“Yes, you so do,” I agreed.
After almost an hour of trying on, the girls decided on multiple items, I informed them of their totals.
Rosie blinked at me. “No, Gwen, that’s not right, that isn’t even the price of two dresses let alone three.”
“Opening night special.” I shrugged.
“No, we’ll pay full price,” Lucy put in. “We have to support our new favorite store.”
“And I have to support my new best customers,” I said back with a smile, the girls started to argue, but Amy butted in.
“Ladies, take the fucking discount, you’re awesome, and Gwen and I are just grateful to meet such kick ass chicks on coming here, this is our thank you. No arguing,” she ordered.
It was then that the girls conceded, thanks to Amy’s no nonsense tone.
“But next time we are paying full price,” Rosie decided.
I just smiled back at her, not saying a thing. At that point, the bell chimed and some women from Rosie’s party piled in. I greeted them warmly, hoping I remembered everyone’s name. After that, people continuously trickled in, some I recognized, some I didn’t. World travelled fast in this small town, which was something I had banked on.
Everyone was lovely, including the man who owned the bookstore next door, whom I met on Sunday. He brought his wife Bernie, who was in her late fifties but wore her age well, with short red hair and a slim body. People in this town were freaks of nature with their good looks and impeccable style.
“Gwen dear, it’s so lovely to meet you. Evan told me all about the ‘beautiful young kiwi girl’ who loved books just as much as he did! I’m glad as he has had trouble finding an avid reader in me.” She laughed. “I will definitely be coming to visit you on a regular basis, I think.” Her gaze landed on a stunning pair of heels on the shelf behind me.
“I look forward to it,” I told her before getting whisked away by Rosie to meet more people.
It was about 8:30pm, my little store was packed and I was over the moon, men and women of all ages had come to welcome Amy and me.
I was wrapping a purchase when the bell chimed for what felt like the hundredth time that night, and hot cop Luke sauntered in. He looked good, and so did his buddies, who were trailing in behind him. Those were some fine all-American specimens. He was wearing a blue button up shirt, tucked into faded jeans, a big old belt buckle and cowboy boots. I glanced over at Amy, whose eyes were so focused on the newcomers she didn’t realize the champagne glass she was pouring was overflowing. I chuckled, turning my attention back to Lily, the young girl buying the dress. “You enjoy that dress honey, it looks great on you,” I said sincerely.
My eyes went back to where Luke was currently making his way towards me, eyes twinkling, saying hello to people as he approached, shaking hands and whatnot. I smoothed my dress stepping out from behind the counter. He got a full look at me and his eyes darkened, I blushed slightly at his reaction.
“Gwen,” he addressed me roughly, grabbing my waist and kissing my cheek. My skin tingled a little at his touch. I was definitely attracted to him, but I couldn’t help but compare it to the fire I felt when Cade’s hands trailed my body. I mentally shook my head, focusing on Luke before my thoughts wandered too much.
“Luke, glad you could make it.” I beamed up at him.
“So am I, darlin’, you look…” he paused, hands still at my waist, “Stunning, although that does not adequately describe how beautiful you are in that dress.” His voice was charming and held an undertone of desire.
I laughed nervously, very aware that his hand was still at my waist. “Stop, you’re making me blush.”
“Good, your blush is beautiful,” he murmured.
I was still smiling, albeit timidly, when the bell chimed yet again. I didn’t pay much notice, still focusing on how to handle this intimate situation and how I felt about it.
“Can I get you a beer?” I asked, gesturing towards the bar, stepping away from him. I caught Amy’s eye, she looked slightly panicked. I narrowed my eyes, usually she would be thrilled seeing me talking to a hot guy.
That’s when I felt it. The intense energy, the air almost sizzling. I turned away from the bar and locked eyes with Cade, who was pushing his way towards me with his eyes focused on Luke’s hand, which was still resting at my waist.
“Shit,” I muttered, fully stepping out of Luke’s touch. “Sorry, Luke, could you excuse me for just a second? I have something to deal with. Amy will get you a beer.” I tried to sound breezy.
Luke followed my eyes and started to look a bit dangerous himself. “You know Fletcher?” he questioned tightly.
I opened my mouth to ask him who Fletcher was when Cade descended upon us, expression dark.
“Crawford,” he spat out the name like it tasted bad, glaring at Luke. He directed his gaze at me, eyes travelling up and down my body, and I got instantly wet at the hunger in his stare. His eyes snapped to mine. “Babe, outside. Now.”
I opened my mouth yet again to tell him to go fuck himself, but more politely as I was at my store opening in front of the town and I wanted to sound calm and dignified. Before I could get the words out, Luke stepped forward, almost in front of me. Fuck, this didn’t look like it was going in any direction that was good. People started to give us sideways glances.
“I’m sorry, Fletcher, but Gwen and I were having a conversation, which you are interrupting,” he grumbled, authority ringing in his tone.
“I can see that, Deputy,” Cade drawled sarcastically. “And now your conversation is over.” He seized my arm and basically dragged me out the door.
I tottered behind him, mostly because I didn’t want to cause a scene, but a little bit because he looked hot. Cade was wearing a black shirt, rolled up at the sleeves so you could see his thick arms covered in tattoos. His shirt hung untucked over a pair of very well fitting jeans. So well fitting I think the designer was owed a huge thank you by all of womankind. His outfit was finished with motorcycle boots and his cut overtop. It was the biker version of formal, and I had to say, I dug it.
We flew past Rosie, who was barely suppressing laughter and I glared at her. This made her laugh flat out. We made it outside and Cade continued to drag me down the street into an alleyway, backing me up against a brick wall.
“What in the fuck do you think you’re doing?” I screeched, very concerned about the damage the wall was doing to my fabulous dress.
Cade cut me off by putting his hands on either side of my face, drawing me in for a brutal kiss. I halfheartedly struggled, but melted into him when he pressed his hard body into mine. Those abs undid me every time. I was lost for breath when he pulled away, his eyes pierced through mine, dark with desire.
“That was me beginning to show you how I feel about that dress, babe. I’ll show my full appreciation later, but for now I want to know what the fuck Crawford was doing with his hands on you.” His voice raised to near a yell at the end.
“I’m assuming Crawford is Luke and you’re doing the usual ridiculous macho man thing by calling him by his last name,” I retorted.
Cade roughly drew me closer, but I didn’t feel afraid of him, which was crazy. I mean, I was attacked by bikers and here I was literally in a dark alley with one and the only thing I was feeling was irritation and arousal — a lot of arousal.