The next morning, sunlight streamed through the shop's front windows, bathing the rows of hydrangeas, peonies, and lavender in a warm, golden glow. It should have been a picture-perfect start to the day, but I was anything but calm. Lorenzo Hayes was still in my head, pacing back and forth like a storm cloud I couldn't ignore.
I tried to focus on the tasks ahead of meâorganizing the bridal consultation scheduled for later, prepping new arrangements for display, and sorting through the shipment of orchids arriving any minuteâbut my mind wouldn't cooperate. Every time I set a stem in place, I found myself replaying the sharp set of his jaw or the steel in his voice.
Who just walks into someone's life and declares they see "potential"? What kind of person sends flowers to a floristâa florist, of all people?
The man was an enigma wrapped in arrogance, and no matter how much I tried, I couldn't shake him off.
As if summoned by my thoughts, the bell above the door jingled.
I didn't look up right away. "Welcome to Petals & Posies!" I called out automatically, trimming the end of a rose stem and placing it in the vase I'd been working on.
"Nice bouquet."
That voice. Low, smooth, and with just the faintest edge of amusement.
My hand froze mid-motion.
Slowly, I turned to see him standing in the doorway, framed by the morning light. Lorenzo Hayes. Tall, imposing, and wearing yet another ridiculously tailored suit. This one was charcoal gray, his tie a deep navy blue. Everything about him screamed precision, right down to the gleaming black shoes that were entirely out of place on my scuffed wooden floors.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, setting the rose down with more force than necessary.
He didn't answer right away. Instead, his gray eyes flicked around the shop, taking in the shelves of potted succulents, the rows of vases, and the string of fairy lights I'd hung over the counter. His gaze lingered on the bouquet he'd sent yesterday, still sitting where I'd left it.
"You kept the flowers," he observed.
I crossed my arms. "They're not my style."
"Clearly not." A faint smirk touched his lips. "But you didn't throw them away."
"They're too expensive to waste," I shot back. "And besides, they make a good conversation piece for my customers."
"Glad to be of service," he said, his tone dry.
I bristled at his arrogance but refused to let him see it. "Again, why are you here, Mr. Hayes? Unless you're in the market for another overpriced bouquet, I don't see what business you have with me."
"I'm here to discuss my offer," he said, stepping further into the shop.
"Offer?"
His gaze sharpened. "Don't play coy. You said you'd think about it."
"I said I'd think about it," I repeated, narrowing my eyes. "Not that I'd agree to it."
"Which is why I'm here," he said smoothly, his voice infuriatingly calm. "To answer any questions you might have before you say yes."
I let out a short laugh. "You're awfully confident for someone who just barged into my life uninvited."
"That's how I get results," he replied.
I stared at him, torn between annoyance and grudging curiosity. Lorenzo Hayes wasn't the kind of man who took no for an answer; that much was clear. But what wasn't clear was why he cared so much about my shop. Out of all the businesses in the city, why me?
"Let's get one thing straight," I said, stepping out from behind the counter and facing him head-on. "I built this shop from the ground up. Every flower, every display, every arrangementâyou're looking at years of hard work. So forgive me if I don't jump at the chance to let a complete stranger swoop in and take over."
His expression didn't falter, but something flickered in his eyes. Interest, maybe. Or respect.
"I'm not here to take over," he said quietly. "I'm here to help."
"Help?" I repeated, my voice skeptical. "What could you possibly know about running a flower shop?"
"More than you think," he replied.
I raised an eyebrow, unconvinced.
He let out a breath, glancing around the shop once more. "Do you know how many florists go out of business in this city every year?"
My stomach tightened. "I don't see how that's relevant."
"It's relevant because I see potential here," he said, his voice steady. "Your shop has charm. Personality. It's the kind of place people remember. But charm alone won't keep the doors open."
His words stung, but I refused to let him see it. "I'm doing just fine, thank you."
"For now," he said, his tone cool but not unkind. "But what about five years from now? Ten? Have you thought about expanding? Increasing your reach? Building a brand that lasts?"
I hesitated. Of course I'd thought about itâdreamed about it, evenâbut the reality was daunting. Expanding meant risk. It meant stepping out of my comfort zone and putting everything I'd worked for on the line.
He must have seen the hesitation in my eyes because he pressed on. "I'm not asking you to give up control. I'm offering you resources. Connections. A partnership."
"And what do you get out of it?" I asked, crossing my arms.
His gaze didn't waver. "A return on my investment."
"Ah, there it is," I said, narrowing my eyes. "You're only in this for the money."
"Isn't everyone?" he countered.
I shook my head. "Not me. I didn't start this shop to get rich. I started it because I love flowers. I love what they mean to peopleâthe joy they bring, the comfort they provide. That's what matters to me."
He was quiet for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, to my surprise, he nodded.
"I can respect that," he said.
His words caught me off guard. For the first time, his voice lacked its usual edge, and I caught a glimpse of something softer beneath the surface.
"But respect doesn't pay the bills," he added, his tone firm once more.
And just like that, the moment was gone.
I let out a sigh, running a hand through my hair. "Look, Mr. Hayesâ"
"Lorenzo," he corrected.
"Fine. Lorenzo. I appreciate your... interest, but I'm not sure your vision aligns with mine."
"Then tell me your vision," he said, stepping closer.
His sudden proximity made my heart skip a beat, but I stood my ground. "My vision is to keep doing what I'm doing. To create a space where people can find a little beauty and peace in their lives."
He tilted his head slightly, as if considering my words. "And what if I told you I could help you bring that vision to more people? On a larger scale?"
"I'd say it sounds too good to be true," I replied, my voice guarded.
He didn't smile, but there was a hint of amusement in his eyes. "That's because you don't trust me yet."
"You're right," I said bluntly. "I don't."
"Then let me earn it," he said, his tone serious.
I blinked, caught off guard by his sincerity.
"I'll make you a deal," he continued. "Give me one month. Let me show you what I can do for your business. If you're not convinced by the end of it, I'll walk away."
His offer hung in the air between us, tempting and dangerous all at once.
"One month?" I repeated.
"One month," he confirmed. "No strings attached."
I hesitated, weighing my options. On one hand, I didn't want to let someone like Lorenzo Hayes into my life or my business. But on the other hand, I couldn't deny that his resources and connections could be valuable.
"Fine," I said finally. "One month. But if you so much as try to turn this place into some corporate monstrosity, the deal's off."
"Understood," he said, extending a hand.
I stared at it for a moment before reluctantly shaking it. His grip was firm, his palm warm against mine.
"Good," he said, releasing my hand. "We'll start tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" I echoed. "Don't you have some billion-dollar company to run?"
"I can multitask," he said, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
Before I could respond, he turned and walked out, the bell jingling softly as the door closed behind him.
I stood there, staring at the door, my emotions a whirlwind of frustration, curiosity, and something I couldn't quite name.
Lorenzo Hayes was a storm I hadn't asked for, but now that he was here, I had a feeling he wasn't going anywhere.
*****
The shop was quiet as I locked up for the night, the faint hum of traffic outside the only sound breaking the silence.
I lingered for a moment, my hand resting on the doorframe as I looked back at the space I'd poured my heart and soul into.
Was I making a mistake? Letting someone like Lorenzo into my world felt like inviting a wolf into the garden. But there was a small, stubborn part of me that couldn't help but wonderâwhat if he was right? What if this was the opportunity I'd been waiting for?
I shook my head, trying to push the thoughts away. I'd made my decision, and there was no point second-guessing it now.
With a deep breath, I turned off the lights and stepped outside, locking the door behind me.
As I walked down the street, the crisp night air clearing my mind, I couldn't help but glance over my shoulder.
The storm was coming. And whether I was ready or not, I'd have to face it head-on.