Chapter 252

“Ms. Kay, please sign for your flowers,” the delivery guy said, extending a bouquet. White wild roses! My favorites. Only someone who truly knew me would choose them. My first thought was Jace. He sends me white wild roses every year for my birthday, and plain white roses for other occasions. But today wasn't my birthday. Why was he sending flowers unexpectedly?

Still slightly stunned, I accepted the bouquet. The delivery guy seemed eager to leave. Ron appeared behind me, as usual, at the most inconvenient moment. “Who sent them? Your boyfriend?”

I was about to deny it when a small card slipped from the flowers. Ron, ever helpful, retrieved it and handed it to me. Two lines were written: "Hope you have a great day. From B."

A shiver ran down my spine as Brad's irritating smirk flashed in my mind. I never would have guessed it was him! But how did he know about the white wild roses? Then it struck me: Tanya. She must have told him.

Anger welled up. Seriously? Tanya was so worried I might pursue Jace that she'd enlisted Brad instead? Doesn't she realize that would be far worse?

“Who sent these?” Ron buzzed around me like an inquisitive bee. He wasn't romantically interested in me, but he was overly invested in my personal life. Feeling mischievous, I smirked. "Oh, just some young hottie."

Ron blinked, completely taken aback. Ignoring his stunned expression, I returned to the office.

“Ms. Kay, are those from your boyfriend? He has excellent taste. They’re gorgeous!”

“Ms. Kay, you’re something else—white wild roses? Classy!”

My coworkers showered me with comments. I smiled and shrugged. “If I were basic, would I be working with all of you?” My response subtly flattered them, silencing them, and they returned to their work.

Back in my office, I tossed the bouquet onto the couch and picked up the card again, noting Brad's conveniently included number. Did he really want me to call and scold him? What a shameless guy! Leaving his number as if begging for a reprimand. He wouldn't get one from me.

I tossed the card in the trash, turned on my computer, and was about to start working when my phone buzzed. It was Hayden: [Busy?]

As concise as ever. I leaned back and typed: [Not too bad.]

Hayden: [What are you doing right now?] Me: [Texting you.] Hayden: […] Me: [Is there something you need?] Hayden: [No]

I paused, unsure what to say. He said he didn't need anything, yet he messaged me. I knew what that meant from past relationships: he was thinking of me.

Sigh. The sweet, confusing scent of love.

Hayden: [Anything happen at work today?]

I was about to say no, but then I saw the roses. I snapped a quick picture and sent it: [Pretty, right?]

Hayden: [Where did these come from?]

I could almost see his frown through the screen. I smiled as I replied: [Someone sent them.]