Eventually, I’ll be able to tell him the truth though because I’m eighteen, and I can make my own decisions. My brother doesn’t get to control me. Yet Joey’s opinion matters to me more than anything in the world. I want him to like John, and to support me as I get to know this new man better. I just don’t want my brother to freak out for no reason, and jeopardize our prospects.
With my hair as good as it’s going to get, I grab my purse and head out the door. Despite yesterday’s storm, it’s beautiful outside this afternoon, and it’s the perfect day to walk into town. But my body still isn’t totally used to this new type of exercise, and I limp a bit, wincing at the pain between my thighs. It’s a good type of soreness, but something I didn’t expect.
Fortunately, the walk is bearable, and when I arrive at ShopMore, I’m able to appear more or less normal.
“Hey Brit,” Kathy greets me.
“Hey. Let me just clock in, and I’ll be over.”
She nods, and I run back to the break room. I stuff my jacket in a locker and attach my name tag to my shirt before coming back out.
“How was your weekend?” my red-headed coworker asks.
It’s Tuesday, but I haven’t seen Kathy since she finished training me on Friday. Our shifts overlap, but just barely, and she ran out of here, eager to get back to her family, on the days we’ve both worked since then.
“It was good. Uneventful. How was yours?”
“It was great,” she smiles rapturously. “I took the kids on a hike, and went up to that old tower in Middleton.”
I nod.
“Sounds great. Speaking of which, I need to get outside more.”
Kathy nods.
“The weather is starting to get nicer every day, and there’s no excuse to be inside. So long as you wear a mask, you should be okay.”
“You’re right.”
Kathy smiles at me. “You know, without you, I wouldn’t have been able to take the kids hiking, so I’m so grateful you’re working here now.”
I blush. “No, it’s not a problem at all. I’m glad to help.”
Kathy merely grins again.
“Seriously, the kids are thrilled, too. They love their dad, but they want to spend time with both of their parents. Now that we’re both home, we get to do a ton of stuff as a family, and it’s all because of you. Without you, John never would have let me take fewer shifts.”
I smile.
“I’ll talk to him about that.”
Then, my mouth flies shut. Oh shit. I made it sound like I know John on an intimate level, but Kathy doesn’t notice. She merely continues chatting about her family, her voice dreamy.
“My oldest, Greg, he loves birds. While we walked, he named every bird just by the way it chirped. I didn’t know he could do that. Kids are amazing. They’re filled with knowledge and it comes out at the most unexpected times.”
I smile, growing warm. I’ve always wanted a large family myself, and hearing about Kathy’s sons reminds me of my dream.
“Wow, that’s great. I didn’t know it was possible to identify a bird by its call.”
Kathy merely shakes her head.
“I know, me neither! But Greg is amazing. On that note, I want to get home to the fam now. You okay here?”
“I’ll be fine. It was nice talking with you.”
“You, too. Have a good night, sweetie!”
Kathy clocks out and breezes away, leaving me alone up front. Two customers come in, but they don’t stay long. I keep glancing to the door in back, wondering what John’s up to. Is he even there? Or is he watching a monitor at this moment, my image in grainy black and white on the screen?
Self-consciously, I fluff up my hair because product tends to weigh it down. But John doesn’t come barreling out the back door to sweep me into his arms. In fact, the door stays firmly shut for almost an hour, and my heart sinks. Last night must have been a one-time experience, and it likely didn’t mean anything to the sophisticated CEO. My heart crumples, and unbeknownst to me, my face falls a bit.
“What’s wrong?” a deep voice growls from behind me.
I jump at the sound. Behind me, the boss stands looking as handsome as ever in a black button down and casual jeans. Immediately, my heart starts racing and my nipples tighten. He’s godawful gorgeous, and I can’t control my physical reaction.
My eyes widen. “You’re here! I thought…”
“Sorry, sweetheart, I had some work to finish up, and I didn’t you to be a distraction,” he says with a gleam in those blue eyes. “But I’m ready now. Are you?”
I look around. “Ready for what?”
He grins lazily, reminding of a lion stalking its prey.
“I want to take you out,” he says simply.
I gasp, even as my heart blooms with pleasure.