5. Cora
5
CORA
“ M iss Delaney,” the officer says calmly, “I apologize for the inconvenience today, but we unfortunately have to investigate every complaint no matter how trivial.”
I nod and take a steadying breath because I know this. Deep down in my soul I know this, and I appreciate him trying to clear this up as quickly as possible.
“Thank you, and I understand. It’s just frustrating because I got the permit and,”—I gesture toward the street—“I picked this location so that we wouldn’t cause an issue. Safety is my top priority.”
He gives me a sympathetic smile. “Can you think of anyone who might want to cause a problem for you?”
My mind reels at the question, and even though I want to shout Talon’s name from the rooftops, I don’t. And I don’t know why because it hurts, that old wound reminding me that even after all this time, we’re not friends.
Even knowing that, I thought I was doing something good for him, and me, today—an olive branch of sorts.
“Someone is leaving anonymous comments on my social media posts, but it could be anyone.”
Scribbling something on his notepad, he tucks it into his pocket and then hands me his card. “If you think of anything, just give this number a call.”
I thank him again and head back to the truck as he drives down the road.
“Did you get it all straightened out?” Aspen asks as I pull the door closed behind me and slump against it.
“Yes.”
“So we’re all set? No issues?”
“No issues,” I confirm.
“So what’s the face for?”
“Because I want Taste of Magnolia to do well,” I say, standing to my full height and waving my arms around. “I want to rejoice in being back in my hometown and doing what I love in the only place that’s ever been home.”
Aspen opens her mouth to speak but I cut her off. “I have some troll making snide comments on my social media posts, and if that wasn’t bad enough, now they’re complaining to the police!”
“I know it’s frustrating, but it all worked out and right now?—”
“And right now, I need to go yell at the person responsible,” I growl as I grab my sweatshirt from my bag.
“Whoa, what are you talking about?” Aspen says, partially concerned and a little amused.
“It’s obviously Talon. Who else would try and sabotage us?”
“Honestly,” she starts slowly in the way that makes me know I’m not going to like what she’s about to say, “I find it hard to believe that a grown man is heckling us. His sister brings her daughter here, right? She has that mess of blonde curls and those bright turquoise eyes and always gets a cookie.”
My heart squeezes a little at the affection in Aspen’s voice because I feel the same way about Bristol and Navy.
But that’s not who we’re talking about.
“I know it’s him, and I’m going to go give him a piece of my mind.”
“I’m not gonna stop you,” she says, her Tennessee accent out in full force, “but I think you’re crazier than apple pie in a truck bed.”
My mouth opens and closes as I stare at her because— what?
“That’s not a thing.”
Aspen shrugs and turns back toward the window as a car pulls up. “Tell that to everyone in my hometown.”
Shaking my head, because I don’t have time to unpack all of that, I give her a wave as I open the door. “I’ll be back.”
“Uh-huh…”
Her lack of confidence is not reassuring, but I’m too wound up to care as I stalk across the parking lot toward Lowcountry Automotive. The bell rings as I step inside, a younger-looking version of Talon sitting at the desk in the front. I know he’s the youngest Banks sibling, but for the life of me, I can’t remember his name.
“Where’s Talon?” I all but bark, and he raises one eyebrow as he crosses his arms over his chest, tattooed forearms on display with his rolled-up sleeves.
“He’s in his office. Should I warn him you’re coming?”
“Where’s the fun in that?” I say sweetly as I turn on my heels and walk the short distance toward an open office door, not bothering to admire his broad shoulders or the scruff covering his jaw.
“What the hell, Talon?!” I practically screech as I burst into the small space and slam the door behind me.
“Gonna have to be more specific, with you goin’ off in here like a firecracker,” he drawls, unfazed as he sits back and throws his glasses onto the desk. My gaze narrows on them because I can’t remember Talon ever having glasses.
And he looked hot in them.
“They’re blue light because staring at the computer hurts my eyes.” He leans back in his chair. “But that’s not why you’re here.”
“I just want to know why you did it. Why you continue to make nasty comments on my posts and now called the police on me. What have I ever done to you?”
My hands fist at my sides, and my chest heaves as I try desperately to calm myself. Each accusation had been louder than the last, and I can’t tell if the blood pumping in my ears has muffled the sounds in the garage or if they’ve all stopped to listen.
“You’re saying I what? Have time to chase your damn truck around the city making complaints?” Talon stands slowly, his massively delicious body unfolding like he’s putting on a show.
For me.
I shake the thought from my head. “Who else would it be?”
“How the hell should I know?”
“You’re the only one that makes sense after what happened back then.”
“Back then? Like a fucking decade ago? I’m not some Goddamn child, Cora.”
“Do not act like it was nothing,” I hiss, my body vibrating with anger.
“It’s not me,” he murmurs low and growly as he rounds the desk. Instinctively, I take a step back and then another until my back hits the wall. Talon’s hands come to rest on either side of my head as he cages me in with his body.
He smells delicious and I hate that I notice, every nerve ending coming alive as I stare up at him.
And up and up.
Because the man is huge in comparison to me, and I just want to climb him, those full lips taunting me. He must catch me staring because his tongue darts out to wet them, and I release a barely audible whimper.
I hate that I’m attracted to him after everything he’s done.
I hate that of all the people in Magnolia Point, my traitorous body wants him.
His head dips to meet mine, his face turning so his mouth is a breath away from mine and oh my God this could be it …
I let my eyelids flutter shut, my heart ready to beat right out of my chest as I turn just the slightest bit, giving myself over to temptation.
And then it happens.
Something clangs against the concrete floor, the sound loud and echoing around the bays like a bomb detonating.
I jump, ducking under Talon’s arm, my hand slipping on the door handle as I try and pull it open.
“Stay away from me,” I whisper, and with a little more force I add, “and stay away from Taste of Magnolia.”
I slip out the door without another word.
Talon doesn’t chase after me, and I don’t dare look up to see if every person is watching me as I leave like my ass is on fire.
I know they are.
But I can’t dwell on it because I almost let Talon Banks kiss me, and that’s one thing that can never happen again.