Page 64 of Here & Now

Fourteen

Zane’s mind spun as he drove back to his shop. He couldn’t remember the last time a woman had been this angry with him, and he was still trying to figure out why.

Kayla had asked him a few basic questions about Bree’s grandparents’ cottage, and he’d answered as best he could. He hadn’t said anything negative, unless one considered “cozy” and “charming” derogatory terms.

He was tempted to call Kayla and ask for her side of the story, but then he decided not to. She hadn’t been happy with him, either, and he didn’t want to make matters worse. Besides, it was Bree’s opinion he cared about, not hers.

He entered the shop and saw Marco leaning against the counter, talking to two attractive young women. Marco acknowledged him with a nod and then handed one of the women a business card. “Looking forward to seeing you ladies on the dolphin cruise.”

“We can’t wait,” she said, her eyes sparkling.

The other woman looked at Zane and smiled. Not now, he thought, but he forced himself to smile back. After all, it was good for business.

After the women left, Marco said, “Why such a long face? I thought you went to see Bree.”

“I did.”

“And?”

“She kicked me out.”

Marco’s eyes widened. “What did you do?”

“Apparently, I caused Kayla to underprice Bree’s cottage. She kicked Kayla out too.”

Marco chuckled, and Zane scowled at him.

“Sorry, dude, but it’s kind of funny.”

“You weren’t on the receiving end of it.”

“Now what are you going to do?”

“Nothing.”

“Come again?”

“You heard me. She doesn’t want anything more to do with me.”

Marco shook his head. “I don’t believe that.”

“You weren’t there to hear her yelling.”

He chuckled again. “I kind of wish I was.”

Zane sighed. “I was just trying to help, but not anymore.”

“You’re giving up just like that?”

“Wouldn’t you?”

“I haven’t given up on Tessa.”

“This is different.”

“Bullshit. If you want something, you go for it. That’s always been your philosophy.”

That was true until now, but it didn’t seem to work with Bree. Just when he thought she had been softening toward him, she’d pushed him away. Not just pushed, shoved.