Page 21 of A Class of Her Own

“Do you truly not realize that customers aren’t allowed back here?” I gestured around me. “You need to get back to selecting a pretty bracelet to match your tunic.”

He pushed his hands into his pockets, and I did not try to sneak another peek at that tattoo. “Bracelets look really good on me, and I can pull off a tunic like you wouldn’t believe. If it hits me midthigh, watch out ladies.”

A laugh huffed out of me without asking permission, and I clamped down on it. “Brooks.”

“Meredith.”

“Why are you here?”

“I like to make sure that my strangulation victims are okay before I take my leave.”

I put my hands on my hips. “I’m fine. Besides, I’d have thought you’d want to applaud yourself for strangling me.”

“You lived, so there’s really nothing to applaud.”

I sucked in my lips and shook my head. “Why are in you in my sister’s shop?”

He glanced around. “Your sister owns this?”

“Yes.”

“I always figured you were an only child.”

I blinked.Don’t ask, don’t ask, it’s a trap. . . “Why?”

“Temper tantrums, insisting on things being your way, general moodiness. It’s really fascinating stuff.”

It certainly wasn’t the first time someone had listed out my boorish qualities, so I was unruffled. “Joke’s on you, those are my best qualities. Your inability to stand up to ridiculous ideas tells me you’re a middle child.”

His teeth looked white against his black beard. “Actually, I’m the baby. Just an older brother.”

“As the oldest child myself, I feel for him.”

He chuckled. “You know, the management here might be interested to know that you’re not treating the customers very kindly.”

I batted my lashes. “Welcome to Willow Wood.” I pointed. “Now go before my sister gets after me for you being back here. Sisters are much scarier than management.”

He lifted his hands, palms outs, surrendering with good cheer. “I’m going, I’m going. Fashion calls.” He made it to the doorway and turned back toward me. “By the way, this is one of Hazel’s favorite stores. I’m getting her something for Christmas.”

“You buy Hazel Christmas presents?”

One shoulder lifted in time with the side of his mouth. “I find that keeping on her good side has its advantages.”

And with that, the singularly strangest interaction I’d had with him came to a close. I was left standing by the clothing pile I’d hauled in, watching him walk to the register to make a purchase. Had he been holding something this whole time and I hadn’t noticed? I watched as he spoke to Willow, her smile broad and welcoming in a way I’d never be capable of. He said something that made her laugh, and my shoulders sagged. Why was everyone so bewitched by the man that had stolen my dream and sparred with me on several occasions?

Heck, why was I a little bewitched myself?

He glanced back at me, catching me watching, and offered a wave before exiting the store. I shook my head, blinked a few times, and put him back into his slot as evil job stealer. It was more comfortable if he stayed in his assigned category.

As soon as he was gone, Willow hustled back to where I was standing.

“He said he knows you,” she stated, eyes alight. “Who is he?”

“He’s the HOA president I’ve been at war with.” My voice was gloomy even to my own ears. “His name is Brooks.”

“That’s him? Your main opponent?” Her brows wrinkled. “But he’s nice and gives off such a sunny vibe.”

“Of course he is and does. It’s all part of the persona he puts on.”

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