“Because it’s Caroline’s family, and she always goes above and beyond for them.”
“I guess those are some of the perks of being related to amazing florists. I bet you make some beautiful arrangements.”
“Not yet,” I let out a breath. “They are teaching me, though. Each one I make gets better and better. Soon they’ll be as show stopping as the others.”
He slips his hand into mine. “I’ll be your first order.”
“You don’t have to do that.” I glance around to make sure nobody is around. “Besides who knows if we’ll make it that long. You may get tired of me before then.”
He pulls me to secluded area between flowers I don’t recognize. “Don’t put an expiration date on us when we’ve barely started. It’s not fair to you or me.”
“I don’t think you realize how hard this is for me. To put my trust and heart on the line for someone.”
He lifts a hand to my face, and I can’t help but lean into him. “You don’t have to worry about that with me. Youcantrust me. I only have your best interest at heart. There’s nothing I would intentionally do to hurt you.”
“You shouldn’t make promises you can’t keep.”
“Then I guess, I’ll have to prove it to you.” He leans forward and presses a kiss to my forehead. That small action may be my new favorite thing in the world. It’s sweet and tender. He treats me like I’m precious. Maybe he will make good on everything he says.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
tristan
I heara click and turn toward the area Paula and I were standing in before I pulled her aside. Piper is standing with her phone lifted in her hand. It’s pointed directly at us.
Paula turns to see what caught my attention. “What the hell?”
Her sister’s eyes are wide, and she knows she fucked up. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t trying to intrude.”
“Well, you sure seem like you’re fine with butting in on private moments.” Paula pulls away from me. Our little bubble of solitude has burst and her guard has gone up once again.
“I didn’t mean to interrupt you. I turned the corner and y’all looked adorable. I only wanted to capture the moment for you.” She lowers her hand and slides her phone into her pocket. “I really am sorry.”
Those are her last words before she runs off. I’m notupset. Her intentions were good, but even I know the invasion of privacy isn’t something Paula enjoys.
With her sister gone, she buries her face in her hands. “What is with her always trying to capture everything on her phone? I don’t understand it. Sometimes you need to live in the moment.”
I bend down until I can see her face. Well, her hands and slowly move them away. “She was trying to capture memories. I’m sure she didn’t mean anything by it.”
“That’s not the point.”
“I know.” I give her hands a soft squeeze. “Dale felt the same way when he’d look into the crowd and see phones instead of faces. It really bugged him. But I told him the same thing. His fans may only be able to see the band once in their lifetime. Those videos and photos are proof of their experience. Something they’ll look back on and cherish. She probably thought the same thing.”
“Why do you always have to be so rational?”
“With Dale, that’s what I’m paid for.” I let go of her hand and wrap my arm around her waist. “For you, it’s so you can see the good parts of your family. They aren’t always coming at you for something to do with the business. They genuinely like having you around.”
I lead us out of the small alcove. “And because I know the importance of keeping record of memories. All I have left of my grandparents are photos. Even though it’s sad sometimes, I love looking at them. You can see the love emanating from them, even in the candid shots.”
This time she stops our movement, and wraps both arms around me. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”
“It’s okay.” I assure her. “It never came up.”
“No, but I feel like a shitty person now.” She buries her face in my shirt. It’s another tell I’m picking up from her when she feels like she can’t control a situation. “You know all this stuff about me, and I barely no anything about your family outside of your parents and brother. Even that is bare minimum.”
“It’s fine.” I rub small circles on her back. “We have time to learn more about each other. Besides, I don’t know much about your family, either.” When we were still a fake couple, we kept everything surface level. It was my insistence to keep my feelings in check. Now, we have the opportunity to really get to know each other.
“When we get back to Asheville, we’re going on a proper date without my meddling family around.”
