“Amen to that,” Cookie agreed. “They’re just pissed everyone thinks they are a bunch of tools.”
My jaw set. “They won’t be a problem.”
“How do you know that?” Moore asked.
“They won’t be a problem,” I repeated, my voice flat. I was the VP of the club, and wouldn’t let anything bad happen at the ride.
Moore exhaled. “You’re confident.”
“I’m prepared.” I had to be.
Silence followed. Not uncomfortable. Just understood.
Moore slid the ride flyer across the table. “Got the flyers today. Cookie and Bow are going to get them handed out.”
I picked it up and scanned it once. “Flowers are still happening.”
Blaze barked a laugh. “You serious about that?”
“Yes.”
Cookie raised a brow. “On our bikes?”
“Yes.”
Bow leaned forward. “You really think that is badass?”
“It fits with the theme, and maybe it will soften us a bit to the public.” They could say what they wanted, but I knew it was a good idea.
Moore nodded. “I like it. You got everything lined up with the florist?”
“We’re good,” I lied. At least we would be once I got the sexy florist to agree to it.
*
Flowers were everywhere. Buckets lined up with labels. Hands moving fast, precise. Controlled chaos.
Juliet stood behind the counter, hair pulled back, apron smudged with green. She looked up when the bell chimed and didn’t hide her irritation when she saw me.
“I told you I’m booked, sir,” she said.
Straight to the point. I respected that. “Asher Jake, and I heard you,” I replied, stepping closer. “Didn’t mean I accepted it.”
Her mouth tightened. “That’s not how scheduling works.”
I leaned a forearm on the counter, not crowding her, just wanting to be closer to her. “I don’t want scheduling. I want you.”
The words landed harder than I intended. Not because they were wrong but because they were precise.
Her shoulders squared instantly. Defensive. Not greedy. Not flattered. “That’s inappropriate,” she said.
“No,” I corrected calmly. “It’s specific.”
She crossed her arms. “There is another florist on the other side of town. I am sure they could fit you in.”
“I know.”
“They’re capable and can help you.”