Page 57 of Crazy In Love
“Agreed. And I wouldn’t do anything other than just say thank you. I mean, he did torture you for months about writing‘The Taylor Tea.’ Let him get you a pair of snow tires—it’s the least he can do.” Henley smirked as she took a sip of her hot chocolate.
I sighed. “I’m not really big on owing people favors. And he seems like the type to throw it in my face.”
“I don’t think he’ll even bring it up. That’s how he is. He’s actually very generous—he just doesn’t want to talk about it.” Lulu shrugged.
The Honey Biscuit Café was fairly quiet tonight, probably due to the temperature outside. People tended to stay home when it was snowy on the roads.
“Ladies!” A deep voice pulled us from our conversation, and I cringed when I saw Josh Black standing there. “Did I overhear something about someone not wanting to talk about something? Because I’m all ears if you need to speak to someone.”
He flashed this disingenuous smile. His teeth were too white. His smile too big. His confidence too large for his own good.
“Are you eavesdropping on us?” Henley asked, her tone much colder than I’d ever heard it. I knew Easton and Josh didn’t get along, per a fight I’d read about a while back in “The Taylor Tea.”
“Nah. I just saw Emilia over here, and I was hoping I could get a rain check on that date we never got to have.” His gaze locked with mine.
I sighed. “I’m not really in a place to date, Josh. I’m just sort of focused on starting up my new business and staying on track at the flower shop. But thank you for thinking of me.”
“I don’t give up easily, Emilia. Maybe I’ll have to hire you to come renovate my home,” he said, and my heart pounded in my chest.
I was desperate to get my first client.
But the thought of working at Josh Black’s house was my worst nightmare.
He just made me uncomfortable for reasons I couldn’t explain.
Call it instinct.
I didn’t want to be alone in a house with this guy.
Edith walked over with our food and raised a brow. “Josh, your date is still waiting for you at the back table. Not very polite to leave a woman waiting.”
I covered my mouth with my hand to keep from laughing. Way to hit on one woman while you’re out with another.
Like I said, my instincts were spot on with this guy.
“Thank you for reminding me.” He shot a hard glare at the older woman setting our plates down in front of us. “Emilia, I’ll stop by the flower shop this week.”
I gave him a curt nod, and we all shook our heads once he walked away.
“I swear that man is always lurking around and getting in everyone’s business,” Edith said.
“Yeah, he’s a real piece of work.” Henley rolled her eyes.
Once Edith moved to wait on the next table, we started eating.
“So…” Lulu said as she dabbed at her mouth. “Have you found a client yet, because we know you are not going to let Josh freaking Black be your first client.”
I exhaled sharply. “Yeah. Agreed. I do think it’s hard because of the holidays. I’m just going to keep spreading the word, and hope that someone bites.”
“As long as it’s not Josh biting,” Henley said over her laughter. “Maybe you could do something at our place.”
Henley and Easton’s home was fully renovated and absolutely stunning. “I am not renovating your house out of pity. It’s spectacular, and there is no room that needs updating. You just moved in a year ago to a brand-new space.”
We were all chuckling now.
“I was going to offer as well, but Rafe just did that huge renovation a few months ago,” Lulu said as she reached for her grilled cheese sandwich and took a bite.
“I’m fine. It’ll happen. No pity jobs, please.” I smirked. “We need to pick our next read tonight, too.”
