Warmth pooled in her stomach. “I told you parents always like me.”
“They loved you.”
“I see what you mean about them being a little uptight.”
“Alittle?” he said mockingly.
“They’re definitely more formal than my parents.”
“You can say that again. You had them wrapped around your little finger, though. That was quite a performance.”
“I kind of enjoyed myself,” she said, realising it was true. It was oddly satisfying to try to get his parents’ approval. Surprisingly easy too.
“I have to say you lie amazingly well.”
She frowned and slowed her pace to look at him. “I didn’t lie. I may have twisted the truth in places, but there were no actual lies.”
He arched an eyebrow. “You have a degree in business and marketing?”
“Yes.” She loved the surprise on his features.
“Where did you study?”
“Cardiff.”
“I never knew that,” he said, a faraway look in his eyes. “I don’t think I did anyway.”
“I’d already finished university and moved back here when you started working at the restaurant.”
He gave a subtle shrug. “I suppose I didn’t really get to know you until I’d been here for a while.”
“No.”
“So you’re really going to open your own flower shop?”
She smiled. “I said it was anidea,not that it was a plan, so I wasn’t lying. It was a partial truth.”
“You also said you’d been looking for premises.”
“I have been. Doesn’t mean I’m going to do anything about it.”
“Why not?”
“Because the price of property around here is insane.”
“And you don’t think a flower shop is financiallyviable?”
“I guess it could work, but the initial costs would be daunting.”
“Lewis would give you the money,” he said, as though it was an obvious solution.
“I don’t want to take money from Lewis. He already bought me a flat.”
“Take a loan from him, then. Also, since you own the flat outright, you must be able to save easily…”
“Yes.” She paused, because if she really wanted to open her own shop, she could find a way. “I guess I’m just comfortable with things the way they are.”
Warren scratched at his collarbone as they approached the door to her building. “You’re not a fan of your boss, though, are you?”
