Page 26 of Sweet Dreams
“Dimples, I wouldn’t classify grilled cheese sandwiches as cooking. I think you’re safe there.”
She turns to me and grins. “How about my place tomorrow? I’ll cook. It’s not like we have work or anything.”
I clutch my chest. “Is this your way of trying to score a date with me? Slow down there, sweet cheeks. This is uncharted territory for me. I'm at a loss for words.”
Her laughterrang out. “Shut up, you ass. I asked you out for dinner, not marriage.”
“I mean, Mrs. Blackwell does have a nice ring to it.”
She's just standing there with her eyes wide open. I can see her throat moving as she searches for the right words to say. I could put her out of her misery, but this is too entertaining. I won’t lie; it sounds good, but marriage isn’t in my books and never will be. I won’t allow another person into my life like that.
“You won’t be able to handle me as a wife, Silas.”
“I’m beginning to think I can’t handle you any day of the week, Teagan.”
She walks toward me and pats me on the cheek. “Good. I’m going to head out. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I snatch her wrist, pulling her closer. My gaze lingers on her lips; no matter how much I want to taste them, I can’t. That’s taking things to the next level, and I won’t go there. I have to leave my heart out of it; that thing is only a nuisance. I can’t let my feelings take over.
“Let me walk you.” I force out, jaw tightening with more to say, but I don’t.
She doesn’t move; she places her hand over mine. “If you don’t mind, that would be great. You can hold me back in case Nancy is there.”
“Igot you, my little psycho.” I stand, pushing her backward. “But please, if you plan on killing anyone, let me know ahead of time so I can establish an alibi.” I can't help but keep my gaze locked on hers, noticing how the corners of her eyes crease with joy when she smiles and her dimples pop out.
“Understood. No stabbing until we have a plan. But no promises. I can’t control what comes out of my mouth.”
“Good, I like you unpredictable.”
The walk back to her shop is quiet. I can’t find anything to say that won’t land me in hot water. All my lies are piling up, and one of them is bound to slip, eventually. Once Leroy comes to town, my cover is blown; there is no coming back from that. He’ll want to know everything about my life here and those that are in it. I was surprised Leroy didn’t ask a million questions about why I needed him for Nancy. He probably wants to see me try to answer his question in person. He knows I’ll avoid him if I don’t like certain ones.
“Oh, we should do the corn maze. It ends next month, and I never have a friend to go with.”
Friend, I was somewhat worried about that word, but I'm relieved she brought it up. It's like a safety net that I didn't have to create for myself,and hopefully, when I inevitably hurt her, it won't sting as much.
“That sounds good, but let's wait until October. Spooky month and mazes work hand in hand.”
“Deal.”
Let’s hope I’m still aroundby then.
This isn’t how I left the shop a few hours ago. The floor has been torn up, bookshelves pushed to the back of the shop, and the rental room is nothing but a shell. Surprisingly, the windows and doors are still intact. What was the purpose of this? We were doing amazing earlier. I look around, and then I see it. The devil woman's paper is sitting next to a tool belt. That fucking cunt. I should’ve known this had her handy work written all over it.
I rip the paper off the floor, reading Nancy’s words of shit wisdom. She shut us down until I get the permit. Surprise, surprise. Why couldn’t there be alawyer in the family? Because I need one. This is bullshit, she can’t keep ruining my business.
“John, you and the boys might as well head home. We are officially shut down.”
“I tried everything to hold her off, but she threatened to shut my company down. I’m sorry, Teagan.”
“No. I would do the same thing. I’ll try to resolve this without violence.”
John chuckles. “I have bail money if you need it. I’m also a phone call away if you need that too.” He whistles to his crew and twirls his finger in the air. I'm mesmerized as they pack up effortlessly, moving in perfect harmony like synchronized swimmers.
I almost wish Silas had stayed, but I thought I wouldn’t need him here since construction was ongoing. This is a disaster. But I can’t always rely on him to be here for me. Him taking me to his house earlier was too much and something I’d never expected from him.
After locking the shop, I march toward city hall and will make sure she hears from me daily until she understands I’m not backing down. The city is at fault for the damage, and I refuse to obtain a permit for their error. It’s complete horseshit that my insurance is suffering because of it. I guarantee she’s the reason why I had to go through insurance in the firstplace.
City Hall sits right in the heart of Holden, surrounded by gorgeous oak trees that have been around since the beginning of the town. The brick building also serves as the courthouse, pulling double duty. The spacious grassy area out front is perfect for enjoying picnics in the summer months; it’s what lies behind the walls that I hate. Nancy Montgomery.