“I didn’t want to disturb your class…” her boss murmured when Nettie caught up.
“What’s that?”
“You got flowers.”
“Seriously?”
“I believe you’re Nettie,” her boss teased, chuckling.
Nettie marched forward, heart thumping against her ribs. She turned the bouquet slightly, spotted the little envelope, and plucked the card free. Her fingers trembled as she slid it open.
I’m out of buckeyes – Tate
Her breath caught.
A smile tugged unbidden at her lips, sharp and sweet. Her heart clenched as if someone had reached in and squeezed it gently. He wasn’t just sending flowers. He was reminding her ofthat night.The ride. Their escape. The simple joy of being somewhere with him, where the rest of the world fell away.
She glanced up at her boss, cheeks warming.
“Leave them in here away from the kids so they stay nice,” she said simply, nodding. “You’ve seemed happier – and I’m happy for you.”
“It’s nothing…”
“That bouquet doesn’t look like nothing.”
“No, it doesn’t – does it?” she whispered, staring at the staggering amount of soft pink rosebuds before her. Taking a photo, she realized now what he’d meant when he asked if she ‘liked them’. He thought her text was about the flowers he’d sent her. Nodding, whispering a nervous thank you, Nettie headedback to her classroom, card still in hand, and took her seat along the wall once more, texting Tate.
The flowers just arrived.
Just now?
Yes.
I see.
Yup.
Well?
Do you like them?
They are stunning, and guess what?
Surprise me.
Her lips curved. She could almost hear his flat, droll voice, but that sparkle in his eyes hid nothing from her anymore.
I know how to make buckeyes from scratch – or we could go for a ride again, if you wanted to…
Guess what?
Surprise me…
I have two tickets waiting for you at Will Call Friday night – if you are interested?
And then the ride?
Game – and then the ride.
