Page 57 of Disavowed

Her laughter caught the men’s attention, and they both paused to look at her.

“Good morning.” Jack smiled, although she detected a hint of tension to his mouth.

“Morning, boss.” The corners of Dom’s lips lifted, stopping just short of an actual smile.

Their gazes locked, then his dipped slowly down then up again, and she knew instantly what he was focusing on. The form-fitting chartreuse sweater dress cinched at the waist with a wide black belt didn’t leave much to the imagination. But she’d been working out hard, and wearing clothes that showcased her efforts was part of the reward.

Both men were staring at her, so she crossed her arms, covering her chest. Jack’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed. Dom’s eyes narrowed, his jaw clenching as he flicked his gaze to Jack.

Beside her, Marjie coughed to conceal what Daisy understood was a feminine snicker.

“I brought coffee for everyone.” And I have to get out of here. She spun and stalked to the front of the shop to grab one of the steaming cups of her favorite French roast.

“Jack’s been grumpy this morning,” Marjie whispered. “Did your date go okay last night?”

A glance over her shoulder told her the two men weren’t far behind. “Later.” It bothered her that Jack might be in a pissy mood just because she hadn’t put out last night.

“I’ll be counting the moments.” Marjie waggled her eyebrows.

Daisy frowned. “You’re nothing but a gossip.”

“No, I’m a hopeless romantic.” Marjie settled on her stool behind the counter and plucked one of the coffees from the tray. “I’ve been married to my Stan for twenty years, and I want you to have the kind of happiness I found.”

She rested her hand on Marjie’s shoulder, smiling wistfully. “Me, too. Thanks.” She leaned over to pick up a packet of sugar that had fallen to the floor.

“You look very nice today, boss,” Dom said.

When she straightened, he was standing directly behind her, and he’d probably gotten a good look at her chartreuse-clad ass as she’d bent down to grab the sugar. As she tossed the packet on the counter, she caught Jack watching Dom with a suspicious glint in his eyes.

Suddenly self-conscious, she smoothed her hands down her sides and over the wide black belt cinched at her waist. Heat flooded her face, and the shop suddenly felt as hot as a tropical rain forest.

“What’s on tap today?” Jack stirred creamer into his coffee.

Daisy sat next to Marjie on another stool and took a long, energizing sip. “With the trees in place at the Piazza, the only thing left to do is deliver the centerpieces.”

“Dom and I can do that today.” He glanced at Dom.

She shook her head. “I need Dom to make other deliveries. We have a small wedding, a sweet sixteen, and a fiftieth anniversary today.”

When the two men exchanged looks, she pursed her lips. It had been momentary, but something conspiratorial had passed between them.

“Will do, boss.” Dom nodded, then turned to look out the shop window.

“The sweet sixteen is at noon, the wedding is at one, and the fiftieth anniversary party is at four. You’ll have to deliver the church flowers, bouquets, and boutonnieres by eleven. The maid of honor will show you—”

“Be right back.” Dom set his coffee on the counter, then went out the front door.

“What the hell?” She followed him to the door, annoyed at how he was ditching her morning briefing. If he was going to work for her, he damned sure better take his job seriously. The sight that greeted her was totally unexpected.

An old man pushing a walker had dropped several bags, spilling the contents all over the sidewalk. Dom helped the old man collect his belongings, then secured the bags to the arms of the walker. The man pulled a few dollars from his wallet and held them out, but Dom held up his hand, shaking his head. He gently laid his arm on the man’s shoulder, then watched as he continued on his way.

As much as she resisted it, the icy shield she’d erected around her heart melted just a little. Try as she might to reerect it, she found herself failing miserably.

“That is so sweet,” Marjie said from behind her.

“Fucking Boy Scout,” Jack muttered with undisguised resentment.

She turned to look at him, surprised not only at the angry outburst but by the glint of malevolence in his eyes. She’d thought the two men were friends. Perhaps not so much after all.