Page 4 of Milo
Never in a million years would I have thought I’d have a booming floral business looking the way I do. Not that I’m ashamed about my appearance. No one would think a guy covered in tattoos and has an obvious gym schedule would have a love of all things flowers. Apparently, my followers have nicknamed me flower Daddy and I play into the part. I love my people, but there are a few that get out of hand with creepy comments or DMs.
“Come on, big guy, time to haul everything in.”
Over the hours, Izzy and I bring in everything I brought from New York City. Which, honestly, isn’t a lot. I purged before Ifilled my U-Haul with the leftovers, keeping only the necessities. I didn’t want to be burdened with bad memories. Old memories. Unwanted memories. I wanted a full fresh start and that meant getting rid of so much old energy. So much ofhim. Southern Indiana seems like the most random place for me to land, but I have family here. Good memories here. The fifteen years in New York City were a learning and growing experience. I learned how to finallybeClayton. How to be a Daddy. How to live. Now it’s time to forge a new path. As long as I have flowers in my life, nothing can go wrong.
“I’m gonna order some art for your bland ass walls,” Izzy says as she stuffs a slice of pepperoni pizza in her mouth.
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I know, but I want to. Let me get you a housewarming gift.” She bats her thick lashes and pouts.
“Okay. Not too much, though.”
“I’ll get you what I want.” She sticks out her tongue and swipes her phone from the table. It’s not like she’s forty-four frickin’ years old or anything. Not that anyone would suspect she was older than mid-thirties. She kicks her feet and giggles as she hides her phone when I pick up the paper plates to throw them in the trash. “You’re going to love everything I get you. And for that extra personal touch, I’m having it hand-delivered from the artist.”
I blink back at her. “What?”
“What do you mean, what? It’s a local guy. He’ll deliver.” She grins so wide I have to wonder what she has up her sleeve. “And you’re going toloooovvveeeeeverything. I have a six sense about these things.”
“Or you know my other profile name and pay attention to who I follow with it.”
She shrugs. “Of course, I snoop a bit. That illustrator book cutie lives around here somewhere.” She winks, and I know she’s planned something.
“I have no idea who you’re talking about.” I cross my arms and stare her down, but that only makes her laugh harder. Of course, I know who she’s talking about. Milo is adorable and an amazing artist. Plus, the tattoos covering his lithe body? Yum. I’d love to examine every inch of him.
“We know everything there is to know about each other, Clay. You like that guy. Milo, is it?” She taps her temple. “And you’re going to meet him because of me. Oh! Maybe he’ll be your perfect Little.” She pushes out her chest and preens. “I’m such a matchmaker. You’re going to get together and be the happiest happy Clayever.”
“So you’re a psychic now?” I cock a brow. I love her, I reallyreallydo, but sometimes she goes too hard.
She wiggles her fingers as if to conjure something. “Yep. Why do you think my name is Isadora? I like the witchy vibes.” Before she can say anything else, she yawns. “I should head to the hotel.”
“I wish you’d stay, so you didn’t have to waste your money.”
“I’m doing this for me. I have a hook up later tonight.” She wiggles her phone. “I plan to enjoy myself thoroughly and I don’t think you want that happening in your nice, clean new digs.”
“Okay, didn’t need to know that, but I hope you enjoy yourself.” I wrap her in a hug. She’s warm and somehow her signature scent of apricots and vanilla still clings to her.
“Ew, you need a shower.” She pinches her nose and swats me away while I laugh.
I walk her to the door and hold her coat open for her to pull it on. It’s going to be a quiet night, but maybe that’s just what I need. “Send me a pic of your hookup’s license so I know who tomurder if you go missing.” Not that I’m worried. Izzy is smart as fuck and knows how to handle herself.
“Will do! And don’t look so sad. I’ll be back bright and early in the morning to help you get your shop squared away.” What she doesn’t mention is that afterwards she’ll be going back to New York City to tie up personal loose ends before she joins me here. Unless she changes her mind, but I won’t dwell on that thought. If Izzy wants to stay in New York, I’ll give her my blessing. She squishes my cheeks then opens the door, leaving me to my thoughts.
Chapter 3
Milo
“Holy cow. Merry Christmas to me.”I blink back at my phone screen. I couldn’t help myself from looking at my emails before exiting my car after the shopping trip with Rory. This is the biggest order I’ve gotten in a long time. Maybe even my biggest print order ever. I can’t hold back and call Rory as I push my door open. “Uh, so… I have a new neighbor.” I gather everything I just splurged on from the truck and head to the door of the apartment building.
“Oh, yay! Have you met them?”
“No, not yet, but they placed a huge print order from my website while we were shopping. With hand delivery.” I open the door. “It’s just so weird. Right?”
“Is it sexy flower Daddy?Pleasebe sexy flower Daddy!” I can practically hear Rory bouncing on his feet.
“Someone named Isadora placed the order.” I push back the disappointment. The dream was fun while it lasted, but if Isadora likes my art, I know we’ll get along. Even if they aren’t sexy flower Daddy.
“Present.” Someone singsongs down the hall, startling me.
