Riding the Storm - Brenda Jackson [49]
Lisa’s smile widened. “Yeah, but also very sexy.”
Jayla raised her gaze to the ceiling. “But I can’t think of sexy when all I can see is domineering.”
Lisa laughed. “Evidently you could last night if those blushes were any indication. But if you feel that way, you should let him know. It should be simple enough to tell him you aren’t interested and to stop coming around.”
Jayla nodded. Yes, that should be simple enough and she would tell him tomorrow night at dinner.
Storm walked into Coleman’s Florist Shop and glanced at the older woman who was standing behind the counter. Luanne Coleman was considered one of the town’s biggest gossips, but he still enjoyed doing business with her. And besides, none of the women he ever ordered flowers for lived in College Park, the suburb of Atlanta where he and the majority of his family resided and where his brother Dare was sheriff.
“Good morning, Ms. Luanne.”
She glanced up from looking at the small television screen that was sitting on the counter. Her soaps were on. “Oh, hello, Storm. You want to send the usual?”
He smiled. By the usual, she meant a bouquet of fresh-cut flowers. “No, I want to send something different this time.”
He knew that would grab her attention. She stared at him for a long moment, then raised her brow over curious eyes and asked, “Something different?”
“Yes.”
She nodded. “All right, what do you have in mind?”
He glanced around. “What do you have that will last a while?”
“I have plenty of live plants and they make beautiful gifts.”
Storm nodded. He didn’t recall seeing a live plant in Jayla’s home and thought one would be perfect, especially in her bedroom for her to look at and remember. “Good. I want you to pick out the biggest and prettiest one, and this is the person I want it delivered to,” he said, handing her a slip of paper.
She took it and glanced at the name. She then looked at him and smiled. “How much do you want to spend?”
A huge grin touched his lips. “The cost isn’t important. Just add it to my account. And make sure it’s delivered this afternoon.”
She nodded and smiled as she quickly began writing up his order. “She must be very special.”
Storm sighed heavily. There. He had heard someone else say what he’d been thinking all day, so the only thing he could do was smile and agree. “Yes, she is.”
Jayla blinked at the man holding the huge potted plant in front of him. The plant was almost larger than he was. “Are you sure you’re at the right address, sir?”
“Yes, I’m positive,” the older man said, peeping from behind the bunch of healthy green leaves of a beautiful and lush looking areca palm. “It’s for you.”
Jayla nodded as she stepped aside to let the man bring the plant inside, wondering who on earth could have sent it. When the man had placed it down, he turned to leave. “Wait, I need to give you a—”
“The tip’s been taken care of,” the man said. And then he was gone.
Jayla quickly pulled the card from the plant and read it.
Whenever you look at this, think of me.
Storm
Jayla’s heart skipped a beat. No it skipped two, possibly three. She blinked, then sank down on her sofa. Storm had sent her a plant, a beautiful, large, lush green plant and for the first time in a long time, she was at a loss for words.
Nine
“T hanks again for the plant, Storm. It’s simply beautiful.”
“You’re welcome and I’m glad you like it.”
“And thanks for bringing me here, tonight. Everything was wonderful.”
“You’re welcome again.”
Then she glanced around Anthony’s, the stunning and elegant antebellum mansion that had a reputation of fine service and delicious food. Being here reminded her of New Orleans, and she wondered if perhaps that was the reason Storm had chosen this place.
She glanced back over at Storm and their gazes met. He’d been watching her, something she noticed he’d been doing all evening. He had arrived at her house promptly at seven and since she’d been ready,