CHAPTER THIRTEEN
NICHOLAS
“Have a beautiful day,” I call after some customers as they exit the store. I’ve been grinning from ear to ear all morning, and I’m celebrating my good mood with pop superstars and tulips.
I’ve got a hookup planned with Clay on Thursday, and no one in town has a clue there’s something between us.
“What are you smiling about now?” Kavya asks.
I turn into the workshop, where she’s assembled piles of cut flowers. “I’m always smiling.”
“Not like this you aren’t.”
“It’s spring. It’s another warm and sunny day. Beyoncé is on the speakers.”
“And you’re having dinner with Finn tonight,” she remembers. “Is that it?”
I return to the work station with her. “I always look forward to seeing friends. But you’re right. Finn and I have both been busy lately, so it’s overdue.”
Kavya shrugs. “It puts me in a good mood to see Finn, too, but I still don’t think that’s the whole story. It’s like you’re extra shiny or something.”
“Shiny?” I laugh, dismissing it easily because I know that’s not it. I don’t feel shiny about Clay, just excited. “Maybe I need to turn up the AC.”
“If you say so. I was hoping you had some marvelous news to share. Maybe a new crush?”
“I have nothing to contribute to the gossip mill. How about you? Did that woman with the fancy car ask you back out?”
“My executive top, Ava. She did, but I think I’m done with her. Corporate life isn’t for me. And she’s only free on Friday nights, so it’s not going to work out, anyway. I’m signing up for a sculpture class at the community center on Fridays.”
“I love some good arts and crafts gossip,” I say brightly. “A scandalous rumor about a bird feeder? Sign me up.”
The bell rings above the door, and when I turn, I see it’s Clay. He’s got his tool belt on, and he’s wearing a white T-shirt, which is pornographic on him.
I’m excited to see where we go next. I’ve never had a thing for hairy chests, but now I want to rub my tongue all over his pecs.
“Morning,” Clay says, and I snap out of it.
“Morning,” I reply. “What are you working on today?”
Clay nods to Kavya respectfully. “Good morning,” he says before turning back to me. “I’m taking a look at the siding along the house. Might crank out some repairs. It’s simple beveled siding, should be quick. But wasn’t sure if the noise would be a bother in here.”
“Thanks. We can let you know if it is.”
He nods, and his hand goes to his tool belt. I hold his eye a second longer, enjoying the simmer of attraction beneath the surface, but make sure to pull my gaze away before I betray anything to Kavya.
“Cool,” Clay says. He looks at Kavya. “Enjoy your day.”
She raises up half of an amused smile. “You too, Clay.”
When he leaves, I turn back to her. “He’s a pretty decent guy, I think.”
She shrugs. “As long as he follows through on his promise and doesn’t sell to a developer.”
I’ve been enjoying a private fantasy where Clay’s decision had something to do with me, or how he feels about me, at least. That he’s decided to save the building because he cares not just about the gorgeous old woodwork, but the people and history inside of it, too.
It’s silly, and I remind myself not to lose track of reality, that Clay is doing this for exactly the reasons he stated. But the idea still brings a smile to my face.
The next person in is Zooey, pulling a cart of flowers behind her. I rush over to help with the door.
