Page 111 of Small Town, Big Storm

“You know, Iamperfectly capable of walking by myself.”

“Yes, you are.But I’m perfectly incapable of allowing you to.”

A scowl, but she doesn’t argue further, just spins on her heel and marches toward the door, those Space Buns she likes to sport bouncing with each step.

I wonder if Holly would like her hair to be done like that.

I can French braid, so I can definitely pull off some buns.

Smirking, I follow her down, making sure the door is closed behind me as we move through the bar.

It’s quieted, only a few patrons finishing off their drinks.

Gertie’s left, and Cassie is closing out tabs.

I catch her eye, make sure she knows that I’ll be right back to help her out.

She smiles gratefully, and then I’m trailing Clover down the hall, pushing out into the cool evening air, and?—

Glaring at Shep.

He lifts his hands, one holding a truly ugly and misshapen bouquet.

“He insisted on making it for Poppy,” Clover stage whispers.

I nod, know it’s a nice gesture.

But I don’t stop moving.

Instead, I walk directly over to Shep, cock back a fist, and punch him right in the face.

“Storm!”Clover exclaims.

“It’s all right, darlin’,” Shep says, straightening with his free hand pressed to his nose.

“You’re bleeding,” she fusses, searching through her purse and pulling out a wad of tissues.She thrusts them at him then glares at me.“Th-that w-was—” A sharp shake of her head.

She shoves the flowers at me then turn towards Shep, who takes advantage of Clover’s soft side, tucking his unencumbered arm around her shoulders.“He owed me one.”A glance back at me, his brown eyes cooling.“But onlyone.”

I nod, silently telling him that his message is received.

“He punched you.”

Shep looks down at her.“I’m fine?—”

I clear my throat deliberately, gain another glare from those cool brown eyes.

I ignore his displeasure, make a pointed gesture toward his nose, and Shep being Shep (thatbeing quick even when he’s smitten and befuddled by a certain shy, stubborn florist with purple hair and Space Buns), he picks up on my silent cue.

“Actually,” he says.“I think I really could use an ice pack.”

Clover’s eyes go wide and she nods jerkily.“Let’s go back to my place.You can get cleaned up and put some ice on your nose.”

“I think that would be for the best,” Shep says silkily.And before Clover can clock that for the bullshit it is, he adds, “Plus I left my flower crown at your place.”

She stills.

Then…