Page 51 of Undone, Love Times Three

My smile conveys the knowledge of what we did, and he lets out another small chuckle. Daniel runs the palm of his hand across his jaw, hiding that smile.

“I’ve seen the campaign you have going.”

The abrupt change to the silent signals has my brows creasing.

“That was genius.”

His praise shouldn’t make me feel the way it does. I don’t need the kudos from anyone for what I started three days ago. I’d hoped it would work, I never expected it to snowball the way it did. To have so many people reach out to support the bar. Sweeping my hair back I rest a hip against the back of the bar. Daniel runs his tongue across his top teeth.

Damn him. Just when I think I’m getting my cool back.

“Did it work? I saw a lot of the comments but is it enough?”

“Our lawyer is vetting everyone who came forward, verifying they were here. It’s a long process.”

His brows lift. I never said anything about the lawsuit, just that we’re getting some trouble. Internet sleuths found his name, not me. I will never stop fighting for this bar. It was a risk and right now it’s paying off.

The lawyers said it was not the best idea, but they are family friends, doing what they can to keep our side of things above the law.

“Hey,” Daniel reaches out his hand and touches my elbow. I jolt at the contact, but he doesn’t let go. His fingers stoke my skin in a soothing way. “You did the right thing.”

I know I did. Doesn’t mean I don’t regret having to take that route. I’ve not let anyone else see that. Only him. Showing vulnerability isn’t something I do often.

Shaking off the uncertainty I give him a decisive nod. “We’re not out of the woods yet.”

“I have a feeling you will be soon.”

“Do you know something?”

“No. I just see a strong defensive strategy he can’t fight against. Even with all of his expensive lawyers behind him,” he says it so confidently, I want to believe him. “Your passion for this place shines through, Blue. You didn’t give up. You kept the integrity of your family’s pledge. That’s worth more than any money.”

His eyes move to the poster on the wall, citing our beer will only ever be sold here.

“I’m thinking about counter-suing.”

He throws his head back and laughs. I’m offended, for a split second. Of course I’m not counter-suing. I just want this whole thing to go away. I’m hopeful it works.

Leaning my elbows on the bar I lower towards him. “Do you think he’ll keep fighting?” I ask in a moment of vulnerability. Faulkner is from his world, not mine. I’ll never think like someone of his stature. “The whole situation is like David and Goliath. I’m not sure how long I can fight the giant.”

“I don’t know him that well,” Daniel says, the flirty tone gone from his voice. He’s dead serious now. “The last time I saw him, he was punching me in the face,” he says dryly. He’s still pissed about that, and it makes me smile. “Blue, do you remember what happened to Goliath.”

“David kicked his ass.”

“Adele!”

The shout from behind reminds me I have a job to do, not stand here showing a side of myself to this man that I never do.Hearing the steadfast way he believes I can beat this, bolsters me.

“You better get back to work,” Daniel says.

“Yeah,” I reply reluctantly. “Is your family waiting for you?”

“No, they left. It was getting a little rowdy for the twins,” he says.

“They’re cute.”

“Runs in the family,” he winks.

“Cute is not how I would describe you.”

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