Page 274 of Small Town Firsts
I glanced at Dre. “Got a bag I could borrow?” I threw the box in the green trash bin attached to the crosswalk pole.
“Let me get you another box.”
I waved her off. “It’s okay. I don’t have time.” I used the tips of my fingers to pick up the bag that surprisingly wasn’t dented too badly. “I just need to get this off.”
Dre nodded and ran back into her shop.
Silver Eyes looked at me. “Can I help?”
“Not the way I envisioned asking a guy to help remove my clothes.”
He laughed and lifted my mangled braids off my shoulders and skillfully tucked the ends back into my fractured bun.
I glanced over my shoulder in surprise.
“Three younger sisters. I braided a lot of hair.”
Dre came back with a canvas bag. “Sorry, I only have reusable ones.”
Silver Eyes smiled at her again. “That’s a good thing.”
Dre pinked up again. “Gotta do my part.”
As much as I appreciated the romantic dance going on around me, I had to get this stupid sweater off to see just how much trouble I was in.
Dre and Silver Eyes helped me get each sleeve off. Dre gasped.
“Ugh, how bad?”
“Not bad at all,” Silver Eyes muttered.
Dre gave him a quick look. He shrugged with a wolfish smile.
“That’s some jewelry, Ry.” Dre held out the bag for me to dump the sweater inside. It was one of my favorites. Hopefully, I could salvage it with a soak tonight.
“Oh, crap.” I’d forgotten about the low back on the dress and the tiny straps. Hence the sweater. “Not exactly business casual.”
Dre pressed her lips together against a laugh.
“You’ll be a hit at the office,” Silver Eyes said with a grin.
My phone rang again. I blew out a breath, and then shoved the fritters bag into my purse. “Thanks, Dre. Sorry about the bag.”
“All good.” She crossed her arms. “I wish I had something I could give you to wear. Don’t think my array of aprons will work.”
I laughed. “No, not really. Wish me luck.” I wiped cream filling from my upper arm.
“Preston’s gonna love that.”
Pretty sure Dre meant to say that under her breath, but I didn’t have time for another witty answer. I glanced up at the clock in the square with a groan.
“Definitely not going to make a good impression today.” I crossed the street to the large building where Shaw’s office was located. My phone rang again as I opened the door. “Oh, shut up.” I checked the directory before I slapped the button on the elevator.
I dug out the baby wipes I kept in my bag for emergencies. I went through half the pack by the time I got to the fourth floor. Cripes, I even had frosting on my damn neck. I was debating taking off my body jewelry since it was on display now, but the door slid open and made the decision for me.
Whatever I’d been prepared for was a million years away from the man standing before me.
Dear goddess, please don’t be my boss.
