Free A Moment of Bliss by Heather McGovern Page A

his eyes. “Stop it. And yes, I did.”
    She took in the way he filled up the bucket seat. The sight of his long legs and thick thighs assuaged any guilt over his discomfort. “I need to know where Brenda’s is located so I can get there alone. And if I drive somewhere once, I know it.”
    He leaned over.. “Do you know how to get into town?”
    Madison hadn’t a clue.
    Roark stared, waiting until she quickly met his gaze. Those gray-blue eyes were too near, too striking. She kept her eyes on the road.
    â€œDown the mountain?” she tried.
    His puff of laughter was so close, the warmth brushed her cheek. “Yes, down the mountain, smarty-pants. And after that?”
    â€œNo.” But he’d called her smarty-pants, like they’d been comrades for months.
    Madison didn’t know if the familiarity was merely Roark’s nature or because he was accustomed to siblings, but he had a casual way of joking, teasing her as though they knew each other. The truly strange part was it didn’t bother her as much as it normally would. If anything, it eased her self-doubt.
    â€œThen a right onto Main Street and Brenda’s is on the corner. Got it?” he asked.
    â€œGot it.” She hadn’t heard a single word of his directions.
    It didn’t matter though. He ended up repeating all of it; precise, detailed instructions on where and how to go as they reached each turn. Something told her that his brother and sister never agreed to drive him anywhere.
    A strip of brick stores took up the corner of Main and Broad Streets, and Madison parallel parked a few doors down from the shop. Brenda’s Flower Shop had a glass front, the window filled with trendy décor and gift items, artificial wreaths, and arrangements in unique combinations.
    â€œRoark!” a voice cried out as soon as they got in the door. A woman, maybe in her midfifties—with her impeccable caramel skin, Madison couldn’t tell—standing not much over five feet tall, floated toward them with outstretched arms. “What on God’s green earth has made you drag yourself all the way into town?”
    Madison made it her business to study the refrigerated cases along the wall, all filled with the usual roses and arrangement fare, along with seasonal flowers and unusual greenery.
    Roark hugged the lady, their reflection filling the glass door. “It’s not that far. You act like I never leave Honeywilde.”
    â€œYou don’t!” Brenda exclaimed, her voice sharp in the small shop filled wall to wall with wares. “It takes a force of nature to get you down here. Nothing caught on fire, did it?”
    â€œI came to talk to you about our next arrangements for fall. And to ask a favor.”
    â€œAnything for you, handsome.” Brenda smiled up at him before turning to look at her. “And who is this lovely young lady you’ve brought to my store?”
    Madison met Brenda’s gaze in the reflection of the case. If she was capable of blushing, she’d be red from head to toe.
    â€œBrenda, this is Madison. She’s an event planner from Charlotte and she’s planning a wedding at the inn.”
    Madison turned and smiled.
    â€œAnd she is gorgeous. Look at you.” Brenda fussed over her, taking Madison’s hands and holding them out. “All put together, and I can tell you’re smart. You look like you could be doing national news on CNN or something.”
    A pang of nerves bounced around her chest at the attention. Brenda seemed sincere in every word, and Madison wasn’t sure if she was flattered or embarrassed or both.
    â€œI bet you put on one fine wedding, don’t you?”
    â€œI . . .” She stumbled for a reply. Compliments directed toward her personally, rather than toward her events, were totally foreign. And she wasn’t sure she’d ever met anyone who was as up front with them as Brenda.
    She didn’t