Page 19 of Wintertime Love (Holiday 2)

I open my mouth to say something but a smooth voice cuts in, “I’m afraid she won’t be available.”

I freeze and raise my head to meet a pair of cool amber eyes. Underneath the coldness is a raging fury, and for a moment I want to accept Nick’s offer, just to see how Finn would react. But I’m not someone who would use my friends for such a petty reason. So, I meet Finn’s gaze, steadily, not betraying an ounce of the bewilderment and hurt inside of me. “You don’t speak for me, McCarthy.”

Finn is dressed in a casual T shirt and black jeans. And damn, he looks wild and sexy, it would make any woman’s breath catch. His eyes remind me of those of wolf. A wild wolf. Dangerous and unpredictable.

Finn gives me a long look.

I stare back, refusing to be intimidated.

Finally, he says, softly, “I didn’t take you for that kind of woman.”

A stunned silence follows in the wake of his cruel words, and I feel the blood drain from my face.

Before I can say anything, Danny is on his feet, looking furious. “What the fuck did you just say?”

Even Nick looks pissed off as he exclaims, “Watch your mouth!”

Finn doesn’t bother with them, his eyes on me, waiting for me to react.

“Sit down, Danny,” I say, sharply, calling on every ounce of composure that I can muster. “You, too, Nick. There will be no fighting in my diner.” I straighten up and force down the humiliation, the hurt, and I face Finn, putting on a wry smile on my face. “Maybe I am that kind of woman Mr. McCarthy. I earn my own keep, I put food on my own table, I pay for the roof I live under, I pay for the clothes on my back, and if I want to take a man to my bed, I do so. None of that’s got anything to do with you. I don’t need your judgement or your comments. You are no one to me. You and your opinions don’t matter to me. You’re just someone with a business interest in this town. Why don’t you keep it at that and leave? You know where the door is.”

My legs are trembling but no one aside from me knows that fact. I keep my expression calm and I layer every ounce of emotion I have with self respect and confidence.

There’s a trace of regret in his eyes as he states, “That was out of line. I apologize.”

“Please leave,” I say, coldly.

He stares at me for a moment longer then turns around and walks back out the door.

I let out a shuddering breath then glance around at everyone watching and raise a brow. “Does someone else have something to add?”

Jeremy, who’s still in the same booth from this afternoon, starts clapping his hands.

Then one by one, other people join in.

I flush, knowing that this is their way of showing support.

“Sit down, babe,” Danny says, softly.

I slump onto the stool behind the counter as the clapping dies down, my heart pounding. I lock eyes with him and nod. “Thanks for standing up for me.”

His eyes light up in anger. “Who does he think he is, coming in here and saying shit about you? He and I are going to—”

“No, you aren’t,” I cut him off. “Don’t involve yourself with this, Danny. I can handle it. But I appreciate it nonetheless. You too, Nick.”

Nick growls, “Danny’s right. He can’t just come into our town and insult our—”

“Exactly. Look, Clara…” Danny is starting to get riled up all over again,

“I don’t need saving, you two. So sit down and stop talking.” I scowl at the two of them. “I don’t think Finn will be bothering with me from now on. I’ve said all I have to say to him.”

The anger on Danny’s face gives way to admiration. “That was some speech, babe.”

I give him a crooked smile even as I still feel such hurt inside.

It takes a while for the two of them to calm down and as people leave, everyone has one or two words to say to me in righteous anger.

I accept their words and their love for me. I’ve grown up around these people, on these streets. This town knows me. These people have seen me go from a sullen child to a spirited lanky teen to a strong minded businesswoman. I’ve built a place here which welcomes everyone. I’ve invested every dime, every minute into this place. I’m an active membe

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