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I roll my eyes. “Jasmine, I’ve seen you in braces. I showed you how to put in your first tampon. I was literally in the room when you lost your virginity.”
We both laugh. “I suppose that’s true.”
“Will you please stop addressing me so formally.”
“I just do it to watch you squirm.” My best friend smiles at me.
She collects the boxes, and we add the contents to the recently depleted displays. Business is great. Items are flying off the shelves. Despite my increased supplier prices, thanks to the assholes at Daulton Holdings, sales are incredible. Obviously, selling franchises is like free money for me. I’ve received a lot of positive press. Things are good.
I brought Jasmine on last year while I was pregnant. I needed someone I could trust alone in the store while I was gone, not just my regular rotation of young sales people. I was constantly running to doctor’s appointments, and then recovering after the birth. She was between jobs at the time, so it worked out perfectly.
Even though we agreed it would be temporary, I like having a little more flexibility with my own time and delegating a few managerial responsibilities. I also want to focus more of my time franchising and market researching the next big trends. I can afford to keep her on staff, so we just made her employment permanent. I love having her here all day and having someone I can trust is invaluable.
She asks, “How’s Skylar managing?” After several years of dating, Skylar and Jason recently broke up. There was no major scandalous event. He had a great job opportunity out of town, and they both felt the relationship had run its course. It wouldn’t shock me if they eventually find their way back to each other, but for now I think Skylar’s doing the right thing.
“She seems to be doing okay. They were together for so long. Basically since the middle of college through grad school. I’m not sure she knows how to date. She’s going to need to learn.”
Jasmine laughs. “You’re the master, Reagan. You can take her under your wing.”
I smile. “That’s true. I may be a little rusty since the pregnancy, but I’ll be up to my old games in no time. How are things with Nathaniel?”
She scrunches her nose. “Meh. It’s solidly mediocre.”
“If you don’t like him, break up with him.”
“No one better has come along. If they do, I’ll break up with him. Until then, I might as well have some fun.”
“He’s very sweet. And he’s good to you.”
“I know. That’s the problem. I want someone who pulls my hair and chokes me while he fucks me senseless. Not someone who alwaysmakes loveto me. I’d rather he just spontaneously bent me over than gently lay me down on the bed. You know what I mean?”
I laugh. “I know exactly what you mean. I get it. Though I’d take either right about now.”
She smiles. “You’ll get back on the horse soon. You just gave birth. Give your body a hot minute to recover.”
“My mother and Harley said I should be good to go now. Do you want to go out this weekend? I’ll bring Skylar. I really need to get laid.”
A deep voice says, “I’m happy to help with that.”
We both turn around. A tall, broad, sexy, familiar-looking man is standing there in a business suit. He’s smiling at me.
Jasmine whispers, “Holy shit, he’s hot. Say yes. Go fuck him in your office.”
I smile at Jasmine. I turn back to Mr. Hottie. “Sorry, sir. We didn’t hear you come in. Can we help you?”
“Yes, Ms. Lawrence, you can.” How does he know my last name? I look at him in confusion. He holds out his hand. “I’m Carter Daulton of Daulton Holdings. I’d like to talk to you privately.”
I should’ve recognized him from his photos. My cordial demeanor immediately changes. “Can’t you people leave me alone? Why do you care about my business? I’m nothing compared to you guys. Please leave. Now.”
He holds his hands up. “I promise I come in peace. I’m as confused as you are about my father’s interest in your company. I was actually hoping we could figure this out together and maybe come to some sort of mutually beneficial arrangement.”
I remember what Jackson said about the son being a decent guy. I suppose I have nothing to lose by hearing him out.
“Fine, let’s head into my office. It’s in the back of the store.” I turn to Jasmine. “Are you good out here?”
“No problem, boss.”
I shake my head at her. “I didn’t hear the chime when Mr. Daulton came in. Can you please check on it? I like having it as a safety measure for everyone who works here.”
