Against a Wall (Stonecut County, #2)

by Cate C. Wells

I open the door with no ado. Immediately, Cash thrusts a bouquet of wildflowers at me. Orange roses, sunflowers, daisies, green trick, and baby’s breath. It’s wrapped in burlap and tied with raffia. “Oh.” I take them. He smiles, proud as a peacock. “You’re supposed to smell them.” I do ‘cause I’m at a loss. No guy’s ever gotten me flowers before. My mom got me carnations whenever I displayed a photo in an art show or at the county fair, but flowers from a man—nope. Only seen that on TV. Cash is waiting for me to say something. “Nice.” “Put ‘em in water.” He seems familiar with this whole thing. Jealousy prickles inside me, which is stupid. Jealousy is petty. “Did you get them at Tansy’s?” I ask while I head for the kitchen and try to shove down the grouchy, icky feeling. Tansy’s is the only florist in town, and this is too nice for a grocery store bouquet. “Yup.” I open a cabinet. Do I even have a vase? I have a glass lemonade pitcher. It’s on the top shelf ‘cause I never use it. I set down the bouquet and vault up onto the counter with my good arm. “Whoa.” Cash is suddenly right there, hands skimming my sides, like he’s spotting me. I rise on my knees and reach for the pitcher. “I could’ve gotten that for you.” I grab the pitcher and turn, lowering myself back to sitting. “So could I.” He’s still smiling. I don’t think he’s stopped since I opened the door. “Are you gonna back up so I can get down?” I ask. “Nah.” He takes the pitcher from my hand and reaches over to fill i...