Page 130 of Kiss Marry Kill

“River, that’s just not true,” Mrs. Numi said.

With wide-eyed innocence, River said, “I don’t know what you mean.”

“Dr. Johnson told Lilly about our offer, and suddenly you swooped in with an even higher one.” Mrs. Numi scowled.

“Is that what you think happened?” River looked aghast.

“Of course that’s what happened,” I muttered.

River feigned dismay. “Heavens, no wonder you look so surly, Dr. Thornton. You mistakenly think I tried to interfere with your purchase.”

“It’s no mistake.” I scowled.

“I’m always looking for investment opportunities. You know that, Mrs. Numi. Why, you’re the one who pointed me toward Dr. Johnson’s property to begin with. Don’t you remember?”

“Well, I… but that wasbefore,” sputtered Mrs. Numi. “You weren’t interested. You only wanted the lot Dr. Thornton’s original clinic was on.”

Smiling patronizingly, River cooed, “Obviously, you were mistaken. I’m interested in all valuable land opportunities. I simply moved on that other location first.”

Anger prickled me. “Do you think we’re buying this innocent act?”

Pressing a hand to his chest, River looked wounded. “I’m hurt, Maxwell. I thought we were friends. How could you accuse me of such a thing?”

A few of the bar patrons were watching our interaction, and I worried River was successfully coming off as the victim. Nobody but my small inner circle really knew the details of what had happened. From the outside, I probably did seem unfairly upset with River.

Lowering my voice, I said, “Maybe you can fool other people, but I’m onto you, River.”

One side of his mouth lifted in a smirk, but he said, “What can I do to make it up to you, Maxwell? You know I’m all about peace and harmony. Please don’t be angry with me.”

Smarmy little weasel.

A couple near us were murmuring to each other, and I could hear just enough to know they thought I was picking on poor River. Even though he was a lying scumbag, he’d skillfully fooled the people of Rainy Dale into thinking he was a saint. I, unfortunately, had done the opposite. Gut-wrenching as it was, the only way I’d ever win against River was if I played his game.

Forcing a smile, which made my face feel like it was cracking, I said brightly, “Of course I’m not angry with you, River. It’s obviously all just a misunderstanding. Let me buy you a drink to show there are no hard feelings.”

His surprise was obvious, especially to me, but he caught himself. “That’s so kind of you.” He twisted his lips. “You’re not going to put poison in it, right?”

Don’t tempt me.

My laugh was a bit too loud. “I wouldn’t dream of it. Why, what would Rainy Dale do without a… er… doctor of your caliber?”

His gaze flickered because he knew exactly what I really thought of him and his type of medicine.

Lucas tugged at his arm. “River, our table is ready.”

River gave Lucas an impatient glance but then said, “Awesome. I’m famished.”

“Maybe I can buy you a drink another time,” I said, giving him a fake smile.

“That would be lovely.” His smile was equally false.

Looking uneasy, Lucas nodded his goodbye and practically dragged River after him toward the dining area.

“What a little phony,” I hissed, making sure only my group could hear me.

Girdy’s eyes were glittering with anger. “He sure loves playing the victim.”

“If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes,” muttered Mrs. Numi. “I always thought he was such a charmer.”