Page 24 of Mine to Love
Part of her wanted to push Miles away. It only served to piss Charlie off even more. But maybe that’s all she needed to drive the point home. Charlie could have almost any woman he wanted in Palm Beach. They were lining up at the door when she walked out. Hell, they were doing that before she left. It didn’t matter that most only wanted his money. And if they had family money of their own, they wanted his family name.
Livingston.
Something she dropped the day she got divorced.
While she didn’t like the name Blue, and all that represented, it was better than being a Livingston one second longer.
“Would you mind giving me and my wife a few moments alone?” Charlie pushed from the hood of his fancy sports car.
“I do mind,” Miles said in a calm voice.
Too calm, and it rattled her fucking nerves.
“Too bad. I need to speak with Liberty alone and it doesn’t concern you.” Charlie inched closer, almost daring Miles to get in his face.
“Unless the lady asks me to leave, I’m not going anywhere. Besides, this is my shop. No one tells me what to do in my own place of business,” Miles said. This time his tone shifted. It wasn’t loud. Or cocky. But it did have an edge to it.
She wasn’t sure if she was terrified or thrilled.
“Liberty, please ask this man to leave us alone.” Charlie glared.
Just then, a police car rolled into the parking lot.
Rebecca Kirby eased from the driver’s seat. Her long blond hair was pulled back into a bun and she was decked out in her uniform, badge, gun, and all.
Liberty had met her a dozen times in the café and Rebecca had always been kind. A little scary, but nice.
“Good afternoon.” Rebecca looped her fingers through her belt. “I see we meet again.” She nodded. “I hope I’m not going to be pulling you over for speeding or reckless driving in my town today.”
“No, ma’am,” Charlie said.
“Good to hear because that first time I was being kind. I could have suspended your license right then and there. Second time, I won’t be so forgiving.”
Charlie lifted his hands. “I’ve already apologized and it won’t happen again.”
“Hey, Ma,” Miles said. “Thanks for coming.”
“My pleasure. Now, what is this problem Liberty needs my help with?”
Miles handed her cell to his mother. “She needs you to make it very clear to this fine gentleman that she doesn’t want him coming to her house or contacting her or Gabriel anymore. They’re divorced and that’s the end of it.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Charlie mumbled. “What business of this is yours? Liberty, tell them they’ve got this all wrong.”
“They don’t.” She folded her shaking arms across her chest. “I moved here to get away from you. I’ve asked you to leave me alone. I’ve especially asked you to let Gabriel get used to his new surroundings and you pull a stunt like coming to his place of work. And after I asked you not to stop by the house anymore. To stop calling and texting him.” She sucked in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Her nerves were more than frazzled and it weren’t for Miles and his mom, she would have surely caved. Shehad no backbone when it came to Charlie. She’d tried. But he always managed to worm his way back into her life.
Not this time.
“Please, let us be. I don’t want to have to keep saying it. You’re confusing Gabriel. We both need a fresh start and you and I are never getting back together.” There. She’d said it. In front of witnesses, one of which was a cop.
“I believe Miss Blue has made her position clear.” Rebecca handed the phone to Liberty. “I hope I won’t be getting a phone call that you’re bothering her or her brother. I’d hate to make this a police matter and have to pull out my handcuffs.” She lowered her chin. “I’d take that as your first and only warning.” She turned her attention to Miles. “I’m heading over to Emmerson’s place. Something about an impromptu pool party. All are welcome. I hope I’ll see you and Liberty over there soon.”
“You probably will.” Miles leaned in and kissed his mother’s cheek. “Love you, Ma.”
“You too, son.” Rebecca turned and with some serious cop swagger, she strolled back to her vehicle, climbed in, and drove off.
Miles squeezed Liberty’s hip. “Why don’t you go grab my car keys. They’re on my desk.” He literally turned her and gave her a good shove.
She glanced over her shoulder and took one tentative step as Miles inched closer to Charlie.
