chapter twenty-one

Well that Explains It

Blaire

The first thing I do when my alarm goes off is groan my displeasure at how quickly morning comes. Then I remember that the Love Is in the Air event is today, and I have four billion things to take care of before B&B opens.

I also check to see if Ronan ever responded last night. He did. At four in the morning. The message is lackluster.

Ronan: Sry it’s so late, tmrw is going to be awsm, see you in the A.M.

No kissy faces, no hearts or eggplant emojis. I leave the message unanswered. My reaction is slightly passive-aggressive, but I’d rather say nothing than something nasty. I don’t need to start my day with an argument.

I set the coffeemaker to brew, then shower and get ready for what I hope will be a fantastic day. The Seattle paper is supposed to come by and spotlight the local businesses participating in the Love Is in the Air pub crawl. I’m hopeful the positive press will help us all and bring to light the harmful impact big chains have when they come and undercut small businesses.

My dress boasts an adorable hearts and cupids-slinging-arrows theme. It’s an old one that I embellished with a wide plaid ribbon with a cupcake, cocktails, and beer pattern tied at my waist. I also have a special apron for today.

I swallow thickly as I take in my reflection. I’d hoped that Ronan and I would’ve spent last night together, that he would be here to see me get ready for this event that we worked so hard to make happen.

I push aside the negative thoughts, aware they don’t do me any good. I’m out the door by seven thirty. We’re not opening until later this morning, but I want to be at B&B nice and early so I can make sure everything is set up and help calm anyone with event-day jitters.

I park my SUV behind the shop, surprised to see Ronan’s truck there already. The moment I walk into B&B, I’m assaulted by Daphne. She grabs me by the shoulders. “You need to go next door. Right now.”

I set my purse on the counter. I’m not in a hurry to see Ronan this morning. “Why are you here so early?”

“Because I couldn’t sleep and because of…reasons.” She tries to turn me around, but I refuse to budge. “Come on, you have to see this.”

“See what?”

“I can’t tell you. I have to show you.”

“Well, show me later. I have lots of stuff to take care of.” I glance out the window and notice there’s already a crowd gathered, even though we’re not supposed to open for several hours. I squint. “Is that a camera crew? What’s going on out there?”

I head for the door but turn abruptly. Daphne is following so closely she slams into me and nearly knocks over a table. “Do I need to reapply my lipstick?”

“No. You’re perfect. But you should lose the coat.”

“It’s freezing outside.”

“You’ll survive. I promise.” She tugs my parka down my arms like I’m a toddler who needs help. Once I’m coatless, I open the door and step outside. The street has been blocked off so people are able to walk down the road and traffic won’t interfere with the event. We had to petition the city councillors to make that happen.

In the middle of the street is Ronan looking damn gorgeous in his plaid shirt and black sports jacket. He’s also wearing a pair of dark-wash jeans and his usual steel-toed work boots. And he’s surrounded by media. There are several news crews, people from The Seattle Morning Show, and Tori.

“What the heck is going on?” I mutter.

“Your boyfriend is awesome; that’s what’s going on.” Daphne squeezes my arm.

It’s as if Ronan can sense my presence the moment I step out the front door and onto the sidewalk. His gaze shifts from Tori—who’s standing beside him looking ridiculously perfect for this horribly early hour—and lands on me. His smile widens, and he extends a hand. “And here she is, the reason behind all of this.”

“He’s talking about you! Go on.” Daphne elbows me in the side.

He takes a step forward, breaking from the group, and winks. “Come on, beautiful, don’t be shy on me.”

I give him a look, feeling my cheeks heat. He said those same words less than a week ago when he wanted to have sex on the bar of The Knight Cap. After hours, of course. Even with no lights on and the mostly opaque sign covering the front windows I was apprehensive. I gave in eventually, though. And then made him sanitize the hell out of the bar afterward while I watched, and told him he was a bad influence, and that we should maybe consider doing that on the bar in his apartment next time instead. He wondered why he hadn’t thought of that himself.

“What is all this?” I ask when I reach him.

He doesn’t answer at first. Simply takes my face between his cold hands—because it’s frigid out here—bends down, and presses his lips gently to mine. “You look good enough to eat.”

“Can you stop saying things that make me turn red?”

“Your cheeks will match the hearts on your dress.” He smiles against my lips and then backs up so I can see his face. “I’m sorry I haven’t been around the last couple of days, but now you know why.”

“I’m confused as to what all is happening here. Is that Thom Thomas from channel five?”

“It is.”

“And Claudia Carmichael from Food and Drink?”

“You’re correct. Come on, let me introduce you.” Ronan threads his fingers through mine.

“Do I look okay?” I smooth my hand down the front of my dress.

“You look good enough to eat, remember?” He tugs on my hand and brings me over to the group of media professionals. People I’ve watched on TV for years, and they’re here because of Ronan. “This is Blaire Calloway. She’s the reason all of this is happening.”

I want to argue since he was the one who suggested the street party, but I’m suddenly shaking hands with all these influential people. Tori extends her hand. “It’s so great to see you again, Blaire. I think what you’re doing here is amazing. I’m a big advocate for small business owners.”

“Your parents started Organically Yours,” I mention.

“That’s right, back when I was just a kid. I know how hard they worked to promote their business and stay current and relevant, which is how I ended up here.”