Chapter 17
“I’m so excited.” I practically bounce on my feet as Polly and I walk in the sunshine toward Bitterroot Valley Coffee Co. “I can’t believe she actually did it.”
“I can,” Polly counters. “Millie’s a smart girl, and this new business venture is going to be amazing for her.”
Today is Millie’s first official day as the owner of the coffee shop, and we’re meeting over there with Erin, Abbi, and Millie herself so we can celebrate a bit and talk about our new women in business group.
I’ve been looking forward to it all week.
“You’ve been extra smiley the past month or so,” I say to her. “In fact, since the Wild wedding, now that I think about it. Anything you’d like to share with the class?”
Polly bites her lower lip, and I stop cold, staring at her.
“Spill it, Polly Ann. Right now.”
“I slept with Ryan,” she hisses, looking around to see if anyone is in earshot as I goggle at her.
“What!”
“I’m not repeating that in public,” she says with a short laugh. “It was just the one time. Well, about six times, but just the one night.”
“Six times?” I demand. “Jesus, good for you.”
“There’s just something about those Wild men,” she says, shaking her head. “It’s like they’re witches or something, putting a girl under a spell. The orgasms, Summer. Jesus fucking Christ, I had no idea. There’s some serious talent there.”
I smile and waggle my eyebrows. “I get that, my friend. I totally get that. Are you still seeing him?”
“No.” She shakes her head definitively, and I frown at her. “One-night thing, remember?”
“Why, though? If it was that hot and you like him, why just one night?”
“Hi, guys!” Erin and Abbi pull up in Erin’s big white SUV, and Polly and I hurry over to meet them, putting an end to our sexy conversation, but I mentally bookmark the topic and plan to revisit it later.
“I have the flowers,” I inform the others as I hold up the bouquet I’m carrying.
“I brought brownie cheesecake,” Polly adds, and we all make mmmm noises.
“I don’t even want to think about how many calories are in that,” Abbi says, eyeing the covered plate that Polly holds. “But I’m going to eat the hell out of it.”
“I have balloons,” Erin announces. “This is the best party ever.”
Before we can get inside the coffee shop, I frown at Erin. “Is the rest of the family peeved that they don’t get to be here to celebrate Millie’s new business?”
“Nah, we’re having family dinner on Sunday to celebrate,” Erin assures me as she opens the door, and we all walk in, bright smiles on our faces.
Millie plans to close the coffee shop early today so we can have our party privately, and when we walk in, it’s just Millie and…Holden Lexington. And sitting on the counter, in a vase, are sunflowers with red roses.
I think my heart just melted a bit.
“Ladies,” Holden says with that charming grin of his. “I’d love to stay to help you celebrate Millie’s new venture, but I’ve been told that men aren’t allowed.”
“Assholes aren’t allowed,” Millie mutters as she wipes the countertops.
Holden just grins at her. “The way she fawns over me is so embarrassing.”
Millie rolls her eyes, and the four of us snicker as Holden turns his attention back to Millie. “Have a great day, Mill. You’re going to kill it.”
He nods at us, and then he’s off, and I turn to stare at Polly in surprise.
She shrugs, Erin clears her throat, and Abbi pretends to be really interested in the menu.
Millie frowns and fiddles with the petals of one of the roses in the bouquet that Holden brought her, and then she bursts into tears.
“Oh, shit,” I mutter as I set the flowers that I brought, and apparently didn’t need, on the table. Everyone sets down their wares, and we hurry over to our friend. “What’s wrong, honey?”
“Was Holden mean to you?” Polly demands. “’Cause I’ll kick his ass into next week.”
“She may be small,” Abbi adds, “but she’s mighty.”
“No, he just came in to bring me these flowers and say congratulations. That’s not it. It’s mine.” She gives us a watery laugh and wipes the tears from her cheeks. “It’s just hitting me, you know? Over the past couple of months, it was just an idea, something to think about, but now, it’s real. This is all mine. Well, Ryan’s, technically, but I’ll pay him back.”
She sniffs and accepts a napkin from Erin, dabbing at her eyes.
“Sorry, guys, I’m so happy; it just all caught up to me.”
“Well, of course, it did,” Abbi says. “Owning your own business is a big deal. But this is going to be amazing for you.”
“I have so many plans,” Millie continues. “I can’t wait to tell you guys everything that I want to do. The things I want to change and add.”
“We want to hear everything,” I tell her. “Let’s eat and talk about all the things.”
“We also have to discuss the Iconic Women’s Collective,” Erin reminds us. “And arrange our first iconic meeting.”
Millie grins. “Anyone want some coffee?”
“Me!” we all yell in unison and then laugh as we grab a seat.
“How’s married life?” I ask Erin as I slice the cheesecake. “Is it boring yet?”
“I don’t know if you saw the man I’m married to,” Erin says with a smug grin, “but he’s hot as fuck, and I can guarantee you that life with him is never going to be boring.”
“She’s so fucking smug,” Abbi says, shaking her head. “If I wasn’t so happy for her, I’d be disgusted.”
“Holly has asked for a baby sister,” Erin continues.
“Are you?—”
“No,” Erin says in response to my almost question. “Not yet. I want a little time with the family I already have before I start adding to it. Now, what about you, Summer? How are things with Chase?”
I grin and take a bite of my cheesecake, making everyone laugh. “Things are damn fine, thank you very much. Now, that’s enough man talk. I have ideas for our Iconic Women’s Collective group. Let’s start things off with a cocktail party.”
“Ooh, I’m always down for a cocktail party,” Abbi says, dancing in her seat. “I love an excuse to dress up.”
“Where will this cocktail party be held?” Erin wants to know.
“At the resort,” I reply. “There’s a gorgeous bar up there that I do the flowers for every week. The manager is a woman, and I’ll bet I could talk her into shutting it down for us one evening. We’ll have a keynote speaker, cocktails, and dinner.”
“Can I suggest someone for the speaker?” Polly asks. “I think it’ll draw quite a crowd of entrepreneurs, especially if we get the word out on social media.”
“Of course. Who do you have in mind?”
“London Ambrose.”
We’re all quiet for a moment, and then we grin, and Erin nods with confidence.
“London would do it in a heartbeat,” Erin says. “This is right up her alley, and I sort of have an in with her husband. Since he’s my cousin and all that.”
“Lesson number one in business,” Millie says. “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”
“You’ve got that right.” I clink my cup of coffee against hers. “This is going to be the shit.”
“We’re lookingat next Friday night.” I sip my water and then pop a potato chip into my mouth. Chase and I are sitting on the park bench near my shop, sharing lunch, and I’m filling him in on the meeting with the girls earlier.
“And it’s for women only?”
“Yep. And, of course, a woman doesn’t have to own her own business already. Maybe she wants to start one up, or maybe she manages something. Really, it’s about empowering others. And who better to start with than London Ambrose? The woman is amazing.”
“I agree. I think it’s great. Good for you guys. I went into the coffee shop earlier. Millie is already doing great in there. She made me something called a Snickers mocha.”
“She’s going to do a signature drink of the day,” I reply with a nod. “I think it’s a good idea, but she might want to switch to changing the drink out weekly. Every day is a little ambitious.”
“She’s excited and has the energy for it now.” He turns to me and slides the tip of his finger down my jawline, making my nipples pucker in anticipation.
Of course, I’m wearing a white T-shirt, and it hides nothing.
“God, you’re fucking amazing,” he whispers. He’s sitting over there in his uniform, looking sexy as fuck, and I’m supposed to keep my hands to myself when he says things like that? “I want to take you home and slide right inside of you.”
I swallow hard and lean into his touch. “Unfortunately, we both have to go back to work.”
“That is unfortunate. Rain check?”
“Rain, sun, blizzard, you name it.” He laughs, and I smile at him, enjoying the way he’s looking at me, as if he could eat me whole.
“How’s work?” He’s likely smart to change the subject, but I really enjoy flirty Chase.
“It’s good.” I shrug a shoulder and glance over at my shop. “I’ve decided to start putting small bouquets of flowers outside in a bucket. They’ll be wrapped in bunches with pretty paper, and I’ll only charge five dollars for each bunch. I’ll leave an envelope outside for the cash.”
“The honor system?” He frowns, thinking it over.
“Yeah. It’ll be flowers that I have a surplus of, and I think more people will pay for them than just take them.”
“You have a lot of faith in people.”
I shift in my seat and face him. “You see a lot of the bad in people, but the majority are not that way, you know.”
“I know. You’re right. I think it’s a good idea.”
I laugh at that and shove his shoulder. “You do not. You think I’ll get ripped off.”
“I think the theory behind the idea is great,” he clarifies. “And yeah, you’re gonna get ripped off. I’m going to have to stand outside in my uniform and give people the goddamn stink eye so they don’t steal from you.”
“You’d make a handsome flower guard,” I say as I contemplate another chip. “I might hire you for it.”
He smirks and tucks my hair behind my ear. “I’d like to stick around and discuss this further, but I have to get back to work, Blondie.”
“Me, too.” I sigh and look up at the sky. “I think it’s going to rain later. Fall is definitely here.”
“I’m ready for it,” he says as we stand. “I think you’re right about the rain. Let me know if you need anything.”
“I’m fine. I’ll see you tonight.” He pulls me close and kisses the breath right out of me, before letting go so I can walk back to work. As always, I feel his eyes on my back, and I turn to blow him a kiss. “Love you, babe.”
That devastating grin spreads over his face. “Love you back.”
Just as I reach the door to Paula’s Poseys, Evan walks out of his office and stops short when he sees me. In the past, he’d smile and maybe follow me inside to chat, but today, his jaw firms, he nods once, and then he marches away angrily.
At least he doesn’t yell at me or try to talk me into going to Helena. Since that night last week at the restaurant, and then at my house, I haven’t heard a thing from Evan or my parents, and that suits me just fine.
I glance over my shoulder and see that Chase hasn’t moved. His arms are crossed over his chest, and his gaze is pinned to Evan as the man walks down the street.
I don’t think that Evan will try to do anything to me, but I love knowing that Chase is nearby to have my back.
“What was for lunch?” Ida asks when I walk inside.
“Sandwiches.” I reach for my apron and tie it on.
“Girl, you waste your lunch break with eating,” Sharla says, shaking her head. “You need to take him home and give him a lunch break to remember.”
I blink in surprise, but when I think about it, it’s not a bad idea. Not bad at all. Maybe I’ll suggest we have lunch at home tomorrow, and I’ll surprise him.
I don’t even have a chance to check my list for what’s next when my phone makes the noise it makes when my house alarm goes off.
Scowling, I pull the phone out of my pocket and stare at the screen. Yep, the alarms are going off, and it says that someone was on my porch.
Immediately, I call Chase.
“Hi, sugar,” he says in my ear. “What’s that noise?”
“My phone. My house alarm is going off, Chase. And the app says someone was at my door.”
“I’m headed there now.” I hear him flip on the siren. “You stay at work, Summer.”
“Like hell, something’s happening at my house.”
“Please, stay where you are.” His voice has that edge now, just like that night when we came upon the accident. “I’ll call you as soon as I know anything.”
He hangs up, and I blow out a breath. “I do not want to stay here.”
“It’s your house,” Sharla points out and shrugs a shoulder. “You have the right to go.”
“But you might be in Chase’s way, especially if something nefarious is going on,” Ida adds, shaking her head.
“Nefarious?” I laugh, shaking my head. “I doubt it. I’m going to go check it out. I never agreed to stay here.”
“He’s going to be mad,” Ida whispers, but I grab my keys and bag and head out to the car.
There are three squad cars in front of my house when I pull up, and Chase’s eyes find mine when I jump out of my vehicle.
“I told you?—”
“It’s my house,” I remind him. “And I’m not in danger because you’re here. What’s going on?”
His mouth flattens in temper, and he looks away from me, shakes his head, and then props his hands on his hips.
“Chase? What the hell is going on?”
“Someone threw a rock through your living room window,” he says. “It shattered the glass.”
“What?” I move to walk to the house, but he stops me. “Chase, this is bullshit. Let me in there.”
“It’s a crime scene,” he says, holding me where I am on the sidewalk. “You can’t go in there, Summer, not until we investigate what happened.”
“Chase.” I stare up at him, feeling completely helpless as my hands start to shake. “Someone shattered my window. On purpose.”
“It’s definitely on purpose.”
I search his hazel eyes. “What aren’t you telling me?”
“There was a note attached to the rock.” He rubs his hand over his mouth. “Summer, I don’t think?—”
“What did it say?”
“Summer.”
“What did the fucking note say?”
He swears under his breath and shuffles his feet. “It just called you a fucking whore.”
I take a step backward and feel like someone kicked me in the stomach. “Like the spray paint on the house. What the hell did I do to someone to deserve this?”
“You didn’t do anything,” he rushes to assure me, but I shake my head.
“Obviously, I did. If someone is doing all of this, I must have hurt them in some way, or I did something?—”
“This isn’t your fault,” he assures me, taking my shoulders in his hands. “You didn’t ask for this, babe. Let me take care of this. I’ll handle it. If you don’t want to go back to work, grab Lily and go to my place, and I’ll meet you there later.”
I nod and take a long, shaky breath. “You go back to work. I think I will go back to the shop and keep my mind busy for a while.”
“I’m sorry, Summer.”
“Yeah, me, too.”
When I get back to my store, I fill the others in on what’s going on, and we spend at least an hour speculating on who could be behind this.
“It’s not random kids,” Ida says, shaking her head.
“I don’t know anyone who has any kind of a grudge against me,” I tell them, worrying my lower lip between my teeth.
“Except Evan,” Sharla reminds me. I had to tell them all what happened last week because they asked what happened at dinner. “He was mad, and maybe he’s the one doing it.”
“I ran into him literally minutes before my phone went off,” I remind her. “He can’t be in two places at once. Besides, he was headed in the opposite direction, toward the courthouse.”
“Yeah, and he’s not the type to throw rocks through windows,” Sharla concedes. “You’re right. I don’t know, but it’s scary. I’m glad you’re not staying there right now.”
“Me, too.” I don’t know what I’d do without Chase. “I think the adrenaline is wearing off. It made me sweat.”
“I’d be bawling my eyes out,” Sharla says.
“I think I’m getting used to it. Isn’t that horrible?”
“Yes, it is horrible,” Ida says sternly. “And I plan to ask Chase what he’s going to do about it. This has to stop.”
“He’s working on it,” I assure her.
“We need to talk.”It’s several hours later, and Chase has just walked through his front door. I brought Lily here not long ago and have been waiting for him to get home.
“Yeah, we do.” He kisses my forehead as he passes by to the kitchen and pulls a bottle of water out of the fridge, twists off the cap, and takes a long sip. “You go first.”
“I’m selling my house.”
That catches his attention. His eyes narrow on my face as he lowers the bottle.
“I have to, Chase. So much has happened that I just can’t go back to living there. I’ll buy something else or just rent somewhere for a while. If I need to, I can move in with Aunt Paula.”
“You’ll stay here,” he says immediately.
“I don’t want to put you out?—”
“You’ve been living with me for months,” he reminds me. “And if I have my way, you’ll move in and live here permanently.”
“Per—” I swallow hard and have to lower into the chair behind me. “Permanently?”
“Yes.” He frames my face in his hands. “You’ll stay here. It’s where you belong, Blondie. Here with me.”