Page 8 of Building Romance

This time he does move. In three giant strides, he steps in front of me. My eyes stay locked on his, although now my head has to tip up to see him.

I jut my chin out defiantly.

“I’d like to make you an offer,” he states.

Now, I’m aware of all those redhead cliches. The ones that say we have a fiery temper. And I absolutely hate following the stereotype. And I hate this man for making me. But his words turn me into a raging person that may resemble a trapped lion.

“An offer of what?” I say through gritted teeth.

“I’d like to buy your café,” he says in that deep, raspy voice. Only now, I find it grating instead of sexy. Fuck him.

“It’s. Not. For. Sale,” I manage. My temper is barely staying in check. I’m three seconds away from a total epic meltdown that would rival the Hulk.

“Everything is for sale,” he says and then adds, “For the right price.”

“That’s it. Get out. Get the fuck out,” I blurt out, immediately regretting letting this asshat push me to lose my cool.

He raises one eyebrow, as if to say he didn’t think I had it in me, and then he raises one hand in one of those “calm down” motions.

“The offer will stay on the table for thirty days. But know that I have enough money to put you out of business even if I don’t buy your café.”

I hate that his words are true. I hate Fletcher McDowell.

I point to the door.

“You want a war, Mr. McDowell?” I raise an eyebrow to mirror him. “You got one. This neighborhood is loyal and no amount of dirty money will change that. So best of luck.”

His lips twitch slightly. Is this motherfucker laughing at me?

I point to the door again and this time he turns and leaves without looking back.

I shake a little when the door closes. I need a plan and I need one now.

I text Max.

Me: How do you take down a competitor?

Max: Now we’re talking.

Me: I’m serious.

Max: Friends close, enemies closer.

Me: Yeah, yeah. I just…ugh!

Max: Did you read the books I suggested?

Me: I skimmed them.

Max: So, how are you going to find the chink in the armor?

Me: I need to think about it, but I was hoping you had a brilliant idea.

Max: Well, I still think you should keep your enemy close, but if you are completely opposed to that, then figure out a way you can outsmart them and then rebrand yourself in a way they don’t see coming.

Me: (thinking emoji) Not a bad idea.

Max: (smart emoji)