The Ladybug Jinx by Tonya Kappes Read Free Book Online

errands, and did a few things around the house.”
    “Oh good. You should plant those bulbs I gave you in the front flower bed.” She was happy to hear he wasn’t a couch potato the first day. Maybe this year, she’d be able to attend to her garden instead of her dad’s. “Yes, dinner tonight is good. And don’t worry with the last of the deliveries. I sent them with Sam.”
    “Ah, Sam. How is that working out?” Marty had a pleased tone in his question.
    “Fine dad. Just an employee.” Celia liked the way Sam’s nose was long and narrow. His strong jaw line appealed to her. “Just an employee,” she sighed.
    She didn’t want to go there. Anyone could see Sam was crazy handsome and a little more sophisticated than most men she came across. Plus he seemed intelligent. All of those combined was a disaster for her and she knew to keep him at arm’s length.
    Feelings only got in the way of her life. First the loss of her grandfather left her with a feeling of emptiness. Not being able to say goodbye to him always haunted her mind.
    Then there was her mother. Always trying to live up to her expectations, left Celia feeling like a failure. Even when Celia landed her first internship at a well known law firm was not well known enough for her mother. Her father stood out of the way, paralyzed by fear from what her mother would do to him. Privately he always told Celia he was proud of her.
    When her mother died, although Celia grieved, privately she was aware she was going to be able to live her life. Even with men, Celia’s mother never approved.
    Working with the flowers was Celia’s way of getting lost in her thoughts and spending the rest of the afternoon finishing up the funeral was a welcome task for her.
    The entire florist smelled of fresh flowers and fresh roast. It was heaven to her senses. She took a moment to go upstairs and check on the roast. She was glad her father still wanted to spend time with her.
    Celia opened the oven door and used the oven-mitt to pull out the cast-iron cooker. She held her head to the side when she lifted the lid so she wouldn’t get a roast facial.
    “Ahh…” Celia inhaled deeply. She was sure the next best smell to flowers was a good roast.
    “Celia?” 
    Sam’s voice startled her.
    “Stop,” she muttered under her breathe to stop her mind. For a moment she wondered if Sam smelled better than the roast. “Coming.”
    How did she not hear the bell? It was a bad sign Charlie didn’t signal Sam’s arrival.
    Celia bounded down the stairs until she heard Sam talking to someone, then she tip-toed to the last step. Maybe it was someone from his past, Celia’s curiosity was up.
    “The Camellia is a beautiful flower.” She heard Sam say. The freezer door’s pressure broke when he opened the door. “Plus it blooms in the winter.”
    “I don’t know. It’s not as pretty as the rose.” Another voice caught Celia off guard.
    Celia peeked around the corner to see Sam talking to Mitch Dozier, Grandberry Falls’ young mayor.
    “Hey, Mitch.” Celia grabbed a hand full of curls and flung them behind her shoulders. She always thought he would move on after lengthy years of caring for his ailing mother when she died, but he didn’t. “How’s the town?”
    Celia made a spot right between Mitch and Sam.
    “All is good in the big city.” His six-foot frame stood over her like a tall soldier. She wasn’t used to Mitch sporting a spikier hair-cut from his normal longer locks. “I can hardly keep up with the growth.”
    “Celia, I was just telling Mitch about the Camellia. Our customer wants to have the perfect flowers for a special night.” He looked at the Mitch and smiled. “I suggested the Camellia because we just got them in and they are fresh. Plus all flowers have a meaning and did you know Camellia means my destiny is in your hands.”
    Celia saw the approving eye brow raise from Mitch. “Customer? Mitch is a long time friend.” Celia put her hands on