“Anyway, Mr. Carlisle’s flowers aren’t a new thing. I said anything interesting.”
“Mr. Stephens still isn’t open.”
She grins wickedly. “Wonder if he left town. Maybe we’ll still get a shot at taking over that space.”
“I don’t think so, ladies.”
My head whips around, my mouth falling open. My fingers clench so hard around the cups that I almost crush them.
I’d know those dark brown eyes anywhere. Every Stephens man has them.
Growling, I set my drinks down and slap my hands on my hips. “Excuse me. Do you often go around butting into people’s private conversations?”
“Depends on if they’re having their private conversations in public or not! Also, depends on if they’re talking about my family like they know the first damn thing about anything!”
His deep brown eyes narrow and his firm lips tighten into a straight line. My belly tightens and there’s a curl of desire unfurling inside me that makes me clench my jaw and shove all of that shit down.
Stephens men aren’t the kind of men you get involved with. Especially if your last name is Murphy.
“Where’s your dad?”
He huffs and leans on the counter, his big body taking up all the available space like it’s nothing. He’s huge. Intimidatingly sexy too.
Get your shit together, woman! This man is the enemy!
“Not that it’s any of your business since I just heard you wishing ill will on him, but he’s in the hospital.” There’s an edge to his dark voice that has me wincing in sympathy.
“We shouldn’t have said that. We didn’t mean any ill will on your dad. Mr. Stephens is a really nice man.”
His dark brow quirks and he grunts. “Unlike me, right?”
My lips curl in a sneer. “You said it not me.”
“Yeah, well, he’s in the hospital so I’m taking over the business for him until he gets out.”
My back straightens and my eyes widen. “You must be joking.”
“I’m not even. You’ll find that I have very little sense of humor when it comes to business.”
Rolling my eyes, I grunt. “I can believe that.”
“Anyway,” he smirks and grabs the untouched cup of coffee. He sips it boldly and my mouth drops open again.
“That was mine.”
“Oh. I thought it was open season since there are only two of you and three drinks.”
“Wow. You Stephens men don’t mind taking things that don’t belong to you, don’t you?”
“And you Murphy women love to stir up trouble over every little damn thing.”
Snorting, I whip around and head to the back fridge. “I’ve got stuff to do. Enjoy your coffee.”
He grunts but he doesn’t try and stop me and after another quick sip he heads over to the door and then out to go to the other side.
Like an idiot, I keep glancing over where the glass wall shows the grumpy man opening the shop, his little quirked smile tripping my stupid heart up.
CHAPTER 2
