Page 120 of Howlin’ For You

I rub my temples. “I forgot why I don’t buy flowers from you. You’re exhausting.”

“You don’t buy flowers from me because you’ve never needed them before. And you’re here because you want to do it right.”

I take a deep breath, inhaling the scent of the orchids next to me. “Her name is Isabella. She arrived here a little over a week ago because Vale hired her to coordinate the seventy-fifth anniversary event.”

He nods, eyes trained on his wall of flowers as he taps his finger against his chin. Different types and colors line the space in little tin buckets, ready for people to pick up and build their own bouquets.

Although no townie does that, everyone knows no one builds a better bouquet than Dane.

“She’s intelligent, caring, empathetic, organized, funny. She gets along well with Georgie but doesn’t have as much chaotic energy. She’s grounding…safe. Beautiful.” I can practically see her standing next to me in my mind’s eye—a kind smile on her perfect face. High cheekbones and green eyes full of the serenity of the forest. “She’s home.”

“Take into account that I am more well-versed in Victorian flower language than other cultures.” He lifts a branch with large leaves and clusters of white, sparkling starburst flowers. “May I suggest Angelica? It represents inspiration. As in, she inspires you.”

I nod, inspecting the clusters. “Yeah, that sounds right.”

“I have other ideas, but I don’t want to do too much; the message gets muddled. However, I’d like to include Calla Lily, for beauty. And Pink Camellia, which tells her how much you long for her…” he trails off, picking random flowers from the buckets. Temporarily distracted from his own emotions by his love of flowers. “Do you intend to declare yourself?” he finally asks, meeting my gaze.

I cock my head. “Do I intend to do what?”

“Idiot,” he sighs. “Do you intend to declare your love for her?”

I scrub my hand over my face. Part of me does love her already—my wolf certainly does. But this is a first date, and I’ve been working so hard not to scare her. Not to push her too hard or too far.

“No. It’s a first date, and no matter my own feelings, she deserves to set the pace for us.”

He smiles, something genuine now, eyes softening. “I’m glad you found her, Nick.”

I walk over to his side and place my hand on his shoulder. “If it can happen for me, it can happen for you.”

He turns away, not allowing me to see the emotion on his face. We used to talk about finding our mates when we were kids. Talk about how we would whisk them away with our superb flirting skills. We’ve grown up a lot since then, but my feelings never changed.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Dane’s didn’t either.

“Angelica for inspiration, Bluebell to humble yourself before her, Calla Lily for beauty, and Pink Camellia to show your longing for her.” He places the flowers together, fluffing them until the bouquet is fresh and voluminous. “Come with me while I wrap them.”

I follow him to his small counter, where he grabs some fresh tissue paper and ties them off with a bow.

“Thank you, Dane.” I attempt to pull my phone out to pay, but he growls at the action.

“Go attend to your mate,” he says, practically pushing me out of his shop.

I may have completed my first task, but there are more surprises left for me to set up. And I still have to shower.

I put my head down and get going. This is going to be the best first date Isabella Gregory has ever had.

And the last.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

ISABELLA

Iagreed to go on a date with Nick.

A. Date. With. Nick.

I’m leaning in, and it was a lot easier than I thought it would be. I want to see exactly what this tiny little flame is between us…but the fear of our inevitable end still pokes and prods at me from the dark pit of my stomach.

I know it’ll grow so large it swallows me whole, but for now, I’ll ignore it.