IHAD NO IDEA why Micro was suddenly in the shop, but Caroline seemed to relax around him almost immediately, and it made no fucking sense. He was loud, bulky, and the kind of guy who was more likely to intimidate women, especially if you knew what he’d done before he became our President. Why was she taking to him so easily, and why was it annoying me?
“Pres, you wanna tell me what brings you here? Caroline, do you wanna get on with your stuff, while I talk to this dick?”
“Charming that is. I’m your President, man, you’re supposed to bow down and bring me snacks.”
“You wish.”
Caroline giggled, and headed over to her desk to work, but I really fucking didn’t want her away from me. I was getting in over my head, as evidenced by me feeling a bit jealous that she seemed comfortable around Micro.
“What’s going on?” I asked him in a low voice as we moved into the entrance to the workshop.
“Well, I wanted to see about getting these backup rides delivered here, and we didn’t finish that discussion last night. They’re ordered, but I need to confirm delivery address, and times and stuff.”
I watched Rocket approaching the door, carrying drinks and a bag of something, and headed over to pull the door open for him.
“You couldn’t have messaged though?” I called back to Micro, as Rocket stepped inside and cursed.
“Didn’t know you were here, man. I don’t have anything for you.”
Micro pouted. “You didn’t psychically feel the presence of your President, and-”
“Jesus, you’re inthatmood today,” I groaned, taking the bag from Rocket and resting it on the counter, as he dished out drinks for us.
“I could get you one,” Caroline offered, and fuck no, she’s not running around after him, or anyone. Certainly not into a coffee shop that intimidated her at the best of times. Just no.
Micro spoke before I could, so really his survival would rest on what he said next.
“That’s kind of ya, thanks, love. I’m not stopping though. Just wanted to confirm something with Harley.”
“Like I say, you could have texted me that.”
Micro shrugged. “Soph wanted to go looking at baby clothes, and I figured I’d swing by, sort this out, and go back and pretend like I know the first thing about fucking baby stuff.”
“You sent her alone?”
“She took her van, man. She can’t get on my ride so heavily pregnant.”
“And you travelled separately? Seriously, man? She’s pregnant!”
Micro groaned. “I know, but she wanted to drive the van, and apparently… uh… yeah, apparently my cologne is making her queasy. Only I’m not even fucking wearing cologne.”
Rocket started roaring with laughter, which made Caroline jump, but her lips twitched, and she started smiling, and then giggling along with him, and honestly we were both also chuckling by the time he could speak.
“The smell of you makes her sick! That’s hilarious, Pres!” The humour left Micro in a split second, and he clenched his fists, but it was the crestfallen look on his face that had my attention.
“Yeah, it’s fucking great. I’m gonna go, but I’ll let you know when the rides are getting delivered, man. Nice to meet you, Caroline.” He left rather more subdued than he’d arrived, and I spun to glare at Rocket.
“Ever heard of sensitivity, prick?”
At least he had the good sense, or decency at least, to look uncomfortable about his actions. He scratched at his neck.
“Didn’t think he’d take off like that.”
“He’s freaking out about fatherhood, and you’re putting worries in his head. Not that he’s probably not thinking the exact same thing. Use your fucking head!”
He looked a bit like a spanked puppy after I finished barking at him, so I turned away and headed back past Caroline, stopping beside her for a moment.
“You okay?”
