Smart girl. But she didn’t know he’d already seen most of what she had on under that dirty apron, and he wanted her to admit it. He leaned over and looked at her screen, taking advantage of the close proximity. While she was distracted, he pulled aside the apron a few inches, and she immediately backed up and hugged herself. “What do you think you’re doing?”
“Calm down, princess. I just want to see the T-shirt you have on now.”
“That’s not how you ask! Are you a three-year-old? You ask with words, not with your hands. I swear, it’s like I’m babysitting again.”
He smirked. “I did ask. You deliberately misunderstood me.”
“Well, now that I understand you, the answer is no.”
“Why won’t you show me the shirt?”
“Because I don’t like you and I don’t want to.”
They stared at each other, and he swallowed, taking in her flushed cheeks and rigid stance. If he gave up now she’d likely go home and burn the thing. There were no other customers in the shop, and Charlie and Jane were busy going head-to-head in Pac-Man. It was now or never. And yet, what could he do? Not like he was about to jump the counter and chase after her, as fun as that might be.
“I’ll give you a hundred dollars.”
She rolled her eyes. “You’re being ridiculous.”
“Two hundred.”
She sized him up and then leaned forward, holding out her hand, palm up. “Fine, money bags. Pay up.”
He withdrew his wallet from his back pocket and pulled out two crisp bills, laying them on her palm. She kept her face neutral as she folded them up and shoved them into the front pocket of her jeans.
“Okay, here’s the big reveal.” She was trying to be sarcastic, but she wasn’t as good at hiding her nervousness as she thought. Looking down, she untied the apron and pulled it off.
Oh, wow. She’d completely captured his likeness. And dubbed him ‘The Me Monster.’ When he finally pulled his eyes away from the shirt and met her stare, the mutual embarrassment was palpable. “It’s just this one,” she murmured. “I won’t be making more of them.”
He nodded and looked away, ready to call it a night. Charlie and Jane were finished with their game, and Elsie quickly retied her apron before heading back to check on the pizza. He sat down in a booth and wondered who he was angrier with, the girl who saw the worst in him or the guy who matched her description.
Chapter 5♥Sob Story
Elsie couldn’t wait to melt into bed, but she got a text from Lydia as she was drying her hair with a towel.
Jeff and Denny wanted me to invite you over. We’re making cookies.
Did she want to go spend quality time with Lydia? Not really. But it did intrigue her that Jeff wanted to see more of her. Outside of this week, new people were a rare occurrence in Meryton, especially single guys. She only wavered for a few seconds.
I’ll be there in ten. Thanks.
She reapplied her makeup and combed out her hair, pulling it into a loose bun. What to wear? Something comfortable, but flattering. She left a note for Jane, not wanting to deal with the immediate questions a text message would invoke.
She could hear Lydia cackling from behind the front door of their family home as she walked up. The door was locked so she rang the bell. Kat answered, her mouth full of chocolate chip cookie.
Denny popped up behind Kat and tapped her on the shoulder. He ducked when she turned to look and then she chased him out of the room, the two of them laughing and squawking. Maybe coming wasn’t the best idea. She was already forming excuses to leave after a few minutes.
“Elsie! So glad you could make it.” Jeff patted the spot on the couch next to him. He was like a calm oasis, separate from the giggle fest going on all around him. She sat down next to him and leaned back into the couch cushions.
“You changed your shirt.”
Elsie looked down. “Well, I try to avoid smelling like pizza for longer than necessary.”
He leaned over and sniffed. “I don’t mind pizza, but I have to admit, you smell great.”
She laughed and pushed him back. “I don’t know you well enough for you to be sniffing me.”
“Fair enough.” He reached for a cookie off the plate on the coffee table and offered her one. “How was the rest of your shift?” His eyebrow raised, and she knew he was subtly referring to Will Darcy’s presence at the restaurant.
