Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 57350 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 287(@200wpm)___ 229(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57350 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 287(@200wpm)___ 229(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)
It was already dark outside.
Ellen’s shoulders sank. “That’s what I figured.”
Adam studied her for a moment. Ellen had worked hard to build her little flower business in town. The shop sat on the corner across from the feed store, and most days she kept the windows filled with bright arrangements that caught the attention of anyone walking by. Still, a small town didn’t always provide steady income.
“You know,” Adam said, “I could make more of an effort to keep fresh flowers on the tables.” He glanced at the small arrangements scattered along the bar and the dining area that the Lady Elks had brought by. “They really do add personality.”
Ellen lifted her head. “Yeah?” Her eyes sharpened with interest. “What do you mean?”
Adam released a slow breath and did a quick calculation in his head. His bank account had taken a few hits lately, but the bar had been doing well enough to carry a small extra expense. “How about I order fresh flowers for the tables every week?”
Ellen’s eyes widened. She turned her head and scanned the bar, clearly counting the tables. “Seriously?”
“Yes,” Adam said. “Just make them seasonal. Nothing too fancy.” He tossed the rag over his shoulder. “Why don’t you give me a bid and we’ll talk about it later this week?”
Hope spread across Ellen’s face like sunrise.
“Adam, that’s the nicest thing I’ve ever heard.” She shook her head quickly. “You can’t just do that because we’re friends.”
“I like the atmosphere,” he admitted. “Those flowers from the fundraiser have brightened the place up all week.”
Music swelled across the room as a group near the pool table cheered over a winning shot. Someone laughed loud enough to turn a few heads.
Adam poured another beer for a waiting customer. “I’d be happy to do it. In fact, I could talk to Kurt over at Kurt’s Koffee and see if he wants to decorate his tables, too. Maybe we turn it into a fun contest.”
“Contest?” Ellen gasped.
“Sure.” Adam liked the idea. “We could see which place has the best flower displays every week. Customers vote or something like that. We could even give out prizes.” Adam nodded toward the pizza restaurant down the street. “Same with Paul’s Pizza Joint,” he said. “You might have to stick with Italian colors over there.”
Ellen laughed. “That could work.”
Adam set the beer on the counter and watched her expression. The excitement in her eyes had replaced the earlier disappointment. “It’s time we stepped up and helped you out.”
Ellen had lived in Mineral Lake for almost five years now. In a town this size, that meant she had earned the title of local. And locals looked after each other.
“Oh, Adam.” Ellen pressed a hand against her chest as if she had just received the best news of the week. “I don’t know what to say. I think I love you.”
Adam laughed.
“So do I,” Joan said, giving him a wink.
Adam shook his head. “You two stop it right now. Ellen, why don’t you put together a big bouquet of spring flowers for me? No roses, though.”
Joan frowned at him. “For the city woman?”
“Yeah,” he said dryly. “For the city woman.”
Joan had been flirting with him for over a year. Some nights she went beyond flirting and moved straight into propositions. Adam had dodged every one of them. Joan wasn’t a bad person. She just had a way of looking at him that made the back of his neck prickle.
Running a bar meant he had to be careful about that sort of thing. This place served as one of the few gathering spots in Mineral Lake. Ranchers, retirees, construction crews, and tourists all came through the doors, and he never wanted anyone to feel uncomfortable walking in.
Especially on the nights when Dawn sang. He looked toward the too quiet stage.
Both women followed his gaze.
“I take it you’re not singing tonight?” Joan asked. Her voice carried a faint edge of disappointment.
“Nah. I called earlier, and Dawn caught the bug going around.” She’d sounded horrible. Adam usually saved performances for the evenings when Dawn and the rest of the band could join him. Morning music happened now and then when the older ladies stopped in for coffee and pastries.
Although he’d liked singing for Bianca that morning. Part of him wished she wanted the quiet life Ellen offered with that flower shop. He could picture Bianca arranging plants, planning gardens, and filling the town with color. Hell, he would have loaned her the money to buy into the business if she asked. But that wasn’t who she was. Bianca chased landscapes, sunsets, and film sets across the country, and he liked her that way.
“Yo, Adam?” Ellen snapped her fingers in front of him. “Are you still in there?”
“Sorry.” He blinked and gave a quick shake of his head. “Got lost in my own thoughts for a minute.”