I hold her gaze for a long beat. “After we met in the Hamptons, I was curious, so I checked out your socials to find out more?—”
“And you had the audacity of accusing me of stalking you? Mr. Lindstro¨m, I invite you to look in the mirror.”
I shake my head.
She grins wide.
“Like I was saying before I was rudely interrupted, I wanted to know what you did as a corporate floral designer. You had a sizable following without ever showing your face. The focus was on the stunning bouquet design. You’re a gorgeous woman. You could’ve used your looks to grow your presence on your socials, but you didn’t use your assets. You used your talent.”
She blushes and tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. “I wanted the focus to be on With A Flourish Floral Design, not on my outfits or my makeup.”
“Smart. Did you go dark because of the debacle with the business partners?”
Her eyes widen.
“You were out for five hours. I was able to get a lot done during that time.”
She lets out an audible breath. “That was part of the reason.”
I tilt my head to the side and frown.
Her eyes lift to the ceiling as if searching for the answer. She meets my gaze. “Is it okay if we don’t talk about it?”
“Is it because vendors were coming after you?”
She shakes her head. “No. It has nothing to do with the business I had with Ellen and Qi… It’s…” She squirms in her seat. “I’d need half a dozen drinks to get into it.”
“That can be arranged. After all, it’s eight-thirty at night, so…”
“I can’t believe it’s that late.”
“That’s what happens when you spend too much time in dreamland.”
She gives me a look.
I veer the conversation back to the topic at hand. “You had millions of people following you on your socials?—”
“Had, being the operative word.”
“Don’t diminish your accomplishments, Harley.”
She flinches.
“You were so proficient at what you did, With A Flourish Floral Design was ranked as one of the top twenty-five most influential brands online. Several times. That’s nothing to sneeze at.”
“Kaz”—she rubs her face with both hands—”that’s a lifetime ago.”
“Because I’m no longer a professional hockey player, doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten how to skate or score a goal.”
“That’s different. What you did requires skill.” Sheaverts her gaze.
Oh no, sweetheart, I’m not going to allow you to put yourself down in my presence.“Look at me.”
I’m still staring at the side of her head.
“Harley.”
My harsh tone compels her to comply.
