Series: Paige Michaels
Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 44664 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 223(@200wpm)___ 179(@250wpm)___ 149(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44664 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 223(@200wpm)___ 179(@250wpm)___ 149(@300wpm)
Anton flashed into her mind as she gazed in the mirror at the outfit she’d finally decided to wear that day and on her date. It was flattering and showed a hint of skin at her shoulders. Gemma could almost feel his lips kissing her in that peekaboo patch.
“Stop! You know nothing about him,” Gemma said aloud, thinking no one could hear her.
A client popped out of the dressing room. “Who’s the guy, Gemma?”
“Just someone I met,” Gemma said, edging away from a private conversation about herself.
“Who is he?”
“I don’t normally talk about my private life,” Gemma said quietly before changing the subject. “How did the clothes fit?”
“Perfectly, of course. I don’t know how you know what will flatter and what won’t, but you do. I really wanted that dress you steered me away from. It was atrocious. The dress you suggested is a dream. I’d like five more just like that.”
Gemma smiled and stated, “I have more…”
Before she could finish, the front door of the store opened and a large bouquet of gorgeous flowers arrived with a delivery man. “These are for Gemma James,” he called.
“I’m Gemma.”
“Someone must like you a lot. This is the biggest bouquet I’ve ever delivered. Where would you like me to set it for you? It’s heavy.”
“Oh. Put it back here,” she requested, gesturing toward a space on the wide ledge behind her counter. As he placed it carefully where she normally wrapped packages, Gemma grabbed a few dollars from the cash register.
“Thank you for making my day,” she said, offering him the tip.
“Not necessary, Gemma. The gentleman added a generous tip already for you.”
“Now that’s good manners,” her customer stated. “Check the card.”
The door jingled and two frequent shoppers joined them as the delivery driver walked out. The women stopped in their tracks to stare at the stunning display.
“That’s the most beautiful arrangement ever,” one praised.
“Who are they from, Gemma? Do you have a secret admirer?”
Gemma lifted the small white envelope from the display and opened the card. Her lips immediately curved in a smile.
I’m looking forward to seeing you tonight.
“Oh, my. That has to come from a smitten man. Is he hot?” the first customer asked.
“Oh, yeah,” Gemma confessed, having fun with the ladies.
As they congratulated her and chattered about flowers, she laid the card on the cash register where she’d see it frequently. While focusing on helping her customers, she enjoyed the captivating floral scents and the beauty. She’d never look at that spot on the counter without seeing it.
When Gemma had a moment while a customer tried on clothes, she took a picture so she’d always have it and messaged her thanks to Anton.
I’m so happy they arrived. Are they pretty?
She answered with the photo.
Nice. The floral shop did a wonderful job. I need to see you with the flowers though. Can you take a selfie in front of the display?
Feeling self-conscious, she backed up to stand next to the vase and took a picture. Ugh! That’s the worst.
“It’s too big for you to get a good picture of yourself. Let me try,” the woman said, setting an armload of clothes on the counter. “I owe you for having something I’m excited to wear. Several somethings.”
“I’m so glad you found a few things. I hate to impose but…” Gemma handed the camera and chose a spot next to the blooms. She thought of Anton and smiled.
“Ooh! That must be some man.”
“I just met him, but I think he’s special,” Gemma confided before concentrating on the pile in front of her. “Would you like to purchase these?”
“Please. I can’t leave any of them here. I’d be sad to see them on someone else and know it should have been me.”
Ringing up the clothing, Gemma celebrated each one. She loved to bond with the customers over clothing.
“This red will look amazing with your coloring. You need matching lipstick to set it off,” Gemma counseled. “This, on the other hand, is spectacular in itself. Your husband might not let you out of the house wearing it.”
“That’s okay,” the woman said with a suggestive look.
When they both laughed, Gemma smiled. It made her day to have women feel sexy and ready to go jump on their husbands. She loved the confidence boost that came from flattering clothing. Life was way too short to feel dumpy or swallowed by apparel.
Things kept hopping all day. When seven o’clock rolled around, she was tired but trying to keep her energy level up so she could enjoy her date. It was going to be a struggle. She’d have coffee with dinner; that would keep her awake.
When she walked outside, she found him waiting in his car. He immediately jumped out and ran to greet her with a big hug. His arms felt so good around her. She laid her head on his chest and closed her eyes.