Bethnal Green Beauty
"Florist Adaeze creates arrangements for a thick Ugandan event planner named Joy—and discovers that the chemistry between them blooms in unexpected ways after hours."
Joy's orders were always elaborate.
Centerpieces for corporate events. Bouquets for society weddings. The thick Ugandan event planner had impeccable taste and a body that made Adaeze forget what flowers were.
"Same time next week?" Joy asked after their latest consultation.
"Any time you want."
That smile. "Careful. I might hold you to that."
The night before Joy's biggest event, disaster struck.
Water damage in the shop. Half the arrangements ruined.
Joy arrived at midnight to assess the damage and found Adaeze crying among the carnage.
"Hey. Hey." Joy pulled her close, those thick arms comforting. "We'll fix this."
"It's impossible—"
"Nothing's impossible." She lifted Adaeze's chin. "We work together. All night. Whatever it takes."
They worked until three AM.
Fingers brushing over stems. Shoulders touching. Tension building.
"Thank you," Adaeze whispered.
"You'd do the same." Joy's hand found her cheek. "I couldn't let you fail."
"Why?"
"Because I've been looking for an excuse to be alone with you. Even if I didn't want it like this."
The kiss happened between roses and lilies.
Soft petals surrounding them as Joy pressed Adaeze against the worktable.
"I've wanted this for months," Joy admitted.
"We have arrangements to finish—"
"They can wait an hour."
They made love in the flower shop.
The scent of roses mixed with sweat. Joy's thick body pressing Adaeze into the soft petals scattered on the table.
"You're beautiful," Joy murmured, tasting her neck. "More beautiful than any flower."
"Please—don't stop—"
Joy didn't.
The arrangements were finished by dawn.
The event was perfect.
And after, when the guests had left and the venue emptied, Joy found Adaeze in the corner.
"Partners?" Joy suggested. "In business. And everything else."
Adaeze kissed her answer.
Bethnal Green's best florist had found her perfect bloom.