I’ve been designing something special for Cora. Something that captures her as a person. She’s amazing, full of light and friendly and open with the guys, but we just seem to butt heads all the time. It’s frustrating, but I can’t get this out of my head. I refuse to apologize for protecting her.
I’m so engrossed in the details that I don’t hear the bell for the shop going off. What I do hear is Cora’s soft laugh. Looking toward the source of the sound, I see Cora talking to some guy with dark hair and a beanie. He might be a walk-in, but I don’t like the way he’s looking at Cora. Like she’s something he has the right to smile at like he is.
My feet take me to the reception desk where they’re talking. “What can I help you with?”
A small thrill of satisfaction goes through me when Cora jumps a bit at my voice. Beanie boy turns his dark eyes toward me. I have a good few inches on him, both in height and muscle.
“Hey, man. I’m Matt.” He holds out his hand.
Not bothering to shake it, I ask again,“What can I help you with?”
Cora looks like she wants to throttle me, but I just smile at her. It’s fun to watch the stranger squirm.
“This is Atlas. You can ignore him. I usually do,” Cora explains with a smile.Does she know this guy?
“I was just dropping off something with Cora,” he answers my earlier question. Turning back toward her, he adds, “I should be able to meet you there, but if something comes up, I’ll text you. See you later.”
Waving, he turns and walks back out the door.
After watching his retreating form, I swing my eyes to Cora. “Who was that jackass?”
If looks could kill, I’d be a pile of ash on the floor right now. “Is there something you actually need, Atlas, or will you just continue scowling? Matt, as he introduced himself, was stopping in because we have plans tonight. You could have been nicer to him. He’s a good guy, unlike some people.” She gives me a pointed look.
So that was Matt and...wait. What fucking plans?
“Is he your boyfriend?”
“That’s none of your business, Atlas.”
“Is that guy your boyfriend? Answer me,” I demand, eyes fixed on hers.
Shaking her head, she sighs heavily. “No. He’s just a friend I have some plans with. Happy?”
The bell over the door rings, alerting another client. I want to scream at the interruptions but remind myself this is literally what we do; plus, I am a little happy he’s not her boyfriend.Maybe I won’t have to get rid of him… yet.
Not wanting to push my luck, I head back to my station to do some inventory. I spend the rest of the evening watching Cora and how she interacts with customers who come and go, only pausing to pierce some girl’s nose and do a small wave tattoo.
I watch Rhett head Cora’s way. She’s only got about an hour before she leaves to go out with Matt.
What a stupid name. She’s not going anywhere. If that guy comes back here, he’s going to end up on his ass in the street, friend or not.
Unable to shake the feeling of restlessness going through me, I stand to grab some water. I might need some fresh air. It’s chilly out tonight, but it might be welcome.
As I’m almost at the door, I hear a bit more of Rhett’s conversation with Cora.
“I thought you were leaving at seven?”
“No. I can stay the whole time. Matt texted me and said they had an emergency case come in, and he won’t make the game. It’s okay. No biggie.”
“What kind of game was it?” he asks.
Suddenly invested in their conversation, I change direction and head toward the reception area. I’m just hanging out in case there’s any walk-ins. “What’s up?”
“Well”—Cora turns her head to me—“you’ll be pleased to know that I’ll be here all night. Matt got called into work and can’t go with me, and the girls are both busy, so I’m not going.”
“Oh,” I stupidly say.That’s the best I came up with? Oh?
“Yeah, so did you need something or?” she questions.
