Chapter 6

6

Bryce had felt the shift in their relationship the moment Lila entered his office. She seemed more distant than usual. The night before had been different. Bryce wasn’t sure what he expected her brother to be like, but it hadn’t been what he’d witnessed. The man was loud, but kind. He loved to talk and be the center of attention. And the flirting with Juliet had been noticeable. Though he didn’t say a word to Juliet because she had outrageously flirted back. It wasn’t his place to say anything about her relationships. He couldn’t even manage his own without failing. Plus, she was single and was free to date whomever she pleased. Though Aster wouldn’t be his first pick…or his last.

Throughout the evening, Lila had been quiet. She smiled when she should’ve, spoke when spoken to, but otherwise remained silent.

This morning wasn’t any different.

He didn’t know what had gone wrong for her to change her demeanor, and like he feared way too much—her leaving—he didn’t broach the subject. By lunchtime, he decided whatever issue needed his attention would have to wait. He’dbe dining with Lila today. She seemed surprised but didn’t argue.

They decided to go to Vinnie’s and saw her brother and his friends. Aster waved them over to their table. Another table was attached to theirs and he took a seat across from Lila.

“So, how’s the party planning going?” her brother asked as if they weren’t putting on a huge festival, but more like a simple party with friends and family.

“Real well. I need all of you to be at the stage in Yuletide Park by three. Do not be late.”

The way Lila emphasized the last part, Bryce knew her brother had a tendency to not be on time.

“Are we playing outdoors the entire time?” Carson asked, shivering as if he were outside at that very moment.

Lila’s lips curved into that delectable smile that had Bryce doing anything she asked. “Yes, and you’ll do it with a smile on your face.”

Aster slapped Carson on the back, laughing. “Dude, you did that polar plunge thingy in Minnesota one time. You can handle this.”

“That wasn’t hours on end. This will be. I hate the cold.” He shivered again, biting into his hamburger.

Conversation continued around the table while he and Lila waited for their food to arrive. It didn’t take long, and they were able to eat and chat like the rest of them.

The lunch passed in a blur, and he wasn’t sure whether he was happy to go back to the office alone with Lila or not. The opportunity to speak with her about her quietness wasn’t going to happen. Not with her brother and his bandmates in the vicinity. Before leaving, he excused himself to use the bathroom.

When he stepped out of the stall, he flinched. Aster stood by the sinks, leaning against one of them with his arms and feet crossed. He looked relaxed, but the alertness in his eyes said he would be ready to pounce if need be.

Bryce decided to wash his hands two sinks away from him. He washed them as thoroughly as he always did, then grabbed two paper towels to dry them off. The wet towels went in the trash bin. One minute, maybe, had gone by. Aster still rested against the sink not saying a word.

“Was there something you wanted to talk about?” The man was unnerving him, and it wasn’t a feeling Bryce felt very often. He could admit he felt confident in most situations—well, at least when it didn’t deal with his wife.

“I’ve been in town less than a day, Mr. Mayor. The things I’ve heard about my sister do not make me happy.”

The horrible rumors that they were sleeping together. Just. Great.

The man he’d met last night, the man he dined with, had disappeared. The hard glint in Aster’s eyes said he could get down and dirty if need be. Apparently, he thought that’s what was needed.

Honesty had always been his best policy. It would continue until the day he died. He never thought lying got a person very far.

“I apologize for those nasty rumors. I can assure you I have been nothing but a professional with your sister and haven’t touched her in the slightest.” He let out a ragged breath. “Unfortunately, I am going through a divorce. My wife isn’t playing nice. She’s the one cheating on me, and she must think deflecting that fact will help her in the divorce. It won’t, but it doesn’t stop her.”

Aster stood to his full height, letting his arms drop to his sides. “I hear what you’re saying. I believe what you’re saying.” He took two quick steps toward him, which gave him no time to react. If Aster had wanted to punch him square in the face, he wouldn’t have been able to duck. “But what your lips don’t tell me, your eyes do. I see the way you look at my sister. So I suggest you stop doing that.”

Bryce swallowed hard and gave a tight nod. He wouldn’t fib and say he had no idea what he was talking about. Because if Aster saw the desire in his eyes, then he wasn’t doing a good job of hiding it. That begged the question, who else saw it?

Like a light switch, Aster produced a big grin and slapped him hard on the shoulder. “Now let’s talk Christmas songs. What is your favorite one? I feel like as mayor of the town, our band should play it.”

Like that, the conversation—more like threat—was finished. They walked out of the bathroom talking music, joining the rest by the door. Lila looked at them funny. Aster still had his hand on him, as if reminding him the entire way he had the upper hand. That he would show Bryce never-ending pain if he hurt Lila in any way.

They parted ways outside the diner. Aster and his crew hopped into their rental car while he and Lila walked back toward City Hall.

“What did he say to you?” Lila asked halfway back to their destination.

The whole not lying to people raced through his mind. But this situation felt like he needed to skirt the truth.

“We were talking about Christmas music. I don’t have a favorite song. Maybe because I’ve been desensitized to the holiday. I hear the music so much it’s hard to pick which one I love the most.”

Lila stopped walking. They were near the big Christmas tree that was displayed in the center of the town. No one was in earshot, so the conversation was as private as it could be.

“I know my brother. The person I don’t know well is you. In the short time I’ve gotten to know you, I sense you don’t lie. Yet, that’s what you’re doing right now. My brother didn’t go into that bathroom to talk about Christmas music.”

This was not a discussion he wanted to have in the middle of town, even if no one was around. It appeared as if Lila wasn’t giving him a choice. Just as Aster had dominated the situation, Lila had the upper hand as well. He felt trapped once again.

“Okay. I’ll tell you what we chatted about if you answer one thing for me.”

She eyed him with a narrow gaze, then crossed her arms as her brother had done. “No. You’ll tell me regardless of whether or not I answer any question you may have.”

Unlike Denise, when she demanded something of him, he didn’t feel threatened. He didn’t feel like the scum of the earth. A nobody that no one cared about. She was simply not being coerced into anything. Not that he was trying to coerce her or be difficult. His question had nothing to do with the attraction he felt, but why she pulled away from him and everyone else last night.

“He’s heard the rumors around town. He doesn’t like it.” Bryce shoved a finger into his chest. “I don’t like it. So I get why it upsets him. It upsets me too, and I wish I could make it stop. Damn my ex-wife!”

Lila uncrossed her arms, letting them fall to her sides as a gentle smile graced her lips. He liked that look more than the stern, I’m-ready-to-drop-you-on-your-ass expression she had moments before.

“You know that’s the first time you referred to her as your ex-wife.”

Well, it was happening. He didn’t even want to stop the process. He stayed in a loveless marriage way too long. It was time to end it. Why not start changing the language now?

“It’s what she’s going to be when it’s final. I haven’t even been staying in our house. It pisses me off I’m the one kicked out when I didn’t even do anything wrong. All I did was try to love her.”

“Aster can get…” She pursed her lips, as if trying to find the right word. “Ridiculously overprotective. I’m sorry for that.”

“Don’t be. I’m the same way with Juliet. When the time is needed. I don’t fault your brother for confronting me. It is my fault some people are treating you with disrespect.”

She waved the comment off as she resumed walking. He followed suit, grateful the conversation was over. He didn’t have to tell her the last thing they had chatted about. She didn’t need to know he was attracted to her. That, for the first time in a very long time, he wanted to kiss another woman.

“It’s nothing I can’t handle. Don’t worry about it. So what was your question?”

Now that the moment was upon him, he wasn’t sure how to ask her why she’d pulled away. Because the last few minutes had been like they usually acted—direct and open and like no awkwardness stood between them.

“Bryce? It’s your turn. You were honest about my brother, which I appreciate, so go ahead and ask me your question.”

Because now she had to know what it was. It would bother her if he didn’t.

But she wasn’t a woman who was railroaded by anyone. She didn’t do bartering, not when it came to her family. And the amount of times Aster had stepped into her business was too high to count. She hated when he did that, and he’d be getting an earful later. Were the rumors annoying? Yes. Could she handle it? Also, yes. She wasn’t a meek and mild woman who ran away with her tail between her legs. If she was, she would’ve quit her job after the dog food failure.

“You were quiet last night after your brother arrived. This morning as well. I was wondering why?” He frowned and she wanted to smooth the wrinkles out of his forehead and make it disappear. “Did I do something wrong?”

This man and his worry that he always created the problems. His ex-wife was to blame for that. She could only imagine how she tore him down in ways he’d never confess.

Spoiled, entitled bitch. She wished she could inflict some pain on Denise, but she didn’t know what kind. Something to knock her down a peg or two.

“You did nothing wrong. I’m sorry I acted that way. My brother…” She paused again, hating to talk bad about him. Aster did the things he did out of love. It didn’t mean she always enjoyed his behavior. “Can drive me up the wall sometimes. I didn’t want to call him for this festival, but I had no choice. I couldn’t find anyone else, and I knew he wouldn’t say no. But his carefree attitude and his over-protectiveness can get on my nerves. Not to mention he has no qualms about embarrassing me. That’s the first thing he did when he got here.”

Bryce opened the door to City Hall, letting her enter first. He didn’t respond until they entered the elevator.

“You’re talking about revealing your full first name?”

She nodded once, not wanting to talk about it. She wouldn’t say she hated her name, but some kids weren’t kind when she was growing up. Those hurtful words stuck with a person. It was hard to erase some memories from her mind.

“I think Lilac is a very beautiful name. Please don’t feel embarrassed. Of course, I’ll continue to call you Lila. It doesn’t have to be a thing.”

The elevator doors swung open and they stepped out. She stood still as the elevator doors shut.

She loved how he cut right to the heart of the matter. A lot of the times when someone found out her real name, it did become a thing.

“Thank you, Bryce. I’m sorry I—”

“No. You’re not apologizing. Because you did nothing wrong.” He gestured down the hallway toward his office. “Let’s get back to the festival and move on from any negative vibes.”

“I can do that.”

The sappy smile that hit her face didn’t dissipate for the longest time.

The remainder of the day went much better than the morning had. She was glad Bryce had called her out on her moodiness. She hadn’t needed to make it a big deal and she knew that now.

She swore when they parted ways at the end of the day, Bryce’s gaze lingered longer than normal. Because she had a hard time looking away as well when she bid him goodbye.

The drive to her cottage didn’t take long. She sent a text to her brother, took a quick shower, and was dressed and ready for him by the time he rang the doorbell. She opened the door, her mouth salivating at the pizza in his hand.

She told him two things in the text: Bring food and your apologies.

They dug into the pizza right away, even forgoing grabbing plates.

After eating three slices each, Aster spoke first.

“So what am I supposed to be sorry about?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe the part where you cornered the mayor and embarrassed me. Again!” She leaned back in her chair, trying to remain calm, but she wanted to get into his face and shake some sense into him. Did he forget the bottom line? This was her job! If Bryce wanted to, he could complain to her boss and she’d be replaced—and fired—without warning.

“Lilac, I love you,” he said, looking as relaxed as her, though she knew he was on edge as well. “I hate that you dislike your name. If I could, I’d bury those nasty bitches for making you feel like you couldn’t use your real name. I’m sorry if that embarrasses you, but you’ll always be Lilac to me.”

“God, I hate it when you make me want to cry with your caring. Stop it,” she mumbled, feeling the tears well up.

She knew her brother loved her. She also knew he’d do anything for her, including ruining anyone’s life who hurt her. He couldn’t do that very thing with the girls who teased her in school because she refused to let him know who the culprits had been. It was done and over with. She moved on. Life moved on.

He sat up, grinning like the devil he could be. “It’s just your luck you land in a situation where the dude you’re working with is going through a divorce. I met his wife today. She’s a piece of work.”

“She’s a bitch and I’m glad Bryce is divorcing her. He deserves better.”

“I don’t know him well, but I agree with you because I met his wife.” Aster laughed as he sat back again. “You know she came on to me.”

Lila rolled her eyes, not surprised in the least. She hoped Aster didn’t flirt in return. He had a horrible habit of flirting with all women. Big, small. Short, tall. He loved women. They loved him.

“Don’t worry, Lilac, I told her I was taken.”

“Ha! You don’t do girlfriends.”

He feigned shock by placing a hand on his chest. “But I treat all women with respect. There is never any doubt what’s between us. It’s sex and they know it.”

“So why lie to her?”

“I didn’t.” His devilish grin grew. “I have my eyes on another woman here.”

She groaned, closing her eyes for a brief moment, looking for strength. “Please do not sleep with the mayor’s sister.” Because she knew exactly who he was talking about.

“Too late. I’m getting together with her after I leave your place.”

Lila leaned forward, grabbing his shirt and pulling him closer. “Do you want me to lose my job? Is that what you’re trying to do?”

“What does me hanging out with the mayor’s sister have anything to do with your job?”

“Hello! Idiot!” She shoved him away and knocked on his head. “Anyone in there? You mess around with her and it doesn’t end well, which it’s been known to happen. She goes to Bryce who then goes to my boss, and bye-bye job!”

Aster chuckled as he relaxed back into his seat. “Not a chance. That man has the hots for you. If he wasn’t going through a nasty divorce, I guarantee you he’d be trying to get in your pants.”

“No, he wouldn’t.”

She would’ve noticed if Bryce was attracted to her. He’d been nothing but respectful and professional with her. He hadn’t made any rude, sexual comments. He didn’t look at her funny. He always kept his eyes on her face. Some men had trouble doing that, staring at her breasts as if she’d offer an invite to touch them.

“Well, he’s not going to try regardless. So you don’t have to worry.”

She had the sinking suspicion Bryce left out a few more things he and her brother had chatted about.

“Did you seriously tell the mayor, the man who controls the fate of my job, to not sleep with me?”

“Of course not. I told him to stop looking at you like a love-sick puppy. He understood my meaning.”

And she thought she’d been embarrassed before. That didn’t compare how she felt right now. She stood up and pointed toward the front door.

“Get out. Go do whatever you’re going to do. Don’t tell me any more because I don’t want to know. And if you ever confront Bryce again, you’ll be sorry.”

Aster rose to his feet, the cockiness gone, replaced with sorrow. “I didn’t mean to upset you, Lilac. I don’t like people hurting you.”

“Well, congratulations, Aster. You’re one of the people now. What are you going to do about that? Kick your own ass?”

She walked out of the room. She didn’t care what he thought, but for her, the conversation was over.

She heard the front door close, and she was grateful he understood that too.