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“She really needed that to get her head screwed on straight and figure out what she wants.”
“She’s a great kid and a fantastic artist. I know she’s gonna do great things.”
Her blue eyes sparkle as she waves. “Thanks, babe! Good to see you again!” She holds up the bag and coffee. “I really need it.” I nod and then wave as she steps out the door.
Huffing out a big breath that blows the wisps of hair off my forehead, I put the muffins away and clean up the counter where I spilled a little bit of the latte.
I turn back to the back, already exhausted. It’s been a long day and it’s only half over. I close at three in the afternoon so I can have some time to myself. I do stay open later on Mondays and Wednesdays and Fridays just to give people more of a chance to get what they want after work. It helps keep my business rolling well and yet gives me a bit of a work-life balance. And on those days, I have a helper that comes in to give me a bit of a break and to give me time to do paperwork and orders.
But pretty soon I’m just going to have to up my hours and hire more help. The business has been doing so well that I’m ready to expand a little bit. I’d love to be able to expand into the next store but that’s Franklin’s bookstore and I couldn’t possibly put him out of his space.
I grab an order form and start checking to see what I’m going to need for the next week. When the bell rings again, I carry my clipboard with me, smiling.
Ash glares at me and my smile drops. I hug the clipboard to myself and back away behind the counter. “What are you doing here, Ash?”
He glances around and sneers. “I see you’re doing a booming business today.”
“Is that all you came here to say? Because I am quite busy.”
“Yeah, right. That’s not actually all I have to say. You need to come home.”
Snorting, I back away further. “I’m not coming home. It’s not my home, it’s yours.”
“It’s your home too. You belong at home. And you’re coming home.”
I shake my head. “No. I’m not. I am not coming back to your place or to you.”
“Dammit, Cassidy! Stop being an idiot!” He stalks towards me and I can’t help but flinch away. Which makes his cold blue eyes spark in satisfaction.
Sadistic bastard!
“You’re not welcome here and you’ll have to leave.” My voice shakes and I hold my hands together, hoping it hides the shaking.
His head cocks. “What happens to me if I don’t?”
“You’re gonna get your ass beat.” A cold, dark voice behind him makes both of us whirl around.
Franklin stalks closer, his gaze burning with controlled anger. “I am not a fan of violence, buddy. But I make exceptions for assholes like you. Don’t make me hurt you. Just get the hell out!”
“Fine. I’ll get out for now. But we’re not done talking here.” He points at me and then glares at Franklin before stalking past him and out the door.
Franklin watches him until he’s out of sight and then he turns to face me, his teal-blue eyes sharp as hell. “Are you alright?” he asks me. He sidles closer, slowly, like he doesn’t want to spook me.
“I’m okay.” I lean against the doorjamb, my back slumping. “I can’t believe he’s being so difficult about this. I don’t think he even really cares that I left so I don’t get it.”
Franklin’s broad shoulders lift and he hums under his breath. “I don’t know. But a lot of guys like him just hate to lose and they’ll do almost anything not to. Illegal, immoral or not.”
“Good to know,” I huff out my breath, blowing my sweaty curls out of my face. No matter how I pull them back, little tendrils inevitably curl around my face.
“So are you good here?” He shuffles away from me and his big hands clench at his side.
“Yes, thank you. I’m sorry that you were bugged.” I stop talking and my eyes narrow on his uncomfortable face. “How did you know to come here?”
He continues to back away and grumbles under his breath. “He’s not exactly quiet.”
My face flushes and I groan under my breath. “I’m sorry. That must have been awkward for you.”
He shoots me a quizzical stare. “I assume it was worse for you.”
