His suit, pompous and self-serving, made him lankier than she remembered.
“I saw the article in the paper about this new bakery. I was surprised to see you’d changed the name. Anyway, the reviews are amazing. I thought maybe I’d been a little hasty in my leaving.”
She gripped the bridge of her nose with two fingers. “Whatever you’re selling I’ll be saying no. Working with my ex-sounds as pleasant as being cursed.”
He leaned towards the glass case, eyeing all the new flavors.
“I see you’ve really changed things. Your mother is right. A late bloomer. Maybe we could rethink things now. I mean, it seems we could both benefit from each other.”
She dropped her hand and pursed her mouth. “I don’t see that working out. Thanks though. If you want a cupcake, I'm willing to donate to the cause of getting you out.”
He stood up straight, pulling at his lapels.
“I don’t think you understand what I’m offering. If you marry me, your family will not only be catapulted up society, but your mother is already calling the venue for the next open wedding date.”
Olivia shifted her stance.
“I doubt that. My mother isn’t speaking to me right now, and I can’t marry you.”
He smiled. “Olivia. I know we’ve had our differences. But let’s just leave the past behind. Besides, it looks like you’ve fixed a lot of issues. Have you lost weight?”
Squaring her shoulders, Olivia pushed past the tingle of her wolf. Calm down. She would not ruin her new outfit.
Ethan’s voice filtered through her head. Everything okay?
She ignored him and tried to hide her own apprehension. She’d handle this on her own.
“Harold, we did not have our differences. You cheated and left me for a slutty temptress.”
“That seems a little harsh. When did you start to use that kind of language? What would your mother say?”
She rolled her eyes. “Really? Again, my mother isn’t talking to me. So I don’t care what she has to say.”
This time she flicked her left hand, and a breeze blew open the door. “Please feel free to see yourself out. I have work. Try not to scare off the customers on the way out.”
His eyes bulged.
“Well, that's impressive. You can open a door?” He took a step closer. Did she want to summon a swarm of bees? She raised her hand to call on the insects and she stopped at the look flashing across his face. Priceless.
“What is that on your finger Olivia? I demand to know who would dare marry you. It’s public knowledge you’re my intended.”
Stomping her foot and breathing down the frustration she threw on a plastic smile. “He isn’t a warlock, so I doubt he’d care. Also, I stopped being your intended the day you called off the wedding. I was too stupid to recognize what a disaster our marriage would have been. Thanks for the favor.”
She turned her back and took a step toward the kitchen.
“Olivia Millford. I demand you tell me who would dare challenge me. This is unacceptable. We had a disagreement. You don’t just form a new engagement.”
Heat burned her cheeks. Before she could turn back, a loud growl filled her head. Oh for crap sake, Ethan. Stay.
Too late.
She spun on her heel in time to catch Ethan’s fist connect with Harold’s nose. A satisfying crack filled the silence.
“Ethan? Seriously. Take him outside before he stains my floors.”
Loud shrieks followed. “Oh my God. What kind of heathen is this? You broke my nose.”
“You better be happy your nose is the only damn thing I broke.”
Harold held out his hand, waving it wildly. Olivia shoved some napkins in his palm.
“I’ll have my lawyer come after you, you beast.”
Olivia laughed. Ethan towered over him. All Harold had was a lawyer to make him seem manly.
“Who punches someone?”
“Stop, Ethan. Back away. He was just leaving. By the way Harold, please make sure you tell your lawyer that you cheated on me, slandered my name, and tried to take advantage of me against my will.”
“I did not,” he shrieked.
She raised her brow. “Well, the court would for sure look into it. How long would you like to be in court over a broken nose?”
Ethan’s body poised for a fight out of the corner of her eye.
“Harold. Meet my husband.”
With a wadded-up bunch of napkins, Harold finally shut up and glared. His head moving from top to bottom and taking in the sheer size of Ethan. “Husband?”
Coming around the counter, she put her hand against Ethan’s chest and held him back. I have this.
“He respects me. It turns out I’m the kind of woman that doesn’t settle for being second best.”
Harold sputtered. “Oh, I can’t wait for everyone to find out what you did. Your family will disown you.”
Eyeing Harold, she shrugged. “Probably. My mom still hasn’t accepted it. Maybe she will before the wedding reception we’re having next month. You’re not invited.”
Olivia had no idea what Harold said as she turned to see her mate. Pride danced within him so strong he couldn’t hide it even if he’d tried. Standing on tiptoes she reached up and kissed him.
When he pulled away, he smiled. “Mate. You have icing all over you again.”
Olivia smiled and imagined him licking it off her, slowly.
Every day for the rest of her life.
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Acknowledgments
Thanks to everyone who helped! Aidy Award as always pushes me to get the job done. Lyz Kelley makes sure I never give up. Anna Michaels and TJ Finn keep me laughing. And my family who lets me take time away to get the job done. Bridgett, Katie, Carol you guys rocks! Lastly, thanks to all the readers who choose to escape into my world and another life.
About the Author
Michelle writes alongside keeping her
