He frowns like he has no idea what this is about. “Okay. What’s wrong?”
My annoyance doubles at his oblivious tone. “I’d like you to know that I take my work environment very seriously. I won’t tolerate us intermingling or flirting. Okay?”
At that, he finally turns to face me completely. Shadow glares at him from the tub as he pulls a red lollipop out of his pocket and sucks it into his mouth. The confusion in his eyes has evaporated, and now he just looks like he’s trying really hard not to laugh. An annoying half-grin graces his lips. “Okay…but it kinda sounds like you’re expecting me to pretend I don’t find you attractive. And I’m sorry, but that’s not going to happen. We can keep things professional, but I think you’re beautiful, and also really distracting.”
My brain stops working for a moment. I know I should be glad he just agreed to keep things professional, but there’s only one thing I’m focusing on.He thinks I’m beautiful.But instead of commenting on it, I blurt, “Where did you get the lollipop?”
“Why?” He smirks and shoves his hands into his pockets. “Do you want one?”
I kinda do, but I shake my head. “No, I do not want one, Sebastian. We’re working.”
“You can call me Bash, you know. Everyone but my parents does.”
I make a mental note that he prefers his nickname, so I don’t slip up again.“You’re right. I’m sorry, Bash.”
He grins. “But Sebastian honestly doesn’t sound too bad the way you say it.”
I gape at him. “This is exactly what I’m talking about. That was unprofessional.”
“You’re right.”
I expect him to follow his statement with a “sorry” but he doesn’t. I sigh.
This is going to be a long two months.
Clearing my throat, I gesture to the dog shivering in the tub behind him. “Shadow is probably getting cold.”
Bash takes his time turning back around, letting his gaze linger longer than necessary. When he returns to Shadow, flicking the water switch back on, I take a deep, steadying breath and return to the front of the shop.
Sitting at the reception desk to wait for my next dog is probably the best thing to do, considering how jittery I feel after that interaction with him.
I think you’re beautiful, and also really distracting.
I shake my head and send Addison a text.
Me
I think I need to fire my new bather.
Addison
What? Why?
Me
He thinks I’m…beautiful.
Addison
HE SAID THAT?
Me
Yes.
Addison
You’re acting like that’s not common knowledge, though. Maybe he was simply stating a fact and not trying to flirt with you or anything.
