I stand there, not saying a word.
“Lexi Carmichael?” she says. “You’re going behind my daughter’s back with someone she’s known her entire life?” She gestures at me. “That’s low, even for someone like you.”
Of course, that would be her first conclusion. I scoff and get back on the bike, ready to go through the gate and get the hell away from her.
“I’m not done talking.”
“What?” I snap when I face her again.
“I’m going to tell Eden, and this thing between you and my daughter will be over.”
“Tell herwhat?” I ask. “What the hell do you think you saw?”
“You think I don’t know what it looks like when a man and a woman have been together? You and Lexi are more than residents of Shadow Cove. My guess is she was your little plaything before you slithered into my daughter’s life. Is this what you do? Go from woman to woman, and Eden happens to be next?”
If she were a man, I would knock their teeth out in one punch for daring to follow me and spew such bullshit. But she’s not a man, she’s the mother of the woman I love.
“Think logically, not emotionally.” I twist my neck until it cracks.
“And you’re sexist,” she throws in with a laugh. “Calling me emotional. Eden will hear about that, too.”
“Anything else? Are you going to tell her how you followed me?”
She flares her nostrils, but doesn’t reply.
I take my phone out of my pocket, dial Eden’s number, and press the speaker function.
“Hey, my king,” Eden says. She sounds playful, but her mother frowns. “I’m making you dinner again tonight.”
“You will get zero arguments from me.” Despite the angry, glaring woman a few feet from me, I smile into the phone. I’ve never had a woman cook for me before Eden, and I like it. “What are you making?”
Serena huffs and rolls her eyes.
“That’s a surprise, but I have to go. There’s a—”
“I have something to tell you.” She goes quiet, and I continue, “Lexi approached me in the parking lot after you left. She said a few obscene things and tried to touch me. I told her to leave me alone, but I’m telling you in case you hear about it, since everyone is so fucking nosy in this town.” I give her mother the side eye.
Eden remains silent until I hear her exhale.
“Lexi was just here,” Eden says. “She made a huge scene and accused me of stealing her man. Oscar called security to escort her out. It was so embarrassing for her.” She lets out a breath.
“I’m sorry, baby. I’ll dealwith—”
“Don’t deal with it. There’s nothing you can do, and she’ll have to get over it, but I wish you had kept it in your pants, Ripley.”
“You’re right. I should have. I’m sorry.” I do my best to sound contrite, but she’s right. I should have kept it in my pants, or at the very least, looked for companionship outside of this town.
“I have to go. I have a patient. I love you.”
“Me too.”
I press end. Serena is still glaring at me, but some of her fire is gone now.
“Go ahead. Call and tell your daughter something she already knows,” I challenge. “I’m sure she’ll love to hear it from the person trying to tear us apart. How far do you think that will get you?”
“Oh, don’t be so dramatic.” She waves her hands at me before she puts one of her braids behind her ear. “I’ll give you this round.”
I arch an eyebrow.This round? I guess she’s not going to give up.
