5-minute romance
When her handsome new neighbor approaches with a fun request, Lori’s love life is suddenly blossoming with promise
Satisfied with her work, Lori stood, dusting of her pants as she smiled at the now-weeded rose bed next to the honeysucklecovered arbor. With that done, she could move on to the fairy garden she’d assembled under the towering oak.
Sunshine drenched the yard. It was Lori’s pride and joy, her escape from her busy nine-to-five. With only one more year until retirement, soon she’d have all the time in the world to garden. She couldn’t wait. Except, as the time grew closer, she wished more and more for a companion who shared her hobby.
She turned, her pulse kicking up when she spotted her new neighbor peering over the fence. He’d moved into the house next door last week, and she’d caught him spying on her almost every day since. His peeping might have even been unnerving, had he not dipped his head in an adorably shy manner every time she caught him.
And what a handsome head it was. Thick, brown hair streaked with silver, a square jaw covered in dark stubble and laugh lines bracketing kind hazel eyes.
Okay, so maybe she’d done a little spying of her own too.
The man retreated, sending a cloud of disappointment to block out the bright sense of anticipation that had filled Lori.
Later that afternoon, her doorbell rang. She opened the door and butterflies danced in her stomach at the sight of her neighbor standing on the porch. “Hello.”
He smiled, clearing his throat. “Hi. Sorry I haven’t introduced myself until now. I’m Jack from next door.” “Yes, hi. I’m Lori.” She extended her hand, only to realize his were full. “This is for you.” He handed her a beautiful, mirrored gazing ball. “Wow. Thank you!” The whimsical decoration would look perfect alongside her forget-me-nots. “This is lovely, but isn’t it usually the new neighbor receiving gifts?”
“You caught me.” Jack laughed, his eyes twinkling. “I do have an ulterior motive.”
“Their shoulders touched, sending warm tingles dancing up Lori’s arm”
“My granddaughter, Maddie, is visiting soon. I usually create a scavenger hunt for her, but my new yard has no hiding spots.” “Aha. Unlike my yard.” “Exactly. I can’t wait to dig into my dirt, but it’ll take me years to get the place looking as gorgeous as you…i mean, yours.” Above his stubble, Jack’s cheeks reddened.
Like a kite in a springtime breeze, Lori’s heart soared at his compliment. And was that a hint that he too enjoyed gardening? She lifted the gazing ball. “I know just where to put this. Would you like a tour?”
“I’d love it.” He dipped his chin. “You’ve probably noticed me admiring your work.”
“Once or twice.” Lori laughed as side by side, they strolled to her yard. Bleeding hearts, zinnias, peonies… Lori’s stomach somersaulted as Jack astutely identified each flower. He was a fellow green thumb!
He crouched to run a finger over the path leading to the miniature pixie cottage. “Maddie will love this. That is, if you’ll let me borrow your yard for the hunt.”
Expectant hazel eyes glimmered up at her, sending Lori’s heart fluttering. She simply had to spend more time with this man. “You can have the scavenger hunt here on one condition: I get to help plan it.” A wide smile filled Jack’s face. “Deal.” Over the next few days, the pair worked together, discussing their lives as they hid clues across the yard. Even as Lori basked in the pleasure of Jack’s company, worry pressed in. Would he still want to spend time with her once their project was done?
The evening before Maddie’s arrival, they sat together on the garden bench. Their shoulders pressed together, sending warm tingles dancing up Lori’s arm.
Everything was in place, until Lori noticed one small scroll still in the clue basket. “Uh-oh. Looks like we missed one.” “Hmm. You’d better read it, then.” She unrolled the paper and read aloud. “Our friendship bloomed in a garden, but where might it grow? Together we can find out, if you’ll let me be your beau.” She lifted her gaze, and joy blossomed, brilliant and sweet, at the affection in Jack’s eyes.
Blushing, he took her hand. “I know it’s cheesy, but…would you have dinner with me next Friday night? See where this leads, maybe?”
Lori’s heart overflowed with hope. Certainly, this was the beginning of something beautiful. She beamed at him. “I’d love to!”