Page 27 of Wilde Ride

“We should probably get to that other meeting,” I said to Levi, with another sugary smile in Janet’s direction.

“Oh, you two are busy with the meetings, then.” Janet winked.

Levi tipped his hat. “It was a pleasure seeing you, Mrs. Miller.”

“Have a good day!”

I watched her enter the café. Levi motioned for me to lead the way, and as soon as we were out of view of the restaurant. I stopped and looked at him.

“She’s going to write about this, you just watch and see! And she’ll say something shitty about me, and how you’re the perfect match for her precious little Logan.”

Levi stared at me, his brows drawn together.

“Why are you frowning at me?”

“It’s just gossip, Em. Everyone will know that. And do you not like Logan?”

I sighed and started walking again. “I’m sorry. I just get so jumpy around that woman. She’s forever writing about my family, I swear. And as far as Logan goes, I don’t know her that well. I’m just leery around Janet.”

“It’ll be fine.”

Glancing at him, I said, “You’ve been gone a long time. You haven’t had to deal with the gossip, so it’s easy for you to say that. Lord knows what that woman’s going to write.”

“I think you’re worried for nothing. She wouldn’t write about me, not with the year I’ve had.”

I raised a brow. “You say that now.”

He rolled his eyes. “So, where’s the perfume store?”

The other reason I was in a foul mood: Levi wanted to see Lilibeth again. Pointing to the sign, I replied, “Right there. Wonderland Whimsy.”

We walked the few remaining yards to the store. I pushed open the door and smiled when I walked in. The place was adorable and full of Lilibeth’s personality, so it was easy for my mood to lift.

“Wow, the smell really hits ya,” Levi said as he shut the door behind me.

“Hi! Welcome to Wonderland Whimsy. Did you have an appointment for the perfumery?”

When I turned around, I drew in a sharp breath. “Moreen?”

My best friend from high school smiled back at me. “I didn’t even see that it was you, Emeline!”

Confused, I asked, “What are you doing here?”

Moreen walked around the counter and gave me a quick hug. “Lilibeth hired me to help out at the shop. It’s been a nice change, I’ve got to tell you that.”

Moreen had been working for her mother’s catering business, mainly as a waitress, but also helping with the cooking. She’d attended culinary school and hoped to open a bakery in town, but had yet to do so.

She looked past me and her eyes widened in surprise. “Levi?”

He reached out a hand. “Hey, Moreen, it’s good to see you.”

Absently taking his outstretched hand, she shook it. “Are you visiting?”

“No, I’ve moved back to River Falls with my son.”

A shocked expression transformed her face. “Moved back for good?”

Nodding, he replied, “Yep, for good.”