Thankfully, Lily called my attention, giving me a reason to tear my gaze away from him.
I quickly made my way to the back to meet her, trying to shake off the unease.
Just before I moved completely away from the front counter, I turned back and saw that they were talking to Zoey.
Lily handed me another form, apologizing for forgetting to give it to me earlier. “This one is for your account details,” she explained.
I filled out the form, glad for the distraction. “Thank you,” I said, handing it back to Lily.
When I stepped back into the shop, I noticed the two men were still there, chatting casually with Zoey.
I tried to focus on my work, arranging flowers and making sure everything looked perfect.
Zoey glanced over at me with a small smile as if she could tell I was still a bit uneasy. I smiled back and kept working.
Zoey came over to where I was standing, and I couldn’t hold back my curiosity any longer. “Who are those men?”
“Ethan and Mason,” Zoey said with a grin.
“They’re the two hottest bachelors in town. They’re like royalty around here, everyone knows them.”
I looked over at them, sitting on the other side of the shop. Now it made sense why they walked in like they owned the place.
I took a moment to look at Ethan, the one who had caught my eye earlier. He had messy dark hair and was dressed simply in jeans and a black T-shirt.
His look didn’t scream wealth, but there was something about him that said he was in charge. I couldn’t quite tell the color of his eyes from where I stood.
Just then, as if he sensed me watching, Ethan raised his head and looked right at me. Busted, the voice in my head whispered.
I quickly turned my gaze away, reminding myself that I was off-limits for men, especially after everything I had been through.
I tried to focus on the flowers in front of me, but I could feel my heart racing. Why did I even look at him for that long? I knew better than to let my guard down, especially around men like him.
I tried to focus on placing the flower pots in the right spots, but I could feel his eyes on me. Whenever I glanced up, I’d catch him staring, making me wonder why he was so interested.
Zoey walked back over to the men, chatting with them like they were old friends. I noticed the one who had been watching me tilt his head towards me, probably asking about me.
Zoey came back, giggling. “Ethan is asking who the new girl is.”
I knew he was talking about me, and a small smile crept onto my face.
My past was complicated, and I couldn’t afford to let my guard down again, like I did with Logan after being hurt by Jake.
I turned my attention back to the flowers, trying to shake off the thoughts of Ethan.
I needed to stay focused on my new job, and not get distracted by some man, no matter how charming he looked.
Zoey noticed my hesitation and gently nudged me. “You okay?”
I nodded, trying to reassure her. “Yeah, just… I’m flattered, but I’m not interested. I have a past I’m not so proud of, so I’m staying away from men,” I said, moving to the register to check the orders we needed to deliver the next day.
Zoey had already taken care of most of today’s orders.
“Oh, say no more, we all have parts of our lives we’d rather forget. But don’t worry, I know you’ll come out stronger. You’re new here in Canada, right? I’m sure you’ll enjoy your stay.”
I watched as she stood up, holding some books in her hand, and walked over to Ethan.
My eyes followed her as she leaned in and whispered something in his ear. His jaw clenched, and his brows furrowed as he looked at me sharply, his face showing clear displeasure.
I quickly looked away, pretending to focus on the screen in front of me, but I could still feel Ethan’s gaze burning into my back.
My heart pounded, and I tried to calm myself down. I didn’t want to think about what Zoey might have said to him.
It was probably nothing, I told myself, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was somehow involved.
I noticed Ethan say something to Zoey, and she nodded before making her way back to me.
“Ethan would like to speak with you,” Zoey said with a wink. I smiled softly and turned to look at Ethan.
He had a stoic expression as if he expected me to go to him immediately after Zoey delivered the message. But I shook my head and turned back to Zoey.
“Please, kindly tell Ethan that today is my first day at work here, and it wouldn’t look good if my boss, Lily, stepped out and saw me talking instead of working. I don’t think she’d be happy about that,” I said, pulling out a pair of scissors and starting to trim some flowers.
“But he happens to be….” Zoey started to say, but I raised my hand to stop her.
“Please, Zoey, you heard me the first time. I have work to do, and I don’t have time,” I said firmly.
She shrugged and glanced back at Ethan with a sorry look on her face.
As I continued trimming the flowers, Zoey stayed for a moment, probably unsure if she should say something else, but eventually, she walked back to Ethan.
I kept my eyes down, focusing on the delicate petals in my hands.
Suddenly, the bell above the door rang, and a customer walked in. He had an order to pick up, and I quickly checked the list to find his name.
Zoey had already placed the order, so I knew it was ready. But as I instructed Zoey with his order, I noticed something unsettling.
The way he looked at me, his eyes filled with lust, made me uncomfortable.
I couldn’t help but wonder why he was looking at me like that. The flowers were probably for his girlfriend, so why was he staring at me like he was trying to undress me with his eyes?
I avoided his gaze, feeling uneasy. When I glanced over at Ethan, I noticed his eyes were locked on the customer. His jaw was clenched, and he looked like he could move in an instant, and walk the man out of the shop.
I forced a polite smile and handed him the flowers, hoping he would just leave.
“Here’s your order,” I said, keeping my voice steady. “Have a good day.”
He took the flowers but didn’t move right away. His eyes are still on me, making me feel uncomfortable.
I glanced at Zoey, hoping she would say something to break the awkward silence, but she seemed just as tense as I was.
The customer tiptoed closer, leaning in, bringing his mouth, and whispering near my ear. “What do you say to a date tonight?” he whispered.
I gasped at his boldness, stepping back quickly and furrowing my brow. “No, thank you. I’ll pass.”
He winked and walked away, but the creepy look in his eyes made my skin crawl as he finally left the shop.