Chapter 2 Korey

I wake up the next morning and go straight to the hospital to see Mama June. To be honest, I am scared, beyond scared straight. I am not ready to lose Mama June, not yet.

I arrive at the hospital at 07:20, I have less than an hour before I must open the shop. As soon as I enter the reception, I am greeted by Chase, Mama June's, gorgeous looking nephew. He was fine, the curly blonde hair, bright blue eyes, chiselled jawline and a body to die for and not to forget that deep, sultry voice, that makes my legs weak.

"Korey, I'm glad you're here," he smiles weakly.

"Hey, Chase," I give him a hug and a nervous smile, "How is she?

I watch as his blue eyes fill up with tears and to be honest, his whole demeanour says it all. He has bags under his eyes, he is usually messy curls are messier than usual, he has a five o'clock shadow but when does he ever not look a mess.

I frown, "That bad, huh."

He nods, "I don't know what to do Korey, I can't lose her, grandpa can't lose her."

I pull him in for another hug, and he wraps his arms around my waist and begins to sob quietly.

Girl, he is crying on your shoulder.

I want to jump up for joy, but I cannot.

"Chase, why don't you go home and get some rest?" I suggest.

He pulls away from me, and he smiles faintly, "I think that would be a great idea."

I give him a pat on the back, and he kisses my cheek.

"Thank you, Korey, for being here for our family, it means a lot," he says looking into my eyes.

I blush and nod, "It is the least I could do."

Chase kisses my cheek again, "Let me take you to Mama June."

We walk through the passage and into an elevator, he presses the elevator button that takes us up and the elevator rings and we step in.

"How're things? Anyone special in your life?" He asks, looking at me expectantly.

"Life is okay. Can't complain and no, I'm still single", I look away, embarrassed.

"Don't be embarrassed Korey, you and I are the same," he chuckles lightly.

I look up at him, "Really?'

He nods as his face turns crimson.

The elevator doors open, and we step out and walk to the first door. Chase knocks and Papa June opens the door.

"Korey," he smiles, I hug him, and he too looks tired.

"Hey Papa June, how is she?" I whisper, not wanting to wake Mama June.

"She's okay' he nods, "Doctor's say it's normal at this age."

I nod in agreement, "I'm glad she's okay."

"Me too", he sighs, "Korey, I want you to run the shop for a while."

"That's okay."

He pulls me in for another hug, "Thank you."

"I need to get going, I have an order to deliver."

He kisses my head and pulls away, "Of course."

I say goodbye and leave the hospital. It is a good thing I had gone to load the flowers first before coming to the hospital. I pull out of the hospital parking lot and drive to the venue.

After 15 minutes I arrive at the venue, two men come out of the recreational centre and stand beside my truck.

"You must be from Mama June's flower shop," the brunette man says with excitement.

I nod, "Yes I am, I'm Korey."

The man standing next to him smiles, "James and this is my partner, Colton"

"Nice to meet you both," I smile.

James and Colton help me get the flowers inside the venue to the back garden and set up for the event, after two hours, we were done. The place looks beautiful.

"Thank you so much, Korey, the flowers are gorgeous," James says excitedly.

Colton nods, "We knew we had picked the right florist."

"Who's a wedding is it anyway?" I ask curiously.

"Ours," both reply.

I brim with joy, "Oh my gosh, Congratulations."

"Thank you so much, dear," James smiles.

"Most people in this town are disgusted by such" Colton frowns.

I shake my head, "Not me, I'm in total support of the gay community. Love is love, no matter what people say."

Colton smiles, I had not seen him smile that much since I met him.

"That means a lot to hear you say that."

I check my watch and sigh, "I have to get going guys, good luck, I wish you joy and happiness in your marriage."

I jump into my truck and close the door.

"Thank you so much for the flowers," James says, "Our wedding is perfect because of you. I pray that when you get married, everything will be just as perfect."

"I am only doing my job, and thank you, James."

"Keep doing it. You're the best in the business," Colton winks.

I start the engine and I wave goodbye and drive off.

I drive back to the shop to find a man leaning against the door. He is dressed in a black suit and had tattoos on his hands and neck, he had green eyes and chocolate brown hair, muscular build, tall and so fine. It's the man I saw in the picture last night, did he figure out that I was in his house last night, you're going to jail Korey.

"Morning sir, I'm so sorry to keep you waiting," I say as I unlock the door.

"It's alright, I haven't been waiting here long anyway", he replies in a deep, hoarse voice.

That voice is so, so goddamn sexy, deep, and just mesmerizing.

"Oh, hmm okay," I stutter.

I open the door and we step inside, "I'm Korey."

"Mr Wilson," he replies, keeping a straight face.

So uptight though.

I place my flower baskets down and walk behind the counter.

"How can I help you?" I ask politely.

He looks at me and gives me a smirk, "I heard you were the best florist shop in town,"

I chuckle proudly, "Yes we are."

"And I was wondering if I could ask for your assistance," he says, "I need someone to tend to my roses."

I look at him for a moment, "So you need a gardener?"

"No, I have that already, I just need a professional rose caretaker."

I am confused but what the heck, "Okay, let's discuss the details."

"I want you to do it," he commands.

"Mr Wilson I- "

"No discussion, meet me at this address at 17:00 and don't be late, Persephone."

I froze, "How did you know - "

"Your name?" He adds.

I nod.

"You'll find out soon," he winks, leaning closer to me, and I cannot help but feel tempted to lean in, but I keep still. He places a chaste kiss on my lips and my mind instantly went back to the underground house. I gasp, but when I open my eyes, he was gone.

Who is this man?