One week later...

Carley and I are sitting in the backroom of the flower shop working on new designs for upcoming weddings.

Working at Graham's wedding turned out to be one of the best decisions. All of Leah's friends are now using me for their flowers. They all want snooty over-the-top arrangements seen in magazines.

They are tedious but we are making a shit-ton of money off them. So I guess, thank you Graham and Leah.

I just puked in my mouth thinking that.

"So, I have a question," Carley says wrapping a silk ribbon around a vase. Carley is better at the smaller details while I handle the actual arrangements.

"Uh huh," I say barely listening.

"If you and Ryder are 'nothing'," she says using air quotes. "Then why is he here?"

"He's here?" I ask falling off the chair trying to look through the small window. We closed the shop to work on these flowers so I definitely wasn't expecting anyone.

"I'm here," Ryder says laughing at me sprawled out on the floor that is filled with cut stems, sparkles, and ribbons. I probably look like Easter threw up on me.

"You need help?" He asks in his deep voice that I can feel everywhere. Why does he always have to look so good? Especially from where I'm laying.

Fitted jeans, a light blue t-shirt that matches his eyes. Why am I always wiping off drool when he's around?

I stand up and attempt to brush off the glitter from my butt. These leggings are the kind that everything sticks to. Boomer's fur, fuzz, sparkles. Oh, and my hair is tied up in a knot that looks good on other people and looks terrible on me.

Damn it, Ryder.

"What are you doing here?" I ask trying to smooth out my hair even though I know it's useless. He reaches over and pulls a stem out of the bun and drops it to the floor. My face goes hot. When the fuck have I ever blushed before?

I can tell Carley notices because she giggles and rushes out of the room muttering something about inventory. It's a fucking flower shop owned by the laziest person on the East Coast, we don't do inventory.

"She's subtle," Ryder comments looking towards where Carley just escaped.

"She probably thinks we're going to rip each other's clothes off right here," I say rolling my eyes and willing my face to not turn red again.

"I wouldn't be opposed," Ryder winks then laughs. I'm assuming he's joking but you never know with our track record.

"So?" I ask beginning to clean up the mess on the table. Ryder helps by piling up ribbon and other materials while I throw out the garbage.

"I want to take you out," Ryder says in a rush. I almost want him to slow down so I can feel the rumble of his voice in my chest, but that would be weird. I also would like to record this and keep it forever. Ryder is asking me out! I want to squeal like a little girl who just got a pony for christmas.

But I act cool, "I thought you didn't want a relationship," I say.

"I don't. What happened to no strings attached?" He walks closer to me. The smell of him makes my mouth water. God, I'm worse than Boomer with a new treat.

"No strings attached is not taking me out. That is taking me to a bed and screwing me," I say avoiding eye contact.

Ryder sighs, "I want to take you out to dinner. I want to take you on a date," he says it like it's painful, "I don't know what I want yet."

"What changed your mind?" I ask.

"I can't stop thinking about you, Ads. I don't know why," he runs his fingers through his hair, "I thought I'd forget about you and go back to my life but I can't. I think we should give this a try. I can't promise you anything yet."

"If we even attempt to do this you can't be with anyone else. Whether it's just sex or more. Only me until we decide to end it." I say in a shaky voice, "Graham kind of screwed me over with the whole trust thing and I just can't be your second choice. Fuck, I don't know."

He walks over to me and places his warm hand on my cheek, "I get it. Only you," he says and kisses me.

It's a different type of kiss than what we are used to. It's soft and gentle. Our lips fitting together, our bodies fitting together in a different way. He runs his fingers up my arm and tangles a hand in my hair.

I hope it won't get stuck in the knots. Damn, I need to start brushing my hair.

He pulls away, "will you go out with me?"

"Yup. But not to dinner or anything stupid." I lean my head against his chest then take a step away from him so I can think clearly. He still holds onto my hand.

"Actually, I'll plan the date. Just be at my house tomorrow around 4:00." I tell him.

"4:00? We're having an afternoon date?" He asks amused.

"Yup. I have a lot planned for you," I wink and walk out of the back room leaving him chuckling behind me.

He wraps his arms around my waist and says, "see you then," and heads out of the flower shop.

"What the hell?! Addison! That kiss was hot," Carley says rushing over to me.

"Why the fuck were you watching!?" I laugh.

She points to the window, "you guys were kind of on display."

I roll my eyes, "now I have to plan a date."

"What happened to being done with him?" Carley asks.

"I don't know what changed with him but if he's in so am I."

"Well I guess we have a date to plan. Over wine and cheese and pizza?" Carley asks.

"And pickles. Don't forget the pickles."