“So, what time is Sam picking you up?”
“Not for another hour.” Glancing at the clock, I felt like the minutes were counting down to my death. “I’m so hungry. I can’t wait to be more mobile again.”
“Why don’t we order pizza?” Ellie suggested. “Ryder said he’s working late, so I don’t have to cook for him.”
“Ooh, that sounds good. Count me in,” Alyssa beamed.
“The menus are in my office.”
Ellie rushed back there just as the front door opened again, only this time, the customer was not someone I would welcome with open arms.
Alyssa’s eyes widened as Bianca strode through, looking around my shop with mild interest. My eyes instantly shot to Alyssa, signaling for her to keep Ellie busy in the back. Ever since Bianca came to town, Ryder had been preoccupied with Ellie, not sparing a second of time for his ex. I’d heard something about passport trouble, but hadn’t gotten the whole gist of why she was here.
As if she was thinking the same thing, she shot out of her chair and rushed back there.
“Can I help you with something?”
“Oh, I’m just getting the lay of the land. Someone told me this place was charming, so I thought I would check it out.”
“And is it?”
“Charming? Oh, everything in this town is. I think I’ll be quite happy here.”
I didn’t think she meant for me to hear that last part, but I ignored it against all my instincts and tried to figure out a way to get her out of the shop before Ellie saw her.
Then again, this was the perfect way to get information. “So, you’re new to town?”
“I’ve been here a while.”
“Staying on the ranch?”
“How did you know?” she asked, cocking her head suspiciously at me.
“Well, there aren’t many places to rent in town. The ranch is pretty much the only place to stay unless you’re at the motel. And most people don’t stay there.”
My explanation seemed to ease her distrust, so I forged ahead.
“So, what do you think of our town?”
“Interesting. Not nearly what I’m used to, but I could learn to love it.”
“Even the winter?”
“Well, that’s a little more than I want to deal with, but I think in time, I’ll head somewhere a little warmer.”
Interesting. “You’re not from the States.”
Her lips pursed in irritation. “What gave me away?”
God, she was a bitch. “Your accent. We don’t get many around here.”
“Well, I won’t be around too long, I hope. I’m just…waiting for things to fall in place.”
I bet she was. “Well, if there’s anything you need, let me know.”
She laughed politely, but I could see the disgust in her eyes. Our slice of heaven was not what she wanted. Which didn’t surprise me. From what Ellie told me, this woman wanted money, and she wouldn’t get rich out here while Ryder ran his law firm.
“Well, is there anything I can help you find?”
