The Bridal Bouquet. Tara Randel

fires so the authorities could monitor the crowd.”

      “Smart. Although starting fires when you’re not supposed to is more fun, it is more dangerous.”

      She tilted her head inquisitively. “Is that a guy thing?”

      He chuckled. “Just an observation. Our family gatherings are usually barbecues, so we always say fire fixes everything. Well, except for the time my brother Dante accidentally set the field behind our house on fire. We all ran outside to contain it before the fire department arrived. On the way, he grabbed an heirloom quilt my great-grandmother had made and used it to try to smother the flames.” He shook his head, a crooked grin lighting up his face. “My mother was not happy.”

      “I imagine.” She bit her lip, then asked, “How many brothers do you have?”

      “Three.”

      “Wow. Your mom must be wonderful to put up with your antics.”

      He glanced at the crowd. Looking for his mother?

      “She is.” He turned his attention back to her. “You have any siblings?”

      “A brother. But he hasn’t started fires or destroyed heirlooms.”

      “Why not?”

      She silently chuckled at his serious face. Like fire and destruction were normal parts of life to him.

      “My brother is too upstanding and too good at everything he does to engage in troublemaking.”

      “Oh. Sorry to hear that.”

      Her eyes went wide. “Seriously?”

      “I’m just saying, my brothers and I have lots of great stories.”

      She shook her head, trying not to laugh.

      “So you’re saying your brother is a decent member of society?”

      “He is.” Her eyes narrowed. “What’s with all the questions about my brother?”

      “Nothing. Just making conversation. Family is usually a safe topic.”

      And why had she suddenly gotten so prickly? Because Will always ended up being part of the conversation, no matter where she was. With her folks. On the job. People always wanted to know how Mr. Wonderful was doing, even people who didn’t know him well. She hadn’t realized how defensive she’d gotten about her brother until just now.

      “Okay,” Dylan said, bracing his arm along the top of the bench. His fingers were mere inches from her shoulder, which she found very distracting. “We’ll switch off the topic of family. So, the bonfire. Do folks from surrounding towns join in as well?”

      “It’s usually just Cypress Pointe.”

      “Seems like you have a nice town. Safe place?”

      “Why, are you planning on moving here?” Now, wouldn’t that be interesting, running into this hunk around town.

      He chuckled. “No. Since my cousin lives here I’m curious.”

      “Well, not much crime. A nice tourist spot. Not much traffic. Good restaurants. Awesome beach views.”

      He nodded, watching the people on the beach. Like he was looking for someone. She ignored the regret washing over her. Already tired of talking to her? It shouldn’t matter, but it did.

      The moment dragged on until he spoke again. “Did you grow up here?”

      “What are you, a census taker?” she teased, afraid it came off more defensive than joking.

      “You got a chip on your shoulder?” he responded.

      Okay, he gave as good as she did. His aim directly hit its target. “Fine. I deserved that.” She ran a shaky hand through her hair. “To be honest, it’s been a while since I spent time talking to a nice guy.”

      His mouth thinned and his gunmetal eyes turned serious. “You sure I’m a nice guy?”

      If his expression was supposed to make her nervous, it didn’t. If anything, she wanted to know why he’d think differently. “I haven’t seen otherwise.”

      “We don’t really know each other.” He paused, leaning in close. His fingers nearly skimmed over her jacket. In a quiet voice he said, “But I do know I like spending time with you.”

      His statement caught her off guard. Made her blood race.

      “Um, thanks.”

      His chuckle sent chills over her skin. “You’re welcome.”

      Nervous now, she tucked her hair behind her ear. “I’m sorry for coming off rude. I’m not usually hard to get along with.”

      “No worries.” He glanced at his watch. “I need to get back to my family. They’re probably heading over to the hotel soon.”

      He stood, a little shaky on his leg, but caught himself. She wondered what had caused his injury. How long ago he’d been hurt. Not that it was her business, but honestly, in the short time she’d known him he triggered the inquisitive side of her nature. She wanted to know more.

      He held out his hand. “Nice to meet you. Again.”

      She rose and took his hand in hers. The zing of pleasure she’d experienced earlier returned, stronger this time. “Likewise.”

      They remained there, gazing at each other. Kady held her breath, hoping he might say more. Maybe ask her out? When he didn’t speak, she realized he wasn’t going to do as she’d hoped. Disappointment wrapped around her. What did she expect? She’d only just met the guy. He was probably leaving town soon. No point in starting anything if he wasn’t going to be around, even if he’d admitted he liked spending time with her.

      “So I’ll see you around?” she asked.

      She couldn’t quite interpret the expression in his eyes when he said, “Never say never,” before walking away.

      Was that a yes or a no?

      Tugging the car keys from her jeans pocket, she trudged to her car. How had she managed to screw up a possible date? She really needed to try harder. Lilli was right. But this thing with Dylan? It was different. Made her want to get out there again. She would hate to admit this to her friends, but maybe she did need their help. If not with Dylan, maybe another guy.

      Once she got to the car, she slid inside, curling her hands over the top of the steering wheel and resting her forehead against them. Had she really blown her chance with Dylan? Her parents always accused her of being difficult. Maybe they were right. It would explain why her relationships never lasted. Even though Brad had been ages ago, she realized now he’d never been the man for her. But Dylan? He wasn’t like any man she’d ever met. He had her second-guessing herself, while at the same time he sent her pulse racing. It was out of the ordinary for her and she liked it.

      Lifting her head, she stared at the beach. It looked like the party was winding down. Folks would return home and tomorrow things would go back to normal in this sleepy town. For her, it would be business as usual. Right. Once she convinced her folks to let her run the shop, lined up more wedding jobs and won the bouquet competition at the florist convention. By that time Dylan would probably be gone and she’d have missed her chance to learn more about the most interesting man she’d met...ever.