Page 13 of Dark Obsession

Chapter Seven

Keira unlocked theback door to Layla’s women’s lingerie shop early the next morning.She placed her purse in the desk drawer in the small office and her sandwich in the refrigerator Layla had in the main back room.The room was large with floor-to-ceiling shelves on three walls for supplies and a small table for the employees to sit at on their breaks.

She made sure the register was ready and then checked the clock.She realized she still had half an hour before Vicki got there, so she familiarized herself with where everything went and how much of each item Layla kept on the shelves.She tidied up a few things and made notes about the questions she had for Vicki.

Keira was looking forward to working with Vicki.She’d met her the first day she was in town when she’d come to the shop to see her sister.Vicki was in her mid-forties.She and her husband had been high school sweethearts and had lived in this town their whole lives.They raised a son who was in college now, so Vicki applied for the job at the boutique, wanting to have something to do when her husband was at work to fill the empty-nest feeling.

Keira remembered Layla telling her Vicki had told her there were only so many times you could vacuum a floor before you started questioning your own sanity.Also, alone time was not her friend.It gave her too much time to think, and that usually got her in trouble.

Vicki was grateful to Layla for hiring her despite having no prior work experience and being older than the other applicants.Layla had made the right choice and was blessed to have her as an employee.She worked hard, everyone seemed to love her, and most of all, she was wonderful to work with.

Vicki got there a few minutes later and spent every spare minute they had teaching Keira the things she knew and introducing her to the people that came in that day.Keira liked several of the women, a few of whom she’d met at the wedding, and promised when Layla got back from her honeymoon, they’d get together for a girls’ night.

Right before closing time, a man walked into the shop.It wouldn’t have gotten her attention, but he’d been the only man that day.

Vicki rolled her eyes at Keira before walking to the man and asking if he needed assistance.After a short discussion, Vicki walked off to help another customer who came in the door while Keira took care of stocking a few items.

“You’re new here?”

Keira jolted at the man’s voice that came from close behind her.She turned and had to move back a few steps because the man was so near to her that she could see the striations in his eyes.“I’m sorry?”

The man took a small step toward her, his eyes ran over her face, and then boldly down her body.“I asked if you’re new here?”

He was a few inches taller than her, with brown hair and eyes.Most people, just glancing at him, would describe him as a moderately handsome man.

A chill ran down her spine at the blank look in the man’s eyes.She couldn’t describe or understand the touch of apprehension it caused.

“Yes, I am new.I’m the owner’s sister.”

His eyes widened, and the smile grew broader on his face.“You’re Layla’s sister?”

“Yes, I am, but if there’s nothing I can help you with right now, I have to work, so if you don’t mind,” Keira said, keeping her tone smooth but impersonal.

“No, I don’t mind, I’ll just stand over here,” he said and pointed several feet away from where they were standing.

“Sir, did you come to buy something?”

“No, I just heard there was a new person in town, and I wanted to meet her.”

Keira held her hand out, which he grasped right away.“Hello, I’m Keira.It’s nice to meet you.”

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