Free Lyndsey Cole - Lily Bloom 02 - Queen of Poison by Lyndsey Cole Page B

forgive myself if something happened to Jennifer or Katie,” he whispered into her hair while holding her tightly.
    Lily could only think how good it felt to have Ryan’s strong arms around her. She melted into him, wishing this moment would never end. He smelled good, like leather and maleness. She was barely breathing. She stepped back a little so she could look into his dark eyes. “I’d like to take credit, but I didn’t do anything.”
    “You sent Rosie home with Iris. How did you know?”
    “Rosie knew. I just let her follow her instincts. She sensed danger and wanted to go with Iris.”
    He pulled her close again. “I’m going to make Rosie a deputy if she keeps saving people like this.”
    Lily snorted. “Will she get to wear a uniform?”
    They both started to laugh. “Maybe a vest so we have someplace to pin her badge.”
    “Well, you can’t have her. I need her around to keep me safe.”
    Ryan looked at her carefully. “That’s a good idea. I want you to be safe , too.” He leaned in so quickly, Lily wasn’t even prepared for his lips on hers. But it didn’t take more than a second to recover and enjoy the feeling.
    The door jingled. Lily jumped and moved away from Ryan.
    Daisy was standing behind them with a devious grin on her face. “Is this Beautiful Blooms Flower Shop or did I walk into the wrong shop?”
    Lily’s face was burning.
    Ryan was smiling and looking happy. “Oh, I thought this was the Beautiful Bloom Women Shop.” He looked at Lily. “I found the one I want.”
    Daisy laughed out loud. “Lily, p ull yourself together. You just got the compliment of your life. Are you speechless?”
    Ryan gave her another quick hug. “It’s okay. Speechless says it all.” Another smile. “I have to get back to work.”
    Lily was frozen in place watching Ryan disappear out the door.
    “Earth to Lily. He’ll be back. Don’t worry.”
    Lily’s face broke into a big goofy smile. “I wasn’t expecting that.”
    Daisy looked in the cooler. “Do you have the museum order ready to go?”
    “Ummm, almost.”
    Daisy shook her head. “Looks like you haven’t even started on the second one. Better get your head back into flower world.”
    Lily looked at the flowers she had on the bench and it was like a bell went off. “Oh, I’ll finish this and we can take them to the museum. Evelyn said she would be there all day.”
    Daisy made up a few cash and carry bouquets and put them in the display cooler. They usually flew out of the shop. People always popped in and loved to look at what was in the cooler. The hottest sellers lately were pink alstroemeria with yellow gerbera daisies and a sprig or two of greens.  Calla lilies were also popular. All they needed was a little green like hosta leaves to accentuate the pure white.
    Lily examined her arrangement. It had a nice airy look to it, like a garden with tall white lilies, dainty blue bella donna delphinium, bold yellow and pink snapdragons and various ornamental grasses. “I’m ready to go. Let’s get these into the van and find Evelyn. She said she has her own vases for the flowers.”
    It was quiet at the museum and Lily pulled her minivan right up front. She opened the side door and got one bouquet and Kirk’s arrangement. “Daisy, can you grab the other bouquet?”
    Daisy was standing by the fence looking into the museum garden. “Lily, look over there.” Daisy pointed to a clump of dark green leaves.
    Lily’s eyes popped. “Monkshood. And it looks like some have been dug up.”

Chapter 12
     
    Maggie walked out of the museum and stopped next to Lily. “You’re just in time to meet the evil stepdaughter.” She continued on her way, laughing to herself.
    Daisy asked Lily, “Evil stepdaughter? Who was she talking about?”
    “I don’t know but I’ve got goose bumps all over. This museum brings nothing but distressing feelings after what happened at the opening. It’s all flashing back. Having Marion Barry dead in my