Chapter 3

Fresh lilies and roses nipped at her nostrils as Chloe unlocked the front door of Bloom Grow, her flower shop in downtown Seattle. She breathed in, relishing the familiar fragrance that meant another day of doing what she loved.

Gazing around the shop, Chloe checked that every flower was perfectly arranged, and every leaf was meticulously placed. Her business was her life, her passion, the one thing that made her feel most alive. She spent more time here than in her own apartment, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. Bloom Grow was her baby, the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. And it paid off, blossoming into one of the most popular flower shops in the city.

“Morning, boss lady!” Sasha breezed through the door, coffee cups in hand, from their favorite cafe down the street, The Daily Grind. “One latte for you, one cappuccino for me.”

Chloe smiled, gratitude flooding her chest. What would she do without her?

She took a sip of the latte, the familiar warmth and flavor relaxing her. “Perfect, as always. You’re a lifesaver.”

Sasha waved her off, emerald eyes twinkling. “So, did you hear from Hendrix last night?”

A blush crept up Chloe’s neck at the mention of her oldest friend. She shook her head, a thrill running through her at the thought of him. “Not yet. But he’ll be by later, I’m sure.”

Sasha smirked. “That man is utterly smitten with you.”

She was sadly mistaken.

Chloe busied herself with rearranging a bouquet of tulips, hiding her smile. Her life might revolve around Bloom Grow, but her heart? That was another story.

Chloe hummed along to the radio as she clipped thorns and trimmed stems, preparing a new shipment of roses for display. She breathed in the heady scent filling her shop, a blend of floral perfumes and greenery that never failed to soothe her.

The bell above the door chimed, announcing a new customer. Chloe glanced up from her work, a smile breaking across her face as she spotted a familiar figure in the doorway.

Hendrix strolled into the shop, hands tucked into the pockets of his designer slacks. His gaze found Chloe’s, a slow grin curving his lips. “Morning, darling.”

Heat flooded Chloe’s cheeks at the endearment. “Hendrix,” she said, aiming for nonchalance. “What can I do for you today?”

He prowled closer, shrugging broad shoulders. “Missed you at dinner last night. I was just in the neighborhood and thought I’d stop by to see your lovely face.”

Was she reading too much into this? Hendrix came in two or three times a week, but this was different. He had been acting weird since that night, and she didn’t know what to make of it.

Chloe ducked her head, a giddy laugh escaping. When she glanced up again, Hendrix was watching her with a softness in his eyes that made her heart stutter.

“So,” he drawled, leaning against the counter next to her. “Have dinner with me tonight?”

Chloe’s hands stilled on the roses. It was the invitation she’d been waiting for, the one she wasn’t sure would ever come. Her gaze traced the familiar lines of his face, a face she’d known and cherished since childhood.

Here, in this place that meant everything to her, she allowed herself to accept what had been true for longer than she cared to admit.

She loved him.

Chloe smiled, reaching out to straighten his collar. “I’d love to.”

Hendrix’s answering grin was brighter than the sun. He caught her hand in his, pressing a kiss to her knuckles that sent a thrill dancing down her spine.

“It’s a date, then.” His eyes glinted with promise and something more, something that made her feel like the only woman in the world. “I’ll pick you up at eight.”

Chloe watched Hendrix saunter out of the shop, warmth flooding her cheeks. A date. She had a date with Hendrix. So, maybe it wasn’t just a one-night thing.

A laugh bubbled up inside her as she twirled around the shop, roses and lilies blurring together in a sea of color. When was the last time she’d felt this giddy, this alive?

Never. No one had ever made her feel the way Hendrix did.

The bell above the door chimed again and Chloe whirled around, hope rising that it was Hendrix again. But it was only Miles, her other best friend, strolling through the doorway.

“You look happy,” he observed, eyes narrowed. “Did you win the lottery or something?”

“Better.” Chloe grinned, rushing forward to envelop him in a hug. “I have a date with Hendrix tonight.”

Miles tensed, then gently set her away from him, holding her at arm’s length. “Chloe, are you sure that’s a good idea?” His voice was laced with concern. “You and Hendrix... What if you risk that for a relationship that might not even work out? He doesn’t seem like the relationship type.”

Chloe frowned, stepping out of his grasp. “You don’t think I haven’t considered that? Hendrix and I...” She shook her head, at a loss for how to explain a bond that transcended words. “We just fit, Miles. We always have.”

“I just don’t want to see either of you get hurt,” he said.

Chloe softened, reaching out to squeeze his hand. “I know you mean well, but trust me on this. Hendrix and I? We’re meant to be.”

Miles studied her for a long moment, then sighed. “Well, if you’re sure...” A smile tugged at his lips as he pulled her in for another hug. “Then I’m happy for you. And if Hendrix breaks your heart, I’ll break his face.”

Chloe laughed, giving him a playful shove. “There’s the Miles I know and love.” Her grin turned coy. “So, did I mention I have a hot date tonight?”

Miles groaned, throwing a rose at her. “Get out of here before you make me sick with all this romance!”

Chloe blew him a kiss, giddiness rising again. Tonight was the start of a new chapter, one she’d been waiting her whole life to write.

A chapter with Hendrix by her side.

Chloe hurried up the stairs to her apartment above the flower shop, humming under her breath. She only had an hour to get ready for her date with Hendrix, but for once, she didn’t mind the rush.

After all these years, she was going on a proper date with the man she’d loved since she was a teenager.

She opened the door to her cozy loft, the familiar scent of roses greeting her. Her apartment was small but homey, filled with personal touches that reflected her style. Mismatched furniture, colorful artwork on the walls, stacks of books in every corner. It was all she needed.

In the bedroom, she rifled through her closet, eventually settling on a little black dress that hugged her curves. She paired it with strappy heels and dangly earrings, adding a splash of red lipstick for good measure.

When she emerged from her building, Hendrix was already waiting in his silver sports car. He looked unfairly handsome in a tailored suit, his eyes lighting up at the sight of her. “You look stunning,” he said, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek.

“Not too bad yourself,” she teased, sliding into the passenger seat. The leather was buttery soft, the interior sleek and luxurious. So different from her junky sedan, but she didn’t envy his wealth. She had everything she needed.

As Hendrix sped through the streets of Seattle, Chloe curled up against him, lacing their fingers together. His cologne was crisp and citrusy, blending with the roses she’d tucked into the backseat.

Hendrix and Chloe were sitting in a fancy restaurant, but neither of them noticed the lavish furnishings or the soft music playing in the background. All that mattered was the moment they were sharing, a moment of pure, all-consuming pleasure and joy.

The restaurant’s atmosphere seemed to envelope them, the faint aroma of vanilla and cinnamon enticed them as they talked and laughed.

“So, what do you think?” Hendrix asked Chloe, his blue eyes twinkling in the candlelight.

Chloe looked up at him, her gaze lingering on his handsome face for a moment before she replied. “I think I’m having a great time,” she said, her voice laced with an unmistakable coyness.

Hendrix smiled. “What if we take this back to my place?” he asked, his voice a little raspy.

Chloe bit her lip, her cheeks flushing with desire. She had been feeling the same magnetic pull, and she knew the best course of action was to follow her heart. She nodded, not trusting herself to speak, and they both stood up from the table.

The ride home was past, and they barely made it into his house before Chloe was tugging at his shirt, her mouth hungrily searching for him. She knew what sex was like with him. Why wait any longer?

Without a word, Hendrix pinned Chloe against the wall, their bodies pressing together as one. She gasped as his hands explored her body, her skin quivering with pleasure. His mouth found the sweet curve of her neck, and as his lips moved lower, his tongue tracing a slow, tortuous path.

Chloe could feel Hendrix’s hot, ragged breath against her neck as he reached to clench her breast. Her back arched in pleasure as he continued to touch her, his mouth tracing the soft mound of her breasts. Hendrix peeled the straps of her dress off her shoulders, exposing her ample cleavage. He massaged her breasts, teasing her nipples until they were stiff, before sliding a hand over her stomach and cupping one of her thighs. Chloe tangled a hand into his thick hair as he traced a slow path down her body with his vibrant blue eyes, undressing her with them as well.

The moment their lips met once again, Chloe knew she had made the right decision. This was perfect; it was meant to be. After everything they had been through, times that felt like the gloomiest days of winter ago by now. She had never loved anyone else like she loved Hendrix. She had never trusted another man like she trusted him with everything she had. And this was right—this night would be part of their story together.

After all these years, she finally had everything she’d ever wanted. And the night was still young.

The next morning, Chloe woke up in Hendrix’s lavish bed, sunlight streaming through the expansive windows. She stretched out with a contented sigh, memories of the night before flickering through her mind.

Hendrix was already up and about, and the smell of freshly brewed coffee wafted into the room. Chloe padded downstairs in one of his soft t-shirts, following the aroma.

He greeted her with a smile and a mug of coffee. “Morning, beautiful.”

She accepted the coffee gratefully. “Morning. What time is it?”

“Just after ten. I didn’t have the heart to wake you.”

Chloe groaned, taking a sip of coffee. “I’m supposed to open the store.”

“Sasha took care of it. I called her when I woke up. She said to let you sleep,” Hendrix offered.

She shook her head, handing him back the mug. “I should go. Usually, Saturdays are busy. I’ll see you later.”

“Perfect.”

She stood on her tiptoes to kiss him, then headed upstairs to change.

By the time Chloe arrived at the shop, Sasha and Miles were already seated at their usual table near the back. Sasha’s eyes lit up when she saw Chloe, a knowing smile spreading across her face.

“Well, well, look who finally decided to show up.”

Chloe slid into the empty chair, unable to keep from smiling. “Sorry I’m late.”

Miles arched an eyebrow, gaze shifting between the two women. “Did we miss something here?”

Sasha squealed, clapping her hands together. “You slept with Hendrix again, didn’t you?”

A blush crept into Chloe’s cheeks as she took a sip of coffee. She didn’t need to say a word.

“It’s about time!” Miles said, leaning back in his chair. “So, how was it?”

Chloe swatted at him, her blush deepening. But she couldn’t hide her smile. After all these years, she finally had everything she ever wanted.

“I gotta get to work.”

This place was her sanctuary, her happy place. She loved working with the flowers, crafting them into beautiful arrangements and bouquets that brought joy to others.

Running her fingers along the velvet soft petals of orchids and roses, she smiled. No matter what was going on in her life, she could always find solace here among the flowers.

The bell above the door jingled, and Chloe glanced up to see Hendrix stepping inside, two coffees in hand. Her heart did a little flip at the sight of him. After all these years, he still had the power to make her feel like a giddy teenager with just one look.

“Thought you could use one of these,” he said, holding up one coffee.

She took it, breathing in the aroma. “You’re the best.”

He slid an arm around her waist, pressing a kiss to her temple. “So I’ve been told.”

Chloe nudged him, a smile teasing at her lips. No matter what happened between them, she knew their friendship would endure. They had too much history, too many memories together to let anything come between them.

“We on for dinner tonight?” Hendrix asked.

“Wouldn’t miss it.” She leaned up on her tiptoes, brushing her mouth sweetly over his.

When she pulled back, he was smiling at her in that way that never failed to make her heart stutter. “Good. It’s a date.”

Chloe laughed, the sound light and carefree. Who would have thought that after all these years, they’d find their way here? But she wouldn’t have it any other way. This was exactly where she was meant to be.