“Of course, you didn’t. But you were thinking it.” In true Paris form, she lengthened her stride and stalked away from him.
Richard ran his hand around the back of his neck. He’d met Paris a year ago at a fundraiser for the tiny home village. When he’d spoken to her, warning bells had flashed inside his head. She’d asked too many questions, seen far too much of the man he didn’t want to remember. Each time he met her, he tried to figure out why they rubbed each other the wrong way. And, each time, he came away with nothing.
But not being able to understand her wasn’t an excuse to make her feel bad.
He caught up to her as she was about to enter the center. “The students are lucky to have you helping them.”
“Now you say something nice.”
“I was surprised you’re tutoring the class, that’s all.”
Paris sighed. “You don’t know anything about me, so why should it surprise you?”
He crossed his arms in front of his chest. Most people were intimidated by his height and size, but not Paris. She stood her ground, making up for the difference in their builds by sheer personality. “I didn’t know you could paint.”
“I can’t, but I did some art history papers at UCLA. Natalie wants her students to combine the screen-printing technique she showed them with a pop culture design. I’m supervising the class and answering their questions.”
“That sounds interesting. I’m sure you’ll do a great job.”
“If that’s an apology, thank you.” She glanced at her watch. “I have to go. Otherwise, everyone will arrive before I do.”
“And I’d better find Jack. He’ll be wondering where I am.”
In silence, they walked into the center and went their separate ways. As he waited with the other parents, he wondered what was wrong with him. With her sparkling blue eyes and jet-black hair, Paris was one of the most attractive women he’d ever met. Whenever he met someone who knew her, they described her as friendly and helpful. So, what was his problem?
“Dad!” Jack rushed out of a meeting room. “You’re not going to believe what happened. Chandler vomited all over Mrs. Campbell. The smell was so bad we had to go to a different room.”
“I hope Chandler’s feeling better.”
“He will be. Peggy-Anne said someone dared him to eat worms. Do you want to read my story when we get home?”
Richard took Jack’s backpack out of his hands. “Sounds great.” With his eight-year-old son chatting beside him, he followed the other parents into the foyer. The flash of a bright pink skirt farther down the corridor caught his eye. His heart sank.
He was tired, hungry, and guilty of thinking the worst of a woman who’d never harmed anyone. He couldn’t have started the evening off worse if he’d tried.
The following morning, Paris carried a box of flowers into Blooming Lovely. “He’s so annoying. Each time I meet him, he says something that makes my blood boil.”
Jackie opened a box she’d already brought inside. “He could be insecure.”
“I don’t think so. Richard’s built like a big, bushy lumberjack, and he’s taller than most men in Sapphire Bay. And he’s a construction foreman at the old steamboat museum.”
“Even big men have issues.”
Carefully, Paris placed a dozen pale yellow roses on the counter. “As far as I can tell, the only issue he has, is with me.”
Jackie grinned. “That would be a first. Our customers adore you, and Mr. Murray calls you his sweetheart.”
“I don’t mind what Mr. Murray calls me. He’s ninety-four and thinks everyone’s wonderful. Richard could learn a thing or two from him.”
“You want your arch enemy to call you his sweetheart?”
“I’d sooner he didn’t call me anything.” She glanced at her watch and frowned. “We’d better bring the rest of the flowers inside. I need to make a special order before we open.”
“And I promised Kylie I’d change the window display. I can’t believe it’s nearly Valentine’s Day.”
Neither could Paris. Each year seemed to go faster than the last. She looked around the workroom as they carried more boxes into Blooming Lovely. It was like an Aladdin’s cave of gift-wrapping paper, glittery boxes, and flowers in all shapes and colors. “I don’t know what I would have done if Kylie hadn’t offered me this job.”
“Neither do I, although I suspect Pastor John had a lot to do with us being here. Do you think Kylie will have to reduce our hours?”
