That goes without saying. Most people who receive flowers can’t wait to thank the person who sent them. I overheard my fair share of those calls when I worked at a floral shop during summer break in high school. I handled any deliveries that could be made on foot. It saved the shop owner a nice chunk of change, and it gave me insight into how much an unexpected gift of fragrant blossoms can instantly alter a person’s mood.
“Wren has a shoot that starts at seven.” He taps his finger on the envelope. “She’s a photographer. This is her studio address. It might take her a minute to get in touch with me after you deliver the flowers, so I’d appreciate confirmation. A text will do just fine since I’ll be busy with a couple of appointments at my office tonight.”
I push a pad of paper and a pen at him. “Jot down your number on here.”
His lips curve into a smile. “Sure thing, Athena.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I watch as he writes out the digits. I’ll program it into my phone for the night, but by tomorrow morning it will be history.
I finish up the invoice and slide it toward him. “Have a look over this and see if that works for you.”
His gaze catches mine. Without a glance down, he studies my face. “Charge it to my card and add a twenty percent tip.”
I already added a generous rush fee to the total, but since he hasn’t looked at the invoice, he doesn’t realize that.
I play to the moment as I pick up his card to run it through the register. “I’ll add ten percent to this order. You can tip me twenty on the next bouquet.”
“The next?” His brows perk.
“Once you see how grateful your girlfriend is, you’ll be back.”
I must have said that line hundreds of times since I opened the shop last year, but today it feels different. There’s more hope in my words than confidence. I’d like to see him again, even if it’s just for the innocent banter when he orders Wren Holson another bouquet.
“I have no doubt I’ll be back.” He flashes me a gorgeous smile. “I’ll leave you to work your magic. Thanks for everything, Athena.”
“Thank you, Liam.”
“I don’t hear that often,” he says, lowering his voice.
An ache settles somewhere deep inside of me from the rasp in his tone. “You don’t hear what often?”
“My name.” He pauses. “Most people call me Wolf.”
I tilt my chin up, taking another long look at his handsome face. “I like the name Liam.”
“Do you?” he asks with a cock of his brow. “I like your name too. What’s your last name?”
I give it up because a glance at the store’s website reveals that tidbit of information. “Millett. Athena Millett.”
“That’s beautiful.” He leans forward. “I’ve never met anyone named Athena before.”
I rub a hand over my forehead, suddenly aware of what I must look like to him. I’ve been at work since six a.m., and it shows. My long golden brown hair is cinched up in a tight ponytail, but a few wayward strands have fallen loose. The black liner I applied around my blue eyes has to be smudged by now, along with my mascara. My soft pink lipstick found a new home on the metal straw of my water bottle.
I drag myself back to the reason he’s here. “I should get started on Wren’s arrangement.”
He steals a glance at his watch. “I need to get back to my office. Thanks again.”
Shoving a hand through his hair, he turns and walks out of my store, leaving me with the task of creating something beautiful for his girlfriend.
Dropping my gaze to the counter in front of me, I realize he left me with something else.
His credit card.
It looks like I’ll see Liam Wolf again very soon.
Chapter 2
Athena