He rubbed the back of his neck. “Are you into Evan?”
Her brows raised and she snorted. “You did not just ask me that.”
“Sorry, I just want to be sure I’m not barking up the wrong tree,” he explained, running his finger under his collar.
“After last night, I can barely remember what Evan looks like.”
“And what about you? Are you going out with Jessica or something? The ladies at the bakery told me you two were getting awfully cozy.” Raising a brow, she crossed her arms and waited.
His brows pinched together in confusion. “I sat next to her at the bar. Nothing happened. Those gossips are a menace.”
Colette tilted her head, her eyes narrowing as she considered.
Clearing his throat, he added, “In fact, Evan was trying to distract me, because I couldn’t stop thinking of you.”
Her bright eyes warmed at the words. He wished he could capture a picture of her expression at that exact moment. Inhaling, he savored the feeling of having put it there.
“Good. I give you permission to keep thinking about me,” she said with a saucy wink, and she touched the tips of her fingers to his.
Heat bloomed in his chest at the simple touch, and he remembered the gifts. He had left them in the truck because, if she wasn’t actually into him, his plan B was to stuff those cream puffs in his mouth, then cry in the shower. Maybe at the same time.
Darting to the truck, he opened the passenger side door and plucked the flowers and the desserts off the seat. Colette’s mouth dropped open and her cheeks turned a dreamy shade of pink that reminded him of the Alberta wild roses that grew so freely along the fences and all over the ranch.
“Are those for me?” she breathed. It was her turn to be speechless.
Good.
“I was wondering if you might want to go out with me tomorrow night,” he said, his voice thick. He studied her as she took in the small bouquet of flowers and the light blue box from The Buttercup Bakery.
“What about the rules? No dating your co-workers?” she said with a smirk.
“I think we blew through that rule last night, so I’m thinking it’s best if we… You know…do this the right way.” The words felt right as he uttered them. They were evidence that he had changed. He wasn’t like he used to be. Colette would be the one to help him become the man he wanted to be.
Her brows creased and she lowered her gaze to the gifts she was holding. Marshall tucked his hands in his pockets, shivering as the air cooled once the sun set completely. Colette shook her head and flicked her gaze to his.
“Sorry, I’m being rude. Come in, let’s talk about it inside.”
Marshall swallowed. It wasn’t a no, but it wasn’t a yes either. It would take all his strength to keep his hands to himself. Pulling off his boots, he walked up to the counter and leaned, his eyes following her as she pulled a vase out of the cupboard and filled it with water. The purchase of the flowers was made worth it, just seeing how she lovingly placed the blooms in the water with a glow spreading over her face. She was enchanting.
“They’re so pretty,” she said. “No one has ever bought me flowers before.” She walked around the counter and wrapped her arms around his waist.
“That is a crime,” he muttered. “You deserve all the flowers in the world.”
His chest vibrated with his stuttered breath as he pulled her close. Nothing was better than having her in his arms.
Whatever he was doing, it felt right.
If buying the woman flowers was going to feel this good, he would have to bring her some every damn day of the year.
Colette tipped up her head and lifted herself up on her tiptoes, pressing a gentle kiss on his lips. It wasn’t an overly passionate or devouring kiss. It was quiet and soft. The best one he had ever received.
“Thank you, Marshall.”
He grinned, taking in what he suspected was a sheen of tears in her eyes.
“You’re welcome. Now, are you going to go out with me or not?”
Colette dug her top teeth into her bottom lip and lowered to the ground. She pulled him toward the sofa.
