Page 41 of Conquered Obstacles

Oh, he did have a death wish or at least a desire for a beating.

If this was some sort of way to get my attention, he had it.

I ducked into the back making it so no one saw me and came back down a few minutes later dressed to impress. I told Tori I was stepping out and would be back before getting right back in my SUV and driving over to the hotel. I used the option to valet and only then realized I was acting like a jealous lover… To a man I wasn’t involved with anymore.

What the hell was I doing?

I was about to call it off and wait for the valet so I could get my vehicle back, but then Renee sent me the social media profile of the woman.

And she owned a lingerie company.

Seriously?

Seriously?

I was going to put Colton in the ground.

I went inside before sanity returned to me and then entered the restaurant since I’d been there before. I instantly found him sitting at a table for four but not across from her. That irked me for some reason like they had to be closer even and next to each other like that.

“Do you have a res—” the hostess went to ask me.

“No need, love,” I muttered, using my power to make her want to ignore me. I strutted right in like I owned the place. He must have felt someone using magic because he glanced up as I flicked my long black hair over my shoulder like it was planned or perfectly timed somehow.

And he choked on his drink.

Bastard. Yeah, he better realize he was in trouble.

I slapped on my fakest smile as I stopped at his table. “Oh, Colton, I had no idea you had a date here tonight.” I nodded to the woman, not about to blame her for his bad behavior.

“Not a date,” he coughed, thumping his chest. “Business.”

“Not a date,” the woman confirmed, glancing at her phone. “And business that’s about to fall through.” She let out a slow breath and smiled at me. “Why do men stupidly think being late to things flexes muscles or makes them seem superior when all it shows is their lack of time management and pettiness?”

“They have small penises and inferiority complexes, love,” I chuckled darkly. “And they’re men I don’t do business with.”

“Well said,” she agreed, giving me a once-over. “I adore that dress. Apparently, Colton lost his manners.” She extended her hand to me.

“Still choking,” he coughed.

I could introduce myself and offered her my hand as well. “Arabella—”

Her eyes flashed shock. “Baker. I thought you looked familiar. You are even more lovely in person.”

“She always is,” Colton praised. “I’m sorry, I was shocked to see you here and looking so stunning, Arabella. I couldn’t think of why when you’d be so busy with Easter orders.”

Oh shit. Oh shit! Now I had nothing to say or a reason for my rash jealousy. I gave the woman a chance to tell me her name like I didn’t know it and waited a beat before I caught on to who she was. “I love your designs. I have several of your pieces. They hold up well if you follow the care instructions.”

“I love to hear that,” she accepted, releasing my hand after we shook. “If you have a moment, please join us. I would love to talk a possible collaboration, and I won’t pass on this opportunity when stupid men are playing stupid games.”

“I’m not sure what collaboration you could want with a bakery,” I hedged, even as Colton jumped to his feet and pulled the other chair next to him out for me. “And yes, I can take the time. I was going to speak with the head chef about a few things and our deal.”

“Dressed like that?” she chuckled. “He’s a lucky man.”

“He is,” Colton agreed, jealousy flashing in his eyes as I sat.

“No, not for him,” I said firmly, not wanting to start trouble when apparently he hadn’t been misbehaving. “I’m jumping around today.” I hurried on before either of them could inquire more. “I’m still missing the possible collaboration.”

“The right marketing can make anything able to be a collaboration and cross-promotion,” she told me. “I was thinking maybe some of your dessert names could be colors for bra and panty sets. Or some cute camis and shorts with your logo because women who wear them are the dessert.”

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