Clara laughed, though it sounded more nervous than amused.“I… I like daisies.”
“Good,” he said, eyes sparkling.“Because I plan on giving you a lot more over the summer.”
As he walked away, she realized that her heart was doing flips she hadn’t felt in years. It wasn’t just the laughter or the chaos — it was the way he noticed her, the way he made ordinary moments feel extraordinary.
That evening, as she sketched by the window, she found herself thinking about him more than she cared to admit. The thought of his grin, the warmth of his hand brushing against hers, the easy way he drew her out of her quiet shell… it was intoxicating.
For the first time, Clara understood that this summer on Willow Street wasn’t just about flowers, friends, or festivals. It was about someone who had found his way into her routine, her thoughts, and perhaps… her heart.
And as she placed her pencil down and gazed at the fading sunlight, she couldn’t help but wonder if Oliver Hayes felt the same way.
Chapter 10:
Flirtation and Heartbeats
The next morning, Clara Bennett opened her shop to the usual mix of sunlight and floral scent. She was arranging a new batch of sunflowers when she heard the familiar creak of the stairs above.
“Morning, Clara!” Oliver called from the landing, holding a steaming cup of coffee in each hand.“One for you, because I remembered you like it with more cream than sugar. The other… just for me.”
Clara blinked, momentarily caught off guard.“You remembered?” she asked softly, taking the cup.
“Of course I remembered,” he said, leaning casually against the railing.“Some things are too important to forget.”
She felt a flutter in her chest and looked down at the cup, trying to hide her smile.“Thank you,” she murmured.
Oliver climbed down the last few steps, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead.“You know, Clara,” he said, lowering his voice slightly,“I think you make this street… look better. Not just with your flowers, but… everything.”
Clara felt her cheeks warm and nearly dropped the coffee.“Everything?” she asked, teasing despite herself.
“Yes, everything,” he said, stepping closer. His gaze was soft, deliberate, and it made her heart race in a way she hadn’t expected.“And I like seeing you smile. It’s… distracting.”
“Distracting?” she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.
He nodded, grinning.“Very. But in a good way. I promise.”
Clara felt her breath catch. The playful teasing had shifted — there was intention behind his words, and it made her pulse quicken. She realized she had been thinking about him constantly, noticing every little gesture, and hoping he noticed her too.
“I… I think I like this summer,” she said softly, feeling suddenly bold.“Even with all your chaos.”
Oliver’s grin widened, his eyes sparkling.“I’m glad,” he said, leaning just a little closer.“Because I think I like you too… a lot.”
Clara felt her stomach flip, her heart pounding in a rhythm she hadn’t felt in years. The shop, the flowers, the sunlight — it all faded for a moment, leaving only the warmth of his gaze and the pull of his presence.
“Well,” she said, finding her voice,“maybe some chaos isn’t so bad after all.”
“Not when it’s the right kind,” he murmured, brushing a hand lightly against hers.“The kind that makes every day… brighter.”
Clara smiled, feeling the truth in his words. This summer on Willow Street wasn’t just about laughter or festivals anymore — it was about him, about the way he made her heart race, and the way ordinary moments suddenly felt extraordinary.
And for the first time, she wasn’t afraid of the chaos.
Chapter 11:
Unexpected Jealousy
Clara Bennett had never thought of herself as a jealous person. She liked to think of her heart as calm and steady, her life carefully ordered. But that afternoon, as she arranged a bouquet of daisies, she realized something new — a twinge of unease gnawed at her chest.
Oliver had invited a couple of friends from the city to check out his pop-up restaurant. Clara hadn’t planned to attend, but curiosity got the better of her, and she found herself walking down Willow Street toward the tiny outdoor setup.
