“Dalton, I don’t know how you let men treat that rich bitch of yours, but the woman who walked out that door is mine. The only reason I stepped in this store was because I didn’t want to take money out of a man’s pocket because he picked the wrong woman to marry.”
“You’re not fit enough to lick the soles of Lisa’s feet. You’re nothing but a weed dealer. I saved us a lot time and trouble. I don’t take weed as payment for my diamonds.” Dalton’s hand came down on the glass of his display case.
Greer looked at the fleshy pale hands that would never know a day of hard work. Giving Dalton a mockingly innocent look, Greer tilted his hat to the back of his head. “You’re defaming my character? My fiancée works with Diamond Richards-Bates, and she’ll sue your ass if I find you repeating those accusations. Don’t forget my cousin Drake is the town mayor. He won’t be happy to hear that a business owner is calling his kin trailer trash.”
“If you’re done, feel free to leave and take your business elsewhere.”
“I’m going.” Ignoring Dalton as if he was a pissant, Greer held his hand out to Virgil, the security guard. “I haven’t seen you at Rosie’s in a while. You doing good?”
“Can’t complain. Congratulations on your engagement. She’s a pretty little thing.”
“Thanks. I’ll have Tate call you to let you know when I’m having my bachelor party.”
“I wouldn’t miss it.”
Greer took another minute to shoot the shit just to aggravate the windbag behind him.
He was whistling when he got back in his truck, winking at Holly as he turned the truck toward Jamestown.
“I kept waiting for the security guard to throw you out or see Knox’s squad car pulling into the parking lot.”
“Virgil couldn’t throw a stray cat outside. He got an old football injury in his shoulder. Dalton wouldn’t call Knox until lunch time. He’s trying to knock Diamond up.”
Holly covered her mouth. “It’s being gossiped about around town? How do they know? Diamond only told me today, and Knox wouldn’t tell—”
“He doesn’t have to. Everyone sees his squad car parked in front of their house, and he puts anyone who disturbs them in jail if they call out.”
“That doesn’t mean anything. Knox isn’t very friendly, anyway.”
“He also has the busiest busybody in town manning the front desk.”
Holly started laughing. “Diamond said she must own her own tanning booth, and that she must be seventy yet dresses like a twenty-year-old.”
“That pretty much describes her.”
“Where are we going?”
“Jamestown. Unless you want to drive to Lexington?”
“No. We have to pick up Logan after school.”
Greer turned the radio up as they drove, drumming his fingers against the steering wheel.
“How did Diamond react when you told her we’re getting hitched?”
“She said I’m off her guest list if the zombie apocalypse hits.”
He flashed her a quick smile before turning his attention back to the road. “Don’t worry; if the apocalypse hits, she’ll be begging us to come. I don’t see Knox foraging for food, do you?”
“They won’t have to. Diamond has built up enough supplies they could live there indefinitely.”
“Your boss is crazy as a coon dog.”
“How’s my dog doing?”
“Lazy bastard hates to hunt. He only gets up when he wants a treat you keep in the jar.”
“Poor baby. I need to come visit him and check on my chickens.”
“They are all doing fine. No need you coming out.”
Suspicion filled her face. “All eighteen of my chickens better be okay.”
Greer screwed his face up in a frown. “I only counted twelve this morning.” He laughed, hitting the steering wheel at her expression. “All eighteen are still breathing and getting fat.”
“That’s good for you, then.”
“Why me?”
“I’m counting my chickens before I say I do.”
She was still laughing when he parked in front of the jewelry store.
Getting out of the truck, he opened her door.
“You can give it, but you can’t take it,” she teased, patting his cheek mockingly.
“Woman, I can take anything you dish out.”
Pressing her against his truck, he lowered his mouth to hers, crushing her petal-soft lips under his and using his tongue to plunder her mouth. It was different than the other kisses he had given her.
Changing tactics, switching from exploring to demanding her response, he didn’t give her time to be swept along. He demanded she took the ride of desire with him. When he heard her breathy moan, he released her.
“You ready to go do this?”
She blinked several times. “Do what?”
He gave her an exasperated look. “Go pick out your ring.” Taking her arm, he bustled her into the jewelry store before she could get her wits back.
“How do you do that?”
Greer slung an arm over her shoulders, pulling her close. “It’s called being a stud.”
Holly tried to wiggle out from under his arm as he guided her to one of the counters to distract her from wanting to kill him.