Gears & Roses

I moved to Pinewood Falls to open a flower shop and stop panicking in conference rooms.

My rental truck died at the curb of Reed's Auto Shop on day one. The owner let his leaky tap soak me to the skin, carried every plant I owned, and told me exactly how my business would end.

Three days later, at the town meeting, Oliver Reed called my plans "Instagram and artisanal dirt." Then the town announced a $100,000 grant for local businesses.

Couples only.

When his sister suggested the two of us, Oliver said he'd sell his shop first. In front of forty people. The night before my grand opening.

So naturally, on Monday, I walked across the street and proposed.

A fake relationship. Fifty-fifty on the money. Contact in public only. Total secrecy. And the rule I suggested, which he wrote on his greasy order pad in block capitals: NO REAL FEELINGS (ZERO TOLERANCE).

He signed it like he meant it.

Then he held on to my hand a little too long.

Gears and Roses is a steamy small-town MM romance with fake dating, a grumpy mechanic who falls first, a proud florist who won't ask for help, slow-burn tension, open-door heat, and a guaranteed happily ever after.