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I round the corner and spot a familiar face heading straight toward me. It’s Posey. If she’s planning on stopping in to see Opal, that throws a wrench in my plans, but I can handle it.

“William!” She raises a hand in greeting. “Wow. I’ve never seen anything more beautiful.”

She’s not talking about me or my suit, even though this one was a treat to myself. I bought it in Italy last year on a whim. Technically, I was fitted for it when I was in Milan visiting the shop of a tailor with a reputation for crafting suits that can make even the most stoic man weep. I kept my composure when the suit was delivered to my office a month after my trip.

It’s more of a special occasion suit, than a day-to-day staple of my wardrobe, but this morning after I arrived at my penthouse and showered, I put it on since today feels like a new beginning. I can’t explain it, but I sense I’m on the precipice of something big. It’s a future I never knew I could have.

“Those roses are perfect,” Posey continues to gush about the bouquet I got Opal yesterday. “Are they for someone special?”

I’d say she already knows the answer to that question because her gaze is volleying between my face and the door to Turquoise Crown.

“They’re for Opal,” I confirm her suspicions.

“She’ll love them.” She sighs. “Does this mean something is going on between you two?”

Since I can’t speak for Opal and I don’t want to overstep, I smile. “It means I’m bringing Opal some flowers.”

She nods knowingly. “Gotcha. I’ll get the door.”

I appreciate that, so I toss her another smile. “Thanks, Posey.”

“You’re very welcome,” she replies, pulling on the door handle. It doesn’t budge at all, so she yanks it even harder.

“It’s locked?”

Nodding, she knocks briskly on the door. “I’m sure she’s here. Where else would she be?”

That’s a good question. I assumed she’d be here, but for all I know, she’s still at home. The problem is that I have no idea where that is.

Posey peers through the glass door. “She pulls down the shade on the door at night, so obviously, she’s been here today. She must have stepped away. It is almost lunchtime.”

I twist my wrist slightly to get a look at my watch. “So it is.”

She gives up her struggle with the locked door to turn her attention to her phone. “I’ll call her.”

I would do the same, but I’ll let Posey handle it. I’m just about to ask her not to reveal that I’m standing in front of her with flowers in my hand, but I’m a split second too late. “Hey, you! It’s me!” she singsongs into the phone.

Silence fills the air between us as she gives me a thumbs-up. I take that as confirmation that Opal did indeed answer the call.

“I’m at the bar with William. He has a vase full of purple roses for you.”

Even though I’m frustrated, I don’t let that show. It’s not as though the flowers are a complete surprise to Opal. I was hoping seeing me today would be, but I can work around that. All I really want is to get in front of her so I can invite her to spend the night with me again.

“I can do that.” Posey nods. “I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”

With that, she ends the call, tossing her phone into the purse slung over her shoulder. As soon as it drops out of view, her arms are outstretched. “I’ll take the flowers to her.”

I cradle the vase next to my chest. It’s probably not the best idea to have fresh flowers pressed against my three thousand dollar suit jacket, but I’m not about to give these up. They’re my ticket to time with Opal today. “I can take them to her.”

“She asked me to bring them with me since I’m on my way to see her now,” she explains, still reaching for the flowers. “She told me to thank you for them.”

Well, shit.

Disappointment gnaws at me, but I have clients to see, and lugging this vase to every meeting I have this afternoon won’t work.

“It’s heavy,” I warn before I hand it to Posey.

“I work out,” she says with a giggle. “They really are beautiful, William. I know she’ll love them.”