AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I think it’s cooking. I’d even go as far as to say it’s luxury cuisine,” I expressed as he picked up a container of eggs to inspect.
“I was thinking of making us breakfast for dinner. Maybe a Spanish tortilla with bacon and scrambled eggs,” he offered.
You can scramble my eggs up if you want, Alex Ramírez.
I cleared my throat, trying to keep my mind from floating away. “Sure. If you’re that against my Hamburger Helper.”
“I am.”
I shrugged. “I think Hamburger Helper tastes just like anything at Isla Iberia.”
He narrowed his eyes and shot me a stern look. “You take that back right now.”
“Never.”
He grumbled and muttered under his breath. “Let’s split up since people are already shutting down their stands. We need a few more things. I also need to break from you and that disturbing comparison you’ve made. You go get the potatoes for tonight. I’ll get the herbs. Meet me by the tomato display, then we can head out.”
“Deal. And if you see candy corn on your way, get me a bag!”
“Candy corn is only liked by people who are insane.”
I tossed my hands in the air. “Just call me Annie Wilkes, baby.”
He chuckled before wandering off. Every time I made him laugh, I felt as if I’d unlocked his heart a little bit more.
As I collected the final items, I was approached by the three Sip & Dish girls, who looked so disappointed when they saw me. I tried my best not to let my nerves take over.
Rory smiled at me while the other two did the complete opposite. Rory parted her mouth to speak, but Lori cut her off. “How dare you keep Cole’s dog from him. That’s so childish, Yara.”
“Oddly enough, I didn’t ask your opinion, Lori,” I told her as I picked up the potatoes and started to walk away.
“Cole was right. You are desperate,” Lori said, making me pause my steps. “I mean, screwing the restaurant owner because no one else will look your way screams desperate.”
“Lori, take it easy,” Rory mentioned. “Let’s just go.”
“No. I’m sick of everyone acting like what’s happening is right. The way she’s flaunting this man in poor Cole’s face is disgusting,” Lori kept going on.
“Poor Cole?” I hissed, feeling my anger rising. I was so tired of Lori and her judgmental ways. She seemed so upset for Cole that it was driving me bonkers. “He cheated on me, Lori, and I know you know with who. So excuse me if I don’t feel bad for him or give a damn what you think.”
Lori rolled her eyes. “He only did that because he was trying to get your attention, but you were too busy trying to be a businesswoman, and now you’re too busy trying to be a whore.”
“What the fuck did you just say to her?”
We all turned to see Alex standing behind me with the sharpest stare shooting straight at Lori. I was shocked she didn’t fall over instantly from the daggers he’d shot her way.
I stepped in front of Alex, my Doberman, and told him it was okay.
“It’s not okay. People don’t get to speak to you like that,” he scolded. “Not with me around.”
“Yeah, I know. But I got this,” I whispered before turning back to Lori. This was it. This was the moment. I placed my hands on my hips, built up all the bark I had within me, and I bit. “What the fuck did you just say to me?” I spat out. I took a step toward her. “I’m sick of you and your defending of shitty people. I get it—shit defends shit—but it’s becoming really annoying. Cole is a jerk, and I’m lucky to be done with him. If you care so much about his well-being, how about you go screw him again for all I care?”
Rory gasped. “You slept with Cole, Lori?”
Lori’s face went as white as a ghost. She must not have known the news Cole shared with me. “I don’t know what she’s talking about. She’s delusional.”
“Yeah, okay. Do what you do best—lie. But trust me, Cole is all yours. Have at him. But for the love of all things, leave me alone, you fucking psychopath!” I shouted, my chest burning from the rage that’d been building up for longer than I thought.
The three women gasped, stunned by my outburst. They hurried away, leaving me standing there with weighted breaths.
Alex stepped closer to me and looked just as shocked as the women.
“Well damn,” he muttered as he pulled me in and kissed my temple. “Good girl.”
CHAPTER 33
Alex
Todd
Hey, Alex! Happy mid-October. I had a client come in searching for a certain type of property. I think yours is perfect. What are your thoughts on listing?
When it was time for Noah and Mandy’s big weekend, I was far from mentally prepared.
