I led Lily to the truck and helped her in before hurrying to the other side. I already missed her being right next to me, my skin aching without her touch.
As if she were a lost soul I was always meant to find, I was drawn to her. I wanted to know her inside and out. Take her home with me and never let her go.
When I slid behind the wheel, I started the loud engine, the roar rumbling beneath us. It wasn’t the only damn thing rumbling. My desire for her was out of damn control.
I cleared my throat. “Where to, sweetheart?”
She flashed her sexy brown beauties my way and a shy smile, one I desperately wanted to kiss right off her ruby red lips. “I live off the main drag in town, down past the gas station.”
“Got it.” I threw the truck in drive and steered out of the auto shop lot.
“How long haveyou lived in Appleridge?”
“A couple of years now. Whitney and I moved here after college. We opened our own antique shop downtown.”
“Really? That’s interesting. My mama loved antiques. Used to drag me shopping on Sundays.”
Lily’s whole face lit up. “That’s my favorite day to shop, too! Whitney and I hunt down the best deals every Sunday and Monday. What kind of things does your mom look for?”
My heart doubled in speed. Her warmth radiated through me. Get her talking about what she loved, and she opened right up.
“She enjoys shopping for vases and other knickknacks.” I explained as we turned onto her street.
“It’s the last cabin on the right.”
As we drove closer, I spotted her yard first, full of several wildflower patches, surrounding her small cabin.
“Are those all of your flowers?”
Lily’s face beamed with a smile. “Yes. I planted them myself. They’re blooming so well.”
I looked between her, and the flowers as I pulled my truck into her driveway.
I couldn’t believe it.
A flower lover, just like my mom. An antique shopper, just like my mom.
Could Lily be any more perfect for me?
“My mother loves flowers, too. Especially roses.” I parked my truck and killed the engine.
“Is that why she loved to shop for vases?”
I nodded, a wistful memory overtaking me.
I miss her so much.
“She loved to have a fresh arrangement on the table every day. Said it brightened her mood, even on the darkest of days.”
Lily smiled. “Your mom’s a smart woman.”
Silence fell between us.
I didn’t want her to go yet didn’t know what to say to make her stay, and she looked as if she battled with the same thing, her hand gripping the door handle yet not opening the door.
“Is it okay if I look at the flowers?” I blurted out, the urge to stretch our time together overtaking me.
“Of course. I have lots more in the back.”
