Chapter 38

Dawson thought, “Where did the bell come from that third time?” He shot Rice a chilly look and said flatly, “If your eyes aren’t working, get them checked.”

Race wasn’t even a little offended. He grinned and replied, “Damn, you’re mean, I love it. Just don’t go scaring off your secret crush.”

Dawson was exasperated.

Meanwhile, Autumn could only catch bits of the conversation, so she didn’t know exactly what was said. Her first thought was that Dawson clearly had a thing for collecting glassware, especially from this brand. Her second thought was the coincidence of bumping into him. Statistically, people hated running into someone they know when out shopping alone—Autumn certainly did.

Today, Dawson wasn’t in his usual formal wear. He wore an all-black athletic outfit with a long black coat—the same brand as the one he’d thrown before, just a different cut. His sharp features were as flawless as ever, and his whole vibe still screamed untouchable.

Nonetheless, since they had crossed paths, Autumn couldn’t possibly just ignore him. So, she called out across the store, “Mr. Faulkner.”

Dawson turned with a cold, impassive glance. That one look chilled her slightly, so she didn’t say more, just nodded politely and turned back to finish paying.

Rico clapped Dawson on the shoulder. “Fourth time.”

Before Dawson could deliver another cutting remark, Rico set down the glassware. He strolled over to Autumn, inserting himself into the checkout process as if they’d known each other for years.

“Hi there, I’m Rico Balacat,” he said, flashing a confident smile. His eyes were beautiful, and the corners of his lips curled naturally, even when he wasn’t smiling. He instantly reminded Autumn of Barry. They were the same type, really. However, while Barry was more refined, Rico had that charming bad-boy energy. It fit—Barry had that polished Southern grace, while Rico clearly carried the boldness of the North.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Autumn Gray,” she replied.

“I’m Damon’s friend. He just went back to the country, so we’re catching up,” Rico said, motioning to the white tennis shirt under his leather jacket. “You probably guessed—we played tennis this afternoon. Do you play? Let’s play together sometime,”

Autumn felt a little exasperated, thinking Rico talked a lot. She did play tennis, but she simply said, “Nope.”

Rico waved off the comment. “Now, Dawson can teach you. He’s amazing at it—super elegant when he plays. Honestly, you’d regret not seeing him. Oh, excuse me, can I add Ms. Gray’s bill too?” There was no pause between his words and actions. He’d already pulled out his black card and handed it to the cashier. The shift was so fast and smooth that by the time Autumn realized what was happening, the card had already been accepted.

“Wait, that’s not necessary, I can pay for it myself,” she protested. She reached to grab the check, but Rico lightly blocked her.

“Gray, come on, don’t be shy. It’s just a glass. It barely costs anything. And hey, funny coincidence—Dawson loves this brand. I was planning to get him a matching set anyway, a little housewarming gift for the new place, by the way, have you seen it? I haven’t even been there yet,”

As he rattled off that stream of conversation, the cashier had already packed the glass and handed it over. Rico nudged the bag toward her with a casual flick of his chin, looking relaxed but unmistakably assertive. “Ta-da!”

Autumn glanced at Dawson, silently asking for help. Dawson met her eyes for a brief moment, then looked at Rico, and his stare was ice-cold. “Get over here.”

The weakening her from Cert was a load off everyone except Dawson. “Ms. Gray, catch you another time!” he called quickly, halfway digging for his phone, probably to get her number.

However, Dawson was already walking out the door.

“Shit,” Rico muttered, then tossed her a rushed “Opel” before vanishing after him.

Autumn was stunned speechless, thinking, “What the hell just happened!”

Still, she really did love the tree-shaped glass and didn’t turn it down. “Do you…”

“Tigla inside your bag,” the cashier said.

She glanced at the same that the glass was paid for at 30 thousand dollars. “Might, thank you.”

receipt!

After a quiet dinner in the mall food court, at home, she lay in bed and opened WhatsApp. Then, she snapped a picture of the receipt and sent it to Dawson with a single message. “Let me pay back the 18 thousand dollars.”

Autumn returned home, carefully placed her new items in the wardrobe, set the glass on a display shelf, and showered. An exceptionally satisfying end.