"Lucas," Dakota answered, moving to the refrigerator. "He said something about 'paying you back for the ribbon lessons.'"
The thought of Lucas preparing lunch for me brought an unexpected warmth to my cheeks. I took a bite of the sandwich to hide my reaction, surprised by how hungry I actually was.
"Where is he, anyway?" I asked between bites, realizing I hadn't seen Lucas since he'd helped with the flower delivery.
"Following up on a lead with Gabriel," Theo replied, closing his laptop and pushing it aside. "They should be back by evening."
My chewing slowed as I processed this information. "A lead on the case?" I tried to keep my voice casual, though my heart rate picked up slightly.
Dakota and Theo exchanged a brief glance—one of those silent communications that seemed to pass between all four Alphas.
"Yes," Theo confirmed after a moment. "But nothing for you to worry about right now…once we know more we will have a meeting to talk about it with you. Right now it is only a lead, with no concrete evidence.”
I nodded, understanding. They couldn’t give me information if they weren’t sure it was one hundred percent accurate. I took another bite of the sandwhich, as the room went silent.
Dakota move so he now leaned against the counter, arms crossed, watching me eat with an intensity that might have been uncomfortable if I hadn't started getting used to it. "How's the work coming along?"
I swallowed another bite of sandwich before answering. "Good. I've finished the bridal bouquet and three bridesmaids' arrangements. Still have the centerpieces and boutonnières to go."
"You work fast," Dakota observed, something like approval flickering in his dark eyes.
"When I'm in the zone," I agreed, reaching for a slice of apple. "Time just... disappears."
Theo looked up from his screen, adjusting his glasses.
"That's an interesting psychological state," Theo said, his expression thoughtful. "What researchers call 'flow'—when you're so deeply engaged in an activity that your consciousness of external factors diminishes. It's actually quite beneficial for stress reduction."
I nodded, taking another bite of sandwich. "It's why I love what I do. Everything else just... fades away."
"Even the memory of someone trying to kill you?" Dakota asked bluntly.
Theo shot him a sharp look, but I appreciated Dakota's directness. There was something refreshing about his refusal to tiptoe around difficult subjects.
"Especially that," I admitted quietly, setting down my sandwich. "For a few hours, I wasn't a witness or a victim or whatever I am in this case. I was just a florist again."
The kitchen fell silent for a moment, save for the gentle hum of the refrigerater echoing through the room. As I finished my lunch, I found myself studying the two Alphas—so different and yet clearly bonded by something deeper than their work. Theo with his analytical mind and precise movements, Dakota with his gruff exterior and watchful eyes. There was something quietly comforting about their presence, even in silence.
"Thank you for the lunch," I said finally, pushing my empty plate away. "And for coming to get me. I probably would have worked straight through the day otherwise."
Dakota gave a short nod. "You needed fuel. Can't work efficiently without it…and make sure to say that to Lucas since he made it."
"Always practical," I observed with a small smile, “And I will when I see him next.”
"Function over sentiment," Dakota agreed, though there was a warmth in his eyes that belied his matter-of-fact tone.
Theo closed his laptop completely, his full attention now on me. "You'll need to rest your hands before returning to work. Repetitive strain injuries are common among florists."
I flexed my fingers, noticing the stiffness in my joints. "You're probably right. Maybe a short break before I tackle the centerpieces."
"I could show you some exercises," Theo offered, adjusting his glasses with precise fingers. "They're designed to alleviate tension in the metacarpals and increase circulation to prevent cramping."
I couldn't help but smile at his clinical description. "You make it sound so romantic, Theo."
A faint blush colored his cheeks, barely noticeable if I hadn't been watching for it. "It's physiological maintenance, not romance."
"Don't mind him," Dakota said, the corner of his mouth twitching. "He thinks foreplay is explaining the chemical composition of pheromones."
Theo's blush deepened as he shot Dakota a withering look. "That's both inappropriate and inaccurate."
