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Today, we’re switching things up a bit. Kathy is going to take care of the store in the morning, and Britney and I are going for a hike in the afternoon. My red-headed employee knows about our secret relationship because she’s got a sixth sense about these kinds of things. Then, she caught us stealing a kiss behind the toilet paper display, and the cat was out of the bag. But Kathy is more than happy to help our relationship because she’s a romantic at heart.
It’s a Tuesday morning, so the hiking trail should be relatively empty, which is good. For some reason, Britney doesn’t want people to know about us, even if I’m ready to shout it out from the rooftops.
She’s mostly concerned about her brother, I think. I get it, sort of. I haven’t met him yet, but Britney tells me he’s very protective because it’s just the two of them. Apparently, he’s been an overbearing big brother their entire lives, but it got a lot worse after their parents died.
But when we do meet, I’m determined to make my intentions clear. I love his sister, and I’m in this relationship for the long haul. She’s not some flighty little thing that I’m going to discard once the pandemic ends. She means so much to me, and I plan on giving her my all, whether Joey approves or not.
There’s a quiet knock on my office door. I open it to find Britney wearing yoga pants and a T-shirt. Her sports bra makes her breasts look even larger, and I’m instantly hard at the sight of those luscious orbs. I’d love to pull her into my office and enjoy some sexy alone time, but we need to get out of here. We’ve been spending way too much time inside and need to get some sunshine.
“Hi,” she murmurs, her lips pulled into a sweet smile. “I’m ready to go.”
I kiss her. “Me, too. Let me just tell Kathy we’re leaving.”
We walk, hand in hand, toward the front of the store. Kathy smiles when she sees our warm embrace.
“Hey Kath,” I say. “We’re off. Thank you for taking care of the store, and give me a call if you need anything.”
“I’ll be fine. You two enjoy your hike,” she titters. I roll my eyes.
“We will.”
I take Britney out to my car. As soon as I turn it on, I tune the radio to an 80’s station. Britney told me once that 80’s music is her favorite because her dad listened to it all the time. It reminds her of him and makes her feel like he’s still around. I grew up with this genre, so I’m more than happy to blast A-Ha, New Order, and George Michael.
“So, where are we going?” she asks.
“Up to the tower in Middleton.”
Britney smiles happily.
“Oh, that’s great! Kathy was telling me about that place a month ago. She and her kids really enjoyed it.”
I grin.
“She’s the one who gave me the idea. I’m not a big hiker, so I needed some tips.”
“You’re not?” Britney asks playfully. “Does that mean if we go on a hike, I’ll have to carry you?”
I snort. Despite being a curvy girl, she’s probably only half my weight. I work out like a fiend when I’m not at ShopMore, and it shows with my broad chest, defined six pack, and heavy thighs.
“Maybe. I don’t know, do you work out?”
She rolls her eyes.
“No, I hate anything that makes me sweat. But hiking isn’t so bad because you’re out in nature. I go on the really short trails around here. Nothing too crazy. It’s a lot of walking, but it’s worth it.”
I nod.
“This one is pretty steep in the beginning, but then it evens out after. I think you’ll like it.”
She smiles sassily at me.
“I’m sure I will since I’ll be with you.”
I tickle her a bit, making her squeal. Then, we sing along to the radio as I make the drive to Middleton.
“You know, I could teach you how to handle a car,” I tell Britney. “Then you could chauffeur me around, instead of me always driving you.”
She giggles. “I wouldn’t mind learning, but I like being a passenger. You make a good chauffeur.”
But then I slide her a glance.
“But why haven’t you gotten your license yet?”
Britney shrugs. “I haven’t needed to. I turned sixteen right after my parents died, and my dad had let me drive a couple of times before that, but I wasn’t very good. After they passed, we couldn’t afford more than one car anyways, so it didn’t matter. My brother drives me a lot, or I can walk or take public transportation anywhere.”
“That makes sense. If you want to learn though, I’m a very good teacher. I taught my younger brother, come to think of it.”
“I believe you. Maybe I’ll drive around an empty parking lot with you this weekend.”
