The Perfect Mix (Keller Weddings Book 1) Read Free Page A

some 80s or 90s rock blaring from her iPod.
    The only store that wasn’t attached was the boutique Summer ran in a space across the street. She settled a mannequin in the window and waved when she saw him.
    He waved back and squinted his eyes against the glare of the sun, second-guessing himself for being here. For his plan.
    Since when had life and love gotten so damn complicated? It used to be he liked a girl, he’d ask her out. Simple as that. But it had never been Anna before. Never a friend. Never someone he couldn’t stand to see hurt and worried his actions might harm their relationship.
    He missed Eli. As the only son in the Keller family, he and Beckett had been close as they grew up. Especially with so little testosterone around. But he wasn’t sure sharing his feelings for Anna would go over well with Eli–not after what had happened with Tom. Eli was protective of his sisters, and wasn’t likely to want to see Anna with anyone after what had gone down.
    Before he could change his mind, Beckett walked into Keller’s Flowers. Poppy stood behind the counter chatting with another employee. She was dressed as bright as a tulip today, in strawberry colored capris and a printed shirt.
    “Hey, Beckett. What’s up?”
    He got right to it. “I need your help.”
    Her eyes glittered with mischief. “You’ve never said that to me before. I like the sound of it.”
    She excused herself and left Maya, one of her employees, to run the store. She linked her arm through his and led him outside. They sat on a colorful bench at the front of the store while the sun warmed the day.
    “What’s going on?” Poppy asked.
    Beckett scratched his chin. “She thinks I’m a friend.”
    Poppy blinked. “What?”
    “Anna.” He glanced around, halfway expecting her to walk out of the bakery and see him talking to her sister. “She said I was a good friend.”
    “You are.”
    Beckett frowned.
    “Okay, sorry.” Poppy brushed her short, wavy hair from her forehead and sighed. “You’re like a brother to us, Beckett.”
    “Shit.” He didn’t appreciate the laugh she gave at his curse. “That’s worse than being a friend.”
    “I can’t believe you’re talking to me about this.”
    Beckett felt a flicker of defense. “You told me to do something.”
    “No, Beckett, I’m sorry. That’s not what I mean. I just thought you’d…I don’t know. Take a step back, or keep going like you were. I’m glad you’re doing this. We should talk to Jillian.”
    “No,” he said when she stood. “Poppy, sit down. You’re the closest to Anna. I don’t need anyone else’s help.”
    “Yes, you do. Come on.”
    “Poppy–”
    But she walked straight into the main office, tossing a smile at him over her shoulder when he called her name again.
    They both stopped when Jillian and Mrs. Keller looked up from the lobby area where they’d clearly been discussing an event. Jillian held color swatches and had her tablet nearby.
    “Poppy.” Jillian angled her head. “Beckett. What’s going on?”
    Beckett groaned inwardly, silently hoping Poppy wouldn’t say anything in front of her mother. That was the last thing he needed. Gale Keller involved in his love life.
    “We need your help,” Poppy told Jillian.
    Beckett shook his head. “No, we don’t. Poppy–”
    “Yes, we do.” Poppy curled her hand around his arm and flashed a winning smile. “Trust me.”
    Mrs. Keller laughed and stood. “I’ll leave you kids alone.”
    Beckett opened his mouth to protest, but she didn’t even look his way, just exited the room to the hallway that lead to the tiny kitchen in back.
    “God, I swear you don’t know when to quit,” he told Poppy.
    “One of my many charms.”
    Jillian sat in one of the chairs that were grouped together on a plush rug. She set her tablet aside. “Okay, what do you need my help with?”
    “Nothing.”
    “Beckett, please.” Poppy sat as well and waved him over. “This is Jillian. Don’t be