Bo’s in Los Angeles with the film crew. He’s been there for a week, and has someone filling in for him at the clinic. Apparently, the production crew needed him to make a few changes in the editing booth, before they pitchedWild Vet. They found an agent who managed to book a meeting with someone from one of the major streaming services. Their appointment was for lunch at the Beverly Hills Hotel at noon. It’s now five thirty here and still no word.
I’d never hold Bo back from anything he wanted to do. I understand I have no claim on him, but I’d still like to know what’s happening, and I’m not ashamed to admit, I’d be crushed if he left West Palomino.
I sigh, and head for home. The short walk will do me good.
I’m right in front of The Slice of Life bakery when my phone starts pinging and vibrating against my thigh. I quickly pull it out of my pocket and move to the shade, out of the glare.
I read Bo’s message twice:I’m still in meetings. Be home tomorrow. I miss you. THEY BOUGHT THE SHOW!
Chapter seven
Bo
I clutch the bouquet of peonies, and tuck them behind my back. My heart thumps as I lean forward, peeking through the greenhouse window.
Inside, Riley’s animated, making broad gestures as she points at the five-gallon buckets of roses, explaining something to Antonia. Her hair swings with each enthusiastic nod.
I take a deep breath, push the door open with my shoulder, and step into the humid air. “Knock, knock.”
Riley spins around. Her eyes widen, and a squeal escapes her as her face lights up. She tosses her gloves onto a nearby table and rushes toward me, her boots thudding on the concrete floor. I barely have time to brace myself before she leaps into my arms. I tighten my grip on the bouquet, careful not to crush them, and hoist her off the ground, spinning her slightly as our lips meet in a warm, passionate kiss. “God, how I’ve missed you.”
“Good.” She beams, pushing onto her tiptoes to plant another kiss on my nose. Her gaze flicks to my arms. She breaks into awide grin, tilting her head to sneak a peek of what I’m hiding. “Something back there for me, fine sir?”
I swing the bouquet forward with a flourish. “Anything for you, sweetheart.”
“Anything?” she teases, her eyebrows arching as she twirls a peony stem between her fingers.
“Anything.” I wink, leaning closer.
“Come.” She loops her arm through mine and tugs me toward a cluttered workbench near the sink. “Thank you, by the way. These peonies are gorgeous, and not easy to grow, so they’re a real treat.” She tucks a stray lock of hair behind her ear, leaving a smudge of dirt on her cheek, and starts rummaging for a vase.
Antonia, who’s been quietly stacking containers, glances up. “Want me to finish with our project?”
I turn, realizing I’ve barely acknowledged her. “Oh, I’m sorry.”
“You remember Bo, don’t you?” Riley asks, taking a vase off the shelf.
I step forward. “Please excuse my interruption. I have some unusually excellent news to discuss with Ms. O’Donnell.” I rest a hand on Riley’s shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze.
“I heard. Yes, congratulations on the show.” Antonia grins, hoisting a container under each arm. “She told me all aboutWild Vet. It’s going to be a big success. I just know it.”
I glance at Riley, who’s trimming the peony stems. Her lips curve in a guilty smile. “I guess good news travels fast,” I say, catching her eye and she winks at Antonia.
“So yes, you can go ahead and finish up those roses. There are only two left to plant,” Riley says, setting her shears down. “If you wouldn’t mind, I’d appreciate taking the rest of the day off so Bo and I can catch up.” She brushes her hands together, sending a dusting of soil to the floor.
“Sounds like a plan.” Antonia nods, striding out the door like a woman on a mission.
“So I get you for the entire afternoon?” I rest my elbow on the counter and watch Riley arrange the peonies like the professional she is.
“Why not?” She glances over her shoulder, her eyes sparkling. “That’ll give us hours together before I have to check on Mom. So I can congratulate you properly,” she sends me a sly smile before setting the vase of flowers on the counter.
“In that case, your chariot awaits. Leave the vase here. You’re coming to my place.” I gesture to the door with a dramatic sweep of my arm. “I also took the day off.”
“Whatever will we do with all that time together?” She teases.
“I’m sure we’ll think of something, but before another minute goes by, I have to kiss you again.” I lean down and whisper against her lips, “Seven days is too long to be away from you, Riley.” I close the distance, kissing her softly as she melts into me.
Riley’s hands slide up my chest, encircling my neck as she pulls herself closer.Mine.My arms encircle her waist, drawing her flush against me before I kiss her deeply. Her sweet mouth invites me in, and our tongues tangle in a wet, hot dance. I moan, gripping her urgently as our kiss becomes more intense. With her body pressed against me, I feel our hearts racing in sync until I’m ready to tear her clothes off, but this isn’t the place or time.
