Page 28 of Hoax and Kisses
“Nope,” he says, still avoiding my gaze. Then, “Actually, yes.” Finally, his eyes meet mine. They’re full of an anger I don’t understand. “Next time, maybe don’t pick up your phone while you’re in the middle of a conversation. It’s fucking rude.”
I gape, blinking.
“You think I’m the rude one? Yeah, okay.” I snatch a hundred-dollar bill from my purse, drop it on the counter, and grab the bouquet. “Thanks again.”
“You got it.”
I close the door behind me and inhale deeply, willing the fresh air to clear out the confusion swirling in my mind. What the fuck is his deal?
The wind has picked up, and the sun is setting, the temperature slipping into chilly territory.
I peer into the store, where Matt is working away, not giving me a second thought. Back to being an asshole, I see.
At least it’ll make it easier to focus on what I came here to do.
No more distractions.
Chapter Eight
MATT
“Did you brush your teeth?” I ask from downstairs.
Daphne appears at the top of the stairs, frowning. “You bought the wrong toothpaste. I don’t like this one.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose, drawing an uneven breath. It’s not yet seven a.m., and the day has gone to hell. I barely slept. My flower supplier canceled today’s delivery. And Daphne is being particularly demanding this morning. Her shirt didn’t feel right, she couldn’t find the daisy backpack she loves, and the scrambled eggs were overcooked.
“What’s wrong with the toothpaste?”
“It tastes bad and hurts my tongue. Dad gets me the strawberry one because it’s sweet. Mint burns my mouth.”
I let out a frustrated sigh. “Okay, I’ll buy the one you want after work. Sounds good?”
She gives me a toothy smile. “Yes!”
Shoulders slumping, I rub my beard. Guilt settles firmly in my chest like a brick. I shouldn’t be this exhausted. I’ve beentaking care of my sister since she was born, but having her here with me twenty-four seven is another ball game. And because I’m functioning on coffee and a couple of hours of broken sleep per night, my patience is running thin.
But then she gives me the biggest, sweetest smile, and I feel like a jerk for letting my temper get the best of me.
I shake out my hair, then twist it into a tight bun. Coffee in hand and jacket thrown over my arm, I open the door. “Daph, ready to go? School starts soon and we don’t want to be late.”
I’m still waiting for her to barrel down the stairs when my phone chimes. I dig it out of my pocket, and when I see the venture firm’s name on the email notification, my heart leaps.
“Dear Mr. Becker,” I mumble, staring down at the device. “We regret to inform you that we are not able to postpone our meeting planned for this week. We’ve been presented with several opportunities and will be moving forward with those that are still in the running for this year. Thank you for…”
I lock my phone and close my eyes.
Fuck.I knew rescheduling was a long shot, but I clung to that thread of hope anyway. Now, it’s well and truly over, and I don’t know how the hell I’m gonna grow my business and pay for my sister’s school.
The noose around my neck tightens uncomfortably.
Daphne runs down the stairs, her backpack slung firmly over her shoulders and her blond hair tied up in pigtails by elastic bands decorated with daisies.
“Hey, Daph,” I croak when she throws her arms around me for a tight hug. Time to put a lid on my worries for now. “You look great. Ready for your first day at your new school?”
Face alight and eyes sparkling, she pulls back, her body vibrating with excitement. “Yes.”
“That’s a big yes.” I chuckle. “I spoke with your teacher last week. She’s very happy to meet you too. I think you’ll love her. And you’re gonna make so many new friends.”
