Page 24 of Demon On Deck

I’ve even had a few customers come in who saw the arrangements at the grocery store. They saw the smaller arrangements and came looking for larger ones. It’s been so long since I’ve had this much traffic that I had to place an additional order of flowers.

Evren and I have talked or texted every day. Sometimes about the little things that happen during our days, sometimes just flirty banter.

It’s everything, and I can’t wait to do it in person. Tonight he’s picking me up at six. He said not black tie, but not casual. Now, I’m standing in my small closet with my sister on video chat, trying on my twelfth outfit.

“This makes me look like I’m gonna be sea sick,” I whine to my sister.

If Mel rolls her eyes any harder, they’ll do a full rotation.

I rip off the offending dress and throw it onto the hanger, shoving it aggressively back onto the rod.

“What‘s the problem, Kallie?”

I puff out a breath. “Nothing looks good.”

“Everything looks good, sister. What’s the real issue?”

“It’s Evren,” I grumble.

Mel takes a deep breath before gently saying, “I know, sweetie. But if this demon is half as charming on dry land as he was on the high seas, you have nothing to worry about.”

She’s right. This is Evren. The demon that jumped into open water to save me, even though open water made him uncomfortable. Who made me feel like a curvy goddess every minute we were together.

“You’re right,” I take a breath and look at my closest. I move to grab a simple sheath dress, but it gets caught on another hanger. Reaching in, I grab both hangers, the dress, and an outfit I completely forgot about. Placing the dress back, I tell Mel to hold and slip the outfit on.

“Kallie?” She says before I step back into the frame and she gasps. “You look stunning!” She exclaims.

I do a little spin so she can see the whole outfit. It’s a simple black strapless fitted romper pantsuit. The bust is a sweetheart cut with a diamond cutout just beneath my chest. It ties in the back, leaving my shoulders and low back bare, and the legs are fitted at the hip and taper down to the floor. Simple but easily dressed up or left casual.

“With a pair of open-toe wedges?” I ask a beaming Mel.

“Absolutely,” she says excitedly.

“Thanks, Mel. I’m gonna finish up with a few curls and touch up my makeup. He should be here soon.”

“You’re welcome. Have the best time, and call me tomorrow. Love you.”

“Love you.”

I head back to the bathroom, fix my hair, and touch up my makeup. By the time I’m done, the doorbell rings. I take a breath and open the door.

Evren stands on my doorstep looking like he just walked off the runway. Dark button-down shirt, black jacket, and tailored pants. It reminds me of the outfit he wore the night we met on the cruise. Devastating, just like the cruise.

“Hi,” I say a little breathily.

Evren just stands there and stares. The silence stretches. And stretches. For so long, I get concerned.

“Evren?”

He shakes himself as a deep rumble emanates from his chest.

“You are the most beautiful creature I’ve ever laid eyes on, Kallie.”

I just barely hold in my surprise.

“Thank you.”

“Do you need a minute?” He asks.