Candlelight Conspiracy (12 page)

And, just like school, they managed to stay out of each other’s way unless completely necessary—which was usually in the back parking lot that their businesses shared. Seven months into a neighborly relationship, it seemed their stay-out-of-my-way truce had now ended.

She made her way through her flower shop. The year-round bright green walls, crisp white flooring, and splashes of pinks were a welcome relief to all the mahogany in Luke’s dank bar. She tried to shake off the cold of winter—and Luke. The small white Christmas trees peppering her front room and cheerful ornaments hanging from the ceiling couldn’t help but bring a smile to her face. The holiday magic always conjured hopefulness, possibilities—this year, however, it had brought negative tidings.

“Who was
that
hunk of hottie?” Sophie Graystone asked as she finished repotting a large butterfly palm plant. “I’ve seen him around. I didn’t know you knew him.”

“He’s no one.” Candace rubbed her forehead before picking up a sprig of evergreen lying on the island workstation behind the main counter. The beautiful bouquet of dark, long-stemmed red roses for the customer who was apparently
very
sorry for his actions the previous night wouldn’t start itself.

“If I had a
no one
who looked like him, I wouldn’t share either.”

The hint of a wistful smirk diverted Candace’s attention from her arrangement long enough to scowl at the longtime friend she’d met during summer vacation in college.

“I’d keep him tucked away in handcuffs.” Sophie waggled her eyebrows.

“He’s not mine.”

“Eyes don’t lie,” Sophie sang in alto.

“Give me a break.” If they were discussing anyone other than Luke Carrigan, she might’ve warmed to Sophie’s suggestion. “I thought you were dating, oh, what’s his face … Steve?”

“Nah. That wasn’t ever really a thing.” Sophie shrugged and gathered a handful of blue irises to add to the winter bouquets for the after-work crowd.

“His name is Luke.” Candace tried to temper the exasperation in her voice. “He owns the pub next door. You should go introduce yourself.”

Candace glanced at Sophie’s outfit—a vibrant kelly-green Kiss from a Rose T-shirt paired nicely with tight, black leather leggings—a vast improvement over the tummy-baring tops she usually donned every chance the weather gave her. Candace had made “no midriffs” an employment requirement when she’d hired her red-headed friend.

“Maybe I will. Maybe I’ll bop over and say hi after work. We should all
go out later.”

“Nope. He’s
all
yours, honey.”
And you’re just his type—I think.

Candace didn’t have time to focus on Sophie’s fixation, nor did she have time to consider Luke and his problems. She’d work on solving
her
problems as she made bouquets filled with white roses, white lilies, white button spray chrysanthemums, and the occasional red carnation.

“What’s the word on the council situation?” Sophie settled on a stool at the other end of the dark granite island.

“Nothing good.” Candace surveyed the list of orders to fill and tapped her black boot on the concrete floor.

“Don’t beat yourself up, Ace. You tried.”

She had tried. But her dad, brother, mother, and their high-powered friends had no pull to stop the train that Councilman Jeffrey Dean conducted—especially not at this juncture. This was probably the only moment in her entire life she regretted not being more involved with her family’s real-estate world. “A lot of good my trying did. I was talking to Mabel…”

“Which one is that again?”

“She owns the coffee shop with the really yummy BLT. Anyway, she doesn’t think she’ll reopen at the new location across town.”

“Take the money and run? Now that’s what I’m talking about.” Sophie grabbed the remote for the CD player.

“It’s not about the money, Soph. It’s about her business.” The look in Mabel’s eyes had been devastatingly sad. “They shouldn’t be able to do this.” Candace stuffed a white chrysanthemum into red square vase, but the pressure was too great and the stem snapped. She tossed the broken flower onto the island, briefly closed her eyes, and when she opened them her entire face felt tight. “Their reasoning doesn’t even make sense. Run seven businesses out of business to try to bring more business to town? How screwed up is that?”

“Uh-oh.” Sophie switched on the local rock station and low rumblings of electric guitar and drums filled the wide space.

“What?”

“I’ve heard that tone before.”

“So?” Candace squinted at her friend.

“Ace, that’s your fightin’ voice.” Sophie winked and played air guitar like the front woman of a band—which she happened to be for Orange Heart, an all-woman ’80s cover band.

Candace smiled at her wild friend. “Well, maybe it is. I can’t sit back and watch. I’m not a spectator in my own life.” Especially considering the nasty rumor Blake had relayed to her. Apparently when Councilman Dean had found out she’d purchased a building in one of the two areas they were considering for the convention center site, he’d pushed hard for her street block to be chosen.
What an ass.
She stabbed another chrysanthemum into the bouquet, this time managing to keep the flower in one piece.

“So, what are you going to do?” Sophie asked while bobbing her head to the beat.

“Not move. I’ll tell you that right now. This is a prime location, a block off Main Street and easy access for delivery.” She shook her head and glued lace to the top of the red glass square. Her heartbeat thudded in her ears and anchored her resolve. The council wasn’t going to steal her, or anyone else’s, business.

“There’s another way to make all your problems go away.” Sophie lowered her voice. “I know a guy.”

Of course she does.

“No
guys.
” She pointed at Sophie.
Not yet, anyway.
Candace blew out a deep breath of air, letting her cheeks puff in the process.
“There’s a city council meeting tonight. I’ll start there.”

Yes, her initial contacts had gotten her nowhere and Luke was pissed. So what? She’d never given up before when she wanted something and she wasn’t about to start now. Nope. She was going to convince every single person at the blasted town hall meeting that the convention center needed to be built elsewhere. She’d even find a new location and point out the reasons why it was better suited for the community.
Time for my game face.

She would go to this meeting and rock it—like a boss.

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Praise for
Christmas Clash
:

"...had me hooked from the very first pages.
Christmas Clash
is a fabulous holiday read but can certainly be enjoyable regardless of time of year."—Women on Writing, 5 stars

"Despite the title, holiday references are minimal, so readers will delight in this solidly written and satisfying romance no matter the time of year or the temperature outside. Well done, Ms. Volney!" -- The Romance Reviews, 4 stars

For more from Dana Volney, check out:

Holiday Hoopla

Praise for
Holiday Hoopla:

“There's a lot to appreciate in this quick read of fifty-seven pages, including an engaging plot, believable conflict, and two very likable main characters. It was a pleasure to escape to Casper for Christmas, and I look forward to indulging in future works from this talented new author.”—The Romance Reviewer, 4 stars

Paradise Point

Praise for
Paradise Point
:

"Volney’s characters fit perfectly together. Liv's feisty attitude and Adam's cool demeanor will put a smile on your face. They might even have you blushing as you think of a time or two when you did or said something similar. I know I did … If you enjoy danger mixed with falling in love,
Paradise Point
is the book for you!"—Tumbleweed Book Reviews, 4.5 stars

"The dialogue is witty and natural, the narrative flows nicely, including beautiful descriptions of nature and the marina. The plot is fast-paced . . . a well-plotted and intriguing novel."—Long and Short Reviews, 4.5 stars

In the mood for more Crimson Romance?

Check out
The Election Connection
by Monica Tillery at
CrimsonRomance.com
.