“But I don’t know what time he’ll be there,” I whine.
“Pull on your big-girl panties, Mac. This is serious.”
“He’s going to notice that I’m dressed up and know I did this for him.” It’s going to be a humiliating shit show. I just know it.
“Men like it when we make an effort for them. Here,” she says, handing me a black overcoat.
“Nope. I’ll do this other stuff, but I’m wearingmycoat.”
“Fine. You’re such a stubborn bitch, Mac,” she sighs. But a smile crosses her face while she looks me over. “Damn, I’m good,” she congratulates herself. “If that man doesn’t fall all over himself when he sees you, he doesn’t deserve you.”
“Hmm-mm,” I grumble. “Let’s go. I don’t want to be late.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
UNFORGETTABLE
This time,I decide to head into the shop before she goes to lunch. Maybe I’ll even suggest we have lunch together. I’m not sure what I’m doing when it comes to MacKenzie. I’m a little out of my element. I don’t recall ever pursuing a woman. I’ve always just sat back and let women come to me. I’m not trying to be arrogant; it’s just a fact. I’m big and tall thanks to my German heritage, and blond and broad, just like my dad. Women seem to be drawn to my looks.
I haven’t ever been in what you’d call a long-term relationship. I’ve dated women for a few weeks at most, but basically, I stick to one or two nights. It’s just easier that way, especially when I was in the military. But now, looking down the barrel of my fortieth birthday, I realize that I don’t want to be alone anymore. Well, maybe it’s not due to my birthday. Maybe it’s because the first time I saw MacKenzie and watched her at that party, I’ve been entranced—fascinated by her humor, her beauty, and her quirkiness.
Stepping into the shop, I see two people: a young man about a decade younger than me and a woman in red. When I step to my left, I recognize the woman, and my mind is blown. It’s MacKenzie, but a new and more put-together 2.0 version. I’mnot sure I like it. This one has too much makeup on, and her hair is straight—not curling and twirling around her beautiful face. This woman is sleek and professional.Where’s my quirky girl?
I step closer to her as I hear the man speak. “Mac, you should come to lunch with me.”
“Oh, Bobby, thanks for asking, but I’ve got to walk the dogs.” She sighs.
“You never want to go to lunch with me,” he says with a whine.
Who is this guy?
“It’s not that I don’twantto go; it’s that my dog-walking job happens during my lunch hour.” She shrugs.
“How ’bout dinner?”
“Maybe sometime, Bobby. I’ve got a lot going on right now.”
I interrupt their awkward exchange by clearing my throat. MacKenzie’s head pops up when she hears me. Her smile is stunning. “Sam,” she says breathlessly.
“Hello, MacKenzie. How’re you today?” I say casually, leaning my hip on the glass case. I look over at Bob and see a scowl cross his face. Yep, he’s in his late twenties. He’s wearing a T-shirt with the logo of the toy store here in the mall beneath his dark hoodie. I give him a chin lift and watch his scowl turn into something more sinister.
“Sam. It’s good to see you. I’ve got the necklace right over here.” She points to her spot in the case. She ignores Bobby and moves to her left. I follow her lead and meet her at the counter. I peer down and see the white gold necklace. MacKenzie unlocks the case and sets the shimmering chain on the velvet pad.
“Wow, I think it’s even prettier than the other one.” I lift my head and smile at her. “My mom loved hers, by the way.”
Her smile turns shy. “She did? I’m glad.”
“She did. She wanted to know all about you. I didn’t have much to tell her, though.” I smirk. “I’d like to know more.”
“Y-you do?” she stutters.
Before I can respond, I hear someone say, “Fuck,” in an angry voice. We both look over and see Bobby with a face as red as strawberries.
“Bobby?” MacKenzie asks as she moves toward him. “Is everything okay?”
“No,” he shouts as he stomps out of the store.
I see the look of worry on her face. “You know him?” The guy is a little intimidating. Not to me, but he would be to someone MacKenzie’s size. He’s not tall, maybe five ten, but he’s bulky like a wrestler; I can’t tell if the bulkiness is because he works out or if it’s just bulk. I can tell you for sure that I don’t like the looks of him.
