He’s not at all like his name. Paisley—a pattern that’s wild and involving lots of colors. He’s calm and has a chillness about him that I’m not sure of. I’m always so wound up. Would he even consider someone like me? Kinda a mess. Slightly testy. And constantly running behind in life.
Constantly.
He nods, glancing around the greenhouse with a confused expression. “I was hoping to get some plants to help brighten up my new office, but I have no idea what would do well there.”
“What’s your office like? Is it dark? Sunny? Does it have big windows that let in a lot of natural light, or are you stuck down in a basement somewhere?”
“You know, I don’t really know the lighting. I spend time in the back working with patients that I don’t know what the waiting room and office area looks like during the day.” He rubs the back of his neck. “By any chance, would you be willing to come over after work and see the space? Might be helpful if you actually saw the place? It’s not far from here, about a five-minute drive.” He seems to be adding more and more reasons for me to agree, but he could have stopped at the original question. It’s just adorable seeing him trying to justify needing my help.
And the curiosity about him and what his space looks like in me builds inside of me. Will it be stark and sanitary looking? That would need lots of big dark green plants. Will it be warm tones like his leather jacket? That would be variegated leaves, some browns and tans. Will it be colorful? Nope. That’s not him. If it is, I’ll be shocked and honestly, I’m not sure what I’d do.
“Ummm…I…maybe…” My skin tingles and I’m not sure exactly what’s happening inside of me. I’m not a virgin and I’ve never been tongue tied around men.
His head tips. “You okay? Did the bright light hurt your tongue, too?”
But he’s flirty, so maybe colorful.
“No. I was just thinking about what your office might look like based on what I know of you.”
“And what did you come up with?”
“I’m not exactly sure. I guess I’ll just have to come see your office to find out, Dr. Paisley.”
“Yes, you will.” He stalks toward me, giving up his search. “And please, call me Quill, Cali,” he says with the most breathtaking smile.
“I was just finishing up. Give me about five and I’ll follow you there.”
“I’ll be waiting in my car.” I watch him walk out and the backside of him is as handsome as the front.
All I can think about is how I’ll be seeing him…alone…again soon.
And what is this? Oh yeah, it’s a smile.