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CHAPTER13
Chloe
“What the hell are you waiting for,” Amanda elbowed me. “Say yes,” she prompted.
“Yes,” I answered shyly. “Yes,” I said with a little more vigor. “You saw mine; it’s only fair I see yours,” I teased, blushing when I realized the innuendo.
“Thank you, Chloe, you won’t regret it, I promise.” Peyton’s smile gave me goosebumps, and a wave of lust pooled between my thighs.
He hitched his thumb over his shoulder. “I should get back to the Shake Shack. I left my brothers in charge. I might be broke by now.” He smirked before turning on his heels and disappearing.
I knew Nancy got my dream job before she strolled in. She planned to catch me off guard. The phone call was from Mari at the library. She didn’t feel right about the board having lunch on Friday with Nancy and her mother and calling it a board meeting. Backs were scratched, and strings were pulled. I didn’t know why, and I didn’t care. All I knew was that I had not received the internship. Mrs. Donavan thought it would be too trying on Nancy if I were to volunteer. She claimed I might attempt to sabotage Nancy’s efforts with the board.
What a load of crock. I wouldn’t want to work with Nancy every day anyway, especially knowing she didn’t earn her place at the library. If I were to volunteer, Nancy had the authority to boss me around. No way in hell was I taking orders from her. I’d let her bully me enough in my youth. I wasn’t going to let her do it as an adult. What I did was catty and childish calling her out, but fuck it. It was long overdue.
“Take the Jeep. It will be easier for you to park, and since I’m going home, I’ll take the van.” Amanda’s enthusiasm about my date added brightness to the remainder of the day. “And if you want to go home, take a shower, and change, I can take care of things here,” she offered.
A week ago, I was ready to call Melanie and tell her to get her ass home. Now I was sad I only had Amanda for the summer. She was a great companion and an asset to Catherine’s Sweet Treats.
“I have enough stock, so at least you won’t be put on kitchen duty,” I teased. “And you know I don’t mind if you invite Ryan over to watch a movie or hang out,” I offered. “I told you last night, I want you to feel at home, and I meant that.” I hugged Amanda as I passed her the keys to Catherine’s Sweet Treats.
Of course, I would take her up on her offer to go home early, shower, and change. I wanted to be presentable after a day of scooping ice cream.
I returned in time to help Amanda lock up. I had to follow Peyton since I did not know where he lived. I opted for a comfortable pair of yoga pants, a tie-dye t-shirt, and sneakers.
I agreed to see Peyton’s operation. I failed to ask if I would work while I was there. He had, after all, assisted me yesterday. It wouldn’t be out of line for him to expect me to reciprocate.
I waited outside Catherine’s Sweet Treats while watching Peyton lock up the Shake Shack and walk toward me.
“How did it go?” I asked as he approached. “Did the boys give away the store?” I smiled.
Peyton handed me a milkshake. “Naw, they did great. Vanilla,” he said as I reached for the see-through plastic cup, suppressing a giggle. “Oh, yeah, I guess that’s obvious,” he shrugged.
“Thank you,” I said as I took a long pull, hollowing out my cheeks. “I don’t think I’ve ever had a milkshake as thick and creamy as this,” I confessed.
“And you won’t,” Peyton boasted. “Come on, let’s get out of here.” He led me to the parking lot and opened the passenger door of his truck. “I only have one parking space. I’ll bring you back to pick up your Jeep.”
Peyton placed his large masculine hand around my waist and assisted me in getting into the Ford F-150. He reached over and secured my seatbelt. “Gotta keep my precious cargo safe.” He flashed me his panty-melting grin.
I sat on pins and needles on the ride towards downtown—nervous anticipation of what might happen once Peyton and I were alone. There was no chance of someone accidentally interrupting. Was I ready to give in to the attraction?
Peyton parked in front of J & B Books. I unbuckled my seatbelt as Peyton came around to open my door. He pointed to a set of stairs along the side of the building facing the alley.
“You live above the bookstore?” I giggled. “Oh my god, I haven’t had the chance to come here since I got back.” I walked to the front of the building. “Mr. Benson used to special order anime books for me when I was a teen,” I reminisced. “Anime wasn’t as mainstream as it is today,” I blushed, revealing my nerdy side.
“Come on,” Peyton tugged on my hand. “I was lucky to find this place. I wanted to be close to the beach. And I couldn’t confiscate my mother’s kitchen for the entire summer,” he chuckled.
I peered through the bookstore’s window. I had many happy memories of sitting in the big armchair in the corner enjoying the latest Mercedes Lackey book.
“Wow,” I exclaimed when I entered Peyton’s apartment. “The open concept makes this place look huge,” I muttered in amazement. “I guess it would have to be if it’s the same size as the bookstore. I expected it to be a series of storage rooms,” I sheepishly grinned. “Maybe a cot in the corner, a folding table and chair, a porta-potty behind a curtain,” I babbled.
“Sorry to disappoint you,” Peyton snorted. “Mr. Benson’s grandfather settled in Tranquility and opened the first bookstore. Like many of the early settlers, they lived above their shops. When they started making a profit, Mr. Benson bought his wife her dream house. A home big enough to raise a family. However, the building was handed down from generation to generation.”
I remember Aunt Catherine telling me many of the original settlers worked and lived in the buildings along Main Street. I knew the place Van de Graafs’ called The Boutique was such a building. Tranquility was rich with history.
Peyton pointed towards the kitchen. “Want to learn how to make the best milkshakes this side of the Atlantic?” He waggled his eyebrows, causing me to laugh at his antics.
Half an hour later, we filled glasses and stored them in the freezer.
