Free The Ladybug Jinx by Tonya Kappes Page B

made sure to keep his manners in check.
    Sam was stunned by his words. He had never asked a father to date his daughter. This Southern charm sure was rubbing off on him.
    “What you say we get those carnations over to the courthouse.” Marty pointed at the tallest building in town.
    “Sure.” Sam felt a little better about his breakdown.
    He couldn’t reveal his true identity, but he could share a few personal details with someone, especially if that someone was Marty. He trusted Marty. He was like the father Sam never had.
    The sidewalk was crowded with people setting up booths, chairs, tables, and a band stage. The courthouse lawn had been turned into food booths for the community to enjoy.
    “I’ll take those.” The dark haired woman spoke softly, gently taking the first load of carnations out of Marty’s arms. She looked at Sam. “You can follow me with those.”
    “I’m going to get more.” Marty gestured back to the truck.
    “Thank God, you are the new one in town.” She laughed. “I’m Liz Day. I was new before you. And boy am I glad you’ve taken all eyes off me and on you.”
    “I bet you are.” Sam grinned.
    Normally he wouldn’t mind if all the attention was on him, but not now. The more he was here, the more he liked the cozy town.
    “What do you do, Liz?” Sam lined the carnations on the card tables running along the courthouse walls.
    “I’m an interior decorator, and opened up the new store, Mole Hole Interiors.” She wrapped her long dark hair behind her ear. “You know, trying to come up with a store name to fit in was difficult.” Her green eyes danced.
    Sam laughed. He did wonder how the town came up with the crazy animal names.

“Bread feeds the body, indeed, but flowers feed also the soul.”
                                   The Koran
     
    10
     
    Celia was relieved the funeral was over yesterday. It was a big order and any profit would go toward the payment she owed to the bank. That would keep them at bay for a while. Until then she’d have more sales and chip away a little at a time.
    Her feelings for Sam were concerning her more than the loan. He was dangerous and mysterious. The secret he was hiding only made him more appealing.
    Carefully, Celia glued the last of the ladybugs in the morning deliveries. Hopefully Sam won’t mind driving to Lexington to do the hospital deliveries. All the past times the flowers going to Fayette Memorial had to wait until Celia got off work, because her father could not bring himself to go back in once her mother died.
    Celia keeps a close eye out for Sam arrival. She continued to be amused at his attire. It was definitely not his style, but she found it endearing how he tried so hard to fit in the small community.
    Charlie whined to signal his arrival. “Okay boy, back off. He’s mine this morning.” Celia laughed at the thought of fighting with her dog for attention. Sam didn’t seem to notice her beauty the way other men did or at least he didn’t led on to it.
    She rustled her curls and added a swipe of lip gloss before he came in. “Good morning.”
    Celia felt her smile widened and tried to contain it, but it seemed she had no control. Her mouth was taking on a mind of its own. She had a steaming cup of coffee waiting for him.
    “I hope you don’t mind delivering to the hospital today.” She was glad she didn’t have to take them after work.
    “That’s the reason for the coffee and bright smile,” Sam said, taking the cup from her.
    If he only knew, she thought as her fingers brushed up against his. This time she didn’t jerk away as before.
    “No. I am actually enjoying your company in the morning.”
    She turned, hoped he was watching. Celia never had to flirt a day in her life and she found it uncomfortable doing so.
    “Someone’s here.” Sam was peeking around the closed sign.
    Celia walked back over to the door with a sinking heart. She would die if it was the bank again. Sam would