I narrowed my eyes at Crosby, and he laughed. Lacey did not find the exchange amusing. “But you’re a McCoy, and she’s—she’s trash.”

Crosby’s expression went glacial. “You can leave now, Miss Hotchkiss. And if your father has further paperwork for me, tell him to send another associate. You won’t be welcomed back.”

“Crosby—” Lacey tried to reach out for his arm, but he sidestepped her. “You don’t know her like I do. She’s a gold digger and a liar. She uses people.”

I snorted. “I think you’re talking about yourself there, honey.” I kept my tone light, but inside, I’d turned to stone. The taunts I’d heard for weeks before leaving for college. The photos of her and Grant that Lacey had sent to my email. She’d twisted the knife at every opportunity. But I wouldn’t let her know that her blows had hit their target.

Lacey turned to me, her pretty features twisted in a sneer. “He’ll figure out the truth about you. And when he does, he’ll leave you in the dirt just like Grant did.” She flounced out of the office, but not before shoulder-checking me on the way.

Penny let out a low whistle. “I don’t predict happy things for that one’s future.”

I grinned at Penny but knew it wasn’t a smile that rang true. “We can only hope.”

“Kenna.”

Crosby tried to wrap an arm around me, but I ducked out of the way. “I’ve got to get back to work. I was just stopping by to hear how this morning went.”

“You’re welcome here anytime. You don’t need an excuse.”

“It wasn’t an excuse, it was the reason for my visit. But this lovely scene ate up too much of my time, and now I have to get back.”

I turned and headed for the door, but Crosby caught me by the elbow. “Not before we talk. Come on.”

Instantly, I was being guided and maneuvered out the door and towards the docks. By the time I came to my senses, we were halfway to one of the picnic tables overlooking the water. I ripped my arm out of his hold. “I am not some bimbo you can just move around as you please. I told you, I don’t have any more time.”

He grinned. “You’re jealous.”

My temper spiked, cranking up my internal temperature. “Of what? A woman with the IQ of a raisin?”

Crosby’s smile widened, and he took a step closer. “What do you have against raisins? They make a great snack.”

“Then why didn’t you chase after your snack. I’m sure she’d be more than willing to take a tumble with you.”