Chapter 10 The Finest Coffee Grounds #2
This time, the groan couldn’t be contained and was vocalized.
“Okay, I’m sorry. We’ve clearly stepped out on the wrong foot here, and that’s totally on me.
I didn’t mean to insult you, nor did I mean for it to take almost a damn week to get here.
My sister-in-law texted me that day, and said you could use some help, but like I said, family emergency, so I’ve been pretty busy.
Something about your bank? If you don’t let me help, I’ll never have another decent meal with my mama again.
Aspen will turn the whole family against me, truly.
She has that ability.” I let out a long breath as her expression didn’t change for even a moment.
“What do you say? Can we start over?” I pleaded.
She glared at me and rolled her eyes. “Don’t insult me again.
Yes, this is mine. The whole building is actually.
I live upstairs, so don’t gape at me again.
Makes you look far stupider than I imagine you are if Aspen sent you, because she is far from stupid.
Also, I’m sorry about the family emergency.
Was it about Aspen and her shitty ex? Ivy told me about it when she stopped in the other day to grab them pastries.
Is she okay? I only got the Cliff Notes version. ”
I ran my hand over my face and rubbed my eyes before allowing myself to look back at her.
“You’re right. She is far from stupid. I’m somewhat of an idiot, so I apologize.
Again. I’m not the best with words, as I’m sure you now know.
She’s doing well now. She’s home, and that fucker…
he won’t be a problem anymore.” I let out a breath before continuing.
“But I am good—no, great, at my job. So please, tell me what the problem is. If you’re friends with Aspen and Ivy, I want to help.
They mean a lot to me, so let me help. Please. ”
I wasn’t sure I’d ever said please so much in one breath, especially to a woman who wasn’t my mom or sister, but fuck, this woman had me off kilter.
The world seemed to be spinning the wrong way, pigs would fly tomorrow, and the sun may come crashing down, but I was still here.
Still staring into those deep, endless brown eyes of hers.
She waited another moment before letting out a sigh.
“I’m sorry. I’ve been a bit…snappy this week.
” She cleared her throat before pulling out a manila folder from behind the counter.
“Aspen said you’d be coming today. This is everything I have so far.
I received a call a week ago from my bank letting me know that someone was trying to wire money into an offshore account from my account.
Not sure who, why, or anything really. But they froze my accounts while they tried to figure it out.
However, they also froze my business account.
As you can imagine, that doesn’t do me a single fucking favor.
I’ve since had multiple calls from debt collectors; someone had been taking out loans in my name and of course, not paying them.
I filed a police report that night, but I haven’t heard anything.
So here I am, somewhat begging for any help you can give me. ”
I found myself nodding along as she spoke, taking in every word and trying not to focus on the way the begging part sounded falling from her pink lips.
“Well, an offshore account is going to be fucking hard to track down, but I may be able to look into the IP address if it’s someone here in the states trying to do the transferring.
The loans may be a bit easier, but I won’t know until I start to dive in.
Until then though, you can go into the bank and pull out the cash for your business.
Shouldn’t be an issue since they know you by name, being local and all.
Everyone who delivers to you is also local, right?
” She nodded slowly. “Okay, just pay them cash while I dig around. Avoid the drama I’m sure will ensue if you don’t pay the flour guy in time. ”
She rolled her eyes, making me want to smack her ass—nope. Stop it right the fuck now, Wyatt Drew Carragan.
“I can do that easily enough, I’ll just have to open the bakery a bit late, but oh well.”
“You don’t have any help?” I questioned.
She chuckled. “I have control issues.”
I smirked. “I know the feeling. But give me the bank info you have and your folder. Also anything the police gave you. I’ll give them a call too, and then I’ll look into it this evening after my meeting.”
She nodded. “Don’t steal my money, asshole. I’ll send Aspen after you.”
“No worries. Understood,” I said, holding my hands up in a clear sign of innocence. I had a feeling seeing this woman actually angry would be a damn sight.
I gathered up the paperwork I needed from her, ordered a cinnamon roll to go—partially as a peace offering and partially because fuck, they smelled amazing—and then headed out to my meeting with Julian.
I spent the rest of the evening with my head chock full of her smirk, the way her eyebrows creased when she was confused, and how she had no problem verbally handing me my ass. Oh and also craving another dozen of those damn cinnamon rolls.
I wasn’t sure why, but Ember Brady took up the majority of my thoughts, and it set me the fuck on edge. If she could’ve been Poison Ivy, she may have been a woman worth pursuing. However, I didn’t think my luck would ever be that strong, so I dropped the thought before I could push it farther.