Page 52 of One Week Hating You
Main Street Deli? The place we used to hang out at all the time? The place where we shared our first kiss?
I’m speechless. I’m flabbergasted. I had no clue. Why didn’t Momma mention this?
Blake blushes, slightly ill-at-ease. “Just good investing,” he says. “And smart business decisions.”
I’m not completely surprised. Blake has always been really smart, and I know his father left him and his siblings an inheritance. The Taylors were much better off financially than we ever were. His father owned a construction company which his brother, Brian, now runs. Marilyn is in charge of all the books, and although she would never divulge private financial information, I only need to look at their fancy home, her designer clothes, and Maddie’s horse riding lessons to know that they’re doing pretty well.
“Let me take over,” he says to Momma.
“Oh, no need. We’re all done. Maeve was a great help.”
He raises a brow, still staring down at my shoes. “Really?”
I roll my eyes. The door clangs.
“I’ll get it,” Momma says with a smile. She knows there’s some drama going on, and she’s probably going to keep one eye peeled to see what’s going on. She can be so nosy sometimes.
We stare at each other without a word for a long beat. A very long beat. I’m brought back to that night in his bed. I wonder if he’s thinking about that too. His intense gaze and his parted lips might suggest so, but then again, Blake has always had that sexy look, like he’s about to have his way with you, and he’s going to make sure you enjoy it.
Damn him.
“I guess I just can’t get away from you,” I finally say. “You’re everywhere I am.”
“You’re the one who’s in my store,” he points out.
“I didn’t know it wasyourstore,” I scoff and turn on my heel. I walk briskly to the storage room where I’ve left my purse when I was helping Momma stock the merchandise.
He follows close behind. “Would you have come and helped your mom if you’d known?”
I look for my purse but it’s nowhere to be seen. I start to panic. “No.”
“Really? You wouldn’t have helped your mom just because of me?”
I find the purse sitting on one of the storage shelves, next to the chocolate bars. I could sure use a darn chocolate bar just about now.
Blake slams the door shut and makes me jump. My breath catches. He closes the distance between us, so close, I can smell the peppermint on his breath. “Why do you hate me so much?” he asks.
Because you broke my heart.
