How did you get my number?
Dexter:
It was in the employee packet, and it stated to text you when we needed to reach you.
Me:
Yeah, for emergencies or when you need to take PTO.
Dexter:
This is technically an emergency
Me:
What’s wrong? Is Ricky okay?
Dexter:
This has nothing to do with him. I need your help on something, and I'm wondering if we can meet later.
Me:
I told you we cannot cross that line
Dexter:
It’s not that. I need help with my gaming project, and your brother advised that you’d be able to help with my storyline. That’s all, I promise.
A knock came at the door, causing me to jump.
“Are you okay in there, Nat?” Lawrence called.
“Yeah. I need a minute.”
“Look, I swear I didn’t know anything about Sandra and Mom. If I did–”
“I’m fine,” I snapped. “Give me a sec, and I’ll be right out.”
Lawrence sighed. “Okay. The food is being set now. As soon as we finish eating, we can go.”
I stared down at Dexter’s text message before a small smile crept at the corners of my lips. I guess it wouldn’t hurt to meet up with him, especially if it was to help him with a story.
Me:
Meet at my shop in an hour and a half.
.
Dexter
I satin my truck and watched as people bustled about, closing up for the day. It was after eight, and the streetlights were already illuminating the parking lot. I parked next to Natalie’s car and waited for her to arrive. I thought she was already here, but the door to the shop was still locked. When I texted her, she told me she was getting dropped off. I figured she was with her friend Mya since her restaurant was a block away.
My eyebrows lifted as a silver Mercedes stopped in front of her shop. Natalie hopped out of the passenger seat with a scowl on her face. Slowly opening my car door, I watched as she waved a dismissive hand towards whoever was driving. I couldhear whoever it was call her name, but she ignored them as she unlocked the store. The driver called her stubborn before speeding away. Who was that? Neither Key nor Black drove that type of luxury car. Maybe it was her dad? I slightly shook my head with the realization that it probably wasn’t. I didn’t bother to ask if she had a boyfriend and only assumed she was single.
“Perfect example why I need to steer clear of her,” I mumbled to myself as I approached the shop. Here I was fantasizing and wanting to fool around with another man’s woman. I wasn’t the home wrecker type, so I needed to fall back. Standing in front of the door, I decided that I’d get Natalie’s help with my prototype, help her with the Spring Festival, and then put my notice in. The more distance I placed between us, the better off I’d be.
Opening the door, I saw Natalie looking over some paperwork behind the counter. My breath caught as I stared at how gorgeous she was. Her once auburn straightened hair was now in fluffy black curls, which framed her face nicely. The jacket she had on was lying on top of the counter, showing off her low-cut white t-shirt. I know it was a basic shirt, but Natalie was wearing the fuck out of it. A flash of her wearing only that shirt and those red lacy panties flashed across my mind. At that same moment, Natalie’s pouty lips spread into a smile as she looked up from her paperwork. Fuck, this woman was going to get me in trouble.
