Now I’m not sure if she’s still mocking me, but based on her glare, I decide to tread carefully. “I’d much rather spend time with someone with more personality.”
“I’m going to take that as a compliment. Thank you for your invitation, but I will have to decline.”
What? She might not have succumbed to my charms (yet), but she did enjoy herself at the gala. It was a much-needed break for her. “On the grounds…?”
She shakes her head slowly, a wry smile tugging at her lips, eyes narrowing with a blend of interest and disbelief. “I’m working.”
I look around. Only two people remain here. “Close the shop.”
A snort-like laugh leaves her lips while she shakes her head again, but then her features harden. “Youareserious?”
“You asked that already.” Mild frustration edges into my composure. I guess I should have invited a boring socialite.
“I can’t close the shop. I need the revenue.”
I look around the empty place again, and then at her, deadpan.
She turns as if she’s done with the conversation. “The lunch rush hour is about to start.”
“Then you better close now.”
“You’re out of your mind.”
I walk over to the front door and flip the sign to the ‘closed’ side. “Here, easy.” I return to the counter. “Come on, Cora, don’t tell me you don’t want an afternoon off.”
After a few drinks at the gala, she toldme how tired she was, and how hard it’s been to run this business. The shadows under her eyes confirm it.
“I can’t take a day off. Some of us have bills to pay.”
One of the remaining customers comes to the counter and settles the bill. Cora’s employee deals with him while I lean closer. Her scent wafts to me, and I almost close my eyes and inhale deeply.
“How much do you make a day here?” I look into her eyes, the emerald green in them gleaming with indignation now.
“That’s none of your business.” She jerks her head back.
I reach into my pocket and throw a wad of cash on the counter. “I will transfer another four K to your account.”
She eyes what must be about ten hundred-dollar bills. “Did you hit your head on the way here?”
“That may be, but you will benefit from it.” Why is she so stubborn?
She purses her lips and pushes them to the side, studying me like she’s trying to decide if I have an infectious disease.
“Come on, Cora. You get a break, you won’t lose money, and we both can have fun.”
She shifts her pursed lips to the other side like she is really chewing on the idea. “As ridiculous and asinappropriately appealing as the idea is, I don’t have a dress to wear for a fancy event.”
She says it as if it’s an obstacle. It’s not. A challenge, maybe, but I always play to win.
“I’m Xander.” I turn to her employee, offering my hand. “What’s your name?”
“I’m Sanjay. Nice to meet you.” He shakes my hand.
“Sanjay, your boss is leaving. Would you mind closing the shop once the couple over there leaves?”
“I didn’t say I’m leaving,” Cora huffs.
“You said my offer is appealing. That’s as good as accepting it.”
