Justin Carter had the worst day ever one year ago on Valentine’s Day and wants nothing to do with the holiday even though it’s the busiest for the flower shop he manages and hopes to own someday. Exhausted, he stops in to the bar two doors down where he finds Rafe Santiago, a man who wants to become more than a willing ear.<br><br>Justin’s ex show up with accusations and Justin turns to Rafe for comfort and support. Can Rafe cure the bad association that Justin has with Valentine’s Day and make Justin his own?

Flowers and Chocolate

She took a potholder and set the stew on the table. “Don’t worry, you have us now. You’re not alone anymore,” she said. Justin watched as Rafe and his mama exchanged looks.


Justin began to tear up. “You’re so kind. I’m not used to kindness anymore except for Rafe and Mr. Adler.”


“Ah, mi corazón. You let guilt that wasn’t yours eat at your soul. I’m so happy that you came into my tavern on Valentine’s Day.”


Justin looked at Rafe quizzically, but didn’t say anything.


“Yes, mi hijo, he does the right thing.”


They walked over to Christopher Street after dinner. “I think you’ll have a stepfather soon,” Justin told Rafe. “He seems like a very nice man and he adores your mama.”


“Yes, she hinted that George was watching out for her. He lives in the apartment just down the hall, and he owns a meat-packing plant. He is good for Mama, I think.”


Chapter 11