“But isn’t it a gift?”
He shot me a wry look. “Are you hoping I’ll have to come back and exchange it?”
Adrenaline flooded my veins. “N-no, of course not. I’m just not sure it’d smell the same on your secret valentine. Er, love. Whatever. Sorry, the name of the perfume was stuck in my head. I hope you both enjoy it.” I flashed him an awkward smile and stuck the bag out for him.
“Thanks, pidge.” He took his purchase, then sauntered off, sparing a smirk for Meg, who'd resumed watching us from the thong bin.
I hurried over to help her sort underwear, my fingers itching to do something useful.
“Who was that?” she asked, eyeing his backside.
‘It’s complicated’ would raise more questions. “We shared a few classes in med school,” I said, pulling apart some black strings.
She perked up. “He’s going to be a doctor?”
“I don’t know. Maybe.” If he could get through the program.
“He’s kind of cute,” she said with a strange little smile.
Thank goodness he wasn’t within earshot. I could only imagine his smug grin at the compliment.
I wrinkled my nose. “He’s a lot to handle. But that’s typical for doctors, I guess.”
She leaned over the bin. “Have you dated many of them?”
“No.” I laughed. That would’ve been a complete disaster. “But I get why people did. Or do.” I swallowed a lump in my throat and pawed more thongs free. “Hypothetically, they help people. And with long hours at the hospital...”
People sought release. Or at least that was what my friends told me.
I was sure Angel entertained himself plenty.
I tossed the rest of the freed thongs into the bin with a bit more force than necessary.
Meg furrowed her brow at me.
“Sorry.” That kind of stuff shouldn’t bother me. I stroked the measuring tape draped around my neck to wipe my sweating palms. “Is there anything else you need?”
“Not right now. Congratulations on your first sale, by the way.” She patted the thong bin like it was the top of my head. “Mom’ll be proud.”
“Thanks,” I said, my cheeks warm.
Hopefully, my next sale would be easier.
I headed to the perfume display to wipe our fingerprints off the mirrored top. A small bottle with a pink bow sat in the middle of a row that needed to be straightened. I fixed it to sit in front of its proper box.
Secret Valentine. I snuck a quick sniff: nice, but not as much sweet vanilla meringue as I remembered. Huh. Maybe it was different because this time, it wasn't on my skin, and Angel’s cologne wasn't influencing it.
That was too bad. Our scents mixed well…even if we didn’t.
Chapter three
Tinted Windows
Somehow, I managed to make it through the rest of my shift without any other collateral damage.
I texted my sister Kat to see if she was done too. If not, I could help at her store.
