Page 35 of Rhett

“See you later, darling,” Bonnie said. “I’ll make sure your luggage gets to my home.”

CHAPTER9

NOVA

When we got outside, my body was still vibrating with anger.

“That asshole,” I spat out.

“Don’t worry about Sam,” Imani said. “Rhett will find him and make him pay.”

I took a deep, calming breath. She was right. I needed to calm down. Working myself into a froth over my pendant wasn’t going to make it magically reappear.

“I do need a strong drink and good food,” I said.

“Well, follow me,” Imani replied.

“Yoo-hoo!” a blond woman shouted from across the street while waving frantically. “Imani.”

Imani rolled her eyes. “Oh God. It’s Josie.” She glanced at me. “Gird your loins.”

Josie swayed across the street with blond hair blowing in the wind. “Hello, Imani.” Her smile was wide and plastic-looking.

“Hello, Josie.” Imani wrapped her arm through mine. “Don’t be rude. Say hello to Nova, Bonnie’s granddaughter.”

“Hello.” Josie scrunched up her nose with obvious displeasure.

Not giving a shit that she didn’t like me, I said, “Hey.”

“Anyway,” she said to Imani. “Have you given any thought to my idea of serving your B and B guests my delicious biscuits?”

“Delicious?” The look on Imani’s face was something close to disgust. “Your biscuits are dry and tasteless.”

Josie’s expression turned thunderous. “My biscuits are the best in this town.”

“I disagree,” Imani replied. “That’s why Piper and I have decided to hold a baking competition. The winner will be given a monetary prize, a rent-free storefront, and a contract as the sole vendor providing baked goods to our B and B.”

“What?” Josie yelled. “Why do you need a baking competition when I make the best biscuits in town?”

“Obviously, you don’t,” I chirped.

Josie gave me the evil eye. “Mind your business, Hunter.”

“I’m just pointing out facts.” I smirked, not the least perturbed by her Hunter jab.

Josie gave me one of those “Why are you still talking?” stares. Imani snickered. I nudged Imani with my elbow.

Imani cleared her throat. “You don’t have a monopoly on biscuits, Josie. As the town alpha female, I have to be fair and give everyone a shot at making money. Now if you don’t mind, we have to go.” She dragged me away, leaving Josie fuming on the sidewalk.

“What’s her deal?” I asked Imani.

“She’s an owl-shifter who’s territorial about everything, including her biscuits and Rhett.”

My stomach churned with displeasure. “Are they dating?”

“No. But she’s been angling for him to pull his cruiser up to her bumper.” She stopped and stuck out her ass with exaggeration.

“He could like them blond and crazy.” For some reason, I hoped he didn’t.