I Only Have Pies for You (Pumpkin Spice Life 1)

“I’m surprised to see the two of you here together, considering ...”

She bit back a growl at the sight of Kasey smiling at them like the cat who ate the cream.

“What do you mean?” Rosaleen asked.

“I take it neither of you has seen the local paper?”

She glanced at Alaric and raised an eyebrow.

“Hang on.” Alaric rose and walked over to purchase a paper.

“If I was you, I would’ve made the auction date count. You could’ve gone to the Oak Room.” Kasey shook her head.

Rosaleen shrugged. “This worked better with our busy work schedules.” And I don’t need to buy his time. If you knew how often we were together you’d choke on the fakeness you’re wearing like make-up.

“I hope you realize what a great guy Al is.”

“Oh, of course,” she said, nodding emphatically as she played along.

“He goes out of his way to help others. I hope you’re not mistaking his kindness for more than it is. We’ve all heard about your ex problem. It was nice of him to pitch in and help you.”

“What are you talking about?” she asked suspiciously.

“Tall, blond, and immaculately dressed? Doesn’t ring a bell? He dropped ten-grand on you at the auction and threatened Al at work.” She clicked her tongue. “It’s sad when people can’t get the picture, isn’t it?”

Pot meet kettle, wench. Her saccharine tone and smile that didn’t reach her eyes irked Rosaleen. Anger burned her from the inside out. Why the hell didn’t Alaric tell me?

“What are you talking about?” she asked evenly.

“Oh.” Kasey covered her mouth. “He didn’t tell you?” She mocked surprise. Her rosebud lips were begging to be punched.

Alaric tossed the paper on the table. “This is ridiculous.”

“I was thinking the same thing,” Rosaleen said.

“I’ll let you two talk. See you later, Al.” Kasey wiggled her fingers, putting extra sway in her steps as she walked away.

“Wait, you haven’t even seen the paper yet, why are you upset?”

“Did you tell people I was having issues with Ryan?” she questioned through gritted teeth.

Alaric glanced away. “I might’ve said you had a pesky ex hanging around to let people watch out for you.”

“Why?”

“He confronted me at the shop. I felt like the warning was a legitimate next step.”

“Oh my gosh. He was the disgruntled non-customer,” she whispered.

He nodded.

“Why did you hide this?”

“Because I didn’t want to add to your stress that day. Later, it slipped my mind.” He shrugged.

“You don’t get to decide what information involving me is important and what’s not. I’m a big girl. I don’t need to be protected.”

“Need isn’t the same as should be. I protect those I care about, sugar. You should know that by now. You’ve warned him off a number of times. I figured it was my turn to take a shot and provide you with back up if he returns. The man’s convinced you’re going to return to him.”