Baby, I Love You (BWWM Romance)

By Cherry Kay

When model-gorgeous Olivia agreed to a shoot with charming photographer Sam she had no idea just how much chemistry the two would share.

The passion between the two begins to grow and grow and it is becoming clear this is more then just a short fling. The feelings they have for each other are most definitely real.

However, they both soon discover that the past may challenge their future. Especially when Olivia finds she has an unexpected surprise on the way....

• Language: English
• Publisher: BWWM Romance
• Release date: Feb 25, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524273972

Book preview

Chapter1

It was early in the morning on a warm sunny day in the beginning of May. The kind of day that let’s you know spring is settling in and nudging winter out with a bump. The old worn cobblestone street held tiny little puddles of water in crevices and holes, like silver coins, shining with the light of the clouds dissolving in the sun.

Up and down Harrison Road, shops were beginning to open, shades were being pulled up, and neighbors were waving and calling out a good morning to each other. A tall, lithe woman walked down the street and stopped at a storefront that was painted in bright red, the color of red that bespeaks our most profound feelings, love, anger, boldness and passions. That was the red that covered the wide window frames and door, it framed the sign that hung out over it with scrolling metal lattice shaped like ivy vines winding through it. The plaque hanging from it read The Blossom Basket.

She slipped an old brass key into the polished old lock, clicked it a few times and pushed the door open. Little bells chimed and a ginger cat walked around the corner of the counter in the store and rubbed up against Olivia’s legs.

Good morning, Owner! How are you this fine morning? I’m sure you’re hungry. I’ll get you fed in a minute.

He purred and walked to the doorway to sit in the sun and have a look at the street. Olivia flipped on the lights of the old fashioned radio that sat on a huge cherry wood armoire against the wall. She tucked her bag under the counter, made some coffee and fed the cat.

With Owner fed, she sat down with her cup of coffee and looked at office books from the day before. Her dark slender fingers lightly traced down the page as she read. Her skin was the color of dark caramel, smooth and soft. Like most black women, she had been blessed with a long-lasting, youthful glow. And at thirty-four, she still looked like she was in her early twenties. She sipped.

The bell on the door rang and a voice called out, Good morning Miss Olivia!

She looked up and smiled broadly, her full burgundy lips parting to reveal perfect white teeth. She always thought her smile was one of her best traits, and so did everyone else. A fairly heavy woman appeared, walked into Olivia’s office and dropped a kiss on her cheek.

Well good morning to you too, Miss Monique! How are you doing? Olivia knew it would be a long-winded answer but she listened and smiled. Monique had worked for her, alongside Sandra, her other employee, for almost ten years. Ever since her grandmother had left her the flower shop, they worked together and were woven into and out of each other’s’ lives like vines, rooted in the sisterhood they shared.

Well, I’ll tell you what, I just had so much fuuuuuun last night! That man from the bakery, uh... what’s his name again... Ed! That’s his name. Anyway, Ed took me out last night and we danced and had such a good time! He had his hands all over me and can you blame him? Look at this! Monique turned all the way around and smacked her hand on her large round hip. Everything on Monique was large and round and all of it moved in different directions when she walked, like every part was dancing with all of the other parts. I’m so blessed honey, look at this. she swayed her hips a little, and grinned over her shoulder at Olivia. If I was a man, I would never let me leave the bedroom.

Olivia giggled at her and shook her head. You are naughty, girl! It’s shameful the way you run around with different fellas and dance every night away. Olivia scolded her playfully.

Monique just raised her eyebrows and lowered her eyelids as she looked slyly at Olivia. Honey, shameful never looked so good. She poured herself some coffee and swayed into the front of the shop.

Oh, good morning Miss Sandra! She sang out. Sandra was older, in her sixties. She had very short white hair and a trim, fit figure. She had spent ages practicing yoga and it showed. Sandra had worked in the shop since she was a girl, helping Olivia’s grandmother and she had seen Olivia grow up, fixing flowers and turning into the stunning woman she was now.

Did you go dancing last night? Sandra looked sidelong at Monique, sporting an expression that said she knew better but she’d ask anyway.

Monique grinned and wiggled a little bit. Yes, I did.

Did you let him take you home?

Monique and Olivia had long since given up hope of ever making Sandra realize they were grown. She mothered them and that was that. Yes ma’am, I did. The grin faded a little bit.

Did you use protection?

Would you like some coffee Miss Sandra? Olivia meant to change the topic as she walked in to save Monique and handed a mug to Sandra. The woman took it, sipped long and slow, her eyes locked on Monique, never leaving her, as she drank and lowered her mug.

I always do. Monique nodded her head as though that would be the end of the conversation.

I’m not hounding you, honey, I just want you safe. Most men will sleep with anything that walks past them. You don’t want to swim around in a dirty pool. You take good care of yourself and make your health and your future a priority, even in the middle of the night.

Yes, ma’am. Monique answered diligently.

And what about you, young lady? It was Olivia’s turn. Have you heard back from that low down, no good, rotten, cheatin’, lyin’ snake?

No, Jimmy’s gone. He wanted that woman, so he can have her. I don’t have anything to say to him. I have a flower shop to run, and no time for a man who is busy chasing other women. Olivia set her cup down firmly to emphasize her point. Here’s to a whole month of good riddance to him!

Sandra snorted. Good. I won’t abide anyone treating my girls that way. She kissed Olivia on the forehead.

They got to work pulling flowers out of boxes from the walk-in cooler, snipping greens and filling vases and baskets with countless blossoms. Olivia tied her long hair to the side with a ribbon, Vera Wang style, so it looked more like a band. Sandra took a big white hibiscus flower that smelled divine and tucked it behind Olivia’s ear. It made her beautiful face and huge soft brown eyes glow.

Midway through the morning, the doorbell rang and the ladies looked up. Good morning, Mr. Johnson, how are you doing today? Olivia smiled at him. He was older, but extremely fit and very good-looking. Sandra liked to say she bet Denzel Washington would look like that at seventy. He took his hat off as he came in and held it in his hands.

Morning, ladies. How are all of you this fine day? He smiled broadly at them.

They smiled back and Sandra walked up to him. We’re all doing well, thank you! What can we do for you today, Marvin?

Well, I wanted to put an order in for Memorial Day. Some white lilies for Odessa’s grave.

Marvin Johnson had been a widower for many years. He still bought flowers for his deceased wife on every holiday, her birthday, and on their anniversary, without fail. Sandra took the order and smiled at him. He grinned and tipped his hat to them as he strode out the door. Monique watched Sandra with steady eyes and grinned at her. Sandra pretended not to notice. Olivia looked from Sandra to Monique and giggled while Sandra focused intently on the flower arrangement dancing beneath her fingers.

Isn’t he the sweetest guy, Olivia? Monique asked, looking at Sandra.

Olivia giggled and grinned. He is such a good man and so handsome! If I was older I’d ask that man out! Sandra started humming and shoving greens into the vase before her, with considerable focus. The girls laughed to each other and Olivia picked up her bag and walked to the door. I’m going to Angelina’s for a pastry, do you want anything? she looked back over her shoulder.

Monique’s eyes lit up. Would you get me one of those little raspberry tarts, please?

Sandra scoffed and mumbled, You’re a raspberry tart. I’ll have a blueberry muffin. Thanks, honey.

Olivia stepped out into the bright morning sun and closed her eyes, letting her head fall back for a moment, soaking in the warmth. She strolled down the street, smiling and waving at her shop neighbors as she passed them. Her sandals made a soft noise as she stepped across the old paving stones. She rounded the corner and the little café and bakery was before her.

Angelina’s, like her flower shop, had been around for decades and it was a staple of the neighborhood. Angelina was originally from Paris and she’d brought all her brilliant talent with her to open a patisserie in this sweet old neighborhood. There were tables outside under a wide canopy and Angelina kept fresh flowers from Olivia’s shop on the tables. Angelina’s café was painted a soft buttercream color, with arched windows and doorway. White wooden shutters on the windows were open during the day, and the scent of fresh baked bread and something like apples and coffee always wafted out into the street, bringing anyone in who happened to be passing. Vivid pink bougainvillea grew in a sprawling vine from the corner of the shop and stretched all across the top part of the outer wall, brightening the storefront. 

Olivia felt as though she was being watched. She looked at the row of tables under the canopy. A man was sitting at the center table, one hand holding a newspaper, one hand holding a mug lifted halfway between the table and his mouth, where it stayed. He didn’t move, it was as if he was frozen, staring at her. He watched her as she walked toward the café, the way her long white cotton dress hugged the stunning curves of her body and her slender waist, how the full hem swirled and danced above her feet in undulating waves as she stepped.

He stared at the sun glowing off her beautiful mahogany skin and then noticed how, when she walked in the light, he could just barely see that same skin beneath the thin material of her dress, especially where it was molded to her dark rounded breasts and he realized she wasn’t wearing a bra. His eyes slid up her slender neck, past her full lips to her high-sculpted cheek bones and her warm chocolate eyes, framed by thick black eyelashes. She had such kind, curious, lovely eyes and they were looking straight into his.

Olivia watched the man watching her; staring at her, drinking in everything about her, as if he were gulping his coffee. He was still frozen in place, cup halfway to his open mouth. She didn’t feel strange about his staring. He looked as though he’d been totally caught off guard. He had longer tousled sandy golden blonde hair that reached to the top of his shoulders and big green eyes. He had a chiseled jaw line and just a bit more than a five o’clock shadow covering his lower cheeks and chin. He also dwarfed the table he was sitting at with his wide shoulders, broad muscular chest and powerful arms that ended in big hands. She felt as though if she didn’t do something, he’d stay frozen like that, so she smiled slowly, her full, dark red lips curving into a crescent that filled her cheeks and her eyes.

He blinked and blushed, coming to life again. He lowered his cup and closed his mouth, looking intently at an empty spot on the table before him as she passed nearby. She kept the smile and looked away from him as she entered the café.

Bonjour, darling! Angelina came from behind the counter, embraced Olivia and kissed both of her cheeks. But you look so lovely today! You are lovely every day ma chérie! Come! Have a pastry. What can I get for you on this beautiful day?

Bonjour, Miss Angelina! Olivia grinned at her. I’ll have a chocolate filled croissant, a blueberry muffin for Sandra, and a raspberry tart for Monique, please. Thank you! She stood there, looking at several of her favorite treats beckoning to her from behind the glass display case. Megan, the young girl who helped Angelina, waved and called out hello from the kitchen window; her hands were covered in flour.

Miss Angelina, do you know that man sitting out on the patio? Has he ever been here before? She asked nonchalantly. Angelina placed the pastries in a little box and tied a bow around it.

No, chérie, he is new this morning. He said he has rented a house down in the cove, I think. He is a photographer, he said. He takes pictures. I asked him how long he would be here and he said he is staying for the summer. He wants to photograph the beaches and the mountains. Angelina tucked her chin a little and winked at Olivia, saying, He is handsome, no?

Olivia just laughed and said, Yes, ma’am. Have a good day and thank you!

When she walked out, she took several steps and then she couldn’t resist the temptation and she turned to look over her shoulder to see if the man was still there. He was. He was reading his paper and looked up just then, catching Olivia’s eyes before she turned her head forward again and disappeared around the corner.

Olivia walked into the flower shop and held up the little box with a bow on top. Brunch, ladies! The phone rang and Monique hurried over and took the box out of Olivia’s hands as she reached for the phone. The Blossom Basket, may I help you? Olivia asked in her velvet voice.

The bells chimed on the door and Olivia looked up to see green eyes looking back at her from the doorway, as she answered her phone. It was Angelina.

Chérie! Chérie! When you left, the man on the patio, he jumped up and went running after you! He walked toward her, slowly, and their eyes were locked the whole time. Her breath caught, and it felt as though electric currents were racing all over her body. Darling, I think he will go to your shop! I wouldn’t be surprised!

Olivia’s voice was soft. I’ll keep my eyes open, Miss Angelina. Thank you.

Monique sucked raspberry off her finger and sashayed up to the man, leaning her elbow on the counter and putting her other hand on her amply rounded hip. Hi there, how can I help you today? She flashed him a flirtatious grin that was not remotely subtle.

His face brightened and he said, Well, hello! Thank you, I was actually hoping to talk with this lovely lady behind the counter, if she has a few moments. Is that possible?

Monique’s posture slackened slightly and she tipped her head politely and said, Of course, she’ll be right with you. She turned to Olivia and motioned to the man. He’s here to talk with you. I have a raspberry tart waiting for me. With that, she waltzed to the back office.

Olivia hung up the phone and looked up at him, her heart skipping a few beats. Nerves, she thought, it’s nerves. His eyes were intense, looking at her, almost as though he were trying to look through her.

He walked up to the counter. Hi, I’m Sam. I’m sorry if this seems unusual. Please don’t be alarmed. I saw you at the café and I wondered if I could talk with you for a few minutes? Maybe outside? His voice was soft and friendly.

She stepped out from behind the counter. Hi, I’m Olivia. She said, reaching to shake his hand. It was warm and strong, yet gentle. He stared at her when she touched him, frozen again for a fraction of a moment. Yes, we can talk. Let’s go out in the back garden.

With that, she withdrew her hand, turned and headed toward the back of the store and he followed her. They walked through a white painted door with little square windows, and then a wide archway stretched over them for several feet before opening into a large, lush garden. The archway was filled with white and purple wisteria, and as they walked beneath it, soft light filtered through it, giving the perfumed air a diffused glow. Sam stopped and looked up at all the blossom hanging in thick bunches. Olivia turned and went back to him.

He waved his hand at all of it suspended above and around him and shook his head in awe. "This is incredible! It’s so beautiful. I’d never have guessed that there was a garden back here, that there was this back here... but then, it’s a flower shop... of course there would be a garden, I guess. Wow!"

She smiled at his wonder. My grandmother and I planted these wisteria vines when I was a little girl. They’ve been growing a long time.

She looked up at the cover of flowers bowing down toward her, and his gaze fell from the flowered canopy to her face, and realization struck him. This is your flower shop?

She looked back at him, Yes, it was my grandmothers and now it’s mine.

He gazed at her with a half grin and then realized what he was doing and laughed, saying, I’m sorry, I’m not trying to be rude, it’s just, I love this flower in your hair. He reached up and touched the hibiscus that was still tucked in behind her ear, hugging Olivia’s cheek.

She blinked and laughed, looking down for a moment and then back up at him. I’d forgotten it was there! She motioned to the garden. Come on, there’s more this way. Before she could take a step, she stopped short. Owner was standing at her feet. He meowed at her, so she bent over to pick him up, and as she leaned over in front of Sam, he found himself looking at her softly rounded hips, and then closed his eyes and turned his head to look at the wisteria instead. She stood and walked on with the cat.

He followed her into a courtyard surrounded by high hedges and tall trees that reached up to the sky and spread their thick leafy branches over most of the garden area. There were various stone paths, and different sections of the garden, separated by rose bushes here, and a short hedge there, with arbor openings to pass between them. One area was simply a grassy spot with a small wooden park bench and an old stone fountain and bird bath, one section was Japanese in style, with a stone path and a raised wooden plank walkway around a koi pond and small