“Seriously?” I rub at the throbbing pain in my temple. “They must have got their wires crossed with Tristan’s ad campaign.”
“Or it could be because that guy turned up,” he huffs, pointing to a man in an expensive gray suit who is standing off to the side, his gaze fixed on his phone. “Someone said he’s a big shot talent agent from LA. I don’t know about that, but his balloon is over there.”
“His…what?” My mouth falls open as I look past our barn roof to a puff of chocolate brown silk gently bobbing against the blue sky. I blink and rub my eyes, but it doesn’t dislodge the apparition. “Charlie, why is there a hot air balloon parked in our alfalfa field?”
“The guy said he’s from Eros Chocolates. I told him to shift it, but he wants to talk to you.”
“Seriously?” I groan and rub my sweaty hands on my jeans.Could this day get any more surreal?“Can you tell Marion to work with Frank so we can clear everyone out? I’ll go tell this guy to park his ride somewhere else.”
“Sure thing, boss.”
I don’t wait for him to disappear into the crowd before I stomp over to the alpha in his fancy suit. His head snaps up as I get closer, and I take in his smirking smile and peppery scent. It’s enough to bring back memories of Ellis’ uncle, Crest, and I feel my temple give a warning throb as he extends a hand in greeting. “Lily, I’m Carlos Della, from Eros Chocolates. I must say, the pictures Tristan sent me don’t do you justice.”
“Excuse me?” I stop short of his reach and scowl up at him. “That field you’re parked in is an expensive crop. Can you please take your balloon elsewhere?”
“Of course,” he says easily, tucking his hand back in his pocket, the smirk growing wider. “I just didn’t want to land too close to all this mayhem. Your chickens already look like they’re going to need therapy.”
I groan and he gives me a sympathetic look, but I don’t have time to make nice with strangers right now. Even if they are wearing thousand-dollar suits and smell like spicy chocolate. “If you’re looking for Tristan, he isn’t here.”
I don’t know that for a fact, but the alpha just smiles. “He said he’s on his way. In the meantime, I was hoping to convince you to let us shoot our ad campaign here. Tristan’s got a great eyefor natural beauty, and I don’t think I’ve seen another view that comes even close.”
It takes me a moment to realize his slow-blinking smile is actually for my benefit.Is this alpha seriously trying to flirt his way into my flower beds?“Thanks, but I’ve got my hands full right now.” Especially since my farm seems to have turned into a three-ring circus. “I need to clear everyone out before the rest of my stock is trampled.”
I wince at what feels like an omen, and his gaze sharpens. “I’m sorry if I’ve added to your troubles,” he says, falling into step beside me as I head towards the store. “But I think my business would more than make up the shortfall. How does ten thousand a day sound, assuming the shoot is wrapped in a week?”
I stop abruptly, trying to read his face.Is he serious?Seventy thousand dollars for filming a few flowers? “Are you sure you didn’t crash land and give yourself a head injury?”
He smiles at my bewilderment. “I’ll cover any damage to property during the shoot as well. Just so there are no hard feelings between us, Lily.”
“That’s not what I’m saying…” I huff, turning to watch Marion and Frank herd a wave of disgruntled customers past the gate. “I really have to go help with this, Mr.…?”
His name eludes me, and he gives a bark of laughter. “Della. From Eros Chocolates.”
“Right. Just try not to flatten any more of my fields, Mr. Della.”
He gives me a half bow, but I’m distracted by the sight of Tristan and Otley hurrying towards me, and step around a group of stragglers to meet them halfway. They’re both in jeans and Rosie’s Bloom polos, and my heart gives a happy little skip at the sight. But I must look as stressed as I feel, because Tristan sighs as he pulls me into his arms. “Oh, Lily! I’m so sorry. This has all gottenwayout of hand.”
It's tempting to stay in Tristan’s peppermint-flavored embrace for the rest of the day, but I force myself to step back. “Seems the rumor is that Ellis is filming a movie here and everyone wants a walk-on part.” I give Otley a quick glance, wondering if he knows why he left so abruptly this morning. “Have you seen him, by the way?”
“I think he was headed back to the house.” Otley comes close enough to tuck a lock of hair behind my ear. “We’re really sorry for bringing this chaos with us, Lily.” He looks grim. “I’ll talk to Ellis’ security and make sure this doesn’t happen again.”
“The Sheriff’s Office wants us to close us down for a few days.” I nod towards Frank and the other deputies, who are finally getting the crowds to disperse. “This is usually our best time of year, but I don’t think any of these people are here for the flowers.”
“Which is why I said we could cover the shortfall.” I’d almost forgotten about the alpha in the gray suit, but he slings an arm across my shoulders as he joins our huddle. “I was telling Lily I’m already sold on the place, and I’m more than happy to give her a bonus for any inconvenience.”
Tristan gives me a wide-eyed look, but Otley goes still, his scent suddenly thick and peppery. I glance at him in concern, shocked to see his jaw clenched and his nostrils flaring as he glares at the other alpha. “Della, if you value that hand, you should remove it right now.”
The other alpha looks at him with raised brows. “You smell a little sour, Otley. Is everything okay?”
“Far from it,” Otley growls, the muscle in his jaw flicking with a furious beat. “I thought you knew better than to put your hands where they don’t belong.”
Instead of looking worried, Della gives a huge smile. “I haven’t laid a finger on your mate.” He drops Tristan a cheekywink. “Not that I haven’t been tempted, but our relationship is purely professional.”
“Della!”
Otley’s growl shudders down my spine, and the other alpha finally steps back, looking intrigued and more than a little amused by the display. “That’s how it is, is it?”
I glance between them, confused, but Tristan slides his arm around my waist, pulling me close. “That’s exactly how it is. Forallof us.”
