The store is located down a narrow pebbled walkway between two buildings, white lights strung crisscrossed above my head, potted plants everywhere, along with comfortable looking wooden benches. I find Lee Fine Jewelers tucked away in the far left corner of the shopping court, and I push open the glass door, striding inside.

There’s a hushed quality to the store. Gentle piano music tinkles in the background, and there are customers inside, but they’re all talking in quiet tones, like we’re in a library. And they’re all dressed impeccably. The women have fancy handbags hanging from their shoulders or wrists, and the men all reek of money.

While I’m standing in the middle of this place in dusty jeans and a faded green sweatshirt with a hole in the front pocket. Glancing down at myself, I see there’s a bright spot of yellow mustard on my sweatshirt too. Must’ve been from the sandwich I inhaled on my way over here.

Great. I’m a real class act.

“Can I help you?”

I turn to find the very woman who ran into me earlier at the farm striding toward me, a concerned expression on her face. The closer she gets, the more fascinated I become. Her skin is smooth. Flawless. Reminds me of a painting. And her eyes are so dark, they appear almost black.

And I see those eyes shift. Widen a little bit. She recognizes me.

Hope she’s not disappointed in my sudden appearance.

“Hey.” I tip my head toward her with a polite smile. “Nice to see you again. I’m here to deliver your tree.”

She scowls. It’s still a good look for her. “You’re a half hour late.”

“Sorry about that,” I say easily. “Traffic.”

“You apologize a lot.”

I frown. “Excuse me?”

“I believe that’s the fourth time you’ve told me you’re sorry since you ran into me.” She crosses her arms.

I swipe my baseball cap off, quickly running a hand over my hair. Probably shouldn’t tell her that she’s the one who ran into me. “If it helps, I meant every single one of them.”

She relaxes a little at that. “Where are you parked? Out back?”

I nod, slipping my hat back on my head. Backwards this time.

“You left your truck unattended?” Her gaze lifts from mine, and it’s almost like she’s concentrating on my hat. Which is a little weird.

I nod again.

A sigh leaves her. “Well, come on then. Better cut through the store with me before the parking attendant marks your tire and you get towed.”

I shift into motion, keeping up with her as she walks briskly through the store. An older man studies me with curiosity as I pass by, as does a very attractive older woman with silver hair and a face much like the one who’s leading me to the back of the store. I’d guess she’s her mom.

By the time we’re at the back door, I have to come to a skidding stop or else I’m likely to run into this woman yet again. Amelia. I like her name. It’s pretty. Elegant.