Page 240 of Phobia
This is totally out of character.
But I can’t help it, because as anxious as I am, the second I see blue hair, I’m warm and melting inside. Like the corniest cornball who ever lived.
“Can I help you?” A guy at the counter asks, startling me. I’m too busy watching Asa’s blue head of hair moving around in the back, almost out of view.
“Um… John John?” I ask with a curious look.
The guy grins. “That’s me. John John Junior. John John Senior was my father.”
“Oh… cool. Nice to meet you.” I smile politely. “I’m uh… looking for Asa.”
His head tilts. “Asa Kingston?”
And we have a last name.
Also, come on, guy. Are there really two Asa’s in this town??
“Tall, blue hair, tattoos…” I shift on my feet.Pouty lips and an ass that won’t quit.“I think I see him back there.” I nod behind him.
The guy gives me a once over before hollering over his shoulder, “Asa! You’ve got a customer!”
“Ha ha. Very funny, JJ!” Asa’s voice comes from the back, and I have to purse down a smile.
“Just get the hell out here,” John John Jr. rumbles, wandering away as Asa is rounding the corner from the back, wiping his hands on a white apron covered in blood.
“How can I—” His voice cuts out when he notices thatI’mthe customer.
“I need to buy some meat,” I hum, trying hard not to grin.
He blinks at me, eyes all wide and full of surprise. I’m definitely a little more than insecure and regretting my decision to come here. But only for a moment until his lips twist and he graces me with a vibrant smile I definitely haven’t had the pleasure of witnessing yet.
“Jules,” he says my name softly, eyes shifting. “You’re… here.”
I still feel like a clingy weirdo, my gaze falling to my shoes for a moment. “Yea, well… it occurred to me that I don’t have your phone number.”
“And you came here to get it?” He grins.Fucking adorably, I might add.
I blink at him, mumbling, “Just wanted to make sure you were okay…”
We stare at each other for a few seconds before he calls out, “JJ, I’m going on break!”
JJ is saying something back there, but I can’t really hear him. Not that I’m even listening. I’m focused on Asa, striding over to me wearing a blood-splattered apron.
“You gonna keep that on?” My brown arches, and he smirks.
“What’s wrong? Afraid of a little blood?” His head slants teasingly.
I huff, following him out the front door. “You look deranged…”
He whips his face in my direction and snaps, “Boo!”
Laughing out loud, I shove him playfully as he pulls the apron over his head.
We take a seat on the curb out front, sitting side by side, quietly. It’s times like these I really wish I smoked or something. I could use the distraction.
“Sorry to pop in on you at work,” I murmur, hesitantly.
“I think you’re a fan of the pop-in.” He smirks, peeking at me. I chuckle, and he adds, “I’m glad you’re here.”
