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Chloe’s hands stilled on the roses. It was the invitation she’d been waiting for, the one she wasn’t sure would ever come. Her gaze traced the familiar lines of his face, a face she’d known and cherished since childhood.
Here, in this place that meant everything to her, she allowed herself to accept what had been true for longer than she cared to admit.
She loved him.
Chloe smiled, reaching out to straighten his collar. “I’d love to.”
Hendrix’s answering grin was brighter than the sun. He caught her hand in his, pressing a kiss to her knuckles that sent a thrill dancing down her spine.
“It’s a date, then.” His eyes glinted with promise and something more, something that made her feel like the only woman in the world. “I’ll pick you up at eight.”
Chloe watched Hendrix saunter out of the shop, warmth flooding her cheeks. A date. She had a date with Hendrix. So, maybe it wasn’t just a one-night thing.
A laugh bubbled up inside her as she twirled around the shop, roses and lilies blurring together in a sea of color. When was the last time she’d felt this giddy, this alive?
Never. No one had ever made her feel the way Hendrix did.
The bell above the door chimed again and Chloe whirled around, hope rising that it was Hendrix again. But it was only Miles, her other best friend, strolling through the doorway.
“You look happy,” he observed, eyes narrowed. “Did you win the lottery or something?”
“Better.” Chloe grinned, rushing forward to envelop him in a hug. “I have a date with Hendrix tonight.”
Miles tensed, then gently set her away from him, holding her at arm’s length. “Chloe, are you sure that’s a good idea?” His voice was laced with concern. “You and Hendrix... What if you risk that for a relationship that might not even work out? He doesn’t seem like the relationship type.”
Chloe frowned, stepping out of his grasp. “You don’t think I haven’t considered that? Hendrix and I...” She shook her head, at a loss for how to explain a bond that transcended words. “We just fit, Miles. We always have.”
“I just don’t want to see either of you get hurt,” he said.
Chloe softened, reaching out to squeeze his hand. “I know you mean well, but trust me on this. Hendrix and I? We’re meant to be.”
Miles studied her for a long moment, then sighed. “Well, if you’re sure...” A smile tugged at his lips as he pulled her in for another hug. “Then I’m happy for you. And if Hendrix breaks your heart, I’ll break his face.”
Chloe laughed, giving him a playful shove. “There’s the Miles I know and love.” Her grin turned coy. “So, did I mention I have a hot date tonight?”
Miles groaned, throwing a rose at her. “Get out of here before you make me sick with all this romance!”
Chloe blew him a kiss, giddiness rising again. Tonight was the start of a new chapter, one she’d been waiting her whole life to write.
A chapter with Hendrix by her side.
Chloe hurried up the stairs to her apartment above the flower shop, humming under her breath. She only had an hour to get ready for her date with Hendrix, but for once, she didn’t mind the rush.
After all these years, she was going on a proper date with the man she’d loved since she was a teenager.
She opened the door to her cozy loft, the familiar scent of roses greeting her. Her apartment was small but homey, filled with personal touches that reflected her style. Mismatched furniture, colorful artwork on the walls, stacks of books in every corner. It was all she needed.
In the bedroom, she rifled through her closet, eventually settling on a little black dress that hugged her curves. She paired it with strappy heels and dangly earrings, adding a splash of red lipstick for good measure.
When she emerged from her building, Hendrix was already waiting in his silver sports car. He looked unfairly handsome in a tailored suit, his eyes lighting up at the sight of her. “You look stunning,” he said, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek.
“Not too bad yourself,” she teased, sliding into the passenger seat. The leather was buttery soft, the interior sleek and luxurious. So different from her junky sedan, but she didn’t envy his wealth. She had everything she needed.
As Hendrix sped through the streets of Seattle, Chloe curled up against him, lacing their fingers together. His cologne was crisp and citrusy, blending with the roses she’d tucked into the backseat.
Hendrix and Chloe were sitting in a fancy restaurant, but neither of them noticed the lavish furnishings or the soft music playing in the background. All that mattered was the moment they were sharing, a moment of pure, all-consuming pleasure and joy.
The restaurant’s atmosphere seemed to envelope them, the faint aroma of vanilla and cinnamon enticed them as they talked and laughed.
