“Do you think I don’t know that?” he seethed, drawing in a ragged breath to get control of himself.
She lifted an eyebrow. “Don’t make it more than it is, okay?” She touched his arm, searching his eyes. “I’m with you now. He’s my past and you’re my future.” She’d repeat that to herself a thousand times if necessary. She was with Vernon now, end of story. Vernon would never leave her. Never break her heart like Rigby did. Things were safe and predictable with Vernon, and that’s what she needed.
His shoulders relaxed, he sighed. “I know.” He gave her a slight smile. “I’m sorry. I lost my head there for a second.”
She wrinkled her nose. “Yeah, just a little. Don’t do that again, okay?”
Long pause. “Okay. So, will you go with me to the shrimp boil tonight like we planned?”
“Of course. I wouldn’t have it any other way.” She glanced at Harper who looked disappointed.
“I’ll leave you two lovebirds alone,” Harper muttered, shaking her head. “Someone’s gotta work around here.” She gave Scarlett a scathing look. “You were so close, but like I told you earlier, I’ve done said all I’m gonna say on the topic.” She let out a harrumph as she sauntered away.
Vernon’s brows drew together. “What was that about?”
She laughed lightly, even though she wanted to strangle Harper for being so obvious about Rigby. “Oh, Mason just got back in town and Harper’s just miffed because she has to take over the dinner shift tonight in my absence, instead of going with him to the shrimp boil.”
“Hmm … it sounded like it was more than that, but okay.” Vernon said.
“Would you like something to eat?” Scarlett said brightly, changing the subject.
“No, I’ve gotta get back to the office. I’m on my lunch break, and it’s almost over.” He kissed her cheek. “See you tonight.”
She smiled. “Okay, it’s a date.”
Rigby took a bite of sweet potato pie, not tasting a thing.
“It’s good, huh?” Coralee said.
“Yeah, fabulous.” Just before Vernie came in, Scarlett was considering going with him to the shrimp boil. She wanted to go—he could see it in her eyes, then Vernie came in and ruined everything. And if that weren’t bad enough, Vernie had the nerve to throw the suspension in his face. Rigby wanted to wipe the floor with the guy, but he refrained. He’d not yet gone to his first anger management class, and was already doing better. Progress. Vernie was a pompous jerk. He couldn’t understand what Scarlett saw in him.
Coralee studied him. “You okay?”
He sighed. “Yeah … I’m fine.” Then he forced a smile to prove it, but he could tell Coralee wasn’t convinced.
She stood, placing her napkin on the table. “I’m going to the restroom. Be back in a jiffy.”
He nodded. A minute later, his head shot up when Harper sat down across from him. She leaned forward, lowering her voice. “Hey.”
“Hey,” he repeated, wondering what this was about.
“You’ve tried to go about things head on. It’s time to take the round-about way.”
He frowned. “I’m not sure what you mean.”
She wrinkled her forehead. “Really? After the spitting contest I just saw, I’d say you know exactly what I’m talking about. You need to go to the shrimp boil tonight … with another woman.”
He made a face. “I don’t like playing games.”
Harper tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. “Yeah, I get that, but you need to do something to make Scarlett realize how she feels about you.”
The words caused hope to spring in his chest. “You think Scarlett still has feelings for me?”
“Well … duh. She’s just confused right now.” She gave him a hard look. “You hurt her bad.”
His eyes narrowed. “What’re you talking about? She’s the one who broke up with me.”
“Yeah, and then you paired up with Sadonna Roberts a minute later.”
“That’s not how it happened at all. I begged Scarlett to come with me.”
She let out a huff. “I’m not gonna sit here arguing with you.” She glanced over her shoulder. “If you want Scarlett back, you’re gonna have to up the ante.”
He sat back, considering her words. It could work … maybe. “Okay, will you go with me to the shrimp boil?”
She tipped her head, batting her eyelashes. “Ooh,” she cooed, “a chance to go to the shrimp boil with Rocket Breeland? Let me think about it.” Her voice grew practical. “Um, no. Scarlett would see right through that. Besides, my boyfriend’s back in town. He wouldn’t like it, and I have to work tonight.” She paused, thinking. “You could go with Pepper McClain. She seemed over-the-moon for you last night at the auction.”
“Yeah, that’s the problem,” he said dryly. Even after Rigby bid on Scarlett’s pie, Pepper had given him her number. Pepper was on the lookout for husband number two, and he didn’t wanna get in that line of fire. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
Harper eyed him. “Do you want Scarlett back or not? You’ve got to keep your eye on the ball, man.”
“I know all about that,” Rigby countered.
She cocked an eyebrow. “Do you? Well, I guess that remains to be seen.” She jumped up in a hurry to leave.
“Wait a minute. Why’re you helping me?”
“I’m not. I’m helping Scarlett,” she snipped as she rushed away.
9
The zesty smell of shrimp and sausage caused Scarlett’s stomach to rumble as she and Vernon walked over to the long rows of tables lined with butcher block paper. Several people called out greetings as they sat down at an empty spot. Things had been tense between Scarlett and Vernon after the incident at the restaurant, but she hoped everything would get back to normal as the evening wore on. The shrimp boil was put on by the local men’s club, a group of retirees who spent the day preparing shrimp, andouille sausage, onions, potatoes, jalapeños, and corn on the cob in large vats. When it was time to eat, they dumped the food on the butcher paper, and everyone ate with their hands. It was a time of camaraderie where the townsfolk came together. Afterwards, a live band performed while people danced. This year, the Dixie Bandits were performing. Originally from Gulf Shores, the Dixie Bandits were taking the nation by storm. Mayor Tate called in a few favors to have the band come to Clementine.
Vernon scooted closer to Scarlett, rubbing her back. “You look lovely tonight.”
“Thank you.” She’d decided to wear white slacks and a red blouse with tall wedge sandals and red, dangly earrings.
“I’m sorry about earlier,” he offered. A pained smile touched his lips. “I just couldn’t stand to see you with him.”
The bitterness in his voice was understandable. When Scarlett learned Rigby was with Sadonna, she’d come back to Clementine a broken woman. Vernon offered her a shoulder to cry on until slowly their relationship evolved into something more. He knew better than anyone how deeply Rigby had hurt her. And he knew how much Scarlett had loved Rigby. Vernon was good and kind. She wished she had the same intense feelings for him that she had for Rigby, but maybe she’d never feel that way about anyone again. First loves were hard to top. She took Vernon’s hand in hers, which had the magical effect of soothing his ruffled feathers as he smiled affectionately. Then she asked the one question she knew would lighten the mood between them. “So how was your day at the office?” Vernon was super passionate about his work—a healer, one of the things she admired most about him. He cared so deeply for his patients that once he got started on the topic, he found it hard to stop.
“Really busy, but good. Cindy Stubblefield brought her baby in for a checkup.”
“How’s Cindy doing?”
“Very well, and so is the baby. Bonnie came in today and wanted me to tell you hello.”
“Oh, that was nice. How’s she doing?”
Ten minutes later, Vernon was still talking about his patients. Scarlett’s mind began to wander as she scope
d the crowd. She caught a few people casting interested glances her direction, probably still thinking about the auction. When she smiled, they returned the gesture and quickly looked away. She took in a quick breath when she saw a familiar profile a couple of tables over. Rigby was here … with Pepper McClain. Pepper was leaning in, laughing at something he was saying. Jealousy seared through Scarlett like a hot poker, and for a split second she felt like history was repeating itself as the old hurt came gushing back like water through a broken dam. Earlier today, Rigby was vying for her attention and now he’d thrown her aside for someone else a few short hours later. Typical.
Vernon gave her a concerned look. “Are you okay?”
Oops, she’d not meant to be so transparent. She smiled brightly. “Of course,” she chirped, her voice sounding false in her ears.
“You sure?”
“Uh, huh. Oh, look, there’s Mayor Tate. It’s about to start. I’m glad because I’m starved.”
The Dixie Bandits were good—one of the best bands Scarlett ever remembered hearing at one of these events. No wonder they were so popular. She and Vernon had danced nearly every dance, and she tried to stay focused on him rather than Rigby who was a few couples away dancing with Pepper. Her dress was so tight it was a wonder she could sit down without bursting the seams. A few times, Pepper had given her a smug look that said she’d won. Scarlett didn’t know why she was so bent-out-of-shape about this. She should’ve been glad Rigby was with Pepper, because that meant he’d stay the heck away from her.
Vernon’s phone rang. He fished it from his pocket and sighed. “It’s the answering service, I’d better take it.”
“No worries. I’ll just go over and get a coke. You want one?”
“Sure, I’ll take a root beer.”
Scarlett had just taken her first sip when Rigby stepped up beside her. “Oh, is that for me? You shouldn’t have.”
She jumped nearly spilling coke down the front of her blouse. “Hey.” She tried to keep her expression nonchalant, even though her pulse was hammering in her ears.
He took the root beer from her and flipped open the can. It was on the tip of her tongue to tell him it was for Vernon, but then she decided it would be easier to just get Vernon another one.
Rigby’s eyes flickered over her. “You look stunning. Red always was your best color.”
“Thanks.” The compliment warmed her like the first rays of morning sunlight touching the darkened sky. She could’ve added that he looked stunning too in jeans and a collared shirt, untucked. Then again, Rigby could’ve worn a tow sack and looked good. As usual, his hair was styled back, and his eyes had a smoky look tonight that added to his allure. A faint line of stubble emphasized his strong jaw. She sought for something to say. “I appreciate you coming to the restaurant today to take pictures.”
He smiled, the lines around his eyes crinkling. “Thanks.”
She took a swig of coke. “So, where’s your date?”
Amusement lit his eyes. “Oh, I didn’t realize you noticed.”
Her eyebrows bunched. “It was hard to miss, seeing as how Pepper was wrapped around you like an extra appendage.”
He chuckled. “Well, you and Vernie seemed to be having a good time.”
“Yeah, Vernie’s a good dancer.” She stopped, her face flaming when she realized she’d said Vernie.
Rigby grinned in amusement, but thankfully didn’t point out the slip.
Scarlett stiffened when she saw Pepper strutting towards them.
“Well, gotta go,” Rigby said, downing the soda, then crushing the can. He winked. “Thanks for the root beer, Lettie. See ya’ around.”
“Okay,” she mumbled, watching him walk toward Pepper, who linked an arm through his and held on tight like she was afraid he might get away. She’d never been a fan of Pepper McClain, but that feeling was intensified a thousand-fold as she watched her with Rigby. Surely he had more sense than to get involved with her.
Vernon stepped up beside her. “Sorry about that.”
She tore her eyes away from Rigby and Pepper. “No problem.”
He looked at the coke in her hand, the corners of his lips turning down. “I thought you were getting me a root beer.”
“Oh, yeah. Sorry. I’ll go over there and get one.”
He gave her a long look. “Are you okay? You seem a little off tonight.” She looked out at the dance floor to where Rigby and Pepper were swaying to the music. “Nope. I’m good.” She couldn’t stand to watch the two of them dancing a minute longer. “Come on. Let’s get you a root beer, and then I think we should call it a night.”
Vernon’s face fell. “But the concert’s not nearly over.” His voice went soft as he trailed a finger over her arm. “And I was hoping to dance a few more slow songs with you.”
“Yeah, sorry. I’ve got a headache coming on. It’s been a hectic day.” She stole one final glance at Rigby and Pepper before turning away.
Scarlett paced back and forth across her bedroom floor. It was concerning that she’d gotten so upset about Rigby and Pepper. She scowled. Before Rigby showed up everything had been going well. Now she wasn’t sure what to make of her feelings. The practical thing to do would be to forget Rigby and push forward with Vernon. She was ready to settle down and start a family, but she also wanted love. Heck, if the truth be known, she wanted fireworks—to be swept off her feet. Rigby had been her world, and now that he’d come back … well, it was awfully hard to get excited about Vernie—um, Vernon. She’d have to quit calling him that. Everything was a muddled mess. She couldn’t talk to her grandfather about it because he’d go ballistic if he thought she was even entertaining starting things up with Rigby. There was only one person she could call. She picked up her phone and pressed the button. “Hey, Harper, it’s me.” She let out a long sigh as she sat down on her bed. “Do you have a minute?” She let out a shaky laugh. “I just need to talk something through …”
Shortly after Scarlett and Vernie left the concert, Rigby took Pepper home. The girl was as clingy as plastic wrap. She’d invited him in, but he declined saying he had to be up early tomorrow morning, which was true. But he also couldn’t take one more second of pretending to be interested in her. Rigby felt bad about using her to make Scarlett jealous, but like Harper said, it seemed to be working. Still, he wasn’t going to lead Pepper on. Tonight would be his first and last date with her. Like he told Harper, he wasn’t the type to play games. He stepped into the guest bedroom and peered out the window. The light in Scarlett’s bedroom was on. It was comforting to know she was home rather than out with Vernie.
His phone buzzed. He pulled it out, surprised to see a text from Harper.
Just spoke to Scarlett. Going to the concert with Pepper worked! She’s conflicted. Time to get off the sidelines and step it up. You’ll never have a better chance than right now.
Adrenaline pulsed through Rigby’s veins as he took a deep breath. A part of him wanted to charge over this instant and talk to Scarlett, but that would require going through Douglas. It was doubtful he’d even get past the front door. He could text Scarlett and tell her he needed to talk. No, too much of a likelihood that she’d put him off.
A second later, a slow smile stole over his lips, and he knew exactly what he needed to do.
10
Scarlett had just gotten to sleep when she heard sharp pings against the window. At first, she thought she’d dreamt it and was about to turn the other direction and go back to sleep when she heard the noise again. Frowning, she climbed out of bed and pushed aside the sheer curtain. Her heart leapt in her throat when she saw Rigby down below. “What the heck?” she mumbled. He motioned for her to open the window. For a second, she stood there, unsure what to do. When they were teenagers, Rigby often threw pebbles at her window to get her attention in the middle of the night. She used to joke that he’d end up breaking the window one day, but he assured her he’d mastered the art of hitting with just the right amount of force to get her attentio
n, yet leave no damage. And if anyone could do just that it was him—the guy with the million-dollar arm. He gave her a pleading look.
As she strained to lift the window it creaked in protest, hardly budging. The window hadn’t been opened since Rigby lived at home. For a moment, she thought she might not be able to get it open, but was finally successful.
A wide-mouth grin broke over his face. “Hey.”
“Hey,” she said, keeping her voice low so as not to wake the neighbors … or her grandpa. “What’re you doing here?”
“Can we talk?”
He was still wearing his same clothes from earlier. She looked down at her pajamas and t-shirt, then ran a hand through her hair. She didn’t have on a speck of makeup. “Now?”
“Yeah.”
She frowned. “Can’t it wait until tomorrow?”
“No. Meet me at our place.”
A tingle circled down her spine, and for an instant she felt a blush of excitement like being a teenager again in love for the first time. Scarlett wanted to talk to Rigby—needed to talk to him. But she’d not planned on doing it this way. Still, it would be nice to talk to him privately with no one else around. “Okay, give me five minutes.” Long enough to drag a comb through her hair and brush her teeth.
Scarlett glanced over her shoulder as she stole down the hallway and paused in front of the double windows at the top of the stairs. Her blood pumped faster when she saw Rigby’s shadow outside. She hoped this window would be easier to open than the one in her bedroom. Otherwise, she’d wake up her grandpa for sure. She slid open the lock and pushed up the window, holding her breath the entire time. Thankfully, it opened without too much trouble. She climbed out and closed the window behind her, then eased her way toward Rigby. Her stomach lurched as she looked down. This had been a lot easier at sixteen. Rigby half stood and held out a hand. “Here, let me help.”
She clutched his hand as he helped her get seated beside him. This section of the roof was a perch over the back porch and a favorite spot for Scarlett and Rigby to steal away and spend time together.
The Perfect Catch (Last Play Romance (A Bachelor Billionaire Companion) Book 9) Page 9
