Page 34 of Only Ever Yours
“Hey, good morning!” I greet her cheerfully.
“Oh hey…” her face lights up as she turns to me, “I didn’t hear you come in.”
I giggle, “Because you are so focused on your work... those look delicious. I’m gonna need one of those for breakfast.”
She smiles brightly and shakes her head at me. She knows I’m a mess, and I always want whatever she’s making. “I just need to finish up the drizzle, then I will put one aside for you.”
“Thanks. Before I go and get the front ready, do you need my help back here with anything?”
“Nope, everything's good back here. Just make sure the front is stocked with everything. Shelby is coming in earlier today to help, too. I told her the morning rush has been too much for just one person. I’m not much help to you when I’m in the back baking.”
“Alright, I’m heading out front to get started. Let me know if you need me…” I go to walk out but turn back quickly. "Oh! Don’t forget about my danish.” I wink.
She chuckles, “I’m not forgetting to feed my help. I will bring it out to you when I’m finished.”
I shout my thanks to her as I walk away. I’m so glad I have gotten to know her on a more personal level. She’s one of the kindest and sweetest women I know, and now she’s more of a motherly figure in my life. She knows all about my situation. That’s kinda how I got the job on the spot. I might have begged and cried a little. Shewas desperate, and so was I. So, in reality, I guess we’re helping each other. She’s been a staple in our small town for years, and I’m so happy I’m able to help her with her business.
Going through my normal routine of checking the machines to make sure they are clean and running properly, I’m bouncing with energy, and I haven’t even had my morning coffee yet. I check my phone for the time, and we still have about twenty minutes left before we open. Now, to restock all of the pink and mint coffee cups and cardboard sleeves. You would think the closing crew would do this, but whatever, I’ve got it under control.
I’m bent down, grabbing the last stack of cups, when the bells on the door jingle, letting me know someone is here.
Fuck, I forgot to lock the door behind me.
I pop up just in time to see the one man I hate the most right now—Jaydon. And he’s looking right at me with the sexiest fucking smirk on his face, strolling his cocky self right up to the counter.
What the fuck does he want now? Two days in a row of seeing him, ugh. Could my luck get any worse? He’s driving me fucking insane.
I narrow my eyes at him, causing him to smile—although he tries to be slick and hide it by rubbing his nose with the back of his hand.
“We're closed.” My snarky attitude shines through as I speak. I start to bend down to continue gathering all the cups and try to ignore his presence, but he speaks, stopping me.
He waves his inked, muscular arm in the direction of the doors. “Well, the doors were open,” he says, shrugging it off so casually.
I lean towards him and lower my voice—I need to make sure Elaine can’t hear me when I speak, “What the fuck do you want, Jaydon… Why are you always fucking with me? Did someone put you up to this?” I whisper harshly, narrowing my eyes, with a hand resting on my hip.
My anxiety is getting the best of me, and I want to ask if it’s my sister, but I don’t want to sound jealous, so I bite my tongue.
A deep, throaty laugh slips from his lips, “I’m not sure if you want to know what I really want…” his eyes pierce my soul as they crease in the corners, silently accessing my reaction, but my face remains neutral, “…why the fuck would you think someone put me up to this, Peachy? Nobody tells me what the fuck to do.” He takes a step closer.
Not this again, I don’t get it—he’s always messing with my fucking head. I glance at the doors, wishing Kevin would magically appear… or anyone, really. I need someone to help pull me from his spell. But he just stands there, staring hard into my eyes to get his point across, and I guess he does. Because I suddenly realize just how crazy I sound, accusing him of that.
Whatever, he makes me fucking crazy when he’s near me.
Asshole.
I roll my eyes and let out an exaggerated huff, making sure he knows I’m annoyed. Then, forcing a sweet smile, I speak, “Okay, let me start over… Good morning, Sir.” I bat my eyelashes for the full effect, “What can I get for you?” I ask, trying my best to ask nicely, ending with a sultry smile on my face.
He just stares into my eyes with the same cocky fucking grin that he always has.How the fuck am I ever supposed to get over him?
“Hmmm…” Fuck. That deep rumbling of his voice is doing all the things to me that it shouldn’t. “You should call mesirfrom now on…” he teases, his voice dripping with sexy confidence. “I kinda like that.” He winks, pausing to let his words settle over us.
“And you should come in once we are actually open for business…” I snap back, “Come on, Jaydon.” I plead with him as a sexy as fuck laugh slips from his lips.
This cocky asshole thinks he’s funny—he’s making me twitch. I need to get him the fuck outta here before customers start trickling in and I completely lose my cool.
“… the drink you made for me yesterday morning, give me two of those…” he reaches into his back pocket, pulling out his wallet.
My eyebrows shoot up in surprise.
