2X The Heat (2X The Pleasure 1)

Hello Miss Michelle,

This is Levi Daniels. I received your contact information from a friend of Mrs. Hallows. I am getting married in two weeks and my florist backed out. I know it is last minute, but I want to book you for the event. Whatever your rates are, I will double it. I want this to be perfect for my fiancé and me. I will meet you at your shop tomorrow at noon if you’re up for it.

I read the email over. He really did seem desperate, and I think it was sweet that he wants to please his fiancé so much. I had a few days of break from the last event, so there was no reason to say no. it’s just that weddings are so different, and I was afraid the short notice would make it hard to get things ordered on time. We would have to start right away.

I replied saying I would meet him, it was passed appropriate business hours so I didn’t expect a reply. My dinner tasted even better knowing I had another client. I wasn’t sure if I would charge him double though, but of course there is nothing I can do if he insists.

Chapter Twelve: Tristan

I had nothing to do the next day except dread the coming ones. Mom always seemed to know when I was down in the dumps. It was the middle of the day and I was laid out on my couch, watching Tech Specs.

“Hey, mom.”

“Hi honey, what are you doing? Probably nothing.”

“Spot on. I was actually trying to find a florist for Levi. He’s getting married and he asked me to be his best man.”

“Oh, that’s sweet. You two have always been so close. But why are you trying to find a florist?” She asked me.

“Theirs quit and he asked me to help him out with all of the planning. He has this case keeping him busy; wants everything to be perfect for Gabrielle.” I explained, my voice even.

“Oh, that’s sweet honey. Why do you pretend to be mean? Anyway, won’t it be hard for you?” She asked me.

“Not really. Vivian hired a planner.” I murmured. I suspected she would ask me that. And I especially didn’t want to tell Natalie because she would definitely give me hell for it.

“I see. Well if you need a florist I know a really good one. She actually did the charity ball for Sasha, she hired her.”

My breath stilled. The thought of that ball brought me back to the woman in the maze. And the flowers I fucked her up against.

“Really?” I cleared my throat.

“Yeah. I’ll send you her info.” Seconds later, my phone went off with her message.

“Thanks. How are you and dad?” I should probably call my dad more, but I never needed to most of the time. He usually bothers me about twice every month.

“Good, we are working on another development. I actually think it will be our last one.” She sighed.

“Really? Retiring already?” I smirked. Mom and dad weren’t that old.

“Maybe. We haven’t really thought about it. Just a thought right now. I have to go into this meeting but I’ll talk to you later on.”

“Okay, bye mom.”

“I love you.”

I checked the contact information and sent it to Levi. Hopefully he wasn’t too busy that he couldn’t coordinate with the florist himself. Emilia Michelle was her name, it almost sounded like a pen name. Suitable enough for a florist.

He said his thanks and I continued watching television in peace. I was too young to not be working. Maybe I should start another company, I kind of missed the work. The technology part of it, not the business side. This time I would bring someone in for all of that.

I dismissed the thought for a moment, but I was always intent on doing something with mobile apps and wired connectivity. I could partner with a bigger company, or do it on my own. But like my mom and dad retiring, it was just a thought.

I spent the rest of the night with a few beers and a movie, and I ended up falling asleep on the couch. I woke back up with the sun trickling in my eyes and I groaned. Realizing I was still on the couch I got up slowly and made my way back to my bed and shut my blinds. I was just falling back asleep when I heard my phone ring.

“Hello?” I asked groggily

“Dude, it’s eleven in the morning,” Levi said.

Fair enough.