“That’s what you want,” Selene says. “You don’t want to sell it.”
“I love it too much, which is odd since I don’t ever plan on getting married.” I shiver at the thought. “Love sucks.”
“Someone will buy it,” Eden says.
“You and that man of yours getting married?” I tease.
“Um, no. I’m happy with how things are, but your dress is beautiful, and your site gets lots of traffic. You sell whatever you put on sale.” Eden says.
“Yeah, but I’ve never priced anything that high before.”
Chapter 13
Dax
They’re at the secluded booth just as I requested. While the server brings their water, I observe Cori rolling her eyes before she glares at her father.
Not wanting to add to the drama, I decided to leave Finch at home. After a deep breath, I walk through the restaurant until I get to their booth.
Leander Lamb bounces a baby on his lap. She fusses, so he hands her to his wife, who kisses the baby’s cheek. I notice Cori is sitting in the middle of the booth. She texts something on her phone.
“Cori, put the phone down,” her father says. “You can text Eden and Selene later.” She puts the phone away, then looks up. Our eyes collide. She looks away and shakes her head as if she can’t believe what she just saw. Then, she looks at me again. I wink at her. She huffs and looks away.
“Mayor Lamb.” I make my presence known. Leander stands and offers me a firm handshake. “Mrs. Lamb.” She blushes.
“Annette,” she says.
“Yes, this is my wife, Annette, my daughter Cori, and son Devin.” He takes the baby from his wife and kisses her fat cheek. “And this little angel is Ruby. She’s Devin’s.” Ruby gurgles at me, and I run my hand over her curly head. “Everyone, this is Mr. Hunt.”
Cori’s eyes narrow. She looks from her father to me. Leander gives the baby back to his wife, who then hands the baby to Cori. Cori passes her off to her brother without a word.
“Daxton, please.” I make a show of looking around. “I was meeting someone for dinner, but they canceled.” I look at my phone and gesture at it. “Now, I guess I have to either eat alone or take it to go.”
“Bye,” Cori says under her breath.
“Join us.” Leander gestures at the booth, just like I knew he would. He’s not a bad man, but he’s a politician, which makes him an opportunist. Besides, I’ve been paying for his campaigns for the past two elections in exchange for his expediting any licenses that I need.
Leander Lamb is a leader in Shadow Cove, and he’s known about me and my operation for as long as I’ve been here. I needed him, and he was easy to buy, unlike the sheriff, who needed a firmer hand. Out of the two, I respect the sheriff more.
“There’s not enough room at the table,” Cori speaks up. “And I thought this was a family dinner.” Her nostrils flare.
“Don’t be rude, Cori,” her mother chastises. I’m not sure what Annette Lamb knows about me, but I’m certain she knows something. “Please join us, Daxton.”
The server returns and offers us a larger booth on the other side of the restaurant. I manage to sit next to Cori, but she moves far enough away so that our bodies do not touch.
I can practically see the wheels turning in Leander’s head. He’s probably wondering how he can benefit more from me.What he doesn’t know is that I’m the one who will benefit. Leander Lamb is about to give me everything I want.
The baby cries, and Devin appears at a loss for what to do. He tries to pass her off to Cori, but she ignores him. When he tries again, Cori puts her hand to her cheek and sticks up her middle finger.
“Corine Lamb!” Her mother reaches over and yanks her hand down. Devin then goes over to her to give the baby to his mother, but Ruby cries louder.
“Let me try.” He shoves her into my arms before the words are entirely out of my mouth. “I have a little sister. Well, she’s an adult now, but I helped my mom raise her. Our father died when she was small.” Instead of putting Ruby on my lap, I hug her to my chest, and she puts her head on my shoulder. I rub her back until her cries subside and her breathing evens out. “It’s okay, sweetheart,” I whisper.
Cori doesn’t seem impressed by my ability to calm an upset baby. She pulls out her phone and texts again while huffing.
“Dad, what is this dinner about?” Devin asks. “We never eat out.”
“Well, I want to officially welcome you home and talk about your plans. You need to find a job, Devin.”
