Chapter 11 Little Dancer
I blush at the comment. Just what exactly was she meaning by that last comment? How exactly did she expect me to help this man? "How can I help you?" I ask, heart thudding in my chest. My voice comes out a little high and breathy, so I swallow down and try again. "What exactly are you looking for?"
"I'd like to pick up some flowers for an old friend," he said leaning across the counter looking right into my eyes, "Little Dancer," he whispered with a sexy smirk.
I stand shocked. "How... uh... did you? I mean... Did you just call me little dancer?" I almost swallow my tongue. No one knows I danced except Hailey. It's been a secret, mostly because I don't like to think about everything I'm missing now... Including the dancing.
"Of course. That's what you are... or you were many years ago," he smiled. "You were very graceful dancing around the stage on your toes."
"I haven't danced in 5 years," I whisper, trying to blink the tears away. I can't stand around crying when I've got work to do. I need to get this guy out of here before I break down in front of everyone. The only way to do that is to get this guy what he wants. "What kind of bouquet are you looking for?" I try to push the uneasy feeling away from me.
Something deep inside me is telling me I know this man... But try as I may, I really can't remember who he is. It will probably haunt me for the rest of the day. I don't have time to sit around and wonder. I will figure it out later.
"Just something that says 'I miss you,'" he shrugs. "I've been out of town for quite some time and would like to get reacquainted with some people."
"Oh! Well, I have a beautiful stargazer lily arrangement. It has some sweetheart roses and pink carnations," I hurry to show him the arrangements. "There are other arrangements with sweetheart roses and red and white roses as well. I've also got a selection of orchids, if you are interested," rush out, pointing out each of the pre-made arrangements, hoping to get this over with.
I don't know why, but there is a flutter in my lower belly I don't know what to do with, other than get him out of here as soon as possible. Why the hell am I feeling things for some strange man? I don't even know exactly what it is I'm feeling.
"What would you recommend, little dancer?" he whispers sending a shiver down my spine.
I gasp as the sharp spice of his cologne surrounds me and fills my head. I'm getting dizzy. I need to breathe, but I don't think I can push him away and still keep my job.
"I would take the Lily arrangement," I whisper back, not sure why I picked that particular arrangement, but it just seemed right.
"That sounds perfect," the stranger straightens up and I hand him the arrangement after I ring him up. "I'll see you around Josie," he states walking out the door, just as James rushes through it.
I forget the stranger the moment James comes up to me and kisses me in front of everyone in the shop. "Baby, I hate to do this to you, but I got called away. My aunt is sick and I won't be back until Monday," he says, pulling me into a hug.
Monday? He's leaving me for a weekend?
"Well, okay. I hope Anna gets better. Did you want to take her some yellow daisies and white roses?" I suggest, pointing at the arrangement I had been working on.
"Oh! That would be great, sweetheart," he smiles and kisses me again. "But I'm short on cash right now. Can I pay you back?"
"Uh, sure?" I grab my wallet and take out the money as I ring up the sale. "Here. Give Anna my best."
"Thanks baby girl. I'll see you soon!" He says as he rushes from the shop.
That funny feeling in my tummy from last night... it's coming back. Why do I feel like he isn't telling me something? And why the hell didn't he just pay with his card?!