Page 22 of Kiss Me Forever

“Hello, I’m Brooklyn Montgomery from Montgomery Construction. I was hoping I could talk with the owner or somebody in charge.”

“Hi. I’m Aly, and I’m the owner of The Plant Nook. I’ve heard about the infamous Montgomerys.” She winked as she said it, and I didn’t know if I should be nervous or not.

“Oh. Well, it’s good that I’m talking to you then.”

“Don’t worry. I’ve only heard good things. And I’m going to try to lure you to use my business.”

My shoulders relaxed, and I laughed.

“You and I are going to become fast friends then, because I am in need of a new nursery.”

“From what I hear, Montgomery Construction works with the big three around here.”

“Is there a plant nursery underground chat system I don’t know about?”

“We know all and keep our secrets.”

“I’m working with two of them, I’m no longer working with the other.”

“Please tell me you’re no longer working with Landry.” She cursed under her breath, and winced. “Sorry. I shouldn’t talk about my competition like that. Not that he’s competition,” she bit out.

“No, we’re no longer working with Landry. And I have a feeling there’s a story there on your side.”

Aly shrugged, but I saw something in her gaze.

“Maybe once we get to know each other, we can trade stories over a drink.”

“That sounds like a plan.”

“Well, let me show you around, and we can talk. I know you guys work on new businesses and restorations, and I would love to work with you.”

“We’re Montgomery Construction, not Montgomery Inc. or Montgomery Builders. Though I will always pass your information along.”

“Oh, I know about you guys. Don’t worry, our secret organization of plant people have paperwork for that.”

“What’s so funny?” Dash asked as he came over to the front counter and leaned against it.

“Hello there,” he practically purred, and I rolled my eyes. “I’m Dash Montgomery.”

“Aly.” She held out her hand, and he shook it. He didn’t lean down and leer, instead he was the perfect businessman. Like I said, my cousin could be annoying at times, but he protected our family business no matter what.

“Do you work in landscaping as well?”

“No, I’m in full contracting, but I’m here to annoy my cousin.”

“I hear there are a lot of Montgomerys.” She gave me a look, and I laughed.

“You don’t even know the half of it. But don’t worry, I’ll protect you from Dash.”

“Hey. I haven’t done anything wrong.”

“You haven’t. Yet,” Aly said with a snort.

“Well, I see the two of you are in cahoots. I’m going to go look around before I head to the project site. See you there?” Dash said.

I nodded. “Thank you.”

“Anytime, cuz.” He sauntered off, and I watched Aly watch him walk away. Interesting.