Love in Bloom

 Excerpt from Love in Bloom by Rosemary Indra.

            A gentle spring breeze kissed Sheila Roberts cheek the moment she stepped out her front door. She hurried across her concrete driveway to the stepping-stones which lead to her neighbor’s porch.

            Sheila inhaled the fragrance of the bouquet she held and smiled. The May Day basket reminded her of her school days. Every May First she walked to their neighbor’s to deliver her flowers. The Harrison family had lived next to the Roberts’ since the homes were built in this subdivision, now an older section of Forest Ridge.

            There were times her mom accused Sheila of spending more time at the Harrison house than her own home. She’d treasured the time she had spent with her best friend. Derek Harrison. While growing up they were inseparable playing baseball or hiking in the field behind their homes.

            Sheila shook her head to dissolve the playful memories which raced through her mind. She felt giddy and quickened her step. After placing the roses on the front step she rang the doorbell.

            In previous years she was able to race back to her own porch before Martha opened her door. She turned and started down the steps. Hearing the door open, Sheila knew she was caught. For the first time, Martha was faster than her. The older woman must have been waiting at the door. Conceding defeat, Sheila threw up her hands, “You beat me.” She turned to see the woman she called her second mom.

            Only Martha wasn’t standing in the doorway. The sparkle in the familiar blue eyes was the same as her childhood friend but the face which studied her was that of a man’s not the boy she remembered. Sheila swallowed quickly at the sight of him. “Derek,” her voice a breathless whisper.

            She knew the moment Derek recognized her as a smile erased the seriousness on his face.

Derek crossed his arms in front of his chest drawing her attention to his muscular build. He had a day’s growth of dark stubble on his face, which added to his rugged sex appeal. His black hair was styled short and she felt the urge to run her fingers through it. Merely studying his features had Sheila’s heart racing uncontrollably in her chest.

            The last time she saw Derek was Christmas four years ago. He’d come home to visit his family and she was spending the holidays with her parents. The length of time between their visits didn’t matter. They’d start talking as if they just saw each other yesterday.

            His left brow rose and he appeared shocked to see her. Sheila suppressed a smile when she noticed his brow split in two from the scar she’d caused. The first summer they met, Derek said she couldn’t play baseball as she wasn’t able to throw the ball far enough. Frustrated, Sheila pitched a fastball to where he stood at first base. The ball cut his forehead causing a doctor’s visit and five stitches. After that, Derek reluctantly allowed her to participate in their baseball games at the other boys’ insistence.

            “Sheila?” His voice sounded as surprised as she felt. “What do you mean ‘I beat you’?” Derek’s gaze held hers and he silently waited for her explanation.

            She moved closer to the doorway. “I thought your mom answered the door.” A blush warmed her cheeks when she had to explain her childish game further. With a desire to reach out and touch his chest, Sheila laced her fingers together. “It’s May Day.”