A Rose in Bloom

The last time.

Never again.

Before he knew what he was doing, the car door was open and he was out. Slamming it behind him, his determined stride carried him down the dark alleyway. His eyes were fastened on the back door of her shop. On the last place he saw Elyssa before she went inside with Baron Carrington.

I won’t let Carrington destroy another girl I love.

Part 22: A Little Too Hot

“OKAY. THANKS for the coffee, Baron. And thanks for making sure I got home safe.”

“It was my pleasure. Are you sure you don’t want me to check out the upstairs? I should make sure it’s safe before I leave you here alone.” He strolled through the shop, touching everything in sight.

“That’s okay. I feel perfectly safe since I’m inside. I’ll just lock the door behind you.”

“Aren’t you going to offer me a cup of coffee?” He lifted a vase of everlastings, sniffed, and wrinkled his nose, before returning them to the shelf.

“We just got home from having coffee. You want more?”

“No, I just want you to offer.” He gave the smug smile guys give when they’re accustomed to being admired, a slight lift of the chin, just enough squeeze on the cheek muscles to allow a dimple to show on one side.

“Sorry, I’m fresh out of coffee. Come on—time to go.” She grabbed his elbow and gave an ineffectual shove toward the back door.

“You know, I think I might li

ke to buy those flowers on that shelf over there.”

“The shop is closed. Come back Monday.” She used both arms to push on his back. It was like shoving a house—he didn’t budge.

He swiveled in place, and caught her hands, holding them to his chest. “Why are you in such a hurry to get rid of me?”

“Ow! My hands…”

“Sorry, I forgot you were injured.” He released her hands, only to shift his grip to her arms. He pulled her toward him, pushing her arms down around his sides, tugging her closer until a sharp object jabbed her ribs.

“Ow!”

“Sorry. What’s this lumpy thing? Oh… Don’t you want to take your purse off your shoulder?”

“No. I’m happy with it on.” As she attempted to worm her way out of his grasp, he circled his arms around her back, squeezing the purse between them.

“Baron, what are you doing?”

“I’m trying to kiss you, but you’re playing a little too hard to get. If you’re not careful, I’m going to lose interest.”

“Good. I don’t want you interested.”

“You don’t?” His shocked expression was genuine.

Good grief! I’m a magnet for egotistical men. “No, Baron. Believe it or not, I don’t feel like being pawed and slobbered on, no matter who you are.”

“Pawed and slobbered-on? That sounds like McCall. You’ve obviously never been kissed by me.” He wagged his eyebrows.

“And I don’t intend to be. Now go.”

She rummaged in her purse for her handy-dandy can of pepper spray. That ought to scare him off. But a loud thumping startled her from her task. The persistent noise emanated from the back of the store. Was someone trying to break in the back door? Was it the guy from Friday night? Her mouth went dry, and she turned wide eyes toward Baron.

“Are you expecting someone?”