Chapter 6
Reed watched the range of emotions that slid across Christie’s face like a continually changing kaleidoscope, a mesmerizing show that had begun the moment she’d noticed him walking through the door.
Quite simply, she fascinated him.
Clearly, she was entertaining many new thoughts.
He’d have to try harder to convince her. “The dinner special Saturday night is meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green beans. It’s country-style food there, and they usually have a few fresh pies to choose from for dessert. So, wear jeans, a comfortable shirt, closed-toe shoes, and bring your appetite.” He gave her his warmest smile. “Sound like fun?”
She blinked. “Yes.”
“Good. I can pick you up after work. You pick the time, and I’ll make the arrangements.”
“Oh, okay, yes. Well, I usually get off work at five on Saturdays.”
A short, white-haired lady, who must’ve been the Mrs. Brown Christie had spoken of, poked her head out of the back room. “You’ll be off at four on Saturday, dear. Plenty of time to go shooting.”
Surprised, Christie swung her head to look at Mrs. Brown. “An hour early?”
“Don’t think I haven’t noticed a bit of overtime happening lately, my dear, which hasn’t shown up on your time sheet. And we don’t have any big orders to work on until next week.”
“Oh, all right then. Thank you, Mrs. Brown.” Christie smiled at her.
“You’re welcome, dear,” Mrs. Brown said cheerily.
“Oh!” Christie turned back toward Reed. “I haven’t introduced you. Reed Tindal this is Mrs. Brown. Mrs. Brown, this is Mr. Tindal.”
“Nice to meet you,” Mrs. Brown said.
“Pleased to meet you as well,” Reed said.
“Well, since I’m off early, you can pick me up at five—if that’s not too soon—or five thirty.”
“Not too soon. That’s perfect.” He smiled his thanks at Mrs. Brown, who winked at him and ducked away into the back room again. “I’ll pick you up at five.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
He scanned the colorful flowers and said, “Which is your favorite? Roses?”Every woman likes red roses.
“It’s hard for me to choose. There’s a language of flowers, you know.”
“There is? I did0’t know that.” He watched her, thinking,She’s full of surprises and things to learn.
“It can be complicated,” she said. “But I could teach you.”
He tilted his head. “Sounds fair. I’ll teach you how to shoot, and you teach me the language of flowers.”
“It’s a deal,” she said softly, blushing.
“But if you had to pick a favorite today…?”
“Today, I would pick lilies,” she pointed to a selection of lilies in various colors. “White lilies with some greenery and babies’ breath.”
He nodded. “Very pretty.”
“I’m making an arrangement for a twenty-fifth wedding anniversary tomorrow,” she said. “White lilies and baby’s breath. They’re having a dinner party and a pianist.”
“Sounds elegant.”
