A Valentine for Kayla Read Online Free PDF Page A

She headed to the refrigerator. “What kind of flowers would you like, or do you prefer one of the premade arrangements?”
    â€œHow about you pick out your favorite?” He enjoyed the look of surprise in her eyes before she quickly veiled it.
    â€œIn that case…” She pulled a glass vase filled with light orange roses and small purple flowers from the glass refrigerator. “I love how different this design is from the rest. I’m sure your mom will appreciate its uniqueness.”
    â€œGreat.” He pulled out his wallet and paid.
    â€œWould you like me to pack it in a box so it won’t tip on your way home?”
    He picked up the vase. “That won’t be necessary. These won’t be going home with me.” He handed her the flowers. “For you.”
    â€œMe? But…I can’t—”
    â€œWhy not? You don’t like flowers?”
    â€œOf course I do. But I have tons of blooms. You don’t need to buy me flowers.”
    He raised a brow. “Really? When was the last time you took fresh flowers home or someone sent you flowers?”
    Her cheeks turned a pretty shade of pink. “Umm…well—”
    â€œPlease accept them.”
    â€œThanks. You sure there’s no girlfriend that’s going to get jealous?” She shot him a tentative grin.
    â€œPositive. I’m very much single and would very much like to take you to dinner. How about it?”
    â€œSounds like fun.” The gold flecks in her eyes danced.
    â€œGreat. You free tomorrow night?”
    She nodded.
    He suggested a time and typed her address into his smartphone. “I’ll see you tomorrow night.” He moved toward the door and glanced over his shoulder and met her eyes. With a wink, he left. He was enjoying being ordinary Derek Wood, deliveryman.
    * * *
    Kayla wrapped her arms around her middle and watched as Derek sauntered out of view. For the first time she seriously considered tearing up her husband-requirements list. Derek probably met nearly all of them, anyway.
    â€œEeek!” Jill bounded through the swinging door. “I can’t believe he asked you out and you said yes! What about your list?”
    Kayla pressed her lips together to keep from laughing, but a giggle escaped. “I’m sure he meets most of my must-haves. Besides, I couldn’t say no to a man who cares so much about his mother.” She motioned to the vase on the counter. “He bought me flowers.”
    â€œI heard.” A dreamy look covered Jill’s face. “He has to be the most romantic man I know. I’m glad you said yes.”
    â€œMe, too.” She looked toward the front of the store as if he might suddenly appear. With a sigh, she faced Jill. “What’s on the agenda for today?”
    Her friend rolled her eyes. “In a moment of insanity this morning, I agreed to do a wedding for this Saturday evening.”
    â€œNo way. But that’s only two days away!”
    Jill shrugged. “She was desperate, and I felt sorry for her. It’s not that big a deal, but I’ll need your help making the bows. You’re the bow-making expert around here.”
    â€œSure.” She followed Jill into the workroom happy she could help in a tangible way. “How many do you need?”
    Jill slid the order form across the counter. “A lot.”
    â€œOh, boy. You weren’t kidding. Are we only doing bows, or flowers, too?” Kayla couldn’t believe the number of bows she needed to make.
    â€œThere will be flowers on the candelabras and on the cake. The bride is allergic to flowers and wants to have a bow bouquet for herself and her bridesmaids.”
    â€œDoesn’t she realize those are only for the rehearsal?”
    â€œBelieve me,” Jill said, “I tried to convince her to use flowers, but she is one stubborn bride.”
    â€œOkay. May I include some silk flowers?”
    â€œHow about you