Where do you need me to come with you?
Rafael
Holy shit. Does everything you say sound sexy? I could also name quite a few places I’d like you TO COME.
I’m having breakfast with Henley, you fool. Just tell me what you need.
Rafael
I’ll come over to your place in an hour and get you. It’s a surprise. You’ll love it. Trust me.
I trust very few people. We aren’t there yet.
Rafael
Dress warm, Wildcat.
I set my phone down just as Henley ended the call, and we placed our orders.
“Are you feeling okay? Your cheeks are flushed,” she said, as she reached for her coffee that had just been set down.
“I’m not flushed. I’m fine. Maybe it’s the blizzard outside that’s wreaking havoc on my skin.”
She rolled her eyes. “Whatever. Your cheeks were not that pink when we walked inside. Who were you texting?”
“What? Who was I texting? Who were you talking to?” I was the queen of deflection, and it usually worked.
“That was a client,” she said, and thankfully, two plates of pancakes and bacon were set down in front of us, so we never circled back to who I was texting.
Because if my bestie knew that my fake boyfriend was dirty texting me, she’d be very concerned.
We enjoyed our breakfast, and she told me all about the wedding plans that were happening for Emerson, Rafe and Easton’s sister.
“Well, if it isn’t the two city girls taking over Rosewood River,” the annoying dude who owned the grocery store called the Green Basket said. The guy gave me the creeps, and the way he was looking at both of us only convinced me more that my bat senses were correct.
“Hi, Josh,” Henley said, her voice cold, which was out of character for her. She’d already shared what an asshole this guy was.
And now he turned his attention to me. “I’m curious. You went from dating a rock star to a Chadwick. That’s a big slide in the wrong direction. You’re far too beautiful to settle. I think you can do better.”
Henley’s hands fisted on the table, and I saw red. “And I would say that you sound like a jealous douchebag.”
He startled at my words, as if his weren’t equally offensive. “I was just complimenting you.”
“No. You were cutting down my boyfriend, and I’m not down with that. You might want to tuck those insecurities away before everyone catches on,” I said, holding his stare.
“All right. We’ll see how long it lasts,” he smirked.
“I would say you’ve outstayed your welcome, Josh,” Henley said as she glared at him.
“Have a nice day, ladies,” he chuckled as he walked away.
“What the hell is wrong with that guy?” I asked.
“He’s a miserable asshole. But you really put him in his place.”
“I try.”
“Was that little pissant giving you girls trouble?” Oscar asked, suddenly outraged on our behalf. Apparently, he was the only one who was allowed to harass the customers.
