Page 74 of Crushes and Confections

“Yes. Terms are that you cannot contact him or ever continue a relationship with him,” she started, trying to continue outlining terms that meant nothing to me.

“You need to find a therapist, lady. There is no way in hell I would ever consider something so vile. I love your son. And I’m a successful business owner… I don’t need your bribe.”

She scoffed. “Successful? Here? This town couldn’t possibly provide an income even close to this offer.”

“You’re right,” I said. “It won’t. But with four incomes, I think our pack will get by just fine. And let me be abundantly clear, I’m prepared to bond myself to your son. I love all of them, and I am sad for you that you’ll never know the wonderful man he’s grown to be.”

“Move away from her car.”

Boone’s voice was deep and rumbling, a clear warning. I hadn’t even realized he had seen her, but the hardware store was only a few stores down. He gently shifted me behind him, so I was safe before addressing her again.

“You are not welcome here and she asked you to move. Unless I need to call the sheriff about you holding this woman against her will, I suggest you move along.”

“Did you just threaten me?” she gasped. I rolled my eyes at her attempted theatrics. Boone didn’t buy it for a second either, letting out a dark, humorless laugh.

“One.” He pulled out his phone. She crossed her arms in challenge before he continued. “Two.” This time he pulled up the contact, showing her Hunter’s picture on the name so she had no doubts on who he was calling.

“Fine,” she bit out, stomping away like a petulant child. I was positive her husband would be getting an earful about her treatment but I didn’t care. Both of them were entitled, terrible people.

“Are you alright?” Boone asked. The concern in his voice was sweet, but I was fine, and I just needed to be home with my pack.

“I’m good, I’m heading back to Adrien and Vance’s now,” I promised.

“I’ll give them a call,” he said, still eyeing me with more than a little skepticism. He watched me pull away, phone to his ear and speaking. I knew I’d be getting the third degree the moment I walked inside.

Adrien was waiting by the driveway when I pulled in. He pulled me into a hug and I melted into the embrace. I hadn’t realized how shaken the encounter had left me.

“Claire?”

“I’m alright. Help me carry this in?” He didn’t argue, but it was clear he didn’t believe me, either. I left the boxes for later and gave him the few bags from the grocery store before grabbing the movie and my purse.

Vance was waiting by the door and gave me the same greeting his husband did. Even Riley, who was standing next to him, looked concerned.

“Guys, I”m alright. It wasn’t a long confrontation, and Boone was there to save me,” I promised.

“What happened?” Adrien questioned.

“She approached my car as I was buying stuff for us tonight and basically propositioned me and was really pushy about it,” I rushed out, the adrenaline finally leaving my body. “I told her in no uncertain terms to shove it and that I love you all and I can’t wait to bond with you. She knows we’re becoming a pack.”

Adrien and Vance’s smiles spread across their faces. It took me a second to realize I had just blurted out that I loved them. So maybe I wasn’t crushing the whole romantic thing, but the look on their faces was entirely worth it. Even Riley was happy, though he’d gotten the ‘I love you’ a whole lot sooner, but we had a history.

“I love you too, Peach,” Vance whispered before he kissed me thoroughly. Adrien was there the moment Vance let me take a breath, sweeping me into his arms.

“I love you. You’ve made our lives so much brighter.”

The moment was so charged that I knew if I didn’t break the sexual tension we’d never get out of the foyer.

“Is now a terrible time to tell you that they tried to pay me two million dollars to never see you again?”

The silence that followed was deafening. Three sets of eyes were wide and mouths agape.

“I turned it down,” I said quickly.

“Obviously,” Riley rolled his eyes. “Man, that woman has more audacity than the entire cast of Real Housewives. Now what did you bring?”

“Movie night. Let’s get it started,” I sang out, holding up the movie for them to see. Riley and Vance let out an excited whoop, already comparing rumors and the cast.

Adrien was more reserved, helping me plate up the snacks. Before I could walk away, he gave me a tight hug.

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