As he steps aside, I walk in, the scent of his cologne wrapping around me.Sunlight spills through the kitchen windows, catching on the massive bouquet sitting on the counter.
“They’re for you.I wanted you to have a great first day.”
My heart stutters.“You didn’t have to—”
“Oh, I did.It’s your first day.”He grins.“Leila’s going to love me for keeping her in business with the most expensive flowers every time.”
I laugh, shaking my head.“She’s going to make you her favorite customer.”
He shrugs.“I don’t mind the title.I just want you to know how proud I am of you.”
His hands slip around my waist, fingers firm as they rest against my lower back.The way he looks at me makes my stomach do a somersault.
“Thank you.What time are you meeting Hazel?”
“Soon.We moved it up.I wanted you to have time to settle in without me hovering.”He nods toward the counter.“I grabbed you a coffee.”
A to-go cup from The Cozy Point sits there, and a flutter stirs in my chest at the sweet, but thoughtful gesture.He thought of me before I even got here.He reaches out, brushing a loose strand of hair behind my ear.His gentle touch lingers for a second.
I smile, appreciating the thoughtfulness behind it.
Before I can say anything, he steps away and grabs something from the counter.One neatly wrapped gift.He turns back to me, his eyes flickering with something playful.
“I also got you this.”
I glance at the gift, then back at him.“The flowers are more than enough.”I’m already overwhelmed by how much effort he’s put into making today feel special.
His grin widens, full of mischief.“No, no, no.”He shakes his head, amusement dancing in his eyes.“That wasn’t your actual gift.”
He hands me a wrapped package, and as I peel back the paper, I burst into laughter.The engraved pen from the fundraiser.
“Oh my God, I thought this was for Keith.”
“I made you think that.But it was always for you.”
I run my thumb over the engraving, my heart bursting in the best way.“The fundraiser is what brought us closer.It’s special to me,” he admits.“So, when you’re using this pen, just know I’m always with you.”
I glance up at him, my throat tight.“Look at you, being all sweet.”
He shrugs.“Well, it’s you.You bring out this side of me.”
I shake my head, still smiling.“I never thought I could feel like this.But I guess the right person brings out the right things.”
His eyes soften.“So, you’ve got time before you start.Want to sit outside and drink coffee with me?”
“I’d love that.”
We move to the deck, the morning sun stretching across the yard.I sink into the chair beside him, cradling my cup.
“I wonder what your first task will be?”
Excitement stirs in my stomach.“Not sure.Maybe another fashion piece, like my trial one.Or something completely different.I’m covering both fashion and lifestyle, so it could be anything.”
He nods, sipping his coffee.“You’ll be great either way.”
“They mentioned potentially traveling,” I add.“Short trips, events, Christmas parties.I’d be welcome, and they’d pay for my flights.”
“That’d be good for you to meet everyone, to feel more like part of the team.”
