"Well, well, looks like someone is in desperate need of his baby girl back." Tyler once again was posted next to our receptionist Eloise, admiring the impressive floral display.
My face reddened immediately at the mere idea that they knew the true sender of the flowers.
"What do you mean??" The words stumbled from my mouth.
"Girl, this is the second day in a row your man had flowers delivered to you. You must be really holding out on that gorgeous Silver Fox."
"Oh, ha, yeah … " A strangle forced noise that resembled a chuckle fell from my lips.
"They are beautiful flowers, Grey. You're very lucky to have someone who loves you so much." Eloise added, staring sweetly at the bouquet.
"They are stunning." I agreed, finally spotting the little white card resting among the flowers.
My heart suddenly began racing as my fingers snatched out and grabbed the card. It was almost impossible to tame my curiosity in front of inquiring eyes.
"What does this one say?" Tyler didn't even bother hiding his rather nosy tendencies.
I pressed the card against my chest and narrowed my eyes at him. "Hey now, snoopy, shouldn't you be at your station or something?"
His tongue clicked against his teeth as he pressed his hands into his hips, ready to lay on a thick attitude. "You're not going to share with your best friends, Greyson? Oh I see how it is. Well fine, next time I get a secret love letter, I won't share it with you either."
I bit back a giggle. I couldn't deny how much I loved when Tyler turned into something of a diva. It made me smile every time.
"I think I'll get over it," I assured him. He let out a huff, turned on his heel and sashayed back to his chair
"Would you like me to move the flowers anywhere, Grey?" Eloise asked, reminding me that I wasn't alone.
I glanced around the salon and even considered slipping them into the break room with the others. I just couldn't though, these were far too beautiful to sit in the shadows of an almost always empty room.
"I think they can stay here for now. Let the clients admire their beauty as well." With a smile and a wink, I retreated to my station. This was one of the few times I was thankful the Brooks' sisters were off today. Most Tuesdays they were off work and I would feel nothing but loneliness throughout the busy day.
Right now though, the silence was welcomed. Neither could peek over my shoulder and pester me to death about what was going on. Even more than that, I could read the note in peace without sharing the contents with anyone else. My eyes glanced warily from side-to-side, I felt ridiculously paranoid, but I couldn't stop my actions. Once I assured myself no one was watching I let myself read the words I was dying to look over.
I told you once and I'll tell you again-I'm not going anywhere, GR.
Xox
My heart literally sighed at the words and despite the nagging voice at the back of my head, warning me away from him-it didn't change a thing. I managed to read over the words so many times that soon, I was hearing Stefan's voice in my head. Softly with steady determination brushing against the ridge of my ear; setting my skin on fire with the cool vibrations and the heat from his breath. It was unbelievable the way one simple card could reawaken so much-especially the fact that letting go wasn't going to be as easy as I planned.
By the time late afternoon arrived, I was finally beginning to feel my oversensitive body calm down from Stefan's note. The words still rang out in my mind, but I was able to function properly once again. That all changed as I looked to the sound of the greeting bell on the front door and saw bright yellow sunflowers fill the space. The sturdy looking man seemed to struggle a bit with the weight of the flowers and stunning navy blue vase.
"Delivery for a Miss Greyson Rose." The man called out. Eloise pointed toward me and after noting my stunned silence, directed the flowers be placed on an empty window sill.
Pulling a work order from his pocket he looked toward me to sign the receipt of delivery but thought better of it. Clearly, I still looked as dazed as I felt. Eloise stepped up to sign as I called out a single thanks. She smiled, nodded and returned to her duties.
Luck was on my side, I didn't have a client in my chair, allowing me a chance to immediately scope out the flowers. The very nosy Tyler was wide-eyed curious but in the middle of a coloring, and knew better than to be anything less than professional in front of clients. My feet somehow managed to move toward the flowers, despite the sudden paralysis my body was experiencing. The dazzling yellow brightened the room with the most beautiful sunflowers I had ever seen. Only Stefan would be able to find the most impeccable flowers each and every time he sent them.
As soon as I saw the note I made a hasty grab for it. Opening it the second the paper touched my fingers.