Page 68 of Made for You

“Is that one of Esther’s breakfast sandwiches?” I ask, my mouth already watering.

“Of course, made on one of Vi’s croissant rolls.” He grins, knowing my favorite.

“I could kiss you right now. I’m starving.” I snatch the bag out of his hand and dig into it to find my breakfast.

“Whoa now, let’s not get crazy there resident grump.” He laughs.

My brothers find my town reputation hilarious. I however do not.

I scowl at him. “What kind of coffee did you bring me?”

“Black. Like your heart.” He hands over the steaming hot to go cup.

“Just how I like it, asshole.”

“So. Tell me how things are going with the douchebag Vi has been hanging with.”

“Ugh. Things went to shit. I overheard him on a phone call and I need to tell Emma everything this morning. So I guess you’ll have to wait. But basically she called me a liar and kicked me out of my own inn.” I take a large bite of the sandwich, trying to hide my feelings from my brother.

“Ouch man. That hurts. Do I really have to wait for—”

“Yes, you do really have to wait for me. Don’t try to get him to tell you shit before me. We’re best friends, not you.” Emma glares at Cooper, “Where is my food?”

He hands her a bag and a coffee. No matter how cold it is outside, I don’t think I’ve ever seen my sister drink a hot coffee, it’s always iced.

“Mmm, love you Coop. This redeems you.” She takes a sip of the coffee and sighs in happiness.

“Okay, what were you about to tell Coop without me here? Were you going to tell him that Alexander is here to steal the inn and he’s shady as shit and Violet doesn’t believe you, or him.”

I stare at her. “I mean, yeah. Basically. How do you know?”

“Please. You think girls don’t talk? She came to me first thing yesterday and we ran recon all day. She asked him about it. He said he was here buying a farm, but I reached out to Mr. Peterson who asked around and found out that not one of the farmers in our area have been contacted. I also found his LinkedIn account and, get this, the company he works for has a reputation of being shady as hell and in dealings with local politicians. Which Violet’s stepfather is.”

Cooper’s head is bouncing between Emma and my shocked face. I’m fucking right. I can’t believe that Emma is about to vindicate me with Violet.

“Did you tell Violet all this?” Cooper chimes in.

“Of course not, I came to Liam first. I mean this jackass is trying to steal the inn out from under us. Can he do that if the mortgage balance has been handled? Should we call Gunnar and make sure?” she asks.

“That wouldn’t hurt. And call the bank to make sure we’re settled.” Fuck, I’ll be pissed if they’re able to come in and steal the inn from us without any warning.

A phone ringing comes from Cooper’s phone.

“Are you calling G? Do you know how early it is for him?” I remind him.

“G was military.” He shrugs like that means everyone who once was military is up before the sun. Except G owns a bar that operates until two in the morning.

“What the fuck could you possibly want before ten in the morning?” Gunnar answers, clearly still sleeping.

“I told you,” I whisper to Cooper.

“Listen, some city douchebag is here trying to steal the inn. Were you able to call the bank and make the payment?”

“What the hell? Who is trying to take the inn? Can they do that?” Gunnar asks, just as shocked by the statement.

“I mean if you made the payment, I don’t think so,” Emma answers.

“I paid all of it the other day through a wire transfer. I have the confirmation number too. Let me know.”

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