Page 14 of Unbalanced

“Well, you look happy,” Samantha says as I enter the employee area.

“She totally got laid with a great big D,” Kaidence says.

“No! Geez, Kai. One-track mind or what? And…Rob is perfectly fine in that area.”

My cheeks heat as I set the drinks down and then pull my two out of the holder. I can’t help thinking about Alden choosing his cold drink because it’s what I got.

“Fine is not great,” Sam teases.

“And there is nothing wrong with a good O,” Kai adds.

I roll my eyes as they laugh.

“I’m happy, but because…drum roll please…” They look at one another like I’ve lost my mind. “Fine, be that way. I spoke to Alden this morning, and he’s giving us the contract for his building. We won’t have to close our doors.”

That gets a happy scream out of them as the two women, who have become good friends, maul me in a bear hug.

“Did you have to promise sex? He’s fucking hot. I’d promise sex. Even a blow job. Oh my god…I’m a total red flag,” Kai says, and we all laugh.

“You’re the biggest red flag, but it’s part of your charm,” Sam says, then turns to me and grabs my hands. “Tell us everything.”

“You two are acting like it’s a marriage proposal.”

“No, it’s better. It’s money.” Kai smiles wickedly.

“Well…I was in the coffee shop, and he came in. Was it too pushy to ask him? I really don’t want him to think I’m using him because of Rob.”

“Sweetie, I doubt very highly he’d ever think that. You are the least likely person to use someone. I just wish we didn’t have to deal with this asshole landlord.” Sam crosses her arms and glares. “I’m still convinced he has cameras in the bathrooms. He’s such a perv.”

“Yeah, I know, but I can barely cover the lease, let alone offer to buy out the building.”

I sip my iced coffee and lean against the desk. Owning this place is one of those dream goals, but it’s not going to happen right now, maybe not ever.

“Now that is a man who would sell his soul for good sex,” Kai says.

“You’re impossible.”

“I know.” She smiles wide. “So out with it, when do we start? We’ll need to speak to suppliers right away.”

“I’m going Friday to do the walk-through, and then I’ll give him the proposal this weekend at family dinner. Is it wrong that I’m more excited about this than my date with Rob tonight?”

Sam and Kai look at one another.

“Yes,” they say together, just as the bell to the shop’s front door dings.

“I’ve got it,” I say, needing to get away.

They are too much sometimes, but always manage to put a smile on my face.

I swallow the lump in my throat when I look through the beaded curtain and spot Rob standing just inside the door, milling around. Karma…I swear she’s a bitch.

He notices me, and I smile.

“Hi there. This is a nice surprise.”

“There’s my sexy piece,” Rob says as I walk toward him.

I freeze. Piece? Like I’m nothing more than a piece of ass?