Accidentally Falling for the Tycoon (Whirlwind Romance Series) by Shadonna Richards Page A

slump—to be surrounded by beauty and the pretty
scents of nature. For the first time in her life she could finally relax on the
job and not have to worry about filling quotas or dealing with office politics
or working ungodly overtime hours. Maybe this was what she needed. She felt
like a person for once, not a work machine. Maybe it was time for a career
change to something less stressful.
    Just then the door chime sounded and when Jen looked up to
see who her first customer would be, her heart stopped.
    The tall, handsome stranger who walked through the doors of
the gift shop caught her off guard. She’d seen good-looking men before, but he
was—stunning! His dark, sexy eyes were captivating. The tall man looked
ravishing in his dark, expensive-looking suit with his silver tie.
    Stop gaping at him, fool! Concentrate.    
    The very way he stood looking at the display shelf, his
hands shoved in the pockets of his tailored pants, oozed confidence. As he
scrutinized the floral arrangement on the shelf, Jen checked him out surreptitiously.
When he took his hand out of his pocket she noted there was no ring on his ring
finger. Okay. But he didn’t give off the unattached vibe. A guy like that must be taken. Certainly can’t be footloose or fiancé free.
    Jen, focus.
    What was with her all of a sudden? This wasn’t like her. It
was just that she’d never met anyone like him before. Not that she had much
experience in her thirty years. She’d spent most of it as a wall flower. Her ex
was the closest she’d come to a real relationship.
    “Hi, um…can I help you?” Jen’s timid voice slid out from her
throat.
    “Uh, yeah. I’m looking for a special…” Mr. Handsome paused
when their eyes locked for a moment. An awkward moment.
    “Gift?” she finished for him.
    He seemed a bit distracted for a moment. Did she have
something on her face? Jen began to feel self-conscious to the max. She stole a
discreet glance at the mirror by the display case to make sure.
    He ran his fingers through his mane and continued.
    “Uh, yes. The most beautiful floral arrangement you have.
Money is no object.”
    “Oh, um…well sure.”
    Jen tried desperately to calm the butterflies that let loose
in her stomach. “Well, let’s see,” she said as she led him over to the special
occasion section. “What’s the special occasion?”
    She couldn’t help but catch the sweet scent of his
aftershave. He smelled delicious. Stop it, Jen. He’s a customer, remember?
It’s the Special Gift Flower Shop—not the Special Gift Flirting Shop.
    “Well,” he said, hesitating for a moment. “I’m actually
buying for someone special.”
    “Oh?” How sweet, she thought. For his mom, probably.
    “Yes, her name is Rose,” he continued.
    Jen felt her stomach tumble to the floor.
    “Oh?” She caught her tone quickly and tried to perk up
again. Why on earth had she thought there was a spark? She really needed to
focus. Was she that desperate to feel desired again after rejection from her
ex?
    As Jen surreptitiously observed Mr. Handsome’s physique and
mannerisms, she couldn’t help but think to herself, Rose was one lucky woman!
She wished she had a man buying her the most expensive bouquet of flowers
today. She smiled and sheepishly led him over to the exotic display case where
there were the most beautiful floral arrangements in the store.
    “You’re new here,” he commented. Was it a question or an
observation?
    “Oh, yes. I just started this week. I’m in between jobs
right now.”
    “Oh?”
    Jen felt like biting on her lip. Why had she divulged so
much to this total stranger? There was something about him that made it feel so
natural to talk to him. He gave off that aura.
    What a strange question to ask. Was it that obvious? “I
guess I give off the new sales girl vibe, do I?”
    “Oh, no. Nothing like that. You’re very professional. Some people
forget to smile when they’re on the job, especially working in customer