“Maybe. Yes. A little.” She sighed. “At least he’s a widower. That should make you happy.”
She’d learned that much at least. But it was hard to get information without telling people why she wanted it, and she wasn’t ready to tell the world that she thought Angel was hot.
“It’s something. But he won’t buy a grocery store?”
“Larissa, I beg you. Stop.”
Larissa smiled. “Everyone thinks you’re tough, but you’re really not.”
“I can be, just not with you.”
“Okay, this Angel guy. You’re dating?”
“Not exactly. We’re sizing up each other.”
“What does that mean?”
Taryn thought about Angel’s announcement that he was good at waiting. A little ripple of anticipation shimmied down her spine as she wondered when he was going to make his move. He was making her wait on purpose, and she respected that. He wanted the game to be intriguing...for both of them.
“I have no idea,” she admitted. “But I’ll let you know when I figure it out.”
* * *
ANGEL PUT THE copy of the bridal magazine on the desk. Ford stared at him in disbelief.
“Just like that?” his friend asked. “Did you wake up thinking this would be a good day to die?”
“She’s engaged,” Angel said, grinning. “She’s wearing an engagement ring. I’m celebrating the moment.”
Ford held up both hands in a classic move of surrender, but Angel was feeling adventurous. Lately, he’d had the sense that everything was going his way. The answer to the Dirty Harry question of “Do I feel lucky?” was yes. He did. It didn’t matter that the movie had come out a year before he was born. He could relate to the character. When in doubt, a bigger gun usually got the job done.
Consuelo, their petite colleague, walked into the office. She looked at the magazine, then at the two of them.
“It was him,” Ford said, pointing at Angel. “He did it.”
Angel glanced at his friend. “Is that how things are now?”
Ford inched toward the door. “Law of the jungle, bro. While she’s feeding on you, I can make my escape. Isabel and I are trying to make a baby. I want to be around to see my kid grow up.”
Consuelo, all five feet two inches of muscle and determination, picked up the magazine, flipped through it, then put it back on the desk. She smiled at Angel. “Thanks. That was thoughtful.”
He shot Ford a “See?” look, then moved toward her. “I know you and Kent got engaged. I hope you’ll be very happy together.”
Consuelo stepped into his embrace and hugged him. When he drew back, she casually stepped to the side, grabbed Ford by the arm and flipped him onto his back. He landed on the floor with a thud. When he could breathe again, he sat up.
“Hey, what was that for?” he asked in a tone of outrage.
“For being cynical. You’re married and you should know better.”
Consuelo turned her back on him, picked up the magazine and headed for the door. “I’ll be back after lunch,” she called.
“It’s not even ten,” Ford grumbled as he climbed to his feet. “Why does she get to leave?”
Angel chuckled. “You want to tell her she can’t?”
“No.”
“Didn’t think so. Come on, we’ll head out, too.”
“Where are we going?” Ford asked, falling into step with him.
“To a nursery.”
“Baby or plant?”
“Plant. I ordered an orchid a couple of months ago. It’s in and I have to sign the card so it can be delivered.”
They went outside.
“Why would an orchid take two months to get here?” Ford asked.
“It’s rare. I wanted a specific one.”
From Thailand, Angel thought. An orchid known for its contrasting colors. The outside of the flower was the palest pink, but inside was a dark violet blue. The unusual shade was nearly the exact color of Taryn’s eyes.
“Why do you care about flowers?”
Angel glared at his friend. “What’s with you today? Stop asking questions. Are you coming with me or not?”
Ford leaned against his Jeep and grinned. “Someone’s not getting any. You always get moody when you’re not getting laid.”
“Shut up.”
“Thanks for illustrating my point.”
* * *
TARYN PARKED HER car and collected her briefcase. She’d gone through paperwork the previous evening, had caught up on emails and then been in bed by ten. As a personal life went, it was beyond sad. She needed to get out more, make some friends. As she’d told Larissa the previous day, people in town were certainly nice enough. The women had all been friendly. It was just...