Page 41 of Accidentally in Bloom

“Bloom, Rose speaking.”

Silence hit the line, and the hair raised on Rose’s neck.

“Put Violet Parker on the line now.” A raspy voice growled from the phone.

Rose’s heart thudded against her chest. “Who is this?”

“None of your fuckin’ business.” The oily voice sent chills down Rose’s spine. “Violet owes money, and I intend to get it. She’s a criminal. I could have her thrown in jail, ya know.” A hacking cough cut him off from adding anything else.

Rose used her most authoritative, yes-I-am-in-fact-a-bitch-so-deal-with-it voice. “I don’t know who you think you’re talking to, but we’re done.”

“I don’t make the rules lady, the IRS does. And when they get pissed, they hire me to make you pay. You know I could be in the shop right now, ready to take over. Would love to see that tight skirt up close and personal.”

The line went dead as Rose whipped her head to the window. No one was there.

Rose’s heart felt like it leapt out of her chest and landed somewhere on the floor. She laid the phone down on the cool marble counter with shaking hands.

How stupid. It was only an empty threat. But her eyes darted to the loft above the store and up the darkened staircase to the third floor. There was a winding basement below her, too.

Fuck. If somebody wanted to hide here, they could, and she’d never be the wiser. She thought about the dark parking lot outside the back door. Why hadn’t she fixed the broken light bulb out there? The town square was lit with fairy lights and gave the illusion of safety, but no one was out now. It was past ten; everyone was safely in bed in Fairwick Falls.

I just need to think straight, not be intimidated by some asshole, and calm down.

She could call Lily or Violet, but she didn’t want to put them in harm’s way or worry them.

Rose punched Nash’s name on her phone. He picked up, and the loud background noise made it immediately obvious he wasn’t in Fairwick Falls.

“Are you at a rager?” she asked, laughing, getting some of her nerves back.

“Hey, I’m out with a college buddy listening to a band in Erie.”

Shit. Two hours away. “Sorry, just a butt dial. Have fun.”

Fuck, she was still on her own. She didn’t have Aaron’s number, plus he’d just tell Vi.

Who else could she ask for help? Could come help her scope out the building without making it a whole thing?

She groaned as she realized the answer.

Chapter

Eleven

ROSE

Rose sighed and punched the familiar name, wishing she could punch his actual face when she did it.

Gray picked up in one ring.

“Miss me already, princess?” The familiar, warm voice sent annoying goose bumps down her arms.

“Can you do me a big favor?” Her voice came out shaky, and she sucked in a breath, cursing her nerves.

“What’s wrong?” Came the fast response on the other end, and Rose could cry at his genuine concern. “You okay?”

“It’s just, I…” She blew out a breath and ran her fingers through her hair, trying to calm her body down. “The guy who sent Violet threatening letters just called and said somebody might be in the building, and I’m just...I don’t want to worry Lily or Vi—”

“I’ll be there in five,” Gray bit out. “Stay right where you are. I’m going to stay on the line until I’m there, okay?” His voice was curt and serious, and Rose hated how thankful she felt.

---