Page 21 of A Little Moore Action
Alice laughs. “It’s okay, I’ve been getting asked that a lot since I got my hair cut. I think it’s the bangs.” She raises her eyes, trying to look at the thick fringe lying on her forehead. “I’m twenty-six.”
“You don’t look a day over eighteen,” Campbell says. “Where did you study?”
“I’m sorry?”
“What college did you attend?” Campbell asks.
“Uh, I didn’t.” Alice looks down at her feet. “College wasn’t in the cards for me.”
Campbell smiles at her kindly. “That’s okay. In fact, that makes your idea and application even more impressive.” She turns to me for a second, then back to Alice and Raymond. “Would you excuse us for just a minute?” Campbell takes the coffee carrier from me, placing it on a display table, then drags me by my arm to the other side of the shoe department. I say drag because I slow my steps. I tell myself that it’s so Campbell doesn’t turn an ankle in her heels, but I know it’s to stretch out this moment, enjoy her arm linked in mine.
Sometimes I think flannel-wearing lumberjacks are going to come and revoke my man-card.
“I want her,” Campbell says once we are out of hearing.
My eyebrows shoot straight up my forehead, while a knot forms in my stomach. I hadn’t known what she wanted to talk about, but it wasn’tthat. I guess her age question makes sense now. “Um, well, you technically aren’t a Moore’s employee, so I guess there’s no problem if you want to ask her out.” I know we work together, and therefore getting involved is never a good idea, but the thought of Campbell playing for the other team and being truly out of reach romantically seriously depresses me.
Campbell stares at me for a solid minute, unblinking. Then she surprises me yet again by saying, “You’re an idiot.”
“Excuse me?”
“I can’t believe you just said that.” She leans back on one heel and crosses her arms over her chest. The universal pissed-off pose. I’m used to seeing it from my parents, but when Campbell does it… let’s just sayallof me comes to attention.
“That makes two of us.”
She snorts. It’s delightful.
“ImeantI want her for my team. Mymarketingteam I’m building for you. She would be a better asset to Moore’s in display than in sales.”
“Oh.” If I blushed, I’d be fire-engine red right now.
“Yes. ‘Oh.’” She rolls her eyes, and the goofy look on her normally serious face makes me smile. I smile wider when I realize not all hope is lost for this spark of attraction between Bell and me.
Her eyes narrow. “What’s that smile for?”
“Oh, nothing.” I wink, my smile remaining unchanged. As is the semi in my pants.
“It looks like you’re up to something.” She sounds wary, unpleased with my cheerfulness.
If I were honest, I’d tell her I’m incredibly happy that of the two of us, I’m the only one well-versed in the art of female cunnilingus. Or that I’m currently trying to strategize a way to both get to know her better and for her to climb me like a jungle gym naked. However, I’m pretty sure saying any of that on the very first day of us working together makes me a total douche. Hell, just thinking about it probably qualifies.
So I keep it all to myself.
“I don’t know what you mean,” I say instead. Ignoring her look of distrust, I take her arm and link it with mine once more, directing her back to Alice and Raymond. “Let’s go get you your girl, shall we?”
SEVEN
Bell
My wooing skills need work.
Chase’s wooing skills? They need no help.
After Chase realized his mistake about my interest in Alice (I can’tnotlaugh when I think of it), he’d simply ushered Alice and me up to his office and laid on the charm. When I tried persuading Alice to move into marketing, she’d been reluctant. Then Chase mentioned a salary increase, more benefits, better insurance, andpoof!A huge smile overtook Alice’s face as she received a copy of my schedule, the agenda for the upcoming meeting, and a few words of encouragement from Moore’s head honcho.
Chase may wink and laugh with ease. And yes, the ladies may love him. But he was nothing but professional while talking with Alice, knowing exactly what she needed to hear to boost her self-confidence, recognize her abilities, and take the chance on a new position.
Watching him be both professional and courteous is a serious turn-on. Which is bad. There’s already this informal camaraderie between us that shouldn’t be there. It’s the reason I haven’t given him permission to call me Bell. I don’t need to blur any more lines.
