Page 30 of Love and Lingerie (Rockland Falls 2)

“I need a shower,” I state, wondering how long it’ll be before Dale returns so I can slip upstairs and clean up.

“Oh, a shower won’t help much. Glitter is like little pieces of hell that glue themselves to everything and anything. You’ll be picking that stuff out of your hair and clothes for weeks,” she adds with another giggle. “Who did you piss off?”

“What?” I ask, turning to face her.

“What?”

“What did you mean about pissing someone off?” I ask.

“A glitter bomb. They advertise as the best way to payback someone you hate. Glitter is a nightmare.”

Hate.

Fuck me.

That little devil.

“I’ll be back,” I yell, as I round the counter and head toward the door.

“Where are you going?” Felicity hollers.

“To buy a thong.” I fly out the door and stomp down the block.

As soon as I reach her door, I take a few deep, calming breaths before I give the glass door a tug. It opens easily, the little bell above announcing my arrival. Free is standing at the counter and glances up, instantly bursting into huge fits of laughter. “Are you trying out for a music video? That’s pretty badass, Latham.”

“Where is she?”

“Who would you be referring to?” Free asks, an ornery smile on her bright red lips.

“Don’t play coy with me, Freedom Rayne,” I state as I approach the counter.

“I would never, Latham Douglas,” she mirrors, fighting another smile. As I approach the counter, her laughter fills the room once more. “Holy shit, it’s so much better up close.”

“Ha, ha, laugh now,” I grumble, leaning on the counter, fighting my own urge to smile. I don’t know why being covered in pink glitter would make me want to grin, but for some reason, it does.

“Oh, Latham, I didn’t realize pink was your color.”

I turn to the right and see the woman responsible for my new style coming out of a closet door off to the side. Her arms are loaded with boxes, her hair pulled up in a tight ponytail that reveals the long, slender column of her neck. Suddenly, all I want to do is lick and suck on that tender skin.

“I suppose you wouldn’t know anything about this?” I ask, turning to face her as she approaches the counter, setting the boxes beside me.

“About your festive new pink look? I wouldn’t know a thing about it,” she coos, batting her eyelashes and smiling sweetly. But it’s the glimmer of evil in her eyes that gives her away.

“Nothing, huh? Okay,” I state, standing up tall like I’m going to leave. “I guess I have nothing else to do but this…” And I start shaking off like a dog.

“Latham! Stop! You’re getting glitter everywhere!” Harper screeches, putting her hands up to block the flying glitter.

When I stop, I just stare down into her stunning blue eyes. They’re wide with laughter, and maybe a little irritation. “You made a mess,” she grumbles, refusing to look away.

“You should see my store.” Then I take a step forward, invading her personal space. Harper’s eyes widen just a little bit in alarm, but she doesn’t back down. Instead, my little tomcat juts her chin up high and places her hands on her hips in a defiant manner. It’s so fucking hot.

“I’m sure Felicity would be more than happy to clean up your mess.” The way she says my employee’s name makes me want to crack a smile. It’s like something left a horrible taste in her mouth.

“It’s funny, she seems to always be busy doing something else when it comes time to…work.”

Harper shrugs. “Then, I guess you’ll be cleaning it yourself.” She steps forward until we’re chest to chest, and I pray she can’t feel my growing erection in my pants. “I would tell you to shower, but I hear glitter is hell to get off the skin. Especially, the hair,” she adds, bringing her hand up and running her palm along my stubbled jawline.

Electricity zips through my blood at the contact. Her eyes darken, and suddenly, all I can think about is kissing her.

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