Page 20 of Get to You
"It's okay. It's been a weird day." I bump my elbow into his arm, "And hey, I kinda freaked out on you. We're even."
He chuckles, "Yeah, laughing at me because I fell over your door wedge so hard you snorted, was pretty bad." The reminder of my not so lady like response makes my cheeks flush.
"How dare you suggest anything so unbecoming. I would never ever snort." I say in mock outrage. "You, sir, are no gentleman." Am I flirting with him? The realization hits me like a cold shower. I place some much-needed space between us.
Beau looks down and I swear he’s talking to my breasts as he says deeply, "Never claimed to be one."
Whoa that voice could melt panties.
He reaches for the door handle and places his hand on the small of my back to usher me through the door.
Jess looks up and smiles slyly when she sees us, while Anna looks like she swallowed a wasp. Her face is pink as she sticks her lips out like a little duck. I tilt my head and study her. That's her flirty face. I see her use it on customers. I'm not sure how men find that look attractive, but if I ever did that, I would be in trouble. Someone would probably ask if I was okay.
Anna wastes no time making her way over to us. Beau notices her sashaying our way and turns his body, so he's standing behind me. It looks like he's using me as a shield. She's undeterred by his overt body language.
"I see you found Sam," she croons up at him.
Beau moves even further behind me, "Yeah thanks for your help."
Anna leans past me and places her hand on his bare forearm. Beau looks down and grimaces. He's clearly uncomfortable.
I move forward forcing her to step back, "Thanks for telling him where I was Anna." I end my comment in the air, trying to hint that she should head back to the register, but she doesn't take the hint.
"I told you. I can help with anything you need." she says.
I think I am witnessing the reason why Anna does not have many female friends. She's a viper. What if I was seeing Beau? Would she still act like this? I shake my head, before that thought goes any further.
"Anna, there's someone that needs your help." I point to the woman approaching the register. "I can take care of Beau." I cringe when I realize how suggestive that sounds. A choked sound comes from behind me, and my head falls forward. "That sounded terrible," I admit. "You know what I mean," I try to recover.
Anna seems surprised I’ve dismissed her, but she does return to the register. I choose to ignore my verbal blunder and walk back to my office with Beau.
"Do woman always behave like this with you?" I scoff. "You've been in my store twice. The first time a cat fight almost breaks out, and today my employee of over a year was dangerously close to sexually harassing a customer in front of her boss." I plop down in my desk chair.
Beau follows suit dropping into the chair in front of me. He grunts noncommittally.
After a few moments of silence, someone knocks on the open-door frame.
Jude pokes his head in to say, "Hey Sam. I just wanted to make sure we're still on for later?" At first, I question what he means, but the twinkle in his eyes tells me to play along.
"Yeess?" I nod slowly.
Jude slaps his hand on the door. "See you soon," he says then winks, what a cheeky bugger.
"Hot date?" Beau inquires.
"Not that I know of," I answer quickly. He removes his hat and sets it on his knee. His left hands run through his hair causing it to stand up. He pats it back down immediately. My eyes are drawn to his arm as the muscles flex with his movements. I turn away to grab the first piece of paper I see. It’s an application for the one of interviews I have set up. With the hectic morning I had, I’ve forgotten about it. I look up at the wall clock and see the first one should be here in about five minutes.
Grabbing the papers, I stand, "I have to interview a few baristas. You feel like having a complicated drink? It's on the house. I hate having to test so many.” I look at him, “Don't tell Jude, but the coffee is all about the cream for me," I say half-jokingly.
Beau stands, rocking on his feet. He seems unsure, like he wants to say no. I remember he's probably just here for his book.
"If you need to get going, I can grab your book for you right quick."
He puts his hat back on, and I wonder why he hides under it. "I guess I could try something."
I think he's just said yes not to be rude, and it makes me wish I hadn't asked. "Let me grab your book first, that way if you need to get going you'll be set." I add, letting him off the hook.
As I reach the front, Jess and Jude are leaning close and talking quietly. Anna is looking toward my office. She perks up when she sees Beau coming out. Her makeup, which is always picture perfect, looks even more so now. Did she have time to freshen up?
