She blinks hard. “What? Sorry, I missed what you said.”
I stifle a laugh and suck in my bottom lip. Tatum and I have never crossed the line, not even close, but right now, she's giving me all the signs that she wants to. To catch her staring at me so intensely is a rare occurrence, and I like it.
“I said, I'll be ready in twenty minutes. Then we can go to the shop.”
She looks down at herself. “Oh, shit. I gotta get dressed. Okay, I'll be ready in a few.”
“Don't forget the coffee!” I call out as she closes the door.
“I never do,” she replies, shutting it completely.
I release a long breath, uncomfortable from the blue balls I have, and decide I'll put new batteries in the smoke detectors after work. Since it's peak season, the shop's been nonstop busy. I can't complain, though, because the sales keep me afloat during the slow winter months. Summer in Florida is a hot spot filled with young college kids who want to swim, surf, and party. It was my dream to open a surf shop, and once I did, I incorporated different boards, gear, and swimwear. Since opening four years ago, it's surpassed all my financial goals and personal expectations. That doesn't mean it comes easy, though. The competition is high.
“Dressed and ready to go,” I mutter when I see her waiting for me in the hall. I have George's cage in one hand and grab the tumbler from Tatum with the other.
“What's today's special flavor?” I ask, inhaling the coffee to see if I can figure it out. “Hmm...cinnamon?”
“You're getting better at this,” she says as we walk toward the stairs. “Cinnamon and sprinkles.”
“Sprinkles?”
She shrugs as we make our way to the back door of the shop. “I was in the mood for it today.”
I take a sip, relishing in the cinnamon flavor and tasting the sweet sprinkles on top of the foam. “Interesting choice, but I kinda like it. Gonna turn me into one of those bougie coffee drinkers in no time.”
She smiles as she takes George so I can unlock the door.
“You're bougie in every other aspect of your life, so why not?”
I furrow my brows as if I'm offended because what the fuck does that even mean? “I am not. I work out, surf, own a business, and take care of a hamster all on my own.”
Tatum snort-laughs, which lights up my entire body. Getting a smile out of her is a win for me.
“You sound like every other frat boy out there.”
“Frat boy, huh? Guess I need a den mother then. You volunteering?” I waggle my brows, knowing damn well she's trying to ignore my flirting.
I said I’ve tried to be professional, not that I was a saint.
Tatum's eight years older than me, and it's become very obvious since I hired her that she's more mature than me too. Not just by how she acts but also by how she presents herself. Aside from being the sexiest woman I've ever laid eyes on, Tatum's personality is what draws me to her the most.
Once we're inside, I flick on a few lights and head to the office while Tatum sets up the registers. I place George's cage on the desk and turn on my computer. Though I have a social media manager, I still check our comments and messages. I like seeing what people are saying, and when I'm feeling generous, I like to give one-time discounts to get them in the store.
As soon as it hits nine o'clock, I walk to the front and unlock the doors. Tatum follows with a folding chalkboard sign and sets it on the sidewalk that’s bustling with tourists.
“What do you want it to say today?” she asks with a white marker in her hand.
Though I usually have something planned, today I'm feeling rebellious. “Can I have the marker?”
Tatum hands it over. “Be my guest.”
Once I'm done writing, I take a step back and read it over. “So how do you like it? We'll sell lots of swimwear today, don’t ya think?” I flash a smirk, waiting for a reaction, but her expression is flat.
“Buy a suit. Get the owner's phone number for free,” she reads aloud. “Hmm...yeah. I mean, I'll be sure to direct every guy to that section today. I won't let your number go to waste.”
“Thanks,” I deadpan at her smart-ass remark. “Exactly what I was hoping for.”
“Just helping my little student out.” She pats my shoulder before leading the way into the store. “First step is getting out there, ya know? I haven't seen you bring a date home since I've been here.”
That gets my heart racing, and I pop a brow. “You've been watching me, huh?”
“No, no...I mean, yes, I've noticed only because I live across the hall. So if this is your attempt at getting a date, I'll gladly help in any way I can. It's the least I could do since you gave me this job.”