Page 80 of Love and Lingerie (Rockland Falls 2)

Surprise registers on my face as I complete my Emmy-winning performance. “I have no idea what you’re talking about!”

Latham snorts a laugh. “Sure, you don’t,” he replies, dragging out his words. He throws me a wink and a smile and heads to the door.

“Oh, Latham?” I ask before he can exit. When his eyes connect with mine, I add, “Make it seven. And bring food.”

I can see the desire play on his face as he stands a mere ten feet from me. After several heartbeats, he gives me another smile. “See you tonight.”

I don’t reply with words, just give him a secretive, knowing smile.

“That was so hot,” Free mumbles beside me, making me jump.

“What the hell? Where did you come from?”

“From across the room. You didn’t see me because you were too busy undressing him and making babies with your eyes.”

I roll my eyes. “I was not looking at him like that.”

“Right,” she draws out, but doesn’t call me out on my blatant lie any further. Instead, we both get back to work, and before we know it, the displays are perfect and it’s just after lunch.

“I’m hungry,” I say aloud to no one.

“Me too. Want me to order sandwiches from across the street?” she asks, just as the door opens again. Ever since we rearranged the displays and changed up the front window, we’ve had several women step in and browse, many making purchases.

“Sounds good,” I tell her.

“Oh, look at that thong, Payters! It’s crotchless!”

I know that voice.

Glancing up quickly, I find my aunt, Emma, along with her granddaughters, my cousins. “Hey!” I holler, coming around the counter and meeting them at the entrance with a wide smile. “I thought you guys were sightseeing today. What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to see this place that I keep hearing so much about,” Emma says. “Oh, look at this. Orvie would love this,” she exclaims as she heads over to my more risqué section of the shop.

I’m greeted with hugs by each of my cousins, Jaime, Payton, AJ, Meghan, Lexi, and Abby, as well as their dad’s girlfriend, Cindy. They all talk over each other, anxious to catch up on everything that has happened in the last month since our trip to their hometown of Jupiter Bay.

“Seriously, this store is amazing. I’m so glad we were able to get here before you closed,” Payton says, making her way over to one of the many displays.

“Well, anytime you want to shop, just let me know. I’ll meet you after hours,” I tell them as they start to fan out and browse.

“What do you think of this?” I hear behind me and turn to find Cindy, Brian’s girlfriend. She’s touching the soft satin of the new pink negligée I put in the window.

“I love this! I actually bought myself one in ivory,” I tell her.

She glances around, making sure her boyfriend’s daughters aren’t within earshot. “Brian and I are going to surprise everyone with a wedding in a few weeks. I’d love to buy this for our honeymoon,” she confides.

My eyes water just a little. “I’m so happy for you,” I assure, reaching out and squeezing her arm. “For both of you.”

It’s been a long time coming that Brian finds happiness again. See, Orval and Emma’s daughter married Brian Summer and together, they had six daughters. Unfortunately, when the girls were young, Trisha was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and was unable to beat it. From what I’ve gathered, Brian hasn’t dated much since her passing almost two decades ago, instead devoting all of his time and energy into raising their daughters. Cindy is the first serious relationship he’s had since his late wife.

“Thank you,” she whispers, glancing around again. “I’m a little nervous to tell them all.”

“They’re going to be so happy for you, I promise. They love you and already think of you as a mother figure. This marriage will make them all happy, trust me. I’ve only known them a short time, but they have wonderful things to say about you and the relationship you share with their dad.”

Her eyes mist over. “Thank you. We’ve invited my boys and all of the girls to a cookout in two weeks at our place. We plan to invite you as well. We hope you can all join us.”

“We wouldn’t miss it,” I assure her, pulling her into my arms and giving her a warm hug. “Now, I think this is a beautiful choice. I have the light pink, a soft blue, and the ivory.”

“I think I like the pink,” she says.

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