Page 44 of A Dash of You

This time he doesn’t stop the door from slamming in his face. I click on the security app on my phone and watch as he grips the hand railing with a heavy sigh.

I follow him on screen as he leaves for next door, and then I close the app, huffing out a tense breath.

A night once full of carefree freedom turned into a heated, lust filled argument with my ridiculous sexy neighbor.

I need a drink.

Fifteen

“Hello, Sora. Did Shelby send you on a supply run again?” Alvin, the owner of the town’s supermarket, smiles in greeting. His white beard moves like feathers on his face. He has a kind way about him and his tired lines hold stories from his youth. I bet he has a dozen grandchildren who play in his backyard. He radiates a warm, sweet grandpa.

“Morning, Alvin. And you know Mrs. Stevens. I’ve been trying to convince her to start a proper inventory list. But we know how stubborn she is.” I wave a hand in the air, heading for the baking aisle. I’d love to stop and chat with him, but I’m in too much of a rush.

Another busy day at the café but it's beginning to be too much for Shelby and her husband to handle, I’m afraid. She needs to change her ways of keeping inventory as well. We frequently run out of ingredients. I try to help the best I can, but sometimes it’s not enough, and I am becoming a daily customer at the supermarket. Thank God Alvin warmed up to me and I honestly think he looks forward to my drop ins. He said I remind him of his daughter. And he reminds me a bit of what my father would be like if he were still here.

Sugar and flour. That’s it. Grab them, check out, and get back to helping Shelby with the lunch hour.

As I browse through the baking goods, my mind drifts to Logan. Will he show up today for his usual, or have we pissed each other off too much? He hasn’t been to the café all week. Upsetting him about his father was one thing, and then the lake incident happened. The recollection of my bra hanging by hisfingers makes my face burn in embarrassment. The lace material was on full display. But I don’t have the mental capacity or time to worry about his childish games. Besides, he can’t avoid me forever.

I plop the last item into my basket, then round the corner, stopping when someone blocks my path. “I’m sorry…”

It’s Claire. The unfriendly bitch from the festival. The one who couldn’t keep her hands off Logan. Her long-kept waves hang over her shoulders and her makeup is picture perfect. She is stunning, if I’m being honest. But she is also the definition of a mean girl. Turning into someone like her was a fear of mine being in Jason’s world.

Her big eyes glare at me in hate.

“Excuse me,” I say quickly, trying to get the hell away. I go to step around her, but she mimics my move.

Ugh.

“So, you and Logan have been seeing each other a lot lately?” The snarky attitude drips from her, and she’s obviously jealous of me and him hanging out, if that’s what you call it. If only she knew that Logan kind of hated me, then she wouldn’t be so angry.

“He’s my neighbor and kind of hard to miss.” I eye the checkout counter noticing the line growing longer.

“He’d never be interested in a woman like you.”

Um.Wow.

My attention shoots back at her. “You don’t even know me.”

“I know your kind. You come out of nowhere sinking your claws into good men like Logan, and then you fuck him over. Just like his ex.”

All I can do is hold a blank stare as she verbally attacks me. Here I am holding flour, sugar, and a pack of gum, getting talked down to by a woman I do not even know. “Look. Claire, is it? I’m not sure what happened to Logan and his former partner, but Ican assure you, I’m not out to hurt him.” The unyielding in my tone should be enough to convince her to back off.

Claire knows nothing about my past. My former life. She shouldn’t be judging me just because I’m an outsider.

“Logan is one of the few good men left in this town. Just stay away from him.” Her voice holds a sadness in those words, and I almost feel bad for her.

Almost.

She spins, practically taking out Mrs. Clark, the jewelry store owner, then leaves. Mrs. Clark passes me a knowing smile and a wave before dipping into an aisle.

Can Logan fall for a woman like her?

I take a couple of seconds, letting the shock wear off before placing my things on the checkout belt.

“Pay no attention to that one.” Alvin gestures in the direction Claire left in. “She’s had a crush on our Logan forever.”

OurLogan. He must be beloved in Sunlight Creek.

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