CHAPTER 271: CHAPTER 271 CHEESY ROSES

Ava’s POV

I was still fuming about how Joseph flirted with those women at The Social Club. That’s why I found myself chatting with Theo, one of Ruby’s brother Jax’s friends. Our conversation flowed easily, and yes, I was deliberately flirting with him. Pure anger and jealousy were driving me.

Even when Joseph drove me home afterward, I intentionally mentioned that my mom wouldn’t be home Wednesday, letting him build up expectations before crushing them by canceling our plans. If he thought he could play with my feelings, he had another thing coming. I wasn’t that foolish girl who gave her heart away too easily anymore. Any relationship worth having needed to pass tests first.

I wasn’t about to let smooth talk and calculated moves win me over, even if Joseph did make my heart flutter. His charm, his attentiveness—it was working on me more than I cared to admit.

When I walked into my apartment this morning, it looked like a flower shop had exploded inside. Those cliché red roses were everywhere. Ridiculously over the top but somehow sweet at the same time.

There was something so awkwardly romantic about it. What woman could resist a living room full of flowers? It reminded me of Daisy seeing Gatsby’s mansion for the first time. I had to admit, Leonardo DiCaprio was pretty damn gorgeous in that movie.

"Ava!" My mother’s voice startled me as I was admiring the floral explosion. Mom had stayed over last night, something she did occasionally when working late at the pharmaceutical company.

Odelia stood in the doorway. Her eyebrows went up as she looked at all the roses. "Did a flower truck crash into our living room, or do you have something to tell me?"

I tried to hide my smile. "Good morning to you too, Mom."

She crossed her arms, her gaze scanning the flowers. "Who’s the admirer? Is it that Joseph you mentioned?"

I nodded, touching one of the petals.

Mom sighed heavily. "Haven’t you learned anything from the past? Are you really going to fall into the same pit again?"

"This is different," I insisted. "Joseph is different."

"That’s what you said about Isaac too," she reminded me, her voice softening. "Don’t let fleeting romance blind you, sweetheart. I’m just looking out for you."

"I know you mean well, Mom, but I’m not a child anymore. We’re just getting to know each other. It’s not serious yet."

Mom looked at me. A flash of pain crossed her eyes.Finally, she relented. "I respect your decisions, Ava. I don’t want to fight about this again. "But remember—if you get hurt, I’m making you leave. No questions asked."

I frowned, puzzled by her words. "Leave? What do you mean?"

She checked her watch. "I’m going to be late for work. We’ll talk later." With that, she grabbed her purse and coat.

Mom’s job as head researcher at the pharmaceutical company kept her busy. She was especially good with plant-based medicines. It was a skill that came from her mixed witch heritage.

After she left, I got ready for work, my thoughts a jumble of Joseph, the flowers, and my mother’s cryptic warning.

The morning at work went by fast. When my break got close, my phone buzzed with a text from Joseph. He was confirming our coffee meeting. I smiled despite myself.

I changed into my favorite purple dress before my break. I put on fresh lipstick. When I walked out of the boutique into the mall, I saw Joseph waiting for me. My heart did that stupid little jump again.

"Seriously, Joseph?" I called out. I tried to sound mad but couldn’t pull it off. "A whole garden in my living room? How am I supposed to walk around in there now?"

Joseph’s face brightened when he saw me. He looked amazing in his suit. His hair was styled perfectly. "You look beautiful," he said. He totally ignored my complaint about the flowers.

"Don’t change the subject," I said, but accepted his kiss on the cheek. "Let me guess—you and your wolf pack of businessmen had a little flower-sending party this morning?"

Joseph tried to look innocent. "What makes you think that?"

"Caroline texted me a picture of her arrangement. Then Ruby. Then Eleanor. You guys aren’t exactly subtle."

We started walking toward the café. "You didn’t like them?" He actually looked concerned.

I softened. "I loved them. But it’s pretty obvious you all coordinated this grand gesture together. What’s next? Skywriting?"

"That’s actually not a bad idea," he said with a grin.

When we reached the café, I was surprised to see a familiar face. Antonio, Joseph’s nephew, stood up to greet me.

"Ava!" Antonio gave me a warm hug. "How are you?"

"Great to see you, Antonio," I smiled. "How’s Mia doing with those chemistry classes?"

Joseph’s head whipped between us. "Wait—you two know each other?"

Antonio and I exchanged amused glances before bursting into laughter.

"Know each other?" Antonio said. "Uncle Joseph, Ava’s been helping Mia with her college applications for weeks. She even helped me pick out Mia’s birthday present."

Joseph’s jaw dropped. "What? When did this happen?"

I couldn’t help but enjoy his confusion. "Remember those cute little anonymous cards you had Antonio deliver to the boutique? He introduced himself the very first day."

"And you never thought to mention this to me?" Joseph asked Antonio, looking betrayed.

"It was way too entertaining watching you stress about getting her dinner," Antonio replied, not looking remotely apologetic. "Besides, Ava made me promise not to tell."

Joseph turned to me, eyes narrowed. "So you knew it was me sending those notes the entire time?"

I shrugged innocently. "Antonio might have shown me your picture after delivering the first card."

"Unbelievable," Joseph muttered. "And here I thought I was being romantic and mysterious."

"If it makes you feel better," I said, patting his hand, "I probably wouldn’t have gone out for coffee with you if Antonio hadn’t vouched for you."

"Great," Joseph groaned. "I’m indebted to my teenage nephew for my love life."

Antonio grinned. "You’re welcome, Uncle J. By the way, Ava, you should have seen him obsessing over what to write in those notes. He kept crumpling them up and throwing them away."

"Really?" I turned to Joseph with a smile. The thought of confident, powerful Alpha Joseph Garcia nervously writing notes to me was oddly endearing.

"Kid, enough," Joseph warned, but there was no heat in it. "Show some respect to your Alpha."

"Sorry," Antonio said, not looking sorry at all. He turned to me. "Seriously though, Ava, what do you see in him? I mean, he’s my uncle and all, but he’s kind of hopeless with women he actually likes."

I laughed at Joseph’s offended expression. "He has his moments. And those roses today were..." I paused, enjoying the anticipation on Joseph’s face, "...completely over-the-top and borderline ridiculous."

Joseph’s face fell slightly, and I quickly added, "But they made me smile all morning. So mission accomplished, I guess."

"See, Uncle J? She likes you despite your cheesy moves," Antonio said.

"I’m starting to regret introducing you two," Joseph muttered, but I could tell he was pleased we got along.

As we started eating lunch, I felt this warm feeling inside me. Even with my mom’s warnings and my own worries, something about Joseph felt right. Different.

But a little voice in my head reminded me that this man was an Alpha. Could I really trust him with my heart?

I pushed those thoughts away. For now, I’d just enjoy this moment. Good company, easy talking, and way too many roses waiting for me at home.