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"These are for you."

I had barely noticed the man walking toward me in the grocery store until he shoved a bouquet of flowers in my arms. They were lovely. For that matter, I noticed, so was he.

"I'm…sorry? Do I know you?"

"Nope. But I just ran out of reasons to buy flowers. I had these already, and you looked like you could use a surprise."

"Well, thank you! You have good taste."

"I used to think so," he said, then offered me an apologetic smile. "I'm glad they'll go to someone who appreciates them."

"Why did you buy them to begin with?"

"For my girlfriend, but she just sent me a text—apparently, she's allergic."

"Ah. Shame, they're beautiful."

"Oh, she's not allergic to the flowers. Just me."

I winced for him. "Sorry to hear that."

"It's all right. She's not allergic to the guy in the apartment next door," he caught my raised eyebrows and I saw the back of his neck turn red.

"Listen, I know this is kind of forward, but do you want to go out for dinner?" I asked. "Sounds like you need some time away."

He hesitated, and I grinned. "Besides," I added, "I don't have allergies."