Page 40

Chapter Forty

C lover rested her face in her hands as she propped her elbows on the glass case at Crawford Antiques. She’d been so excited when Whit had invited her to come to the shop the night before. She’d thought this was the perfect opportunity to get to know each other better, to spend time together.

But after he’d explained how to write receipts and check people out—it had been a long time since she’d seen this type of cash register—he’d disappeared into the back room. He had said that was why she was here, but that didn’t stop her from feeling a little disappointed.

At least he let me pick the music . She glanced over at the record player as “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” disseminated through the deserted shop.

Still, it was better than sitting at home. They’d gotten to eat the lunches she’d packed together, and she did get to chat with the customers. When she’d been a delivery girl, she’d met all kinds of people every day.

Taking out her phone, Clover reread the message she’d drafted for Ari. Her friend was still not answering her calls, so she’d written out everything she wanted to say—telling her there were omens and explaining why she hadn’t told her she was getting married beforehand. Clover had written it the day before, but she’d still held out hope Ari would answer her call that morning. No such luck.

If nothing else, she knew Ari well enough to know she would at least read the message. She was compulsive that way; she even read junk emails. And though she was angry right now, Clover knew Ari was also curious. She pressed send.

As the bell above the door chimed, Clover put away her phone and adopted her customer-service smile.

“Welcome!” she said to the woman who entered.

The dark-haired beauty pulled down her Gucci sunglasses to grace Clover with a glance of her large brown eyes. She was absolutely gorgeous—her blow-out perfectly fluffed and her makeup on-point. She wore a long-sleeved black turtleneck dress that ended well above the knee and four-inch heels that made Clover trip just looking at them.

She was not your average customer, at least not from what Clover had gathered from her half-day’s work. This woman had the air of someone who had places to be.

“Is there anything special you’re looking for today?” Clover asked, impressed by the woman’s commanding presence.

The woman gave her a serpentine smile. “Yes, is Whit here?”

Clover nodded. “He is. I’ll go get him for you. What’s your name?”

“Faustina.”

“All right. I’ll be right back.” Clover bustled to the back room.

Whit had his back to her, sitting at his work bench.

“Hey, Whit,” she said softly from the door so as not to startle him. She came fully into the room as he turned toward her. Clover threw her thumb over her shoulder. “A customer is asking for you. She said her name is Faustina?”

The blood drained from Whit’s face as his mouth dropped open. He didn’t move or make a sound, but Clover knew he’d heard her. For whatever reason, this was not someone Whit was expecting.

“Do you…want me to send her away?” Clover asked.

Whit looked horrible—like he was going to pass out. His Adam’s apple jumped as he swallowed. “No,” he replied hoarsely. He rose from his stool, shaking his head.

As he passed her to head into the shop proper, he patted her gently on the shoulder. That soft touch of assurance alarmed her more than anything else. She followed close behind.

Whit stood straight, his shoulders firm and so wide that Clover had to tilt to see Faustina around him.

“What do you want?” he asked coolly, planting himself in the middle of the main aisle with his arms crossed.

Clover flinched at his tone. She’d never heard him like this before, and she would hate to have that voice directed at her.

“Whit,” Faustina said warmly. “I see you’re doing well for yourself. This shop was just a dream the last time we talked.”

Faustina strutted closer, swishing her hips in a suggestion Clover picked up on right away. Clover stepped out from behind Whit to stand by his side. Faustina fully ignored her presence.

“If you’re not here to buy something, I suggest you leave,” Whit stated.

“Well…there is something I want .” Faustina looked him up and down, batting her thick eyelashes as she gave him a heated smile.

Clover’s hackles rose, her muscles tightening.

“You’re not going to find it here,” Whit responded sternly.

Faustina pouted her perfectly painted lips. “I know I hurt you before, but I didn’t know any better. I was young after all. I’m prepared to make it up to you.”

As she took a final step into Whit’s personal space, Clover squeezed in between them.

She smiled up at the woman—who towered over her in her high heels. “Hi, excuse me. I believe he said there’s nothing for you here. So if you wouldn’t mind, I’ll ask you to leave.”

Faustina spared Clover only a glance before returning her gaze to Whit. “Whit, honey, we really need to have a discussion about your hired help.”

Clover sucked a breath in through her nose, standing as tall as she could. “I would appreciate you not calling my husband honey. Thank you.”

Faustina’s rich eyes widened, and she truly looked at Clover for the first time—twisting her mouth in a sneer. Her gaze returned to Whit. “You’re joking,” she said flatly. “You said I was the only woman you’d ever love.”

Clover’s gut wrenched, but she ignored it. What Whit had told his ex before she’d even met him wasn’t her problem.

“Husband?” Clover met Whit’s eyes over her shoulder. “Do you have anything left to say to this woman?”

Whit shook his head.

“Good.” Clover turned a glare on Faustina. “Look, lady, I don’t give a snowball’s chance in high summer what my husband said to you in the past. He might have promised you the moon itself for all I care. None of that matters now because I’m the one he married. I’m the one he comes home to every night. I’m the one who he vowed to care for and protect. His children will be my children. And from one woman to another, I would very much appreciate it if you removed yourself from our happy situation. If his heart once belonged to you, well, then, I’m sorry for your loss. You squandered your chance, but I’m not about to do the same.”