I had a regularly scheduled delivery to have new inventory come in every two weeks. When I first got started, I’d only stock up once a month. However, with how well business has been going, I had to make adjustments. Standing up from my desk, I grabbed my clipboard and headed towards the door.
“Wait,” I said, looking at my watch and then back at Amber. “It’s almost lunchtime. How about I take everyone out to eat? My treat.”
“Really?” Amber asked, a wide smile spreading across her face.
I chuckled. “Yeah! Y’all have been such a great help, and I want to show my appreciation.”
“That’s so sweet!”
“Y’all deserve it. We’re going over to Yaya’s Deli, which happens to be my best friend, Mya’s, restaurant. As soon as I sign, we’ll head out.”
“Great! I’ll let everyone know.”
I nodded and headed toward the warehouse.
“Hey, Jerry!” I said, walking through the back door. “I’m sorry about this. I meant to update my authorization list.”
“Ah, no worries, Ms. Natalie. I was talking to your new guy here.”
I glanced over my shoulder to see Dex leaning against the bay door frame. He had on a pair of black basketball shorts and a matching zip-up hoodie. His dreadlocks, tied into a high bun, showed off the small gold hoops in his ears and a small cross tattoo behind his ear. Damn, I never noticed that before. How the hell did a small tat and some earrings get me so turned on?
A smirk spread across Dexter’s face as he licked his lips. Shit! I had been staring. Nope, we’re not doing that! Quickly turning my head, I placed my attention back on the delivery driver and signed for my order. Because Dexter mostly worked in the warehouse, I wasn’t picky about his attire, but good God. How in the world was the man sexy in casual clothes?
Nat, if you don’t shut that shit down, I inwardly scolded.
“I’ll see you in two weeks, Ms. Natalie. Dex, it was nice meeting you, and I can’t wait to hear more about that game.”
Dexter smiled. “You’ll be my first tester.”
“My man!” Jerry laughed as he dapped up Dexter and headed out the door.
“You know, I think it’s pretty cool that you’re creating your own game. I’ve never met anyone who was able to do that.”
“You think so?”
“Hell yes! Most guys around here are only worried about some type of get rich overnight plot. Niggas wouldn’t know how to hold a conversation but are quick to rope you into an elaborate pyramid scheme.” I huffed. “Anyway, it’s nice to see a black man willingly educate himself and use that to build his skills.”
Dexter grinned. “I appreciate that, Natalie. I mean, Ms. Hunter.”
I watched as he began removing the plastic wrapping from one of the pallets. His masculine hands ripped open the plastic with one quick pull. A shiver ran up my spine as the memory of him snatching off my panties that night flooded my mind. Wait a damn minute, my panties! I must’ve forgotten them in my room that night. Should I ask for them back? I mean, granted, they were probably tore the hell up, but still, they were mine. Then again, maybe he didn’t have them. If I were honest, I can’t remember if I grabbed them up when I ran out the door. Maybe I’ll hypothetically ask.
Clearing my throat, I walked towards a different pallet and began working to remove the plastic. “So, about that night, if I left some items in that room, you would have told me, right?”
I kept up my nonchalant attitude to draw away from the fact that I was sweating profusely. It had been years since I was nervous around some guy, but that was the thing. Dexter wasn’t some guy. Yeah, he was my little brother’s best friend, and we barely knew each other. However, I could tell that he was different. Which was the main reason I needed to steer clear.
“An item?” Dexter asked, still working on the pallet.
I nodded. “Yes, you know, like a comb or my lipstick. My purse did fall and?—”
“Oh, you mean your panties?” he interrupted, a sly smirk dancing at the edges of his mouth. “I got them.”
I snapped my head up, and Dexter’s intense stare met me. The way his eyes roamed over me had my clit throbbing. She already knew what his lips felt like, but she wanted more of him. Dexter flicked his tongue over his bottom lip as he stared into my eyes. Was he remembering the night we had before we found out the truth?
I swallowed the lump in my throat. “C-can I have them back?”
Dexter arched an eyebrow and moved closer to me. He didn’t rush his movements and kept his eyes on me, causing shivers to run up my spine. When he reached into his pocket and revealed a flash of red lace, my breath caught. My panties. I wanted to snatch them away because why the hell did he have them in his pocket like some kind of good luck charm? Instead, I stayed still with my lips slightly parted as his thumb traced the delicate fabric.
“I’ve been talking myself up to give these back to you ever since I walked into your store for my pretend interview.”
