Page 102 of Headed for Home

“Nobody, bunny. Just ignore him.”

“Shhh,” Charlie whispers to his sister. “He’s a stranger.”

“Don’t you remember me? I’m Alan from Sutherland Homes.” His toothy smile raises the hair on the back of my neck.

An ache blooms in my jaw as I clench down. “Move.”

Alan crouches on the floor, putting himself level with the twins. I widen my stance to block them from his view. His chuckle lacks any trace of humor as he rises to his full height.

“Just wanted to say hello.”

“How dare you corner me while I’m out with my children.” It’s a challenge to keep my voice even.

Especially when his eyes flash. “Would you prefer I speak to you in private?”

Bile climbs up my throat and I gag. “This is a new low, even for you. I’m going to call the police.”

“There’s no need for that. This is a polite conversation.” Alan holds out his palms as if that will placate me.

“I strongly disagree. Get out of my way.” I grip onto the cart until my knuckles bleed white.

He taps on the metal buggy acting as a barrier between us. “Just a quick message.”

“Spit it out.” A tremor rolls through me when his friendly mask slips into a sneer.

“Your rich boyfriend is ignoring our calls and texts. We don’t appreciate that. What you’re going to is—”

“Not listen to a word you say,” I snap.

His glare turns mean. “Don’t interrupt me.”

“You started it, but I’ll end it.” I grab onto the twins and prepare to crush Alan like the pest he is.

His manic laughter freezes me on the spot. “Ah, Ms. Brooks. I’m going to thoroughly enjoy leveling that precious farm ofyours.” He slaps his palms together to mimic the destruction. “Such a shame we couldn’t reach an understanding.”

I square my shoulders, staring Alan down as if intense eye contact will send him running. “Stay away from me and my family. If I ever see you again, I’m getting a restraining order.”

He snorts. “On what grounds?”

My focus doesn’t waver. “This is harassment. I should’ve reported you months ago, but that’s no longer necessary. It’s obvious your business is in trouble. You’re pathetic and karma is a bitch.”

The cart screeches as I swerve around his threatening leer. I pay and shove us out of that store like we’re being hunted. Might as well be. That sense of being followed sears into my back. Kenzie and Charlie exchange a glance, worry creasing their foreheads. My fingers tremble while I get them situated in the backseat.

I’m shaking as I drive to the game. It’s too quiet, allowing the altercation with Alan to repeat on a loop. Heat burns my eyes and I fight the urge to scream. I need to stay strong for the kids and prove bullies don’t win. Those bastards deserve to go bankrupt.

“Mommy’s mad,” my little girl murmurs.

Leather creaks in my unforgiving grip. “I’m fine, moo-boo.”

“Bleh,” Charlie scoffs. “That’s for babies.”

I should’ve known twice was pushing it. My bottom lip trembles. “Right. I forgot. Can I still call you monkey moo?”

He must hear the hitch in my voice. “Why are you sad?”

“I’m not.” But there’s no disguising the warble in my reply.

Kenzie gasps. “You can say moo-boo. Don’t cry, m’kay?”

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