Clover did as she was told, but she leaned away from him. She had no desire to be caught up in his delicious smell or the heat coming off his body. He didn’t have any team gear on today. She glanced at the check and saw that it had his personal signature on it. Yep. This was all about him.
“Smile, Clover. You’re on camera,” Dustin said without moving his lips. His teeth were perfectly white and straight and beautiful. She licked her lips and smiled without showing her teeth. They were clean and bright, but one of her bottom teeth twisted. She’d never been self-conscious about it before.
“I don’t want to be on camera.”
“Make the best of it.”
The photographer snapped a couple pictures. The flash made Clover blink. “Fine, I’ll blame you.”
“If that will make you feel better.”
“It does.”
“Good.”
Clover moved to step away, and the brush girl wagged a finger at her. She growled. “I have things to do.”And the sooner we get you all out of here, the sooner our patrons will come inside.
“Just a few more.” Brush girl moved her to the middle of the check and placed her hands on the top as if she were the one holding it up. “There. Perfect.” She trotted back to her place, and the photographer stepped forward once again.
“You’re doing great,” said Dustin.
Clover mentally rolled her eyes.
Jane poked her in the rib. “Think nice thoughts.”
Clover pressed her lips together.It’s nice that he wants to help people. There! One nice thought.
“Little more happy in the middle there,” prompted the photographer.
“She’s not used to smiling,” teased Dustin.
“Not when you’re around,” quipped Clover.
Jane cleared her throat.
This time, Clover did roll her eyes. She searched for something to say that wouldn’t come across as too personal or make it sound like she’d stalked his Instagram account. “You look better without the beard.” She smiled at Jane, pleased that she’d been able to get the words out without a trace of sarcasm. Because she was feeling a tad sarcastic this afternoon. She might as well go ahead and blame Dustin for that too.
“Say cheese!” The photographer was becoming impatient with their continued conversations and ventriloquist smiles.
“Cheese,” they said in unison. He moved forward and then back again, changing a setting on his camera and then putting it back in front of his face.
“I don’t think you mean that,” said Dustin.
He was baiting her for another argument, only this time she wasn’t biting. “You can think whatever you want.”
“Dustin, less scowl, more happy.” Brush girl flashed her pearly whites. She looked like a shark ready for a snack.
Dustin mimicked her hungry smile and Clover had to bite her cheek not to laugh.
“Are you sticking around for my speech?” he asked. “The news crews will be here in a few minutes.”
“There’s more? You couldn’t pay me—oof!” Clover rubbed her ribs. Jane grinned for the camera.
Rethinking her response so she wouldn’t be bruised by her boss—who was taking this think-positive thing way too far—she said, “I’m sure your words will be inspiring forchildren of all ages.”
“Why do I feel insulted?” Dustin coughed. “Did you compare me to a circus?”
Clover pressed her lips together to keep from smiling. “Not intentionally.”
