The Little Flower Shop by Lori Foster

Author:Lori Foster
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2023-03-03T20:48:27+00:00

* * *

Emily was relieved that Gentry stayed put. For one thing, it was getting dark and she could hear insects, and for another, she felt ridiculously unsure of herself. With their new, more familial understanding, his company bolstered her.

“Are you busy?” Saul asked.

“Just sitting on the beach with Gentry.” She kept her tone deliberately neutral so he wouldn’t know how his lack of attention had bothered her. She was too proud to start looking needy.

There was a long, low, muffled growl before Saul asked, “You and Gentry?”

“He had a date with Mila.” Her chin lifted, and knowing he might question her, she fessed up first. “I went to the restaurant to see you, but you weren’t there, so I decided to take a walk on the beach.” There. Take that. “But I ran into Gentry. Mila had just left, so he’s keeping me company.”

Gentry, who could only hear her side of the conversation, silently laughed.

She lifted her brows at him, but he shook his head as if she wouldn’t understand. And she didn’t.

To Saul, she asked, “Did you need something?”

At that, Gentry started snickering—not so silently.

“Tell him I said to shut up.”

“I will not,” she snapped. Snapped! Good grief. She never snapped at anyone, so she quickly explained, “He’s like a best friend, and he’ll soon be my manager.” Because I thought I needed more time off for you. But no, that wasn’t accurate. She was thrilled with her plan either way. She would make the decisions that were good for her, and if Saul wasn’t a part of that, well, so what. She’d still stick to her list.

She heard Saul take a breath. “Like a best friend?”

“Exactly.” Probably the best friend she’d ever had. “A brother, even.”

Gentry smiled at her, and Saul changed tactics.

“Wheeler was flirting with you.”

“Wheeler?” Emily scoffed—even though Gentry chuckled again. “There was no flirting. He and I just chatted while I ate.”

“Honey, he told me he was flirting.”

What in the world? Why would Wheeler tell him such a thing? “Well, that’s just silly.”

This time, Gentry and Saul both laughed. “I won’t tell him you said that. It’ll hurt his feelings.”

“Good grief, Saul. He’s Gentry’s age.”

That did it. Gentry fell onto his back laughing until she poked him in the ribs.

Saul wasn’t much better. Around his humor, he said, “I keep telling you, Em. You’re hot. Guys notice. I’m glad Gentry’s only a friend—”

“Like a little brother,” she insisted.

“—but ask him if he wouldn’t have been interested if you weren’t his boss. In fact, he probably started out interested anyway.”

“Saul.” Appalled, she glanced at Gentry and was thankful that he hadn’t heard. He was amused enough just listening to her. She gave Gentry a brief apologetic smile, and he smiled warmly back at her.

Then he sat up, and said loudly enough for Saul to hear, “She’s now my unofficial sister. We just decided. Even if I wasn’t her manager, I’d still be around. Hope you’re okay with that.”

Emily’s heart melted. “Did you hear that? I’ll have to disagree with one part though.

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