Cassie took a few seconds to breathe. She’d been plied with gifts and guilt by him before. “Thank you. It’s gorgeous, and you’re right, I do love Christmas cactuses. But why did you do this?”
Bill shrugged and brushed at his lapel, looking a little too proud of himself. “You’re the mother of my children. It’s Christmas.”
That gave her pause. She could recall lots of gifts from him but most notably the “useful” Christmas gifts he’d purchased for her, like vacuum cleaners and exercise bikes. She narrowed her gaze. “What are you up to?”
Looking innocent, he smiled and leaned against the counter. “What? A man can’t buy a Christmas gift for a woman he cares about?”
“Bill, I don’t know what you’re up to—”
“Why are you so suspicious? Can’t a man confess he’s made a mistake without having to bare his entire soul?” He slid the key across the counter with a tiny pout on his lips, as if he was being magnanimous. “Fine. Lock me out of your house. But I really do want to negotiate re-entrance…soon.” He cast a glance over her torso, lingering on her breasts and hips, and waggled his brow as if confirming what he actually meant.
Re-entrance? His double entendre made her want to gag.
“You want to talk about what?”
“Us,” he replied, grinning at her as if that should be obvious. “Sometimes a man realizes he’s made a mistake, baby.”
He’d never used endearments with her when they’d been married, just “Cass,” which she’d hated, and while “baby” might be common as sweet talk went, she only wanted Samson and Ivan calling her baby.
“Bill, you do realize I’m involved in a relationship already, right?”
He snorted. “Everyone’s entitled to sow some oats when they’re single. I’m just done sowing mine.”
“You were sowing oats even while we were married—”
He held up his hands and in a conciliatory tone said, “Water under the bridge, baby. I’ve already said I’m sorry. And I don’t mind that you’ve been marking time with Samson.”
It was on the tip of Cassie’s tongue to enlighten Bill about her true status, but she decided not to. She didn’t want to drag her men into this idiotic conversation, not when he couldn’t keep his voice down as it was.
Bill hadn’t noticed Grandma Kate sidling up behind him as Marissa began putting their ordered beverages on a tray beside Cassie.
Unwilling to get into all the reasons his hopes were useless when she had customers to take care of, Cassie gently placed the beautiful cactus on top of the glass bakery case and accepted the key from him. “This is neither the time nor the place for this conversation, Bill. Can I get you a coffee? An apple fritter?” Perhaps the door smacking your ass as you leave?
He shook his head and gave her what he undoubtedly thought was a sexy, pouty-lipped smile, except on him it was effete and ridiculous. “I’ll talk to you soon.” He was turning for the door when Grandma Kate caught his sleeve.
He frowned and looked down at her hand on his designer wool coat. “Do I know you?”
Grandma Kate gave him a pat on his arm and a dour smile. “No, dear, but I definitely know you.” Turning to Cassie, she said, “There are some facts regarding this man you should be aware of, Cassie.”
“Facts?” Both Cassie and Bill said at the same time.
“What facts? What could you possibly know about me?”
Kate snorted softly. “Well, for starters that you should lower your voice in public settings.”
Cassie swallowed her laughter, recalling all the times she’d had to put up with his loud voice and thankful neither of their kids took after him in that regard.
The icy draft from the front door announced several more customers. Tilly hurried forward to greet the new customers as Cassie drew them to a quiet corner so her elderly friend wouldn’t get chilled in the draft—and so they could have a little privacy.
“What facts, Grandma Kate?” Cassie asked, gratified when his brow furrowed at her familiar form of address. He’d always prided himself on knowing everything and everyone in Divine.
Kate Benedict patted her curls and smiled as if acknowledging Cassie’s consideration for her comfort and said, “I first encountered this man, your ex-husband I presume, at O’Reilley’s.”
Bill scoffed. “O’Reilley’s? Everyone eats there. I eat there several times a week.”
Kate glanced at his waistline and pursed her lips a little. “That’s not a surprise, dear. Anyway, Grace, Veronica, Jayne, and her adorable sister-in-law, Lucy, invited me to lunch the day after my arrival, and we happened to be seated next to this vociferous man—that is to say we were subjected to practically the entirety of his conversation. It’s a happy coincidence he should show up while we’re here today.”