“Do you want me to go in with you?” Enzo asked.
While I wasn’t normally in the habit of keeping security with me for every jaunt out to a store or the office, tonight I’d tasked Enzo to pay close attention to the comings and goings of customers. Especially at the gun shop. In my mind it was brazen for them to openly threaten the Don of the most powerful crime syndicate in the Southern United States.
Also, the timing was far too coincidental.
“No need.”
He chuckled. “I know you too well, boss. You simply want some time alone with her.”
I glanced at my watch, pressing the button so the dial was lit up. It was fifteen minutes before closing time. “This is just about having a conversation.”
“Whatever you say, boss. I’ll cruise the perimeter. Call if you need anything.”
If I needed the man’s help for what I was about to do, something was very wrong. Chuckling, I waited until he moved away before heading toward the shop. She’d made the outdoor space inviting with three small tables and flowerpots in strategic locations to try to hide the ugly parking lot.
I was fifteen feet away when the aroma grabbed my attention. My God. Was I smelling chocolate chip cookies? My favorite. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d had one.
She was behind the counter, chatting with a customer, her arm motions melodramatic as if explaining how to build a watch instead of talking about her coffee brewing capabilities. Which she was passionate about.
In a crimson top, with her hair in a ponytail like I’d seen before, she was absolutely adorable. Especially given she was wearing an apron. And what happened to be the character behind the lettering of her shop? A golden retriever mix. Just like Indiana Jones.
This woman was almost too good to be true, as if all her cuteness had hidden a darker side. My balls tightened once again at the thought. Maybe I could peel away all her complex layers, exposing her own sadistic needs. Or hopefully masochistic ones. I would be the dominating one.
As soon as I walked in, her gaze flicked toward me. I don’t know what I expected, but the fire in her eyes had nothing to do with remembrance of the passion we’d shared. She was genuinely angry if not disgusted I’d bothered to stop by.
And she’d invited me.
Fascinating.
I waited in line while she continued to chat with the young man, watching her every move. She was suddenly self-conscious from my appearance, her actions stiff. That likely meant she’d learned who I was. Clever girl. While there were plenty of glowing articles on me and the family, there were enough to keep nightmares filling the darkness for months if not years.
Getting to know her any better was going to prove a significant challenge.
But I was up for the task.
“Thanks for coming in, Jack. I appreciate it. Say hello to your lovely wife for me. I can’t wait to see the adorable little boy when he finally makes his appearance.”
Jack lifted his cup. “I will. Thanks for the muffins. She has cravings at all hours of the day and night.”
Josette sighed, watching him a little too closely and with a flush of emotions as he walked out the door. She didn’t acknowledge me, instead moving further away. I noticed her phone was close, her fingers drumming on the screen. Was she thinking about calling the police?
Seriously?
I was more amused than anything.
When I stepped up to the counter, she took her time pretending as if she didn’t see me, even though she’d tossed her head over her shoulder. “We’re about to close.” As if to emphasize the time, she jerked off her apron, tossing it aside, the move highlighting her displeasure with my sudden appearance.
Her words were clipped, not quite angry but close enough. “I’m aware, which is why I’m here.”
She half laughed. In her nervousness, she blew hair from her face out of exasperation. Now her eyes were darting toward the front door.
“You’re frightened of me.”
“I’m not frightened of anything, especially someone like you.”
O-kay. This wasn’t going to be easy.
“Then how about a cup of that special hazelnut brew?”
