Page 75 of One Little Mistake
I cringe at his words and what they imply, and before he can say anything else, I pull out bitchy Lexi. “Not everyone has unlimited money to hire every godforsaken lawyer out there, East. He did what he thought was right. I understand that you’re helping us, but you will not talk badly about my grandfather.”
Easton stops walking and stares at me. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. I’m just frustrated that none of this makes sense. I’m going to need to meet with the mayor and see what I can do to get the development rights before this all goes to hell.”
That sounds expensive, and I know GG will never approve. If Easton is trying to purchase the development rights, that means he’s willing to put out a lot of money. Money we will never be able to repay.
“You can’t meet the mayor,” I say, shaking out the crushing thoughts running rampant in my mind. “Not like that anyway.” I make a sweeping motion up and down his body. Dressed in a black peacoat and trousers, he stands out in Burke Hollow like a sore thumb.
“What’s wrong with me?”
Ialmostlaugh at his expression. “Mayor Baker is … hmm, how do I explain this? He’s very protective of our town and its people. So if you want to win him over, you have to look like you belong.”
“Lexi, I don’t give a shit what I look like. None of that matters.”
I know I shouldn’t do this. He’s here helping my family, and I appreciate that, I do. But it doesn’t mean I want him getting too comfortable around here. “Famous last words, Beast. Famous last words.”
Chapter 29
Easton
When will I fucking learn not to underestimate the evil that is Lexi Heart? Standing on the sidewalk between Eggy’s Eatery and Hattie’s Happy Haven Hardware store sit’s Fresh Lemons—a consignment shop.
“Are you shitting me?”
A smile finally graces her face, and of course, it’s at my expense. “There is perfectly good clothing in here, East.” Her voice is sickeningly sweet, and it clicks. This is her pushing me away.Well, have at it, sweetheart. You may be stubborn, but so am I.
“Fine. Let’s go. Show me what I need.” I walk past her to open the door to Fresh Lemons. “What is with all the business names around here?”
When Lexi doesn’t move, I turn back around to find her gaping at me with wide eyes. “What?”
“You’re going in?” She sounds shocked.
“You said I can’t wear my clothes around here, so let’s go. I already told you, I don’t give a shit what I wear.”
Narrowing her eyes as she catches on to my plan, I wink. She can play all the games she wants; I’m invested.
Expelling a huff, she stomps forward. When she gets to the big lemon on the glass door, she explains, “Burke Hollow is a small, ski town. All the businesses have these cutesy names, so the tourists will keep coming back.”
“Huh.” I’m genuinely interested. “Does it work?”
“We’re crawling with tourists year round, so I guess so.”
As she enters the shop, my eyes drift to her ass, and I have to adjust myself. It’s been too long since I’ve tasted her.I’ll have to see what I can do about that. The thought makes me feel light as air. So as I enter the store behind her, my mood has risen considerably.
Glancing around, I school my features as I take in the racks of secondhand clothing, shoes, and household items. They’re all neatly displayed, but there’s something unsettling about seeing it firsthand. I’m not naïve. I’m fully aware that there are the ‘haves’ and ‘the have nots’ in this world. But seeing it in person puts my life in stark contrast to most people’s reality.
“Why are you smiling like that?” She has to question every little thing.
Turning my attention back to Sexy Lexi, I lean into her space, then growl next to her ear, “You don’t want to know, Locket.”
The sharp intake of air followed by her stammering proves I’m right. Her body wants me, even when her mind tries to push me away.How the hell do I get them to coincide and in my favor?
“Don’t go getting any ideas, Easton. We may have to share a room, but we have separate beds.”
“So did married couples in the fifties, and they still found a way to get things done, or none of us would be here, sweetheart.”
She’s saved when a salesperson notices us. “Well, hello there, handsome. How can I …” The woman pauses when Lexi steps out from behind me. “It’s you.”
Glancing past Lexi, who appears to be attempting to hide me, I see a woman about her age, but there’s nothing appealing about her. She’s wearing too much makeup and not enough clothes. I’ll admit, I like the jealousy Lexi is showing toward me though.
