“Leave,” I spit out. “No one wants you here. You don’t want Poppy. I don’t want you, so why are you fighting?”
“Because I want what I’m owed. Your father promised me his company, and I’ll do whatever it takes to get it. Even if it means feigning interest in a marriage with you.”
“Unbelievable.”
I can’t believe I was married to someone like this. That I tried to make it work. It’s clear now, staring back at this man with the slicked back hair and conniving in his eyes that he never loved me. All he wanted was the glory that came with being part of the King family.
Paul closes the gap between us, leaning close to whisper in my ear. “You know I have the money to fight this, Presley. Do the smart thing and give me the company. It’s in your best interest. Then I’ll walk away. Divorce papers signed and you’ll never hear from me again.”
He’s gone in a burst of overpowering cologne that I wish I never had to smell again. Fury radiates through every part of me.
“I hate him,” I whisper.
“Deep breaths.” Kade presses a kiss to the crown of my head. “He won’t get Poppy.”
“He never loved her. Never loved me. I can’t believe I was married to him. Or that he still wants to stay married to me.”
“Hey.” Kade spins me toward him. “He’s a dick. But don’t let him get into your head. Let the lawyers figure it out.”
“I only wish they’d hurry up because I want to be done with him.”
“Is it because there’s someone else you’d rather be with?” Kade waggles his brows at me.
With the sun beating down on my back and Kade’s warmth on my front, it’s hard to hold on to that anger. At least for right now.
“I mean, there’s this guy I kind of like.”
“He kind of likes you too.” He sneaks a kiss before taking my hand in his. He doesn’t let go as we draw eyes from everyone in town as we find Poppy sitting with Serena.
“Mom. Look what I’m getting.” Poppy’s eyes light up as she holds up a gold necklace.
“It’s for good luck,” Serena says. I’ll give her credit—she knows how to talk to her customers. Even the young ones. “If there’s something you’re wishing for, this would be a good one to have.”
“How much is it?” Poppy asks.
Serena eyes her. “For you, Poppy? Ten dollars.”
Opening her pink wallet, Poppy counts the bills in her bag before pulling out the right one.
“Thank you.”
“Do you want to wear it, or do you want me to wrap it up for you?”
“Can I wear it, please?”
“Yes, Miss Poppy.” Her eyes dart to mine then to Kade’s. “Hi Kade. I knew I’d be seeing you back here.”
“It’s nice to see you, Serena.”
Kade is polite to her.
“I’m sure everyone is glad to have you back in town.”
Serena cuts off the price tag on the necklace and helps secure it around Poppy’s neck.
“Thanks, Serena,” I say. “It was nice to see you.”
“I’ll see you next week at the diner.”
