CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER FIVE

NOAH

I want to rip the box out of this girl’s hand and go find Amber.

That’s what her name tag said. I wasn’t just staring at her chest.

While making our way to the kitchen area, I imagine her on her knees, naked in front of me. Me grabbing her bare ass and pounding into her. I’m hard thinking about it. No woman has ever turned me on like this before. And her face… flawless.

Fucking Stacey. She’s a beautiful woman and dresses to stress her figure. But she’s a poser and way too touchy-feely. I can’t wait to get away from her and find Amber.

“Would you like this gift wrapped?” she says after chasing Amber away.

“Just ring it up.”

She bats her fake eyelashes and leads me to her register. Takes forever from there.

I feel dirty, the way she’s looking at me.

“That will be twenty-five dollars.”

I hand her my black Amex card. It’s the only thing I have; don’t carry cash. She looks from the card to me and back again. Rings me up. Has me sign a receipt and then holds out my card.

I reach, and she pulls it back to her bosom. Licks her lips. “You busy tonight?”

This is why I don’t shop. “I have a girlfriend.”

She rubs my card between her cleavage. “You sure?”

“I’m sure. Now, can I have my things?”

She slides the card and receipt across the counter and covers them with her hand.

“Listen. I don’t have time for this.” My voice carries an edge. “Could you please give me my box of spices?”

She huffs and bags the box before she hands it to me. I take it and march off. She doesn’t wish me a pleasant day.

I head back to where I first met Amber. She’s helping an older woman find a purse. I loiter for five minutes until she’s finished, then walk over to her. I haven’t had butterflies in years, but they’re banging around in there now.

“Hey, Amber. I was wondering if you could wrap this for me?” I give her the bag, and our hands touch. Tingles run up my arm.

She points at herself, surprised I know her name.

“Your name tag.”

She touches it, and her cheeks flush.

“My name is Noah, by the way.” I offer her my hand, and she takes it and smiles. The room lights up, and something deep inside me stirs. “So . . .” I point at my mother’s gift.

“Sure, I can take care of you.”

My mind instantly turns dirty. Shame on me.

I thank her and watch her work. Her hair is in a ponytail, and her shirt is buttoned to the top. Unlike Stacey’s, whose blouse is unfastened to the navel.

There’s something about Amber’s understated beauty. She wears little makeup. Her lips are natural; no heavy lipstick, just a touch of shimmer on them. I desperately want to kiss her.

“Here you are, sir.” She hands me Mom’s gift, wrapped with a bow.

“Noah, remember.”

Her lips twitch, holding back a smile. “Sorry, Noah,” she purrs. “I better get back to work.” She turns to leave.

I grasp her hand. “Would you care to have a coffee with me? Maybe on your break?”

She bites on her lip. “I don’t think so. My next break isn’t until lunch, and I already have plans for that… Thank you, though.”

Thwap! That stung.

She watches me fumble for words. I’d leave, but my feet are glued to the floor. She shows me mercy. “Hope your mom likes her present.” She tweaks her head to the side. “I really need to get back to work.”

I think I nod but can’t be sure. My brain no longer functions. Being turned down is not a pleasant feeling.

Through grit and determination, I force my legs to move and let them carry me from the building. Could I be a bigger ass?

* * *

I’m back home, where I plan on doing some work. Sit down at my desk. Too hard to concentrate. Toss my pen down and think of her.

I’ve always been capable of separating my work from my social life, but Amber has caused a change.

The phone rings, and I check the caller ID before answering. “Hello, Mother, how are you?” I lean back in my chair and wait for the inevitable.

“Fine, dear. My party’s coming up.”

“I know.”

“Bringing anybody?” And there it is. Right on cue. She’s always trying to fix me up. I’m her firstborn, and she wants me married and giving her grandchildren.

She’s probably already invited someone who she believes is perfect for me. Mom is always pushing women at me, and I keep telling her to stop. She won’t, though, not until I find someone.

Then I think of her and say to my mother, “Yes. As a matter of fact, I am.”

“Oooh. What’s her name?” She doesn’t believe me; I can tell by her tone. It’s understandable.

“Amber,” I answer.

“I look forward to meeting her.”

“Uh . . .” She’s backed me into a corner. “I have to go, Mom. Got another call.”

“Okay. Tell Amber I’m looking forward to meeting her.”

“I will.” I hang up.

Why did I do that? Amber has already crushed my spirit once. That’s all right. Get back on the horse, as they say. Try again. Just keep chugging.

Any more clichés?

Don’t need them because I can do this. I have three days to talk her into it.

Time to make things happen.