Page 25 of Resurrection
Sonia’s eyebrows rise up.
"Trust me," I tell her, shaking my head. "You don’t want to be anywhere near him when he’s off duty."
Just then, a group of kids with hungry eyes approach the table and Sonia shifts her attention to the little ones.
Meanwhile, a local vendor catches my eye. He waves an inviting hand, and I make my way over to him, dodging children and overly excited parents. We have a quick, efficient talk about a few items I’m interested in getting for Oasis. Then I send him off with a load of sandwiches for his crew. He gives me a grateful nod as he leaves.
Great.
We're in business.
I like when things are easy. That’s one of the reasons I avoid working with big corporations. At least, as much as possible. Most of the vendors I use for Oasis are local, and if I can't find something I choose small, family-owned companies.
"Naomi!" Lachlan’s voice, smooth and oily, says from off to the side as I make my way back to the catering table. "Nice to see you again."
Damn it.
The town’s worst rich boy, who I’ve been trying to avoid ever since I returned to Sageview Ridge.
I take a deep breath but keep walking. "Hi, Lachlan."
He follows me.
We reach the catering area, and I halt by the table. "As you can see, I’m busy," I tell him flatly, hoping he’ll get the hint.
He flashes his well-practiced smile. "You work too much, dollface." His twelve-year-old son's next to him, clutching a soda and looking bored.
"Please don’t call me that." I focus on rearranging the juice boxes.
"Why not? We both know you’re gorgeous."
"I really am not interested." I gesture at the room stretching behind him. "Besides, I didn't think children's art was your scene."
"Oh, you know me." He adjusts his perfect hair. "Always full of surprises." He flashes another grin, and I suppress a gag. "You look as stunning as ever."
Lachlan’s confidence is like the desert sun. Relentless.
I don't even bother looking up. His kid stands awkwardly, shifting hisweight from foot to foot. I feel sorry for him. "Your ex-wife not with you?" I ask, plucking a cupcake from the tray and handing it to Lachlan’s son. It’s not the kid’s fault his dad is an asshole.
The boy grabs the cupcake with a shy smile.
When I look up at his dad, Lachlan's expression sours for a split second before the grin is back. "Why would she be here? She is the ex after all."
I notice his son's attention is turned elsewhere, so I say quietly, "Well, congrats on the divorce."
"Divorce is such an ugly word. I prefer liberated."
I have to stop myself from rolling my eyes. "Right."
"Dad." The kid yanks at Lachlan’s hand. "Can I go look at the pictures?"
"Sure thing, buddy."
The kid dashes away as if eager to escape his father's presence. Honestly, I can't blame the boy.
"Lachlan, I really have a lot to do," I point out.
He edges closer, maybe a little too close. "Let me help out. I’m good at…pitching in."
