Page 24 of Accidentally in Bloom

“Oh, like you know anything I went through?” Rose took a step closer to him, nearly laughing with frustration. “Did he tell you how I raised Vi and Lily? I was nine years old when my mom overdosed.”

Gray flinched. Frank had never talked about the specifics of his wife’s addiction.

“My mom had been in the bathroom for a long time.” Rose weighed her words carefully. “And after I found her and called 9-1-1, I had to hold Violet and Lily back as they cried, shielding their eyes. No one was there to shield me.” She shrugged at Gray. “That’s all. So, when you tell me that your best friend was this amazing guy, just remember that. He chose an addict over me, and I never forgave him for it.”

Her stare burned a hole into him.

Gray’s heart thudded in his chest. Did she know that he was sober? That he’d been addicted once, too? Did he need to tell her?

No. He didn’t know all her shit, so she didn’t need to know his. “I didn’t know the specifics. And I’m really sorry that happened to you. That’s fucking heartbreaking. I…”

He knew what it was like to watch someone overdose. He couldn’t imagine seeing something like that as a kid.

They just had to figure out what to do with the estate, and then he’d be rid of her. He wiped a hand over his face. “But let’s just leave it at Frank was my friend, and I want to do what’s best for him. For you all.”

She stood straighter, any shred of emotion leaving her face. “I am willing to let the land go for fifty thousand dollars, which, as you know, is a steal in this market.”

Gray’s eyebrows leaped off his face. “Fifty thousand? As in four zeros?” He burst out laughing. “Princess, you’ve gotta be kidding me. It’s not worth half that.”

“That’s not what FX Enterprises said.” A cat-like smile played on her lips.

Fury ran down his spine at hearing the name of his largest corporate competitor. “You talked to that conglomerate?” He spat the last word with venom. “The people polluting this county and causing cancer rates to skyrocket? Of course, you would.”

He stepped closer to her as he railed. “They don’t give a shit about this town like I know you don’t.” He stood nose-to-nose with her now, and they both stared furiously at one another.

He was so damn mad, and it made him furious that he couldn’t stop imagining kissing her full lips, inches away from his.

He wanted to take her porcelain face in his hands and muss her up. Wanted to run his hands up and down every curve as she glowered up at him. What would she taste like? Probably tart and sweet. He ran his tongue along his bottom lip, trying to think about anything other than taking her mouth.

Chapter

Seven

GRAY

Gray almost couldn’t look at her; she was so radiant when she was angry. Her eyes crackled with energy. He needed to step away before he caved and gave her whatever she wanted.

His eyes searched hers, and she inhaled a fraction of an inch but turned away suddenly. Rose took a few steps away and gazed out across the fields.

“I care,” she said quietly. “It’s been a long time since I’ve lived here, but I care. My sister lives here. I have to take care of her, Gray.”

She uncrossed her arms and walked back to him. He could see part of her defenses falling. “I’m sorry you got caught in the middle. I just need to take care of her. Of both of them.”

She glanced up at him, this time calm and contrite.

Gray finally saw her—the real Rose. Tough, no-nonsense, but a good big sister. And that had to count for something.

His anger drained away as he considered her. There were dark rings under her eyes she’d tried to hide with makeup. Her clothes were loose, like she hadn’t eaten much in the last few weeks. She’d lost her father and gained a lot of problems in return.

His eyes softened. Maybe ease up on her. Everyone deserves a second chance, right?

Thoughts of what he’d do in a different lifetime ran through his head in a flash. He’d pull her in for a hug, make a joke, ask her to dinner.

But it was too late for that.

“Frank was the best, but he was a dreamer. I can see where he’d make decisions not caring about the money. He wanted to make sure everyone else was happy.” He held her eyes for a moment.

Gray shifted and gestured to the greenhouse behind them. “C’mon, let’s do a walkthrough while we’re here.”

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