by Tara Randel
“Good start,” Dylan said. “I spoke to my supervisor this morning. Got permission to work with the Tampa DEA division.”
The chief shot Dylan a steely-eyed glance. “I know this is personal for you, Matthews, but this is my town. The safety of the people here comes first.”
“Always.” He hated the reprimand, but knew the chief’s words held merit. He rubbed his aching thigh, a constant reminder of what was at stake.
“Your cover at the convention should let you move around town and not raise questions,” the older man continued. “We’ll be in touch regularly with updates. Anything you need, let me know.”
“I appreciate it. You’ve already given me a heads-up on some people of interest here in town.” With the few names he’d gathered so far, he’d run background checks. No red flags as of yet, but he planned to dig deeper. “I’ll be following up.”
“Let’s get busy,” Max said, rising to his feet. He reached his hand over the desk toward Dylan. “Nice to work with you.”
He took Max’s hand. “Likewise.”
Max grinned. “Florist convention?”
“Hey, you work with what you’re given.”
“Have fun with that.”
Dylan pictured Kady’s smiling face. “I intend to.”
* * *
WILL STRODE DOWN Main Street. He didn’t have time to babysit Kady’s new employee. No, he had more pressing matters at hand. He’d discovered a lead on a solid investment opportunity.
He shook off his frustration. Kady didn’t ask for much. The least he could do was pop into the shop, make sure things were running smoothly. His folks had already taken off on a road trip before the cruise, so with them gone and Kady at the convention, he had to step up.
A heavy afternoon crowd browsed along Main Street, encouraging for the town’s shopkeepers. Tourist season in full swing. Add in the pristine sandy beaches and blue waters of the gulf, and Cypress Pointe had become a favorite destination spot. Brushing past tourists, he made tracks to The Lavish Lily. Once he checked in with the new girl, he could get back to his busy day. Besides this, he had three other stops to make. Tax season was looming and he had clients to prepare.
The distinct welcome bell pealed as he entered the shop. From behind the counter, a smiling woman greeted him. Definitely not a girl.
“Welcome to The Lavish Lily. How can I help you?”
He crossed to the counter. “My name is Will Lawrence. Kady’s brother.”
“Hi. She said you’d be coming by.”
“Christine, correct?”
Blond curls bounced and blue eyes shone as she nodded. Will frowned. No one should look that happy.
“Any problems today?” he asked, more brusquely than he intended.
“Not one. Foot traffic has been heavy but I’ve only rung up a few sales.” She pushed an open magazine aside and focused her attention on him.
“Orders?”
“I already let your sister know. And I took detailed notes from the callers.”
“Did you set up a time for the wholesaler to make a delivery?”
“Tomorrow. All taken care of.” She shot him an amused look. “Are you always so to-the-point?”
“Usually.” Will knew he was being abrasive, yet her smile didn’t slip. He sighed. He needed to stop being a pain to everyone around him. “So, you’re new to town?”
“Yes. I’m really thankful your sister hired me.” Her teeth worried her lower lip.
Interestingly enough, so was he. Christine came across as a professional and unflappable woman. A plus in his book. Until the small tell of biting her lip said otherwise. He realized he wanted to know more.
“Do you have family here?”
“The answer is complicated.” Christine straightened her shoulders. “I’d really rather not talk about it.”
Not what he expected. Or wanted to hear. There were enough problems attached to this shop. His family didn’t need whatever drama Christine might be mixed up in.
But on the other hand, he was intrigued. Someone else with complications in their life. And by the look on her face, they were serious. Were her problems as big as his? Or was he projecting his own predicament on her?
“Does my sister know? About your...complications?”
“No. And I’d like to keep it that way.”
He watched as Christine blinked, her gaze swiftly changing from troubled to unconcerned. So, she didn’t want to talk about it, whatever it was. He could relate.
He drew closer to the counter, nodding in the direction of the open magazine. “What are you reading?”
Her cheeks flushed. “I found a floral designing magazine in the workroom. I figured since I’m working here, I could learn a thing or two. Possibly help your sister at some point.”
A go-getter. Maybe hiring help wasn’t such a bad idea after all. “She’d like that.” Or at least Will thought she would. They’d drifted apart, and because of that, he and Kady hadn’t engaged in any in-depth conversations.
His cell pinged and he checked the screen. Frowned. A text from his dad. Keep me up-to-date with the shop. Great. His dad depended on him, only he didn’t know the truth. His folks thought Kady might be the one to somehow ruin The Lavish Lily, not knowing he’d already done just that. He was the one they should be looking out for.
“Are you okay?”
Will glanced up, meeting concerned blue eyes. “Yeah. My dad.”
“Kady said they’re booked on a cruise?”
He nodded, distracted. “He wants me to check in from time to time. See how the shop is doing.”
“Um, I don’t mean to overstep, but doesn’t Kady run the shop?”
“She does. Day-to-day.” He scrolled through his messages. “I take care of the big picture.”
“Good to know.”
When he heard a steady beat rapping on the counter, he looked up to find Christine tapping a pen.
“Are you always so...distracted when you talk to people?”
“I’m busy, got a lot on my plate at the moment.”
Christine shrugged. “It’s kinda rude.”
His brows rose. “Excuse me?”
“I’m just saying, this is the first time we’ve met. Do you treat your clients like this?”
Did he? He’d been so stressed ever since the investment tanked. Had he been taking it out on his clients?
“I’ve been in business for years,” Christine explained when he didn’t answer. “There’s nothing worse than working for someone who doesn’t pay attention.”
“You do realize I’m your boss.”
She didn’t look the least bit concerned. “I’m an employee of your sister’s.”
“We’re family. Same thing.”
“You might be, but she hired me to do the job. I answer to her.”
Will blinked. This woman was actually arguing the finer points of his family business? Unbelievable.
“If you have a problem,” she continued, “take it up with Kady.”
Gone was the polite face that greeted him when he walked in. She meant what she said. So did he. The first whiff of trouble and she was gone, no matter what Kady wanted.
“I admire your stand.”
“I assure you, Mr. Lawrence, I’m not a pushover.”
So. She thought she had the upper hand. “No, I don’t believe you are. But you do realize when you mentioned a complication, you gave me leverage. If I were the type to use that information at a later date...” As his words trailed off, he figured he’d made his point.
“Are you that kind of man?”
He couldn’t deny the worry etched on her face, which made him a jerk for using her troubles against her. He certainly wouldn’t win the prize for stellar boss, son or big
brother. Deciding her secret was hers alone, he assured her, “Not today.”
When she bit her lip again, he took pity. Glancing at the time displayed on his cell-phone screen, he came up with an idea. “You’ll be closing in a few hours. How about we go get something to eat then? Maybe we can share our complications.”
“I don’t think so.”
“Fine. Instead you can list all the ways I’m not your boss.”
It took a second for a hesitant grin to spread across her increasingly pretty face. “It would be my pleasure.”
CHAPTER FIVE
KADY STOOD BEFORE the full-length mirror attached to her closet door, debating her dress choice. The shimmer of gold-threaded lace overlaying the bodice of a champagne-colored dress brought out the highlights in her hair and made her eyes sparkle. Of course, that could be attributed to excitement. Dylan may have had to take care of some kind of business, but he’d be at the welcome reception. They’d resume this...whatever was happening between them.
“I haven’t seen you this flustered in a long time,” Lilli, who had taken a break from her wedding preparations, observed from her position of lounging on the bed. “Gives me hope that you’ll find your happily-ever-after.”
“I’ll be at a welcome reception at a floral convention. It’s not like I’m going on a date.” She smoothed the full skirt. “And I am not flustered.”
“Really. Because the way you’re going through outfits, it sure seems like it.” Lilli sat up and gathered the discarded dresses to place back on hangers.
“I’ll be visiting people I only see once a year. What’s wrong with looking my best?”
“Nothing, except you never worry about what to wear to these events. Every year I try to get you to go shopping before the convention and you always insist your old dresses are fine.” She waved a hand over the pile on her lap. “Exhibit A.”
Kady glanced over her shoulder. “I’m running The Lavish Lily now. I want to make new contacts, learn ways to attract new customers. I need to look my best.”
“Uh-huh. And your change of attitude has nothing to do with a guy?”
“Why does everyone always assume that when a woman wants to look her best it’s to impress a guy?”
“Because it’s usually true,” her friend said. “So, what’s up?”
Kady turned away, hoping Lilli didn’t notice her flushed face in the mirror. “Nothing.”
Lilli laughed. “You are such a bad liar.”
Twirling around, Kady jammed her hands on her hips. “What are you talking about?”
“Nealy called me earlier. Apparently Dane saw you having a conversation with a certain handsome man at the Grand Cypress. Since he owns the hotel, he would know.”
“I can’t talk to a guy without it being front-page news? It is a conference, after all.”
Lilli snorted.
“When did Dane turn into a spy?” Kady grumbled.
“Since he’s involved with Nealy and she’s your friend.”
The bad part about the convention being held in her hometown? No anonymity. No “what happens at the convention stays at the convention.”
“So I met a guy.”
Lilli tucked her legs under her. “Spill,” she said in an I-told-you-so tone.
Seeing her friend making herself comfortable, Kady knew she had to tell Lilli something or she’d never let up.
“First of all, don’t look so smug. I could be dressing up for any reason.”
“But you’re not. Go on.”
Kady held back a resigned sigh, but if she was honest, deep down she wanted to tell her friend. “His name is Dylan. I met him at Nellie’s wedding reception.”
“That was Saturday. Why haven’t you mentioned him before now?”
“I thought he was leaving town after the wedding. Turns out he’s here for the convention.”
“A fellow florist?”
“Um... I don’t know. He’s infuriatingly closemouthed about himself.”
“He’s not competition, is he?”
“No. At least I don’t think so. His mother is a florist and he’s here with her.”
Lilli frowned. “Mama’s boy?”
Kady pictured Dylan’s dark good looks, his take-charge attitude. “Far from it.”
Lilli blew out a breath. “Good. Especially with your dismal track record with men.”
“Hey!”
“C’mon. After Brad left, you just phoned in your dates. Even you have to agree the men you go out with are disasters.”
“True. And sad.”
“So tonight things are looking up. Maybe this guy is different.”
Kady scooped up a pair of strappy nude heels and carried them to the bed. She sank onto the mattress. “I don’t want to be disappointed again. My confidence really hit bottom after Brad dumped me, but yeah. Dylan is different. Not ever-after different—”
“Yes, because heaven forbid you find a nice guy and have a serious relationship.”
“But I really like him.”
The room went silent at Kady’s admission.
“So there is hope?”
Kady grinned. “Yes, oh meddlesome one, there is hope.”
“And you’ve decided on this dress?”
Yes, Kady realized. With her hair in an updo style and her makeup just right, she wanted to make a lasting impression on Dylan.
“Then strap on those dancing shoes and get this party started.”
* * *
DYLAN CHECKED HIS PHONE. No text messages or calls. Good. Tonight his plans had less to do with the job and more to do with a woman. Kady, to be exact.
He’d actually taken time to dress nicely tonight. Found himself humming as he splashed on aftershave. It had been so long since he’d been happy, it took a few minutes for the reality of the emotion to kick in. Yeah, he still needed to confront the man who had changed his life, but not tonight. For the first time in ages, he was going to enjoy himself. Dial back on the guilt and see what a few hours in the presence of an interesting woman might do for his soul.
If she showed. He glanced at his watch. Eight fifteen. Where was she?
He stuffed his phone back in his jacket pocket as his mother approached him.
“Why are you alone?”
“I could ask you the same question.”
“Unlike you, I’ve been mingling.”
“Meet anyone special?”
She sent him the stink eye. “Watch yourself. You know your father was the only man for me.”
He let out a long-suffering sigh. “I’m just saying, it’s been a while since Dad’s been gone. You deserve some fun. Take a chance on someone new.”
“You’re one to talk. It’s been months since you were injured. Besides the wedding, this is the first time you’ve been in a social setting. I wouldn’t mind you meeting a nice woman.” She glanced at his leg. “You don’t seem to be limping as much.”
“I’m getting stronger.”
She took his hand in hers and squeezed. “Dylan, you know I love you. I’ve been worried sick, but your brothers warned me about suffocating you.”
He squeezed back. “I know it’s been hard for you, but I appreciate the distance. I’ve needed time to think. Heal.” Find the guy who did this to me. “I love you, too.”
In the soft lighting of the banquet room, Dylan swore he saw tears glimmering in his mother’s eyes. He hated that he’d made her worry, but he had to deal with the current state of his life without her help.
“Promise me you won’t get hurt again,” she said in a halting voice.
“You know I can’t do that.”
“Then promise to do everything in your power to stay safe.”
Dylan leaned over and kissed his mother
’s temple. “I promise.”
His mother let out a shaky breath and put some space between them. “Okay, then.”
“So, don’t you have friends to visit? You always go on about your convention friends.”
“Yes. And next time I see you, you’d better be chatting up an available, single female.”
He chuckled. “I’ll see what I can do.”
His mother moved on. Scanning the room again, he wrinkled his brow when he didn’t see the only female he wanted to “chat up.” He was about to make a circuit when a voice to his left said, “You don’t have a drink.”
He shifted and a smiling Kady came into view.
“I thought maybe you stood me up,” he scolded, surprised at how much the idea bothered him.
“Well, that would have been difficult since this isn’t a date. I’m here just like every other convention attendee, mingling at the welcome reception.”
“Whatever. The point is, you’re here.”
“Yes. And I’m thirsty.” She angled her head to look over his shoulder. He turned to see a beverage station set up on the far side of the room.
“After you.”
As they crossed the room, he couldn’t keep his eyes off her. Lovely didn’t do her justice. Her dress shimmered in the lighting, and with her hair swept up in some kind of wispy style, she captured his complete attention. Let’s just say he wouldn’t be getting the image of Kady out of his mind anytime soon.
The soft music, chatter and laughter faded as he joined Kady to order a drink. He asked for his usual—club soda with lime. He never ordered anything with alcohol. Occupational hazard, he supposed.
Kady ordered white wine. As they stood, holding their glasses, he suddenly found himself at a loss for words. Proved the point that he’d been so wrapped up in finding Esposa, he’d let his personal life get stale, along with the ability to make small talk with an interesting woman. He’d been so much about the job, he’d forgotten there was a great big world to enjoy.
“So, is your mother here?” Kady asked.
“Somewhere. She’s visiting with old friends.”
“One of the advantages of a yearly convention.” She scanned the room. “How about you? Any friends here?”