I nodded. “He is correct.”
“Sorry, man. I don’t make a habit of telling other people’s business, unlike Amber here.” Adam said, rolling his eyes.
Amber threw her hands up in defense. “I’m sorry, I’m a curious person. Dexter, as soon as you come in to work, you head right to the stockroom. You barely talk to anybody. I can’t help but want to get to know you better.”
“I didn’t know talking to my coworkers was a part of the job description,” Monica chimed in, causing Natalie to snort out a laugh.
“Well, excuse me for wanting to get to know my team.” Amber chuckled.
I smiled. “It’s all good. I’m an introvert for the most part and don’t really do small talk. However, to elaborate on your question, I’ve been designing my own video game for about a year. It was a part of an assignment for one of my college courses. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to keep it going.”
“That is dope as fuck!” Adam said.
“Hell yes! What all do you have to do to make that possible?” Amber asked, leaning on her forearms.
“After you plan out your concept, it’s a lot of coding and scripting. JavaScript, HTML, and Python have become some of my best friends.”
“Were y’all roommates?” Amber asked.
“Girl!” Natalie snorted. “Those are types of computer software programs.”
I snapped my eyes toward her. “That’s right. How did you know that?”
She shrugged before taking a sip of her water. “I’ve been doing some research on developing an app for the store. Granted, half the time I have no idea what I’m reading, nor do I have a clue where to start, but it’s interesting stuff.”
“All of that computer language has been giving me a headache,” Monica mumbled. Her eyes widened before she snapped her head up to look over at Natalie. “I’m still willing to help you, Ms. Natalie.”
I watched as her face softened. “It’s okay, Monica. Sometimes I get headaches, too, with all of the terminology. All of your help has been appreciated, and I am not faulting you. Besides, as I said, all of it has been really interesting to study so far.”
“I’ll be more than happy to help,” I spoke up.
Natalie’s eyes met mine before the corner of her mouth lifted with a small smirk. “Really? I mean, I’m kind of getting the hang of it, but there is still a lot of stuff I don’t quite understand.”
I nodded. “Absolutely. I’ve practiced making a few games for apps and can make one for you within a week.”
“I don’t want you to do it for me, I want to learn how to do it on my own.”
“Really? It can get pretty boring.”
She shook her head. “I like learning new things.”
I dipped my chin before looking over my shoulder to hide the smile trying to spread on my face. The fact that Natalie was willing to learn about something that I had extensive knowledge on had my heart fluttering. She was willing to learn about developing and coding instead of having me do it. She didn’t get bored or turn her nose up at the same things that I was passionate about. Shit! I am quickly learning that removing any feelings for her was going to be harder than I thought.
“Man, none of my courses have any cool assignments like that,” Adam said, breaking me out of my thoughts.
“Didn’t you tell me your major was in business marketing and advertising?” Natalie asked, standing up from the table.
“Yes, and I love it, but coming up with an entire video game or mobile app sounds so cool.”
I snorted out a laugh. “How about you shadow me for a little bit so you can see how it’s done.”
“Deal!” Adam said, rubbing his hands together. “Ms. Nat, where are you going?”
“The owner texted me that our food was ready. I’m going to head up to the front to grab it.”
“I’ll help you,” I said, standing up from my seat.
Natalie pursed her lips together before she quietly thanked me. I’m pretty sure she wanted someone else to help her but fuck that. She wanted to make my heart stutter, so it was only right that I returned the favor. She unknowingly turned me on, and I wanted a few minutes of alone time with her.
