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“This is ridiculous. Maybe you should ask his wife to explain everything, considering she embarrassed me the next day in front of the entire town. If anyone would have a motive, it’d beher.”

They exchange a look, then focus back on me.

Haven clears his throat. “His wife was here in Lawton Ridge?”

“Yes. Afternoon of the twenty-third. She decided to slap me across the face for sleeping with her husband. Trust me, I had no idea he was married before then.”

Probably came here to make a scene and an alibi for herself. If she didn’t have anything to do with his murder, I’d be willing to bet she has an idea of who did.

“And what about—?”

“Sorry, but I have somewhere I need to be, and you’ve already slowed me down enough. I’m not answering any more questions without a lawyer present. I’m aware of my rights, and unless you’re detaining me…” I look back and forth between them, and neither says anything. “Then have a good day, detectives.”

Knowing they can’t arrest me without the proper evidence, I hurry down the sidewalk enraged.

I check my phone and am already ten minutes late. Five minutes later, I make my way inside the deli and see my best friends seated by the window. They wave, and I’m trying really hard not to let those men ruin my day.

There’s already a big glass of sweet tea waiting for me. I sit down in the booth next to Katie with a sigh.

“I win. You’re buying my lunch,” Gemma tells her.

“You two placed bets on if I would be on time, didn’t you?” I glance at them.

“Well. We actually placed bets on how late you’d be.” Gemma grins.

“I said five to ten minutes,” Katie admits, and I stare at Gemma.

“I guessed fifteen to twenty.” Gemma shrugs. “I know you too well.”

Belinda greets me with a menu, but I don’t take it. “Grilled cheese and tomato soup, please.”

“Good choice.” She nods with a grin, then walks away. The place is packed with the lunch rush.

“Someone piss on your avocado toast this morning?” Gemma finally asks because I’m being quieter than usual. Typically, I have a million things to discuss, but right now, my mind is racing.

Lowering my voice, I huff and tell them exactly what just happened outside of my shop. I repeat every word of the conversation, and I’m still as shocked as they look.

“I never thought I’d be a person of interest in a murder case,” I finish with a sigh.

“What the hell?” Katie hisses, and concern is written on Gemma’s face.

“Just because I had sex with the man doesn’t mean I wanted him dead. He was actually a great lover, and I woulda hit it again.” I wink. “I mean, well, if he were alive. May he rest in peace.”

Katie chuckles. “I could just tell. It’s always the quiet types, you know?”

Immediately, I think of Archer and how well he balances my personality. He’s not my usual type, but he’s quickly becoming the only man I want. Eric was nice and a great booty call, but there weren’t sparks. He didn’t take my breath away. There’s no comparison between the two other than them both being my brother’s friend.

“Tyler’s going to flip his shit,” Gemma says. “But maybe he can get Serena to help you? She’s amazing.”

“I know. And please don’t tell my brother just yet. I’d love to be able to process it all before he starts playing bodyguard.” I suck in a deep breath; my anxiety is starting to get the best of me.

“Everything’s gonna be okay,” Katie ensures. “The whole town can vouch for seeing Eric’s wife slap the blush right off your cheeks.”

I roll my eyes. “Now is not the time for jokes.”

“Oh, I wasn’t joking.” She laughs and bumps me with her elbow, trying to cheer me up.

“Bottom line is I need to figure out what I’m going to do. This is the last thing I want to be dealing with. I have big plans for the boutique this year, and I don’t want that getting around and ruining my reputation.”

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