Don't Mess with the Girl with Candy novel Chapter 1308

"What do you need?"

Juniper blinked, prompting him again.

Jimmie pressed his lips together, shooting a highly meaningful glance at Shanley, who was sitting across the room.

Shanley smiled faintly, feigning complete innocence. "Juniper is talking to you. Why are you looking at me?"

"I..."

Just as Jimmie was about to explain, Dana's voice rang out from the side, "Ms. Payne, the little turtles don't seem to be eating. Could you take a look?"

The turtles were the birthday gift she had given Shanley. There were two of them, with their names taped to their shells.

"Hold on."

Hearing this, Juniper immediately got up and hurried toward the balcony, murmuring in low tones with Dana.

Taking the opportunity, Shanley strolled over to Jimmie. "What's going on?"

"I confessed to Luella," Jimmie replied.

Shanley looked mildly surprised, his brow arching. "How did the boy react?"

"He got scared and ran off." Jimmie answered bluntly. "I haven't been able to track him down for two days."

And he hadn't dared to tell Juniper about it yet.

Shanley leaned against the sofa, a highly amused smirk playing on his lips. "Who knew you had it in you? Very bold."

"Wipe that smirk off your face!" Looking at the overly amused fox, Jimmie scowled in warning. "Don't forget you and Juniper aren't legally married yet."

"Ahem." Shanley instantly sobered up, asking seriously, "So you're here today to come clean to Juniper?"

"Yes."

"It's definitely a lot to take in." Shanley poured him a glass of wine. "Luella is coming to grab the contract. If all goes as planned, he'll be leaving the day after tomorrow. He's been hounding me like a maniac for the last two days to get the paperwork done. Rushing to head back to Stellara Country. I was wondering if it had something to do with you."

"Are you saying he's avoiding me on purpose?"

"Mm-hmm."

Dana opened it, smiling warmly. "Mr. Langley is here."

"Dana, you're looking more gorgeous by the day," Luella swaggered in with her usual careless charm, flattering Dana until the older woman beamed.

"Juniper, I'm here for the—"

Luella glanced toward the living room and locked eyes with Jimmie. Her effortless smile instantly dropped, replaced by sheer, rigid awkwardness.

"I'm here for the contract."

"Right." Juniper looked at her, speaking softly, "The contract is right here. Just sign it when you get back to Stellara Country. Dana made your favorite salt and pepper shrimp, so stay for dinner."

Luella shuffled her feet slowly, shoving the folder into her bag while letting her gaze briefly sweep past Jimmie. One look, and she quickly looked away.

Why the hell was he here?

"I shouldn't. I..."

Just as she was about to politely decline, Dana's voice echoed from the dining area: "Dinner is served! Everyone, come to the table."