Deny You: A Short Spring Romance: Seasonal Short Stories, #5

By Rebecca Andrew

Running Alliescapes doesn't give Allie much time for love.

Being a successful businesswoman always scares off any potential dates.

Of course, all her life boys failed to notice her. Being the invisible one in school and then college, alienated her.

Men like Devlin never notice her, he didn't in college and he doesn't now.

She cannot stand the man and hates the serial player he is.

Yet, now he works for her and she can't stop thinking about him,

Why did she hire him again?

 

Growing up an orphan and raised by his aunt, Devlin learnt to bury his emotions.

He protected his heart with his charm and played the field. He enjoyed his youth and ignored any and all real feelings for anyone.

When he applied for a job at Alliescapes, he had no idea his boss would be Allie, the sexy nerd he secretly crushed on for years.

The animosity is strong. He fears she hates him for the way he teased her in college.

When one of her gardeners quits, leaving her a man down, he jumps at the chance to help.

He vows to prove to her he is different.

What has he got to lose?

 

Working together brings them closer than ever before.

Both are forced to face their deepest fears.

They will need to look past their own preconceived conceptions of one another, in order to be together.

But can they do it?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rebecca Andrew
• Release date: May 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201213756

Rebecca Andrew

My name is Rebecca Andrew.  I live in the UK with my daughter Hannah.  I have always loved reading so it was only natural at some point I would write my own stories.  I really hope you enjoy my stories.  Keep an eye out for more of my works. 

Book preview

Dedication

***

Never judge a person by their reputation. There may be more to that person than you think.

Copyright

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without the written permission of the copyright owner except for the use of quotations in a book review.

Copyright © 2022 by Rebecca Andrew

This is a work of fiction.

Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Also by Rebecca

Primrose Valley Series

Serena’s Secret

Tina’s Terror

Hope’s History

Charlie’s Concern

Layla’s Loyalty

Rose’s Return

Primrose Valley Collection One (Book 1-3)

Primrose Valley Collection Two (Book 4-6)

Brotherhood Billionaire Series

Francesca

Stranded with the Billionaire

Fling with the Billionaire

Seasonal Short Stories

Want You

Saved You

Found You

Always You

Deny You - (coming May 2022)

Only You – (coming June 2022)

Miss You – (coming July 2022)

Keep You – (coming August 2022)

Caught You – (coming September 2022)

Scared You – (coming October 2022)

Know You – (coming November 2022)

Just You – (coming December 2022)

Allie

Peering outside her living room window, Allie Edwards admired the clear blue sky. The sun was just peeking out over the horizon, illuminating everything in its path. It was stunning. It would also mean another busy day at Alliescapes, her floral and gardening business.

Her mother, Joan, was happy with her accomplishments in her career. But her success in the relationship department... not so much. It wasn’t that Allie didn’t want to meet someone. It was more she didn’t have time. Running a business didn’t give her much of a break. There was always something to do; invoices, shift schedules, wages, it was nonstop. She dated in the past, but when they realised how much she worked, their interest waivered. It appeared men didn’t like successful women.

The very thought of all the things she had to do propelled her into action. Grabbing her bag and keys, she left her apartment. Taking the backstairs two at a time, she made her way down to her shop. Living above her business had huge benefits. The main one being she was never late.

Stepping into the small hallway separating the front shop from the back, her first stop was to the staff room. Allie went through the motions of switching on all the amenities including the coffee pot. Her staff were big on caffeine. She couldn’t blame them. There were many times she needed an extra cup of joe to get her through the day. Next, she entered the warehouse and unlocked the shutters ready for her delivery drivers and the back door for her employees before she made her way through to the front of the shop.

Everything looked pristine. Just how she liked it. All of her arrangements were on full display. Garden ornaments and decorations were dotted around the space. One of her walls was covered in shelving. Each one displayed pictures of the various gardens her business had designed.

There was some time left before she had to open up, so she made her way to her office. Just as she sat down to go through the invoices, her phone rang.

Glancing at the screen she smiled, Hello, mother, she said the second she answered.

Good morning, my dear. How are you today?

I am okay, I’m just getting the shop ready for opening. Knowing her mother would have an ulterior motive for ringing so early on a Saturday, she added, What do you need?

What do you mean? Can’t a mother call her daughter to check in anymore? asked Joan in a shocked tone.

Allie chuckled, Not my mother.

There was a long silence, then Joan said, I just wanted to invite you to a barbeque lunch at my house next weekend.

What’s the occasion?

Oh, no reason. I just fancied inviting a few people around for the bank holiday weekend.

Who are a few people? she asked suspiciously.

Just some friends.

Her suspicions heightened at the vague answer. Mother, if this is an attempt to matchmake me I will not be happy.

Pish-posh. Me? I wouldn’t dream of doing that. Joan paused then added, Of course, I have already told my friends you will be there. I’d hate to be a liar.

Oh, yes, you would do that, she sighed, Okay, I’ll stop by for a short while. I can’t stay long. I have too much going on with work to stay all day.

You work too hard.

I know,