Page 5 of What Started In Deception

He headed for a book full of floral arrangement options on the opposite end of the counter and started flipping through the pages as the door opened.

Looking over, he absorbed the instant punch of attraction, immediately dismissing his unexpected reaction as Lydia Monroe walked in.

He’d studied her in dozens of pictures. He’d been following her for the better part of two weeks, but up close and personal was an experience all its own. She was beautiful with her shoulder-length dark-brown hair, striking hazel eyes, full cupid’s bow lips, a small button nose, and flawless pale-olive skin. Then there were her sexy curves in all the right places on her slim five-foot-six frame.

The saleswoman behind the counter smiled. “Hey, Lydia.”

Lydia flashed her perfect grin. “Hi, Marney.”

“I’ll be with you shortly.”

“No problem. Take your time.” She met Ty’s gaze as she headed for the various buckets of mix-and-match flowers in the make-your-own section, sending him a polite smile.

He smiled back, then focused on the book again, flipping through another couple of pages, knowing that it was time to make his move. He cleared his throat. “Excuse me.”

Lydia looked at him.

“Flowers aren’t really my thing.” He gestured to the book. “I want to send my sister something. She just had a baby girl.”

“Aw, congratulations,” she said as her next smile warmed considerably.

He smiled again. “Thanks.”

“Newborns are the sweetest.”

Technically, his niece was six months old, but that was neither here nor there. “They are.”

She moved his way like he’d hoped she might. “So, you want to send her an arrangement?”

He made room for her by the book, realizing that she smelled just as good as she looked—like flowers and hints of vanilla. “Yeah, I think so.”

She pulled the book closer. “Do you have a budget in mind?”

He liked her question. Lydia Monroe was a wealthy woman, yet she was conscientious enough to remember that not everyone had millions in their bank accounts. “Nah. I just want to send her something pretty.”

Lydia nodded as she started flipping through the pages. “Does your sister have a favorite color?”

He winced. “Uh, I know she likes pink. Or she did when she was five…”

She laughed.

He grinned, listening to the rich sound, watching the way her friendly eyes sparkled. “I guess that doesn’t help us much now.”

“Well, you’re in luck because pink definitely works for a baby girl, even if your sister has moved on to a new favorite color.” She pointed to a gorgeous arrangement on the page. “This one’s lovely.”

He nodded, noting the white roses and carnations, but he had no idea what the pink and pale-purple flowers were among the green filler stuff. “Yeah, that would work.”

Her smile returned. “She’ll love them.”

“Thanks for your help. Lydia.”

Her brow furrowed slightly as she took a small step back.

He shrugged. “I heard the saleswoman say your name.” He held out his hand. “I’m Ty.”

She hesitated before she returned his handshake. “It’s nice to meet you. I think I’ve seen you at the gym a couple of times.”

It was hardly a coincidence that his workouts coincided with her use of the gym’s pool three days a week, but he nodded. “Yeah, I think I’ve seen you there, too. I’m new in town, so it’s nice when I bump into a familiar face.”