I draw the line at firing staff and breaking partnerships with our suppliers, though. I know everyone in this town and I’m not gonna let her make enemies with my neighbours then waltz out of here with her money back to her fancy, rich lifestyle.
“I made tea. It’s still warm in the pot.” Cam points to the teapot on the worktop behind the counter without looking up from her screen.
I pour myself a cup and, with aching limbs, I sit at her table waiting for the clock to strike 8am before I unlock the door. “Do you want to show me the website?”
Her face lights up. She turns the laptop to face me, then scooches her chair around to my side of the table so our thighs touch. I straighten my back and bring my drink to my lips, trying to act all nonchalant like the touch of her thick thigh pressed against mine doesn’t have any effect on me.
“Ugh. What the hell is this?” I spit the tea back into the cup, then realise it’s the colour of piss. I’d been so wrapped up in her, I hadn’t even realised what was in the pot.
“It’s Camomile tea. Come on Grayson, you should know that after working here all these years.”
“Yeah, well, I hate the stuff.” I stick my tongue out, hoping the air will evaporate any left over residue. “I need caffeine. I’m not powered by sunshine like you.”
At least, she used to be. My summer girl was like a fresh sea breeze, a flower in full bloom, and the sun warming my skin.
“Camomile has a lot of health benefits, you know. It relieves anxiety and helps you sleep as well as relieves cramps.”
“Well, the Camomile I know causes all of those things.” I slump behind the counter and make a pot of strong coffee, watching the water drip through the filter. There’s no better smell than fresh ground coffee.
“If you weren’t so insistent on me flying out here, I wouldn’t have caused you so many problems.” She stands from the chair with her hand on her hip.
“Remind me again why I wanted you here in the first place? I’ve forgotten.”
“You need me to help you get a loan. Are you even taking this seriously? Because so far you haven’t taken any of my advice.”
“Well, I’m not a ruthless boss.” Although I’d like to be the boss of her. To have her obey is a personal fantasy of mine. A smile tugs at my lips as I imagine her on her knees with my cock filling her mouth.
“What are you laughing at? This isn’t a game, Gray. If you don’t get your loan, then I don’t get my money. I can’t stay here. I have to get home.”
I put on a serious voice. “Show me this website, then.” I pour a coffee and walk back to the table, hiding my smirk, though her resting bitch face actually turns me on. Who knew?
She settles back into her seat, and I sit next to her, scooting my chair closer so our thighs touch again. “So this is the home page.” A reel of pictures fades in and out with a ‘Tranquili-tea’ logo layered over the top.
“Did you redo the logo?”
“Yes, I thought this place would benefit from a re-brand.”
“I love it. You’ve kept the vibe without it looking dated.”
“That’s my job, Gray. I may not be able to operate the tea machine, but I can build you a website and market your business.”
“Tea machine? You mean the urn for the hot water?” My lips curl as I take a sip on my coffee, letting it warm my belly, just like she’s warming other areas right now. “Where did you get all these images from?”
“This one of the outside I took yesterday, but some are stock images.”
“And what happens when I scroll down?” My hand covers hers as we both try to move the curser.
She sucks in a breath, her eyes lock onto mine. I let my hand rest there for a moment, enjoying the feel of her skin under my touch. Her lips part, tempting me in. I lean closer, mesmerised by her eyes as if I’m swimming in the bluest ocean and her siren song is singing my favourite tune.
The bell dings. “Morning,” Julian calls, snapping me from my trance.
“Morning,” I say with much less enthusiasm than him. “Come and meet Cam. Cam, this is Julian, our other employee.”
“Nice to meet you.” Cam stands and puts her hand out to shake, but Julian swats it aside and gives her a warm Candy Cane greeting, wrapping her up in a bear hug.
“I’ve heard so much about you. Your aunt never stopped talking about you. She was so proud of her great-niece. I feel like I already know you.”
Those crystal blue eyes dull like a cloud filled sky. I know she feels guilty for not seeing her aunt before she passed, and that’s something she’ll have to live with, but Betty wouldn’t want her to feel that way. Cam might have been Betty’s only surviving blood relative, but she passed away surrounded by a town of people who loved and cared for her right till the very end. My mother included.
