by Lacey Black
“Please tell me you brought coffee and something sweet,” Free says as soon as I step through the front door, carrying the white bag and a tray of coffees.
“Your wish is my command, fair lady,” I answer, meeting her at the counter.
“You’re the bestest best friend in the whole world,” Free gasps before taking a bite of the homemade cinnamon roll I brought from the coffee shop. Their rolls are good, but not as amazing as Marissa’s.
“I know,” I tell her, depositing my purse under the counter and smiling widely.
“Why do you have that face? What did you do?”
I glance over my cup at my friend. “Me? Nothing,” I reply, using my coffee to hide my smile.
“Mmhmmm, I don’t believe you. Spill,” she says, setting her roll down and taking a drink of her coffee.
“I just dropped off a fresh cup of hot coffee next door,” I answer with a shrug.
Free’s eyebrows pull together and an evil smile crosses her pretty face. “And this fresh cup of hot coffee is funny…why?”
“The cup of coffee isn’t funny at all,” I defend, making sure everything is set for the day. Free already had the sales program up and running, as well as the open sign flipped.
“What did you do?” she whispers, her eyes twinkling.
“Nothing. I know he puts just a little sugar in his coffee,” I say, leaving my statement open.
“And…” she hedges impatiently.
“And…he won’t find any sugar in the break room.”
“Because…”
“Because I think someone replaced it with salt.” There. Said it.
Free bursts into fits of laughter. “Oh, you’re evil. Do you know what you’re like when someone messes with your morning coffee?” she asks.
“Yes, I know, which is why I did what I did. A cup of coffee for a cup of coffee,” I vow.
“Is this about the spilled coffee thing?”
“YES!”
“He didn’t spill it on your samples,” she reminds.
“Yes, I know that, but it was practically his fault.”
“Why?”
“Because I said so.”
That makes her laugh that much more. “I think the real reason you keep doing these little things to each other is because you like each other. It’s the classic tale of when the little boy likes the little girl and pulls her hair or throws rocks at her.”
I stop and think. “I haven’t thrown rocks at him yet.” Under my breath, I add, “But he has pulled my hair.”
“Stop it with the kid games and just admit that you like him. I mean, you are sleeping with him, right?”
I glance her way.
“You’re horrible at hiding it. I know the man has an ass you could bounce a quarter off of, for sure, but don’t think for one second you’re fooling anyone with these little pranks and gags.”
“What does his ass have to do with it?” I ask, planting my hands on my hips and facing my best friend.
“Nothing. That was just an added fact. His ass is marvelous.”
“It really is,” I agree, leaning on the counter and taking a bite of my cinnamon roll. “You should see it naked. Uh-may-zing,” I singsong with food in my mouth.
“I knew it!” she bellows victoriously. “I can’t believe I’m eating this,” Free adds, dropping what’s left of her roll back into the container. “I swore off this kinda thing.”
“You can’t swear off cinnamon rolls. It’s sacrilegious,” I tell her, finishing the rest of mine in two bites.
“It’s the sugars. I’m trying to cut back and eating more natural foods,” she informs me before picking back up her breakfast and finishing it off.
“I’m going to move a few displays around. I was thinking of moving the pajamas over by the far wall and moving the body products closer.”
“What are you going to put up by the window then?” she asks, tossing everything from our breakfast in the trash.
“I was thinking those new negligées we just got in.”
“The old geezers in town will have conniption fits. Let’s do it!” she proclaims, meeting me around front and helping me get to work.
A half hour later, I’m neck deep in satin and lace, putting a pretty light pink nightie on my mannequin when I hear the bell over the door. Heavy footfalls follow, and my heart rate spikes, but I don’t look up from the task at hand.
“Good morning,” Free singsongs from across the room, where she’s rearranging the displays of pajamas.
“Morning,” Latham’s deep voice floats through the air and zaps me between the thighs.
His shadow falls over where I’m working, but it’s his scent that catches my attention first. It’s rich and clean and so very sexy. It makes me want to throw him down right here on the floor and have my wicked way with him. “Mr. Douglas, to what do I owe this surprise visit?” I ask without releasing the smile that threatens to split my face in two.
“Ahhh, come on, Sweetheart. It’s not really a surprise, is it?” he asks. The irritation I expected to hear is void from his voice.
“I’m afraid I have no clue what you mean,” I tell him, finally glancing his way and overly exaggerating my eyelash batting.
He laughs. “Sure you don’t,” he says, reaching down and touching the long pink satin. “This is nice.”
“Isn’t it?” I ask, looking back at the gorgeous negligée.
His breath tickles the back of my neck as he whispers, “This would look amazing on your delicate skin. I think you should let me buy you one.” His lips graze ever so lightly over my suddenly heated flesh.
“I already have one,” I whisper.
“You do?” His hands press into my lower back and slide along my hips until he’s holding me tightly against him.
“I do. In ivory.”
Latham groans in my ear. “Fuck, that’s hot. I’ll be over at eight tonight. Answer the door wearing that. Only that.”
I gasp as he nips at the back of my neck, goose bumps rising on my entire body. “What if I already have plans tonight?” I ask, pushing my rear back and against his erection.
“You do have plans. Me.”
Before he lets go, he kisses the back of my neck once more. I feel the void of his body against mine immediately. A craving sweeps in like never before. “Oh, thanks for the coffee,” he states, his dark eyes alive with mischief.
“You’re welcome,” I reply, refusing to give anything away.
“Next time you replace the sugar shaker with salt, make sure there are no witnesses to your crime,” he informs.
Surprise registers on my face as I complete my Emmy-winning performance. “I have no idea what you’re talking about!”
Latham snorts a laugh. “Sure, you don’t,” he replies, dragging out his words. He throws me a wink and a smile and heads to the door.
“Oh, Latham?” I ask before he can exit. When his eyes connect with mine, I add, “Make it seven. And bring food.”
I can see the desire play on his face as he stands a mere ten feet from me. After several heartbeats, he gives me another smile. “See you tonight.”
I don’t reply with words, just give him a secretive, knowing smile.
“That was so hot,” Free mumbles beside me, making me jump.
“What the hell? Where did you come from?”
“From across the room. You didn’t see me because you were too busy undressing him and making babies with your eyes.”
I roll my eyes. “I was not looking at him like that.”
“Right,” she draws out, but doesn’t call me out on my blatant lie any further. Instead, we both get back to work, and before we know it, the displays are perfect and it’s just after lunch.
“I’m hungry,” I say aloud to no one.
“Me too. Want me to order sandwiches from across the street?” she asks, just as the door opens again. Ever since we rearranged the displays and changed up the fro
“Sounds good,” I tell her.
“Oh, look at that thong, Payters! It’s crotchless!”
I know that voice.
Glancing up quickly, I find my aunt, Emma, along with her granddaughters, my cousins. “Hey!” I holler, coming around the counter and meeting them at the entrance with a wide smile. “I thought you guys were sightseeing today. What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to see this place that I keep hearing so much about,” Emma says. “Oh, look at this. Orvie would love this,” she exclaims as she heads over to my more risqué section of the shop.
I’m greeted with hugs by each of my cousins, Jaime, Payton, AJ, Meghan, Lexi, and Abby, as well as their dad’s girlfriend, Cindy. They all talk over each other, anxious to catch up on everything that has happened in the last month since our trip to their hometown of Jupiter Bay.
“Seriously, this store is amazing. I’m so glad we were able to get here before you closed,” Payton says, making her way over to one of the many displays.
“Well, anytime you want to shop, just let me know. I’ll meet you after hours,” I tell them as they start to fan out and browse.
“What do you think of this?” I hear behind me and turn to find Cindy, Brian’s girlfriend. She’s touching the soft satin of the new pink negligée I put in the window.
“I love this! I actually bought myself one in ivory,” I tell her.
She glances around, making sure her boyfriend’s daughters aren’t within earshot. “Brian and I are going to surprise everyone with a wedding in a few weeks. I’d love to buy this for our honeymoon,” she confides.
My eyes water just a little. “I’m so happy for you,” I assure, reaching out and squeezing her arm. “For both of you.”
It’s been a long time coming that Brian finds happiness again. See, Orval and Emma’s daughter married Brian Summer and together, they had six daughters. Unfortunately, when the girls were young, Trisha was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and was unable to beat it. From what I’ve gathered, Brian hasn’t dated much since her passing almost two decades ago, instead devoting all of his time and energy into raising their daughters. Cindy is the first serious relationship he’s had since his late wife.
“Thank you,” she whispers, glancing around again. “I’m a little nervous to tell them all.”
“They’re going to be so happy for you, I promise. They love you and already think of you as a mother figure. This marriage will make them all happy, trust me. I’ve only known them a short time, but they have wonderful things to say about you and the relationship you share with their dad.”
Her eyes mist over. “Thank you. We’ve invited my boys and all of the girls to a cookout in two weeks at our place. We plan to invite you as well. We hope you can all join us.”
“We wouldn’t miss it,” I assure her, pulling her into my arms and giving her a warm hug. “Now, I think this is a beautiful choice. I have the light pink, a soft blue, and the ivory.”
“I think I like the pink,” she says.
“Me too,” I tell her, pulling her size off the shelf. “Now, come back here. I have something that will make him choke on his tongue,” I add with a wink, leading her over to the more risqué section. When I find Emma lurking by, I opt for another route. “Come back to the stock room. I have a few extra pieces back there I can show you without prying eyes.”
When Cindy chooses a few pieces to try on, I set her up in one of the dressing rooms and tell her I’ll be right back. Free is helping Lexi and Payton in the more risqué section, and I quickly spy Meghan, Abby, and Jaime where I didn’t expect them: the maternity section.
“Well, I was expecting to see one of you over here, but the other two are a shock,” I state quietly. I knew Meghan and her new husband, Nick, were expecting already, but the others are a welcomed surprised.
Abby smiles wide, but whispers, “We just found out and are planning on telling everyone tomorrow at the barbecue.”
My own smile matches hers. “I’m so happy for you.” I pull her into a hug before turning to my cousin, Jaime. “And you?”
“Three months,” she boasts proudly. “We just told everyone last weekend.” Jaime pulls out her cell phone and pulls up a picture. Her two-year-old daughter, Amelia, is standing there, wearing an “I’m the big sister” T-shirt and an excited grin.
“Wonderful news,” I tell her, pulling her into a hug too.
“And Lexi is too, even though they haven’t told anyone.” I turn quickly to find Aunt Emma standing behind us.
“How do you know?” Abby asks as we discretely glance over to where her twin sister stands.
“Pssh, Grandma knows everything, Abbers. Especially when things come to the sex. I’m practically a master, you know,” she says, nodding my way. “Back when I taught Sex Ed to a bunch of high schoolers, they called me the human pregnancy test. I could spot the knocked up girls way before anyone else.”
“You taught Sex Ed?” I ask, wondering how in the world I didn’t know this.
“Back in the day when a banana was used for more than just good health. Did you know I could roll on a condom blindfolded and with my hands tied behind my back?”
“Uhh…” I start, not really knowing what to say. The mental image that just flashed in my mind isn’t pretty.
“It’s a talent,” she replies with a shrug before turning and walking away to browse.
“Grandma has a colorful past. I’m not exactly sure why we’re surprised by any of it, but for some reason, she always shocks us with something wild and crazy,” Abby confirms.
“Okay, so…”
“Anyway, I think I’m going to get this,” Jaime says, distracting us all from the weirdness that ensued moments prior.
“That’s a great choice. The material will work well for a growing midsection,” I assure, noting the way the baby doll waist gathers just below the breasts.
“Plus, it’s short. Now that I’m out of the first trimester, my libido is revving at max capacity. There won’t be much material in the way of me getting what I want,” Jaime replies with a smug grin.
“And that would be the construction worker’s D,” Aunt Emma hollers from across the room, making everyone stop and turn our direction.
“Thank you, Grandma, for clarifying,” Jaime quips.
“Her hearing is really good,” Abby whispers, letting me know how the older woman was able to hear our conversation all the way across the room.
A giggle slips from my mouth. “There’s matching panties on that shelf there,” I mention, pointing Jaime toward the stack of satin panties in all sizes.
“Thanks,” she replies, heading the few feet away to continue her shopping.
“I like this one,” Abby says, pulling the dark red negligée off the rack, her cheeks blushing a matching color.
“That’s gorgeous! It’ll look amazing with your hair,” I say, noting my cousin’s long, gorgeous dark hair.
Abby’s blush is prominent. “It’s like nothing I’ve ever worn before, to be honest, but I really think Levi will love it.”
“Of course he will,” I assure. “He’s married to a beautiful woman, inside and out.” The truth is, Abby reminds me a lot of Marissa. A subtle beauty she doesn’t even realize she possesses. But all it takes is the love of a good man to bring out the confidence that’s there somewhere. Marissa changed when she met Rhenn, all for the better. He helped her break out of her shell and dotes on her every second of every day. They complement each other so much you can’t help but root for them.
“Thanks,” she says, a shy smile spreading across her face. “Can I try it on?”
“Of course,” I reply, helping make sure she has the right size and steering her toward the unoccupied dressing room.
Cindy comes out a few seconds later, her arms filled with new treasures and a secretive smile on her face. “All set?” I ask, guiding her to the front counter.
“Yep.” She places all of her purchases on the counter for me to ring up.
“And, the best part,” I start, scanning the barcode with the handheld device, “is you get the family discount.”
“Well, you don’t have to do that, but I definitely appreciate it,” she replies, handing me her credit card once I’ve finished ringing up her purchases. I carefully wrap them in tissue paper and place them in one of my large logoed bags.
“What did you find?” Lexi asks, coming up beside Cindy and placing her own items on the counter.
“Just a few things,” Cindy states, her cheeks tinged with pink.
“Wait, never mind. I don’t want to know,” Lexi implores, making a gagging face at the thought of her dad enjoying whatever Cindy has in the bag.
“Good, because I’m not telling anyway,” Cindy sasses, sticking her credit card back into her wallet and grabbing her bag.
“Did you find everything you were looking for?” I ask Abby’s twin sister, Lexi, instantly recalling what Aunt Emma just said about her being pregnant.
“Too much. It’s a good thing you’re not any closer or I’m liable to go broke in this place,” Lexi says, reaching down and sorting through the pieces on the counter. Instantly, I notice a theme. Lexi is definitely the more daring and bolder than her twin sister.
“Well, as I said earlier, anytime you guys want to stop by, just call me. Or if you need anything, I can ship.” I start to ring up her items, which consist of a few lace thongs in bold, vibrant colors, a corset in bright pink, and a few bras in equally daring colors. What I wasn’t expecting was the long, satin negligée, the same one Latham asked me to wear later. She picked out the soft ivory one with delicate little rosebuds stitched on the bodice. It’s stunning, definitely, but not something I’d expect Lexi to choose.
“What do you think?” she asks, her voice a bit uncertain.
“Of this? I think it’s beautiful,” I reassure.
“I hope Linkin likes it.” The nervousness in her voice catches me off guard.
Setting it aside, I reach for her hand. “He’s going to forget his own name when he sees you in this,” I insist with a gentle squeeze.
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