Page 64 of Someone to Hold

“Ran wild together is more like it,” her mom adds. “I thought my baby and Chase were gonna end up hitched right after graduation. They were?—”

“That was a long time ago, Mom,” Mariah cuts in, a blush creeping up her cheeks.

If Chase seemed uncomfortable before, now he looks like he’d gladly disappear completely. Mariah seems just as flustered. Meanwhile, a completely oblivious Mrs. Crawford beams like she’s ready to mail out engagement announcements.

“Chase is doing a favor for my mother-in-law,” I say evenly, keeping my tone light and trying not to notice how his shoulders tense at the explanation. “He’s been kind enough to pitch in with the flower business while I’m recovering from a sprained ankle.”

“He always was a good boy, this one,” Mrs. Crawford says with a wink. “The kind you don’t want to let slip away.”

Subtle as a sledgehammer, that one.

“Mariah is back in Skylark, too,” she tells Chase. “Living with me. You’ll have to come for dinner to catch up.” She pats her daughter’s arm. “Just like old times.”

“I’m just living with Mom temporarily,” Mariah offers quickly. “I moved back last month after my divorce was finalized.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” I say automatically, though the words feel small based on the devastation in her eyes.

“It’s for the best,” she assures me, and why does it feel like we’re both avoiding making eye contact with Chase?

“Were you looking for anything specific?” I manage to keep my tone warm, even as something tight coils in mychest.

Mariah is everything I’m not. She’s petite and classically beautiful with shiny blonde hair and bright blue eyes—the kind of girl whose homecoming queen crown is probably still sitting on the dresser in her childhood bedroom.

“You know,” Mrs. Crawford says, eyeing the blooms, “these are a lot more expensive than the bouquets at the grocery store off the highway.”

“Mom,” Mariah mutters.

“The market’s almost over,” I say, keeping my smile in place. “Why don’t you pick your favorite and consider it an early Mother’s Day gift from Meadow Blooms.”

“You don’t have to do that,” Mariah says, shaking her head.

“I want to.” I catch her eye and nod. Her mother’s obvious re-matchmaking seems to be making Mariah almost as uncomfortable as Chase.

Mrs. Crawford takes her sweet time, but finally settles on a simple bunch of daffodils.

“These will look lovely on the dining room table.” She focuses her calculating gaze on Chase. “I expect you to come by for dinner this week.”

“I appreciate the offer,” he replies, and I don’t think she notices the noncommittal answer. “Good to see you again, Mariah,” he adds with a tight smile.

“You too, Chase.” Mariah loops her arm through her mother’s and hustles her away before any more awkwardness can escape Mrs. Crawford’s mouth.

“We should pack up,” I say, already moving to consolidate the leftover flowers into one bucket. “We’ve sold out of almost everything. Who knew cowboys were so good at selling flowers?”

Chase steps closer, his presence warm at my back. “You should sit down again. Let me pack up. You’ve done more than enough today.”

“I need to stand. My other leg was starting to cramp.” I shoothim a crooked smile. “Avah gets regular massages. I should probably get on that train one of these days.”

“I could do that,” he says, voice low and smooth. “If you want.”

The air under the white canopy covering us turns hot enough to make me dizzy, and every rational thought in my head turns to vapor as I realize I’d happily let this man do just about anything.

Trying to play it cool, I focus on the flowers, even as my fingers tremble. “Sooo…the twins are having a sleepover tonight at Sadie’s.”

He nudges me with his elbow. “I heard. Thought maybe you were planning another girls’ night out. Maybe you switch from axes to nunchucks?”

I laugh even as my cheeks heat. “I was actually hoping for a you-and-me night in.” Where did that husky note in my voice come from? “I mean…” I pretend to shrug. “Unless you have other plans.”

“Not even close,” he says roughly. “Nothing in this world could keep me from you tonight, Molly.”