Page 40 of The Re-Proposal

My expression is carefully blank, but I disagree with that idea.

Moving closer to one of the kiosks, I run my hand down the frame. It’s made of wood. Unvarnished. Not that appealing.

Stepping back, I measure the width of it. A lemonade stand would have more room.

I turn in a slow circle and imagine sellers who barely know what they’re doing stuffed into these tiny, restrictive kiosks.

“Laura, can you tell me—”

My question is cut off by the bang of the front door.

A sharp voice rings out, “What areyoudoing here?”

Laura and I both turn.

Clarissa is standing in the doorway, looking like an angel with all that sunlight streaming behind her.

Sure, she looks more like the angel of death the way she’s stomping over to me with a stormy scowl, but she’s a heavenly being none-the-less.

Laura squeaks. “She’s angry. Did I do something wrong?”

“No,” I say simply. Clarissa’s furious at me, not Laura.

The young girl breaks out into a nervous grin. “Clarissa, this is Cody Bolton. Thevery rich,very interestedinvestor who wants to help our—”

“Laura, I got a call from the printers,” Ris growls, not tearing her eyes off me. “The flyers we ordered are ready. Can you go and collect them?”

“But…”

“Now.”

“Fine.” Laura sighs. “It was nice to meet you, Mr. Bolton.”

“Call me Cody.”

Her cheeks blush pink.

I meet Clarissa’s gaze and find her glaring at me.

Holy crap. A woman hasnoright to look so utterly divine with her nostrils flaring that wide.

“How’s your ankle?”

Ris’s angry brown eyes jerk to mine. “What are you doing here, Cody?”

“Business.”

“Business?”

“Mixed with pleasure.” The word rolls off my tongue with a darker connotation than necessary.

She stiffens. “I made myself clear yesterday.”

“And I did the same.” I take a step forward. “Backing off isn’t a part of my plan, Ris.”

Her eyes narrow. “It all has to go according to your perfect plan, doesn’t it?”

Her words are too harsh. Her eyes are on fire. Crackling at the edges. Hot enough to burn my skin.

---