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“Oh.” My tone no longer comes out accusing. Now it’s confused. “All the time?”
Now he smiles. “Why else do you think I came to the bar last night?”
“To get a beer?”
When he laughs I feel it all the way to my toes. It’s deep and husky and the sound hooks itself into my soul. “That too.”
I don’t know what to do with this information. “Um, I’m going to go…do some paperwork.”
“Yes, boss.” He says again, but this time he smiles all the way.
Chapter Four
Of course I text Lila all about the interaction and she sends me ten fire emojis and a kiss face, followed by eggplant emojis. I giggle and toss my phone on the counter. It’s late, the sun has already set, but I’ve still got so much to do. I haven’t seen Adam—or more truthfully I’ve pretended I didn’t see him—the rest of the day. He finished painting the dressing rooms and put up the doors, making sure they locked. Honestly, since he left a little while ago, the store felt empty. I mean, of course it’s empty but it feels empty in an emotional sense.
Honestly I need to find something else to think about. Organizing the stock room sounds like a great idea, so I walk in there. I fold up the metal chair and tuck it out of the way. There are shelves lining the walls, along with hanging racks and shoe racks. There are spots for the jewelry and bags to go as well. Looking at all the merchandise I need to pack is overwhelming, but it’s just what I need to get my mind off of Adam. I start with the shoes first and line them up in the boxes on the left side according to style, size, and gender. Then I move on to the bags. I leave them in the wrapping so they don’t get dusty or messed up before the move to the front.
The more I do this and see my dream coming true, the giddier I get. All I ever wanted was to own my own boutique, be my own boss, and sell items that I genuinely liked. I’m not talented enough to design or make the clothing, so I handpick each of the items I want to sell in the shop.
“Georgia.”
I jump, Adam’s voice startling me from my thoughts. I’m embarrassed to say I may have screamed a little.
“Sorry.” Adam frowns. “I didn’t mean to scare you. I brought dinner.”
“Dinner?” My stomach growls.
“You didn’t stop to eat lunch.” He holds out a hand to help me up.
I hesitate before placing my hand in his. His fingers tighten around mine and he pulls me up easily, like he could fireman carry me out of the store without losing his breath. “You didn’t either.” I may have tried to not see him, but let’s be honest.
“I brought a sandwich.” He looks down to where my hand is still in his. His thumb rubs the back of my hand and goosebumps travel up my arm. I feel that touch everywhere. He clears his throat and releases me. “Anyway, I brought some stuff from home.”
“You made this?” I inhale, the aroma of home cooked food hitting me.
“Yeah.” He looks sheepish as he sets it out on the counter. Steak, potatoes, a salad. All look mouthwateringly delicious. “I had enough for two, so I thought I’d bring it.” The tips of his ears are red.
This man is not only smoking hot, but he’s sweet and thoughtful, too. He grabbed my favorite coffee. He told me he thinks about me all the time. He cooked for me. Without thinking, I stand on my tiptoes and kiss his cheek, his stubble rough on my lips.
“Thank you.” I rock back on my heels and put the counter between us. “I don’t think anyone’s cooked dinner for me before. Besides my mom.”
“That’s a shame.” Adam hands me utensils and pulls out two beer bottles from his cooler bag. He opens them and says, “It’s not the bar, but..”
I smile at him and tap my beer bottle neck to his. “It’s perfect.”
The food is amazing and I tell him. “When did you learn to cook?”
“When I moved here.”
“God, Adam. It’s rude to talk about yourself so much on the first date.” I choke on my food as I say the last part. “Um, I don’t mean a date. I—“
“It’s a date, Georgia. At least, I’d like it to be.” Adam runs a hand through his hair. “I moved here with my ex after college. It didn’t work out, but I stayed since I’d established a business here.”
“You met Brett in college, right?” I ask as I eat more. The food really is delicious.
He nods. “We were in the same fraternity.”
“I don’t see you in a fraternity.” I’m stereotyping, but I honestly can’t picture Adam hanging out with a bunch of drinking boys. “You’re too..you.”
