“Hi, may I help you?” She forced a nervous smile, her light blue eyes making him pause. She was absolutely stunning, but in a muted way, as if she was trying to hide it from the world. Or as if she didn’t know she was beautiful. Whatever it was, he was having trouble taking his eyes off her.
“I need a bouquet,” he announced, forcing himself not to reach out and run his fingers through her long brown hair, which fell in thick waves just past her shoulders. Because that wouldn’t be creepy or anything, he thought, and wondered if two years in prison could have stunted his game.
“Sure, a bouquet of what?”
“Flowers.”
Kieran wanted to grab the word as soon as it left his mouth, realizing how juvenile he sounded. His game was definitely lacking. The young woman stifled a smirk, her body visibly relaxing and her lips twitching.
She cleared her throat, peering at him with kindness. “All right, well, who would it be for? Maybe that can help us narrow down our choices.”
“It’s for my mother.”
“Do you know what her favorite flower is?”
He shook his head, trying to think of the last time he had seen his mother with flowers. In truth, he hadn’t purchased flowers for his mother since her birthday the year before he went to jail. He didn’t think she was the stereotypical roses type of woman, but he wasn’t sure.
“No, I can’t remember. I’ve been, uh, gone for a while. Just got back.”
“Welcome back, uh—” She paused, raising one brow.
“Kieran. Thanks.”
“I’m Fiona.”
“As in ‘Fiona’s Flowers’? This is your shop? Wow, that’s impressive. You don’t look old enough to have your own business.”
She walked out from around the counter and toward a refrigerated section. “And you look too old not to know your mother’s favorite flower.”
“Ah, Fiona: 1, Kieran: 0.” He followed her to the glass doors that separated a wide selection of floral bouquets.
“What about one of these? Think she might like this?” Fiona slid open the large refrigerator door and touched some pink flowers he didn’t recognize. “This has always been one of my favorites, ever since my mother first taught me about flowers.”
“If you like it, I’ll take it.” He agreed without hesitation, unable to keep his eyes from roaming the length of her perfectly curved yet long body.
Fiona nodded and removed the vase from the shelf of the refrigerated case, slid the door closed, then carried the vase over to the counter. She pulled some clear cellophane from under the counter and began wrapping the arrangement, taking care not to crush any of the blooms. Next, she brought out some ribbon and tied it around the vase, finishing it with a small bow.
“Beautiful,” Kieran said, complimenting more than just her work as he pulled out his wallet. “How much do I owe you?”
“Forty-nine, ninety-nine.”
“Fifty bucks? Do these flowers also come with dinner and a movie?” he asked.
She blushed and dropped her eyes to the counter, not saying anything. Shit. Not two days out of the joint, and he was already offending people. “I’m kidding, Fiona.” He handed her a few bills. “Unless you’d be interested in that?”
“In what?” She took the money from him and opened the cash register to put it away.
“In dinner and a movie. With me.”
She looked up at him suddenly, wide-eyed, her lips parting slightly. Her cheeks blushed crimson, and that only made him like her more. She screamed innocence and purity when he was the opposite. “I, um, sorry. I don’t date.”
“I don’t buy that—you’re too beautiful.” He leaned against the counter, trying to get closer to her, but she handed him his purchase instead.
“What did you get Ma?” Kane came up behind him, interrupting his flirtation.
“Your mother should love these pink Gerber daisies.” Fiona smiled at Kane, which Kieran guessed was her way of avoiding looking at him.
Avoiding looking at him by looking at his twin instead…Yeah, he really didn’t understand women.
“Thanks, miss,” Kane said to the florist before turning to him. “Come on, bro, we’re going to be late.”
Kane took the vase of flowers from him and was already walking toward the door. Kieran started to follow, but paused to look back at Fiona.
“Don’t give me your answer now, flower girl. Think about it, and I’ll be back for your answer,” he added with a wink.
Fiona’s mouth fell open before he turned and followed his brother out the door. A few years in jail hadn’t changed anything; he knew he still had game. He just hoped it was enough to charm the beautiful brunette.
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Falling Free ( Falling Fast #3) Page 24
