Page 4 of Finding Alfred
“Hey, I thought I heard your voice, Alfred.” Brock was Jackie’s best friend, Eddy’s husband, and the owner of the store. A big burly guy, and nothing like I’d expected Eddy to ever fall for. He looked more like a biker than a barista, but what the hell did I know? “I’ll get you fixed right up. Want a bun?” He jerked his gaze down to the pastry case where the yummy sticky buns were. A little sign indicated that they were purchased from the local bakery,Don’t Go Bakin’ My Heart. I knew from experience they were delicious and made a mental note to check out the bakery for what other goodies they had. Maybe I would treat Evelyn later in the day since she was helping me.
“No, thank you. Just coffee.” I had already eaten a granola bar for breakfast, so I was fine. I’d need a bigger lunch, though. Maybe a better, more nutritious one.
“You got it.”
A few minutes later, coffee in hand, I was ready to tackle house hunting with Evelyn, the local busybody. I figured exploring the area with the queen of Foggy Basin scuttlebutt was as ingrained in this small-town community as I wanted to get, but I also had a feeling this was only step one in the saga of drowning in small town culture.
After a long ass day looking at houses, some up for sale and some not, I was exhausted. We strode into the bookstore, Evelyn waving at everyone.
Eddy called out from the back of the shop. “Need to talk to you for a sec.”
“Sure. Coming.” I followed inside the tiny office and shut the door. “What’s up, boss?”
He smiled slyly. “Nothing really. Just wanted to give you a break from Evelyn. With some luck, she’ll be gone by the time you go back out there.”
“Such a good friend, but she’s not too bad.” She wasn’t honestly, but people-ing sucked the life out of me. She had worked as a buffer all day though, so it hadn’t been terrible at all. In fact, I’d enjoyed it.
“You look tired. How did it go today? Find anything?” The office was officially opening soon, so I knew he wanted me all moved in and settled quickly. But I was going to be picky and not jump at anything just to get there. Meaning, I would be staying in the room I’d already booked for longer than I liked. I wanted a place to create a haven; otherwise, this move was not going to work out.
“No, not really. I mean, there were a few places, but either they weren’t actually for sale or they were too expensive. I’ll keep looking, but I might have to look farther out.”
“How else can I help?”
“You can’t really. But it’s going okay. Right? I’m sure it’ll be fine. It’s just going to take a little time.”
“I know. And I know you’re doing this for me, so I appreciate it, and the last thing I want is for you to be unhappy.” He threw an arm around my shoulder. “Obviously, your solid mental health is good for the company, but I’m speaking as a friend too.”
“I know. I’m sure it will all work out. Don’t worry.” I smiled to show I wasn’t worried, but I was. Before I had to listen to him asking about Jackie, I waved and left and…
Ran into Jackie, literally. There wasn’t much room in the hallway, and we were actually touching, shoulders bumping and rubbing into each other. Memories and fantasies rushed over me, and I wanted him. Desperately.
Jackie breathed on my neck. It was hot, sending chills down my spine and making my dick hard. “Let me take you to lunch.”
For a second, my brain stopped functioning. He saidlunchbut my body thought he saidbed.
“Just lunch, Al.”
I scooted by him, hands touching his firm pecs. And that little guardian angel inside me piped up, giving me voice, when I thought I was going to crumble. “No. This will never bejustanything with you.” I darted into the main store and straight for the door. If I didn’t get away fast, I wouldn’t be able to live with myself, because I was going to give in. This was the biggest issue with moving here. Jackie Corbin. The giant red-headed ball of temptation.
I was terrified that I would get lost in Jackie’s world. Something I knew nothing about. No, I had to protect myself. Had to put up a stronger defense. I could not let this man break my heart.
But he was all I thought about on the long drive back to Sacramento.
Chapter five
A few weeks later.
The last issue of my blog,Hometown Lifestyle and Fun,wasn’t tracking nearly as well as normal. Distracted by the thought of Alfred moving here, I think I pushed it out too soon, and maybe it wasn’t my best work. Well, that made me feel shitty. I slapped my laptop closed and crossed my arms over my chest. No one to be mad at about it but myself.
“What’s that all about?” Brock asked, coming up to the front of the store and handing me a bottle of water.
“Nothing I want to talk about.” I sounded like the grump now, when that had always been his role.
Brock snarked at me. “Uh-huh. I’m sure it doesn’t have anything to do with a certain someone moving to town? Right?” Damn his sarcastic ass.
“No…” There I was protesting again. “Okay, maybe.” I leaned forward with my elbow on the counter, resting my chin in my hand. “I don’t know how to get him to like me.”
“You sound like a third grader.”
