before shoving it in my pocket. “That must be nice.”
“I take it your parents don’t make out in the middle of the kitchen without caring you’re standing two feet away from them?” I turn around to see his expression. His nose is scrunched up in mock disgust. It’s sweet his parents are like that. Maybe if mine were, I wouldn’t do everything I can to keep from falling for someone.
“You sound like you speak from experience.” I laugh and turn off the lights to the store front and hall as soon as he’s in the warehouse.
“Almost every single day.” He shakes his head and leans against one of the counters. “You’d think I’d be used to it by now, but nope. I have a feeling your parents aren’t as affectionate as mine?”
“Not in the slightest.” I make another sweep of the warehouse to make sure everything is in its place. “I can count on one hand how many times I’ve seen them hold hands in public. It’s a wonder they ever had kids.”
“Maybe they show their affection in other ways. Not everyone is as in your face as my mom and dad. Thank God.”
“Maybe,” I shrug my shoulders. We need to get off the topic of my parents. Hell, my dad didn’t even order flowers for Mom. If he did, it definitely wasn’t through us. I kept an eye for his name all day. “Are you ready to get out of here?”
“Yep. But give me just a sec.” He rushes past me to the back of the warehouse. I’m not sure what he’s doing. I didn’t see anything back there when I looked. His steps are slow and measured as he approaches me. He’s holding a bouquet of daisies in his hands. “These are for you.”
“Y-you shouldn’t have.”
“I know, but I wanted to.” His shoes suddenly interest him, and he doesn’t take his focus off of them.
This might be the sweetest thing someone has done for me outside of my friends. Professionalism has flown out the door with us, just as I feared.
“How did you manage to get these without my knowing?”
“Emily wrote it out on the notepad and had me pay in cash so I could surprise you.” Now their knowing glances make sense. They have been orchestrating something between me and Xander.
“Of course, she did.”
“Are you mad?” His voice cracks.
“Not at all. Thank you, really.” I close the distance between us and give him a quick hug. “It’s very sweet.”
“I also have pizza waiting in the car,” he points toward the door. “I didn’t know if anyone would be waiting and figured I shouldn’t show up empty-handed after the busy day we had.”
My stomach growls and I realize I don’t remember the last time I even ate. “That actually sounds pretty amazing.”
“I can bring it inside, or we can…”
This is going to be a mistake, but right now I don’t care. He put in the effort to do something incredibly kind for me. “Why don’t you follow me to my apartment? I’m pretty tired of being here.”
He moves toward the door, and pushes it open. “After you.”
“Actually, after you.” I point to the keypad by the door. “I have to set the alarm.”
“Oh, right.” He walks out of the shop and I know he’ll be waiting for me on the other side of the door. Now I only have to remember to keep things friendly, but not too friendly.
Chapter Ten
Xander
Emily was right. The flowers were a good call. If anyone would know what to do, it’s Kate’s friends. I get into my car and wait until she walks out of the shop. Once she’s safely inside the car and pulling out, I follow behind her.
Honestly, I didn’t expect her to be down for dinner. I guess it’s a good thing I grabbed the pizza on an off chance that she would. Hopefully she doesn’t look too much into the fact that it’s shaped as a heart. That wasn’t my choice. It was part of a special where I used to work.
What would normally take five minute to get to Kate’s apartment, takes closer to fifteen. Cars are out and about for date night and getting last minute gifts for their loved ones. It’s a little too late for that in my opinion. The only thing I didn’t get is chocolate which is a shame because I know how much she likes it.
She parks in front of her building and I take the spot next to her. Pushing open the door, I lean out, “Is it okay to park here, or is there a designated spot for guests?”
“You’re fine there.” She’s out of her car and in front of mine, waiting for me to turn it off. “Nobody actually checks to make sure folks are in the right parking areas.”
