Page 5 of Crazy In Love
“Buy something or get out!” I snapped, pointing at the door.
His lips turned up in the corners. It wasn’t a genuine, warm smile. It was a devious smirk that let me know he was enjoying this. He hated me so much that he actually got pleasure out of ruining my day.
“You are the reason that I got egged. You accused me of writing that damn column, and now there are people in this town that don’t like me because of it,” I said, my hands making little fists because the man infuriated me.
“So ultimately,youare the reason you got egged, Emilia.” He held my stare, nostrils flaring just slightly, as he arched a brow.
“You know what, Bridger,” I said, pausing to blow out a breath, “I can’t wait to prove you wrong. I’ll be dropping off said proof in the next couple of days.”
I had something in the works that Henley was helping me with, even if she refused to file a defamation of character suit against him, seeing as she was engaged to his brother.
So I’d settled for option two.
“I won’t hold my breath. I’m not as easy to fool as the rest of my family,” he said, his voice ice cold.
“Well, you are more of a fool than any of the others, so maybe you’re confused.”
“I don’t have time for jokes.”
“Good. I don’t want you in my flower shop, so you can see yourself out.” I pointed at the door again, and his eyes tracked my finger. The very one I’d poked him in the chest with last night.
I hope I left a mark.
He glanced around and then leaned forward, his head coming all the way across the counter. I wasn’t sure if he was going to kiss me or maybe try to bite me in the face. That’s how close he was.
“Cara Carmichael,” he said, his voice low.
“Cara Carmichael—what? Is there a reason you said her name? Are you dating her even though she’s with child by another man?”
He closed his eyes for a few seconds as if he was bored. “She egged your place. It wasn’t me or anyone in my family.”
I stared at him. “I never thought it was you or anyone in your family.”
“Well, then why are you blaming me?”
“Because you’re the reason people are mad at me.” I rubbed my temples with the tips of my fingers.
“Well, I don’t speak to Cara Carmichael. So there you go. Do what you want with the information, but keep my family out of it.”
“It does make sense. Cara Carmichael was recently in ‘The Taylor Tea,’ because she’s having an affair with Harvey, the mailman. I’m sure you’re more than aware. And obviously she thinks I outed their relationship. You know, Harvey’s daughter isn’t speaking to him, so obviously she blames me for this now,” I groaned.
Harvey Lawson was almost fifty years old, and though he looked very much like George Clooney and it was easy to see why Cara would fall for the silver fox, the fact that his daughter was Cara’s best friend had made things all sorts of complicated.
“Perhaps you should keep your nose out of people’s business,” he snipped as he walked toward the door.
“Perhaps you should take your own advice.” I moved around my counter and followed him to the door. “Cara was a steadycustomer, and now that you mention it, she hasn’t been in the flower shop since your little outburst. I should sue you for costing me business.”
“You don’t want to take me on, Emilia.” His gaze hardened as he pushed the door open, and a cool gust of air rushed in. We were nearing the end of November, and it was my favorite time of year—well, before this dark cloud named Bridger Chadwick stopped by to torment me.
“I welcome the challenge. Don’t let the door hit you in the ass, Chadwick.”
He chuckled as he let the door close. I marched back around the corner, picked up my phone, and sent a text to my three besties, Henley, Lulu, and Eloise. Eloise had brought us all together a few months back, but now she was living in the city, and I missed her terribly.
I need that polygraph scheduled sooner rather than later. Your future brother-in-law is relentless.
Henley
I’ve already talked to Doug at the police station, and he said we can get it scheduled this week.
