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“First of all, it’s rude to sneak up on people,” I frowned. “Secondly, that question requires a very involved answer. We’d be standing here all day.”
“I see you’re just as mean outside of work as you are when you’re there.”
“Says the man who gave everyone the evil eye from the moment he walked through the door,” I shot back, moving to a different box. Well, I attempted to move to a different box. Mr. Man was blocking my path. “You mind sliding out of the way? I’m on a mission here.”
“What you looking for?”
“Something that mirrors how I feel about all things romance,” I answered absently, sifting through a box. “And I don’t recall asking for company, so don’t feel obligated to stay.”
“See, mean,” he chuckled, folding his arms. As committed as I was to detaching myself from the idea of dating, I’d have to be blind not to see how fine the man in front of me was. His broad chest stretched the heather gray t-shirt he wore, resulting in it fitting like a glove. He wasn’t gym-built but appeared strong enough to easily lift a woman if necessary—if you get the picture. A thick but neat beard covered the lower half of his face, and I could just make out a sliver of a gap between his front teeth when he smiled. “And it is a bit obligatory for me to at least make sure you find what you’re looking for since, you know, it is partially my store.”
That landed him my undivided attention. As many times as I’d visited, I’d never seen him.
“You’re lying.”
He shrugged. “I’m not. So, do you need any help finding anything today, Nyx?”
The customer service voice he donned nearly made me laugh.
“I don’t, Jamie. And I’m having a hard time believing this is your store.”
Jamie’s brow furrowed, “Damn, someone has trust issues.”
“You have no idea,” I murmured, loosening the scarf around my neck. “But trauma aside—”
“My brother and I own the spot together,” he answered the question before I could get it out. “For personal reasons, I’m more of a silent partner and handle things on the backend. Someone called out today and he needed me to cover until he could get here. So, here I am.”
Pursing my lips, I glanced around the store. “Wow, small world.”
“Seriously, though, are you sure you don’t need help?”
“Yup,” I swiftly denied his offer, going back to my search. He’d taken up enough of my time as it was. “These trips are always a personal journey. I’m not looking for anything. I let what I need find me. Thanks for your help, though.”
“I don’t know how much help I was, but, you’re welcome, Nyx.”
He walked off without putting up too much more of a fight, and I released the tension that had been building in my shoulders from the moment he arrived. It didn’t happen often, but there were times when I ran into patrons outside of the pub, and some of their intentions weren’t so wholesome.
Things never escalated, but as a woman, I couldn’t help but fear the consequences of rejecting men. Especially those who knew where I worked.
“Who was that?” Rae questioned, bouncing over to me.
“Some guy from the bar last night.”
“Do I need to break out the taser?”
I grinned, “No, crazy ass. He works here.”
“I’ve never seen him before.”
“Same thing I said.”
“Did he hit on you?”
Glancing up exasperatedly, I huffed. “Rae, don’t start.”
“Fine,” she tossed her hair. “Miss out on your potential husband for all I care.”
“Leave me alone,” I snickered.
