Situations like that could appear solid when observed from the outside. It was only when you began to dig deeper that rot might become apparent.
No judgement from her. It was simply a reminder not to get too bowled over by the newest, handsomest, and currently single Sothard brother.
She schooled her features and backed off, holding his package toward him.
“I need a signature for this one,” she told him crisply, also proffering an electronic clipboard his way.
Julian blinked, and the spark that she’d seen ignite in his eyes, slowly died.
“Oh. Okay.” He cautiously took the offered items and scribbled his name.
Petula bit back the kinder words that sprung to her lips, treading on very shaky terrain as she, quite uncharacteristically wanted to ease the disappointed look that had dropped over his face.
Butwhydid she feel like giving him comfort?
Dammit. If she were any judge, she’d say it was because Julian not only looked completely flustered and unsure of himself while speaking to her, but now appeared defeated; regrouping after her about-face, cool-down.
Why she was so affected by his confusion, she didn’t know.
Men’s disgruntled reactions, once she held them at arm’s length, were nothing new. But in this case…
She sensed no anger or combativeness from Julian.
Which was why there was no need to bring out her ice princess side, she reasoned. In the past, when a man wouldn’t take no for an answer, she was known to send one hell of a freeze-ray.
So, what the hell was this all about? Her soft stance? This man had shown interest. Petula wasn’t blind. But shealsodidn’t put up with any overtures these days, dammit.
She’d spell her position out for him, directly, as was her way.
Her brother, Statler, would have a fit once she told him how she’d dealt with Julian. He reminded her constantly that her outspokenness was going to get her in serious trouble someday, but her mouth was her mouth, and she was too old to stop shit from coming out, especially since it had taken her years to own it.
“Listen,” Petula began. “I think you and your brothers are all really swell guys.”
“Swell,” Julian repeated, a ghost of his smile coming back. “I haven’t heard that word in a very long time.”
Petula shrugged. “Yeah, well, don’t get too excited. As swell as you all are, I have to warn you I’m not interested in being anything other than your delivery person. I don’t get involved with clients, no matter how good looking they are.” She’d give him that.
“Not even for a cup of coffee, or a quick, public lunch?” he ventured tentatively, clearly taking her flattery as an “in” to test things out.
Petula could easily see that he was floundering outside his comfort level, so she didn’t go for the throat. Instead, she softened her stance.
“Nope. Sorry. I don’t fraternize with customers. A friendly smile, a quick hello and goodbye, then I’m back on the road. You understand, right?”
Julian swallowed hard, then backed up a step after handing Petula her clipboard. “Yeah. No worries. I get it.”
He shuffled his feet, then raised his head to meet her eyes,hishaving become more wary, and a little sad. “Listen. I’m really sorry if I said something inappropriate earlier. Like theshorts thing.” He gestured vaguely toward her legs. “I’m not the glibbest of guys. I was just…a little surprised to see you dressed for summer this early in the season, so my tongue got ahead of my brain. I didn’t mean anything by it. I promise.”
The poor man looked and sounded so flustered, it made Petula stop and wonder whythisbrother wasn’t as full of bravado and bluster as the rest she’d met. For that reason, and several others she couldn’t name, Petula attempted once again to make him feel better.
“No sweat,” she returned evenly, adding a big smile that was only partially forced. “It’s definitely not a problem. I should have figured that with my bold move, I was bound to get all sorts of flak about my choice of clothing. Which means I should probably be thanking you for your direct approach. It’ll no doubt help prepare me for all the other comments I’ll get today.”
Julian’s shoulders instantly relaxed a fraction more. It made Petula feel warm inside that she wasn’t leaving him to second guess himself as she retreated back toward the door.
“So… You guys order a lot of stuff,” she added inanely, “which means I’ll see you during my next delivery…ifyou’re working then,” she spouted lamely.
“I’ll probably be here.” He chuckled lightly, which made Petula feel even better about not bringing out her bitch-side.
And also, he had the cutest dimple on his cheek…
