CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SIX

AMBER

Call me gobsmacked when Mr. Fancy Watch returns to my department. Thought he and Stacey would be in a closet somewhere doing the mating dance.

I’m helping Mrs. Adler when he approaches. She comes in every weekend to check out new stuff. She’s a tire kicker more than anything. Lonely and longing for someone to talk to. I can relate. She has a grandson who is perfect for me, and I should meet him sometime. Problem is, he’s unavailable to come with her on the weekends. “I’m sorry, dear.”

Noah is back at the scarves again, waiting for Mrs. Adler to leave. When she does, he approaches, holding up a bag. “Could you wrap this for me, Amber?”

He knows my name, which surprises me until he points to my name tag. I damn near palm my forehead. Forget sometimes I have it on.

“Of course, sir.”

I find it odd Stacey didn’t do that. Probably too busy trying to seduce him.

The gentleman reminds me his name is Noah, and I take the bag. Our hands touch and a current flows between us. Goosebumps blanket my arms. I’m fortunate I don’t drop the bag.

He follows me to the wrapping table behind my register. I take the box from the bag and cut off a sheet of paper. Lay it down and turn the box over on top of it. Fold the paper over and join the ends. His eyes haven’t left me. They’re burrowing deep. I need to go faster so I can get him out of here. Bing, bang, boom, and I’m double-knotting the ribbon and trimming the ends. Sliding the gift back into the bag. “Here you are, sir.” I hold it out for him.

He takes it, and our hands touch again. The same current appears.

“Remember, Noah.”

I try not to smile when he reminds me.

“Sorry.”

This man is so far out of my league. Plus, he’s a rich guy, and aren’t they all looking for a quickie? I’ve had propositions here before by men like him and found them rather insulting. Maybe he’s not like that. No matter. I’m not open for heartbreak.

I tell him I have to get back to work and turn. He grabs my hand before I can step away.

“Would you like to have coffee with me on your break?”

YES!

I don’t say it. Keep myself from blurting it.

Pull yourself together, Amber. “I’m sorry, but I don’t break until lunch, and I’ve already made plans. Thank you, anyway.”

I’m hoping he challenges me, but he doesn’t, so I walk away without looking back. It’s better this way. A guy like him can only cause pain and heartache. I don’t need that.

* * *

I lied about lunch, so now I’m sitting alone in the employee cafeteria, eating a peanut butter sandwich I brought from home. I usually add jelly but ran out yesterday. My diet these days consists of peanut butter & jelly sandwiches and macaroni ‘n’ cheese. I’m living like I did back in college, barely getting by, and it’s not fun.

After lunch, I head back to work. Walk past Stacey and her clique on the way to my station. They’re pointing at me. They know something I don’t until I’m closer to my area and see him standing there. Mr. Stevens, the floor manager, who is seldom ever seen.

“Hello, Mr. Stevens.” I stop before him and fidget.

He frowns at me. “Miss Allen, did you help a customer in the kitchen area?”

“Yes, sir. He was in here looking at scarves, and I asked if I could help. We talked about what he might need, and I came up with an idea. It was in the kitchen area, so I brought him there and showed him. He bought it.”

He sucks wind in between the gap of his teeth. “Is this true?” I think he’s calling me a liar. “The customer started in the accessories department?”

“Yes, sir.”

Stacey! She did this to me. She sicced Mr. Stevens on me. That dirty… I can’t afford to lose this job.

“I’m so sorry, Mr. Stevens. I was just doing what I thought was best. It won’t happen again.”

He steeples his fingers and taps his nose. “That’s okay, Miss Allen. You may go back to work now.”

He walks away, and I glance to my right. Stacey and her crew have positioned themselves so they can watch the show. She’ll have me fired. Better line up the resumes.