Page 36 of 4 Weddings and a Feud

“It’s unfair to use my own words against me, you know,” she grumbled.

“Did you miss it when I said I was kidnapping you? There’s nothing fair about this. I’ll use every underhanded weapon in my arsenal to get you the rest you need.” His brown eyes sparkled with wicked intent.

Mary inhaled sharply, then let out a shuddering breath. She could imagine doing a lot of things with Alex. None of them involved rest.

“What should I pack?”

“Would you prefer mountains or beach?”

“I don’t know. I’ve never been to the beach.”

His mouth dropped open. “What? Never?”

“We weren’t much of a vacationing family. It’s hard when you run a small business.”

“That changes today. Pack a swimsuit.”

* * *

Alex’s three o’clock deadline didn’t leave her much time, but Mary stopped at the shop anyway.

“Hi, Evie,” she said as she walked in. Her new assistant had her back to the door as she pounded a nail into the wall with a little more force than necessary. “Is everything all right?”

Evie’s smile was strained. “All good. Just rearranging this display.” She hefted a huge framed photo of a happy bridal couple toasting each other in the back of a limousine.

Mary scurried to help lift one side. “Why didn’t you ask one of the boys to help you?”

“Doing it myself is easier than asking your grumpy brother to help.”

Mary knew exactly which brother was the grumpy one. He said even fewer words than usual to their newest employee. She stepped back to admire the picture. “Nice work. It really adds weight and atmosphere to the display. But next time, wait for me. Or ask Rafe to help.”

“He’s not here. Said he had something to take care of.”

That was weird. Dependable Rafe never took personal time or even sick days. But speaking of slacking Forzas…

“Will you be okay if I take a few days off? I’ll be back by Saturday morning, and our weekend person is scheduled to cover us Friday night.”

“Sure. Going somewhere fun?”

“I think so. You’ve got my number, right, in case anything comes up?”

“Of course.” She pointed at the laminated yellow sheet Mary had stuck to the desk. “But I’ll be fine. After working at La Villa, this gig is a piece of cake. And speaking of cake, I know I said I needed a break from the bridezillas, but I’d be happy to help with your planning business too. If you need anything.”

“Thank you.” Mary hadn’t yet figured out why Alex had fired Evie. She displayed a strong work ethic. Although she could be prickly at times, especially around Michael, she was professional and courteous even with the most challenging customers. “I’ll let you know if anything comes up.”

She stepped through the door to the shop, where Prince’s “I Wanna Be Your Lover” blasted through the speaker. When she turned down the volume, Michael stilled his polishing rag. He looked up, and when he saw it was her, relief broke across his face.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, stepping closer. “Do you need me?”

“No.” He resumed polishing Nick Cage. She knew for a fact they didn’t need the stretch SUV until Friday night. “Just glad it wasn’t Evie coming in to change something else. Did you see she fucked with your display?”

“She improved it, Michael. Not all change is bad, you know.”

He circled his rag faster.

“Will it be a problem if I don’t come in for a few days?” she asked.

“Nah. It’s not too busy this week. Low season for tourists. You working on wedding stuff?”

---