Page 16 of The Moment They Can't Forget

“I’m retiring,” the woman blurted. “I love this place, but it’s time.”

“No way. Really?” Birdie said.

Mrs. C bobbed her head. “I’m tired, and I want to go visit my brother and sister in Vermont and have a nice long stay.”

It was then Zoe noticed the sign in the window that said, “Business for sale, apply within.”

“We’ll miss you,” Birdie said. “It won’t be the same not seeing you behind Petticoat’s counter.”

“Someone else can come in and put their mark on the place.” Mrs. C looked at Zoe. “Someone like you.”

“I’m not ready to own a business yet,” Zoe said. “Now, where do you want the chair?”

“There.” Mrs. C pointed. “There’s another one and a small table to come out too. And have a think about what I said, Zoe. You’d be great for Petticoat.”

“Will do.” Zoe maneuvered the chair outside, her mind going over what Mrs. C had said. She’d always thought her days would be spent in a big city somewhere, working with a team of designers on expensive properties. That had been her dream, not owning a home furnishing store in her hometown.

Entering the shop, she found the next chair and took that out, then the table. She then wandered back inside while Birdie and Mrs. C gossiped, which was a favorite Lyntacky pastime.

As usual there was too much stock crammed into the space, and aesthetically it was unappealing, but no one seemed to mind but her.

She’d stayed away from here since returning for no other reason than Petticoat reminded her of what she’d walked away from in Chicago. Zoe had got her passion for design in this store. She could walk into a room and see exactly what was needed to bring it to life now. She missed that, and the rush of excitement when a client loved the ideas she’d created.

One man had taken that away from her. A man she’d been unable to fight because he’d been a partner in the company she worked for. His plans for her had included the promotion Zoe had been working toward, but the cost of how she could get there was too high.

Chapter7

JD had avoided anyone with the surname Duke since the morning he’d dropped Zoe off at the end of her drive. Thankfully, Sawyer was busy being loved up with Birdie, so he hadn’t noticed or made contact, but he would soon, and JD needed to face him.

Seeing as he had no food he wanted to eat in his fridge or cupboards, he’d decided to head into town for breakfast before going to work. Dukes rarely left their lairs this early, and if they did, it was to venture to work. He thought he was safe.

The Courtesy Turn Cafe, or CTC to the locals, did great waffles. He’d just finished eating when he heard his name. Looking up from the plate he was swiping his finger over because it had been so good and the lemon curd spectacular, he saw Dan Duke. The youngest brother and a deputy in Lyntacky.

Well, hell. It seemed his Duke hiatus was over.

“Hi.” He raised a hand and then picked up his empty coffee to give himself something to do.

“You all good there, JD?”

“Great. I just had waffles. Did you eat yet? Because I can recommend the lemon curd and blueberries.”

“Just picking up the station order. Uncle Asher and Sybil wanted waffles. I’m more of a whipped butter and maple syrup guy,” Dan said. “Thanks again for hosting the engagement party. It was great.”

“Sure, no worries.” He’d told Sawyer he’d wanted to do that for him and Birdie, and then he’d slept with his sister.

“Something seems off with you, JD,” Dan said. “Need me to arrest someone? You know I’m good for it.” His smile was cheeky.

This Duke was nothing like his oldest brother. Dan often laughed and actually initiated conversations, unlike Sawyer.

“All good, just got some stuff on my mind.” Which wasn’t a lie, but the “stuff” included this man’s sister.

“Well, if you need anything, you let me know.”

“Thanks, Dan.”

“You seen Zoe?”

“No,” JD said. “Why?”

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