Page 22 of Just Add Mistletoe

He moved one of his hands to his neck and rubbed the back of it. “It’s not that simple. I mean, it should be that simple, and I’ve told her in the most casual ways I can think of. I can’t be rude or hurt her feelings—directly, that is—because she has kind of a history.”

This caught Lori’s attention. Well, everything he was talking about had her full attention. “Like what?”

“She’s one of those women who goes a little bananas if she doesn’t get her way,” he said, his voice quieting as if someone might overhear. “She keyed one of her ex’s cars. She also destroyed the cell phone of another ex. But that’s not what I’m worried about—some minor property damage. I don’t want to mess up the dynamics of our company. At least not yet.”

“So you need her to like you, but not stalk you?”

Malcom laughed, some of the tension leaving him. “Something like that.”

Lori frowned though. “What do you mean—not yet.”

He rested both of his hands on the counter. “I’ve been thinking about breaking out of the company and doing my own thing. It’s been a great ride and everything, and I’m grateful for the chance to work with my brother.” His gaze fell. “There are some things though—red flags, maybe—and as soon as thiscondo project wraps up, I’m going to tell my brother that I’m setting out on my own.”

“Red flags? Like what?” Lori lifted a hand. “Never mind. I don’t mean to be so nosy.”

He gazed at her for a moment, as if battling over how much to say. “Mostly financial stuff. I haven’t gone so far as to request an audit though. When I look at the numbers, it all appears to be legit. But Bronson owns multiple homes. How does he pay for all of them? We’re on the same salary. Even with his wife helping out part-time, none of us are millionaires.”

Lori didn’t know how to answer, and she wouldn’t be able to understand the complications of his business. “Brandy is an accountant,” she said. “You know, if you want someone to look at the numbers off the record.”

Malcom’s brows shot up. “Do you think she’d do it? I mean, off the record?”

“Probably,” Lori said, although she wasn’t expecting him to jump all over her suggestion. “She thinks you’re pretty great. I mean, despite the fact that you haven’t proposed to me.”

His smile appeared. “It would be amazing if she agreed. I mean, I hope there’s nothing to find, but peace of mind would be nice.”

“I’m sure.” The store phone rang, but Lori sent it to voicemail.

“Do you need to get that?”

“No, I’ll call back if they leave a message.”

Malcom nodded. “So, about the gala. What do you think?”

“It’s tomorrow night?”

“Yeah, I’d pick you up around six, and then the thing will probably be a couple of hours.” He paused, his smile tentative, his eyes hopeful. “The food should be decent, if nothing else.”

She smiled, liking how he was acting all nervous again. “What’s the dress code?”

“Uh, black tie?”

“You sound uncertain.”

“We can go more casual if you want,” he said, shifting his stance. “I know this is last minute. If you have to buy something, I’ll pay.”

She stared at him. “You’d buy me a formal dress just to get Penny out of your hair?”

He gave her a sheepish look. “Yeah. I mean, how much do those formals cost?”

“There’s a wide range.” Lori laughed. “Don’t worry. I have something that will work. It’s black, simple, but floor length.”

“Sounds perfect to me,” Malcom said, relief evident in his voice. “And I wouldn’t expect any color other than black.”

Lori just smiled at him. She kind of liked his teasing.

He rested his elbows on the counter, leaning closer. “And the earrings? Will they be Halloween-themed?”

“Is it October?”

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