His breath hitches as his cheeks pinken. He has a two-day beard that makes him look even more masculine—if that’s even possible. And this lovely color in contrast makes me want to jump on him like a monkey.
“Alright.” Jennica comes back with a stack of papers and passes it to me. “I’ve got your fifteen copies in case her suddenly unsteady hands drop themaccidentallyor a flood washes them away, you know.” She winks.
“I know.” I sigh dramatically. “You’re a lifesaver. Thank you!”
“Not a problem.” She waves me off and looks between us. “Do I need to go and get that coffee after all?”
I smile and head to the exit. “Nope. I need to go. Thank you again!”
I wave at them and disappear, feeling their eyes on my back the whole time. Well, Jennica’s eyes are there. His are on my ass for sure.
When I get back to Town Hall, the witch is expecting me with a sweet smile. I bet the townsfolk have already reported how they abused ‘the fancy designer’ the best way they could. I pass her the application with a smile, and she takes it.
“You need to pay now.”
“Of course.” I pull my wallet out.
“We only accept cash.”
“Look at that, I’ve got some!” I pull out the amount needed for all the permits and place it on the counter.
She counts it and places it into her drawer. “Come back next week.”
“Can I please have a receipt?” I blink at her. Looking positively annoyed, she scribbles a receipt and passes it to me. “And the confirmation that you received the paperwork. With the date.” Then I add, blinking faster, “Please.”
She presses her lips together, stands up, and walks to another room with my plans and application in hand. And then I hear the damncopy machine. She comes back with two copies, puts a stamp on them, signs, and pushes them toward me.
“Look at that, Mrs. Roberts! You fixed the copier.”
She doesn’t reply when I grab the papers and march through the door, smiling so hard my muscles spasm, and I fear I’ll remain like that forever.
This small town does not like me very much. And the worst part? It’s not the first.
ChapterTwenty-Five
JOSIE
Alicia comes to pick me up at five, right on the dot. When I jump into her sedan, she whistles. “I might need to fight off your suitors tonight.”
I admit, I took some time to prepare myself, thinking that maybe Sheriff Benson may be walking nearby Alex’s cabin, just for an evening stroll, totally accidentally, and see me being all sexy and stuff. My short, black dress accentuates all my curves that I’ve grown so fond of. My red heels match my bright red lipstick and my tiny over-the-shoulder purse.
I smirk at her. “Don’t be ridiculous. I can fight them off myself.”
She giggles and makes a U-turn. We chat about her upcoming book, Mark’s promotion, and Ghost. When I ask her who is going to be at Freya’s place, she tells me ‘everyone.’ I’m excited but very anxious. I wasn’t in the mood to go out today, but her excitement is contagious, so I’m beginning to look forward to it.
When we drive to Freya’s house, we find a few cars already parked there. Before we can even knock on the door, it flies open, and Kayla’s smiling face appears on the other side. “Welcome to Hooters!”
I exchange a quick look with Alicia when Freya yells from the inside, “It’s not a fucking Hooters, Kayla!”
Kayla turns and yells back. “Have you seen your tits, woman?”
“You’re just jealous, skinny bitch!” There’s a loud groan before Freya speaks again. “Let’s see what you look like when you have Justin’s spawn inyourbelly.”
Kayla giggles and gestures for us to come inside. Freya’s waddling toward the sink, carrying a big tray with tons of different appetizers. I rush toward her. “Let me help you.”
I take the tray from her hands, and she shows me where to put it on the coffee table in the living room.
“Finally, someone with brain cells around here who can identify a needy party,” she complains, sending daggers at Kayla and then Leila who’s sitting on the windowsill, typing quickly on her phone.
