frosty meeting

Spring always carried a bittersweet fragrance for Iris Kate. Each soft breeze tugged at the chains of shattered truths and miserable memories she worked so hard to bury. A florist with a broken heart, Iris had long since lost her faith in love. Weddings and love-themed requests were her least favorite, and she avoided them whenever she could.

Early that morning, she made her way to her shop, eager to receive a shipment of rare orchids for the town’s upcoming garden exhibit. But when she arrived, a notification informed her the delivery had already been made—though she hadn’t received it. Panic prickled at her nerves. Those orchids were essential, and any delay could ruin her preparations.

After some frantic investigation, she discovered the shipment had been mistakenly delivered to the local greenhouse. The place was owned by Kael Arden, a man with a reputation as cold and distant as winter frost. An excellent botanist, Kael was known for his unyielding dedication to plant research and his preference for solitude. Now, she had no choice but to confront him.

Iris tightened her scarf as she approached the greenhouse, her frustration growing with every step. The sprawling glass structure loomed ahead, its transparent walls revealing rows of vibrant greenery and meticulously arranged plants. She had heard plenty about Kael Arden, the town’s reclusive botanist, but she had never had the displeasure of meeting him in person—until now.

The door creaked as she pushed it open, the humid warmth inside immediately hitting her like a wall. Rows of exotic plants stretched before her, each one arranged with obsessive precision. In the center of the greenhouse stood a tall man, his back to her as he carefully examined the leaves of a delicate fern.

“Excuse me,” Iris called, her voice sharper than intended.

Kael turned slowly, his expression as impassive as stone. Dark hair fell across his forehead, and his piercing eyes assessed her coolly. “Can I help you?” he asked, his tone devoid of warmth.

“Yes, you can,” Iris replied, stepping forward. “I believe you’ve received a shipment of rare orchids this morning—ones that were meant for me.”

Kael raised an eyebrow, his fingers brushing a leaf before folding his arms. “And you are?”

“Iris Kate. I run the flower shop in town,” she said, her irritation bubbling just beneath the surface. “Those orchids were delivered here by mistake, and I need them back. I’m preparing for the garden exhibit, and they’re critical to my display.”

Kael didn’t immediately respond. Instead, he studied her as if she were one of his plants—something to be analyzed and cataloged. “If they’re critical, perhaps you should have ensured the delivery was accurate,” he said coolly.

Iris blinked, stunned by his audacity. “Excuse me? It’s not my fault the delivery service made a mistake!”

Kael shrugged, his indifference infuriating. “Mistakes happen. But I’ve already unpacked them. They’re in quarantine for observation.”

“Quarantine?” Iris echoed, incredulous. “They’re flowers, not diseased animals! I don’t have time for this.”

Kael tilted his head, his gaze steady. “Rare orchids can carry pests or infections that could harm my collection. I’m not releasing them until I’m sure they’re safe.”

Her frustration boiled over. “I don’t care about your collection, Mr. Arden. Those orchids belong to me, and I need them now.”

For a moment, silence hung between them, the only sound the gentle hum of the greenhouse’s heaters. Finally, Kael sighed, as if agreeing was a great inconvenience. “Fine,” he said. “But if there’s so much as a single pest, you’re paying for the damage.”

“Deal,” Iris snapped.

Kael gestured for her to follow him, and as they walked deeper into the greenhouse, Iris couldn’t help but mutter under her breath, “Cold as a glacier.”

“Excuse me?” Kael asked, glancing over his shoulder.

“Nothing,” she replied quickly, her cheeks heating despite the coolness of her tone.

The phone in Iris’s hand felt heavier as she listened to the caller on the other end. Her eyes scanned the quiet shop, the peaceful atmosphere now a stark contrast to the storm brewing inside her.

“Iris,” the voice on the phone began, crisp and formal, “we’ve decided to add a new element to the garden exhibit—a more exotic setup with rare flowers. We’ve reviewed your proposal and think it’ll be a great addition. However, we’ve also brought in a botanist for the planting arrangements. We’ve contacted Kael Miller to handle that aspect.”

Iris blinked, her stomach sinking. Kael Miller? Her mind immediately flashed back to the greenhouse, to the man whose cold demeanor had already ruffled her feathers. She could already picture the scene: her colorful, carefully designed floral displays clashing with his rigid, scientific approach.

“Wait a minute,” she interjected, trying to keep her voice steady, “I’m not sure I understand. We need to plant these exotic flowers, right?”

“Yes,” the voice replied. “That’s right. But Kael’s expertise with rare plants and his ability to ensure they thrive in this climate is what we need. He’ll be working alongside you to get the job done.”

Iris’s heart dropped. There was no getting out of it. “So, you’re saying I have no choice but to work with him?”

There was a pause on the other end, the sound of papers shifting. “I’m afraid so, yes. This is a high-profile project, and we need the best results. We trust you both can make it work.”

Iris’s jaw tightened. Make it work? With him? The idea of collaborating with Kael Miller felt like a cruel twist of fate. Their earlier exchange had been full of sharp words and cold stares, and now she had to rely on him to help make her vision come to life?

She forced a tight smile, even though the other person couldn’t see it. “Of course. I’ll make it work.”

She hung up the phone with a sigh, the weight of the situation pressing down on her. Kael. Of course. She had barely survived their first interaction, and now she had to share creative space with him. It was going to be a long, tense few weeks.

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