definitely. Just wait until you have children. They’ll be real darlings.”
“Hmm...I hadn’t thought about it.”
Jules gave him a quick once-over as though inspecting his physical attributes to see if he would make good father material—a father to their children. When her gaze met his, her lips lifted into a smile that lit up her eyes. His jaw tightened. She was having fun at his expense. But what bothered him the most was he could easily envision a little girl with Jules’s big green eyes—his daughter. He stopped his thoughts from meandering down that dangerous path.
What in the world was going on? He and Jules were barely even friends, much less planning a life together. That was not going to happen.
Jules pulled away. Although he should have felt relieved, he found himself missing her touch. It killed him to admit even to himself, but he’d enjoyed the softness of her hands pressing against his bare arm. The warmth of her gaze was powerful stuff. A man could get swept away and forget all about logic. He’d have to be careful around this one. He wasn’t going to fall in love again. No way. The price was too high.
The saleswoman continued to beam at them. “Don’t you two worry about flowers for your big day. As soon as I looked at you I knew there was a love connection. You’ll make a wonderful bride and groom.”
Stefano cleared his throat, at last feeling as though he’d regained his ability to speak—he must clear up this misunderstanding. He couldn’t continue to play along with Jules’s game any longer.
“We aren’t together.” His voice came out gruff.
Both women turned to him with startled looks. It had to be from the tone of his voice because there was no way that Jules was surprised by his admission. It wasn’t as if she even liked him.
Did she?
“This isn’t for our wedding.” Stefano had to correct the woman since Jules didn’t seem the least bit interested in doing it. He couldn’t let the woman go on about them being such a great couple.
Jules’s perfectly plucked brows drew together into a formidable line and her lush red lips pressed together as though she were holding back a heated reprimand. Let her fume. He’d merely corrected a glaring error. End of story.
The saleswoman’s puzzled gaze moved from him to Jules. “I don’t understand.” The woman’s face took on a very serious expression. “These flowers you’ve picked out, if they aren’t for you two, who are they for?”
Jules sent him a this-is-your-fault look. But he didn’t feel the least bit guilty. Why should he?
She shifted her weight in those sky-high black-heeled boots that made her look as if she’d just stepped out of some rock-and-roll video. Not that he’d watched many. But he had seen a few in his time, and, well, she was definitely gorgeous enough to star in them if only she’d lighten up on the makeup so people could really see her. But right now there was no mistaking that she was upset. Not even that thick makeup could hide her frown lines.
Jules clasped her hands together. “The thing is we’re picking out flowers for another couple.”
“You’re what?” The saleswoman looked taken aback. “Where’s the bride?”
“Working. She had an emergency come up and asked if we’d step in and help with the plans.”
“Will she be in later to approve the order?”
“I’m afraid not.” Jules clenched her hands together.
“I don’t think we can take your order—”
“But you must.” Jules’s voice cracked with emotion. “We’re running out of options. I promise everything will be to the bride’s liking.”
The saleswoman shook her head. “We can’t do it.”
“What’s the big deal?” Stefano came to Jules’s defense. “They’re flowers, for goodness’ sake. They all pretty much look the same except for the colors. And Jules showed you the color of the dresses. Now we’d like to buy some flowers.”
“You might want to, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. Listen, I just got burned on a really big order where the bride was too busy with her dress or some such thing to come in and approve what her mother picked out for the wedding. I’m still sorting out that mess.” She shook her head. “I’m not doing that again. Either the bride comes in or you’ll have to go elsewhere to buy your flowers.”
The woman couldn’t be serious. He glanced at Jules, who looked upset. “Listen here, you can’t do that—”
“What he meant to say is we understand. Thank you so much for your time.” She pulled on his arm to leave.
He refused to be turned away. “I want to talk to the owner.”
The saleswoman pressed her hands to her generous hips. “You’re speaking to her. And it’s time you left.”
“Thanks again.” Jules tugged harder and finally he gave in, letting her lead him from the flower shop. He didn’t know why she was retreating. The woman was there to sell flowers and they were there to buy them, not cater to the woman’s wishes. This was ridiculous.
Once outside and down the sidewalk a ways, Jules spun around and got in his face with her finger pointing at him. Her face was filled with color. Her eyes narrowed on him. This wasn’t going to be pretty. Not at all.
“Do you know what you just did in there?” Her heated tone left no doubt about her agitation.
“Yes, I corrected the woman. You let her think that we were a couple. I couldn’t let her think that.”
“Why? Is it so awful to think that you and I might be involved?”
He rubbed the back of his neck, trying to avoid the curious looks as people passed by. “Can we talk about this later? People are starting to stare.”
“Let them. You owe me some answers.”
“Fine. I don’t like to lie. And letting that woman believe we’re something we’re not was a lie.”
Jules’s gaze narrowed even more. “And you are the pillar of honesty?”
He lowered his head as memories of his not so distant past started to pound him. No, he wasn’t the pillar of anything. In fact, he was the exact opposite. If he’d been more of a proponent of the truth while he was married, he might still be married—well, he wouldn’t go that far. But Gianna would still be alive.
He’d give anything to erase that awful night. Anything at all.
“Lying only leads to regrets.” He looked at Jules. She didn’t seem as hostile now. In fact, the way she was gazing at him it was as if she was trying to read him. “What does any of this matter, anyway? They were just flowers. I’m sure there are lots of other shops that would be more than willing to take our business.”
“Not if you keep shooting your mouth off like that. These people like to know that they are dealing with the person in charge—”
“And that’s you—”
“Not in this case. This is a wedding. The bride is always in charge. It’s her wedding. Her big day. The whole thing revolves around her. And these people have been down the aisle enough times to know how it works.”
“So if that’s the case, why’s Lizzie dumping it all in your lap instead of delaying the wedding?”
“Because she trusts me. We’re the only family each other has. We know each other better than anyone in the world, and she knows that I will plan the perfect wedding for her.”
“I hope you’re right. About knowing her so well.”
Jules’s lips lifted in a small smile. “You don’t have to worry.” She lifted her phone and waved