Stay: Love & Rugby: Season of Love, #3

By Susan Scott Shelley and Chantal Mer

Florist Seth Stevens loves his job, even if being the sole bearer of his family's legacy weighs too heavy at times. Needing to hire short-term help for the winter, he's shocked when his ex-boyfriend Devonte volunteers. For the first time in the fifteen years of friendship since their college romance, both men are unattached. Though he shouldn't mix business with pleasure, Seth longs to resume what they once had.

 

Devonte Brooks prides himself on being a good son, a hard worker, and a loyal friend. He's always ready to lend a hand, and when it comes to Seth, Devonte will do anything for the man who still holds a large portion of his heart. Working at Seth's gives him supplemental income until the landscaping business he inherited from his uncle resumes in the spring, but won't solve the problem of a new, rival company poaching his clients.

 

Spending nearly every day together, the pair realize how in sync they are in work, play, and strive to help each other achieve their dreams. But family ties and new opportunities tug Devonte toward a life that will take him far away from Seth, as they did fifteen years ago. With history threatening to repeat itself, will they choose each other, or will all the petals fall off their blooming relationship?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Susan Scott Shelley
• Release date: Feb 21, 2023
• ISBN: 9781960707000

Book preview

Chapter One

Seth

Scents of coffee, the gingerbread cookies I picked up during my lunch break, and pine from the tiny holiday tree on the table greet me as I enter the flower shop’s break room. I roll my aching shoulders and wince at the pull in my lower back thanks to too many hours spent on my feet and hunched over floral arrangements, and go through my mental checklist of the end of night duties. Flowers checked, boxes broken down, money counted, prep work for tomorrow done, I’ve more than earned a cookie.

I nod at Wyatt, my employee’s best friend, washing out a coffee cup in the sink. In the hour he’s been here since arriving the moment we closed to wait for Penn, the tech genius has offered advice on our website and we’ve both tried and failed to get Penn to smile. Heartbreak is hard to fix.

Seth? From behind, Penn’s voice startles me into dropping the cookie box on the counter. I finished restocking the containers.

Thanks, bud. That’s about it for tonight. Though if I poke around, I can always find one more thing to get started on or tweak. My parents were the same way, as were my grandparents. Married to the shop, that’s our legacy.

Shadows darkening his eyes, Penn gives a vague wave to the hallway leading to the shop’s front room. I want to check the window displays.

Again? We’ve already checked those. He’s been a mess since his boyfriend abruptly ended their relationship last week, but his commitment to this place hasn’t faltered. If anything, it’s increased to an almost superhuman effort, though I think part of that’s due to guilt over his decision to leave my shop and take a job with Art Blooms Floral.

A decision that left me reeling.

Not having him here anymore will be an adjustment, one I’m not sure how well I’ll handle. He’s been my right-hand guy for years. Finding someone to fill his shoes might prove impossible. But worrying about myself takes a backseat to worrying about Penn.

Wyatt and I watch him go. As soon as his footsteps fade, I amble to Wyatt’s side, dip my head close to his, and lower my voice. I’m glad you’re back. Penn needed you.

With a wince, Wyatt glances at the doorway. I’m glad I’m back too. He looks wrecked, like he’s not sleeping well.

I suspect the same because I’ve never seen him with shadows that dark, and nod. Maybe you could let him win your chess game tonight?

He snorts. If he suspected that, he’d flip the board on me.

Grinning, because we both know that’s not a Penn move at all, I heft the box of cookies and head toward the doorway. That, I’d pay to see.

Me too.

We share a laugh. Using the box, I motion to the hall. I’m going to talk to him.

Go ahead. I’m going to check my emails real quick.

I round the corner leading to the shop’s front room, decorated with twinkling lights that glisten against the glitter sprinkled over the display of roses, holly, and poinsettias in the front window. It’s only November thirtieth, but our customers like that we decorate early.

Face a study in bittersweet reminiscence, Penn stares at the window. The worry lines marring his forehead demand soothing. Keeping my voice soft, I hold out the box. Stop looking so glum. I’ll be fine. Have a cookie.

He takes a gingerbread man. I’d feel better if we’d found a replacement for me by now.

I wish we had too, but I keep my expression happy. One month to go until he starts working full time for Art Blooms, and though I’m sad to be losing him, I intend to make the most of this month while he’s splitting his time between Ronan’s shop and mine. Someone will turn up. I’ll probably have more luck after the first of the year.

After I’m gone forever. He bites the head off, gaze as guilty as when he first told me about the opportunity he had at Art Blooms Floral.

My shoulders shake with my laughter. When did you become so dramatic? I appreciate that you’ll be with me during the holiday rush. You know things ease up in January. I’ll find someone before Valentine’s Day season begins. And, I still have Violet.

Yeah, but she has a heavy course load this coming semester. She mentioned she’d have to cut back her hours.

That’s one more worry, but it’s mine, not Penn’s. My parents have offered to put off their plan of wintering in Florida if I need them to help here, but dealing with the physical wear and tear from decades working in this industry, they’re a last resort. I set the box on the counter, then grasp hold of his shoulders. Look at me. I’m happy for you. You’re going after what you want. Chasing dreams is important.

You taught me everything I know. You’re a great boss and you’ve been a great mentor. And friend. I hate feeling like I’m abandoning you.

I stoop to meet his gaze. You’re not leaving me hanging. We’re still friends. We’ll still see each other. You’re special, Penn, and I’ll miss you, but I don’t want to hold you back. If I knew that you’d not pursued an opportunity out of loyalty to me, I’d be ticked off. Go out and try this, and if it’s not what you want, then you’ll always have a place here.

He sniffles and drags in a deep breath. Thank you.

Because both of us need it, I pull him into a hug. I’ve been spoiled having him as an employee. I’ve always thought of you like the brother I never had. That’s not changing.

Me too. He holds me tight, clinging like he’s afraid to let go. In a way, I am too. I’d thought he would always be here, and if I didn’t end up having kids to pass the shop down to, that I could pass it to him. So much is changing for both of us, but Penn is dealing with more. I pat his hair, soothing him as best I can. He really is like my little brother. I wish I could fix everything for him. He sniffs again, then clears his throat and lowers his arms. What time is Devonte supposed to get here?

Stepping back, I’m happy to see he’s composed, and glance at my wristwatch. The silver band catches the twinkling lights and the tingle of anticipation at seeing Devonte lights me up as bright. Soon. I told him to take his time. I don’t have anywhere else to be tonight.

I’m grateful Penn doesn’t seem to be in the mood to tease me about the exorbitant amount of time I spent crafting the arrangement of white tulips, ranunculus, chocolate cosmos, spray roses, and seeded eucalyptus Devonte ordered. Biting my lip and glancing at the door, I can’t stop the nerves stomping through my system.

Footsteps from the break room precede Wyatt’s entrance. He points to the potted rosemary shrub adorned with a red ribbon by the counter. Seth, can I put in an order for one of these? Rocco was shocked I didn’t have herbs in the kitchen, so if I get this, I can put some on a plate and surprise him.

Wyatt being inspired to own a plant is a first. That his choice doubles as something edible for his chef boyfriend is telling. Grinning, I bite into a snowflake-shaped cookie. Sure. Want me to ring you up now? Since you guys are going to dinner, you can pick it up later or have the order delivered.

For a second, his hand hovers over the cookie box, head tilted like he’s flipping through a mental calendar. He snags a snowman cookie. I won’t be seeing him until Friday, so can I pick up one then? That way, I won’t kill it during the next few days.

Not a problem. Penn notes the order in the system. Though I doubt you’d kill it within three days. Then again, you forget to feed yourself half the time, so…

He bumps his shoulder into Penn’s. Ha. Ha. Since I was gone all last week, I hate having to wait until Friday, but short of showing up at the restaurant and hiding in his office, which I’m tempted to do, I guess I have no choice.

We could go there to have dinner or a drink at the bar tonight. We don’t have to play chess. Penn clicks out of the order form.

Wyatt cocks his head to the side as he considers the suggestion, then shakes his head. I appreciate the offer, but no. You need me. I wasn’t here to give you moral support last week. Tonight, we’re playing chess and eating pizza.

I’m glad Wyatt is back. Penn needs more than just me. I wish I could get Anderson to talk to him, but I think the widower is scared he’s developing feelings for Penn.

That’s how I feel about Devonte. Though, those feelings have circulated for years.

Penn returns the shoulder bump with one of his own and smiles. Thank you.

A light rapping on the glass of the front door sends a surge through me. I spin to find Devonte, smiling and waving. Afraid Penn and Wyatt will hear the drumming in my chest and I’ll have to explain why I overheat every time Devonte is near, I hurry across the room, then yank the door open. The overhead bells jingle like Santa’s sleigh.

Hey. Eyes the same dark brown as the chips in my favorite chocolate chip cookies shine like Devonte embodies the sun. He steps forward, his body almost flush against mine, bringing the scent of cold and the bright pear and pine that’s either his shampoo or body wash. The quick brush of his lips on my cheek lights me up. We’ve always shared an easy affection, but lately, the pull for more grows stronger and stronger.

Hi. With the closing of the door, my hand brushes the top of his shoulder. He remains planted in front of me, so lowering my hand to my side means I have to run it along the length of his arm. The fabric of his puffer coat is smooth under my fingers. His stare holds mine during the journey and lights me up all over again, like a bright flare on a dark night. The tips of his ears turning red, he nods at Wyatt and Penn. I lock the door to the sound of his boots crossing the floor.

When he reaches Penn’s side, he gives him a hug. Hey, man. What’s this I hear from Owen that you’re not coming to the holiday party?

Pulling away, Penn shares a glance with Wyatt, who’s another member of that club, before Wyatt and Devonte exchange a backslapping hug. I thought my being there could be awkward for Anderson.

With a sympathetic smile, Devonte pats him on the back. According to Owen, Anderson said the same thing when he RSVPed no. He doesn’t want things to be awkward for you.

Yeah, Greer texted me to relay that. Penn fusses with a fallen poinsettia leaf. I told him I’d still stay away and that Anderson should go to the party. I don’t want to keep him from his friends.

You shouldn’t keep away either. No matter what happens, the guys in the club will figure things out. We’re not going to drop you. He gives Penn a playful poke in the shoulder. He offered his club as a good place when Penn wanted to find friends, and though I know what a devoted friend Devonte is, I’m warmed even more by him spelling that out for Penn.

Penn abandons the leaf in favor of studying his face. No?

No, both Devonte and Wyatt chime in together.

Wyatt leans over and ruffles Penn’s hair. And not only because no one else will play chess with me.

Hey! Ducking and laughing, Penn backs away and bangs into me. Stumbling over his feet, he flails his arms for balance to a soundtrack of Wyatt’s laughter. Sorry.

Shaking my head, I guide him to a steady stance, then step around him, summoning every bit of adulting I can, all that I’ve earned at the age of thirty–four, and aim my pointer finger at the two twenty-five-year-olds. No roughhousing indoors, children. How I’ll miss these moments of near-injury when you’re gone.

Chuckling, Devonte unzips his coat. His dark green sweater complements his light brown skin and makes me think of moonlight forests and the time he and I went camping with friends and spent hours cuddling close around the campfire. Have you found a replacement yet?

I round the counter and pick up another snowflake-shaped cookie before tilting the box in his direction. No.

He snags a matching snowflake. I’ll do it.

What? Shock surges up my spine. The sugar cookie falls from my fingers. Staring at Devonte’s face, every line of muscle in my body is on alert. Devonte, working here?

I can give you from now through the middle of March. The only times I might miss being here are if I’m out plowing snow, but I was talking to Storm, and he doubts we’ll have a heavily snowy winter. He bites into his cookie, his eyes trained on me in what looks like… Hope?

Am I silly and sentimental to want it to be?

He always takes on some short-term work during the winter months to supplement the snow removal and fill the lull until his landscaping business resumes in the spring, but he’s never worked here.

We stare at each other. There’s so much history between us, and snippets of it are flashing through my mind. The first day we met. The first time we kissed. The day he left Philly to move back to Chicago. The day I learned he’d moved back here. Times we worked side-by-side building houses for the homeless. Times he’s stopped in here to visit, those twinkling eyes and amazing smile always brightening my day.

In a flash of movement to my left, Penn zips by with his and Wyatt’s coats. He tugs Wyatt toward the front door. We’ll head out. See you tomorrow, Seth. Good seeing you, Devonte.

Bye, guys. Wyatt calls, slipping on his jacket and hat. The door opens, accompanied by the jingling bell and sounds of a car driving past.

We’re alone. Fisting hands itching to reach out and touch him, I clear my throat. Maybe him working here isn’t the best idea, not with these feelings I’m having. But getting to spend time with him nearly every day for the next few months is too tempting to resist. You really want to work here?

He cups his hand under the cookie, catching a large crumb. I know I don’t have relevant experience. But I’ll work hard and learn fast.

He’s one of the most committed people I know. If he gives his word, he keeps it. It’s a lot of hours on your feet. A lot of physical labor. Though you’re familiar with that already. There’s not much down time.

Eight-hour days, but could be twelve or fourteen during busy times like holidays. He pops the rest of the cookie into his mouth, smiling at my surprise. What? I pay attention.

One of the things I like most about you. It’s one reason I fell in love with him back then. He’s a great listener. Most florists learn on the job. The main things you’ll do are fulfill orders, process flowers, answer the phone, and help cycle out the old flowers, which need to be counted to track losses.

Gluing and cutting floral foam, he adds, naming another of the daily tasks. Penn talks a lot during rugby practice.

I have to laugh. "I know you’re a quick study. When Violet’s here, she handles the phones and walk-ins and whatever general help I need. In addition to you, I’ll hire someone to fulfill the hours she needs to cut back on. You being able to start now is great. Penn’s here part-time through the rest of the month, so you can