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It’s not a large coffee lounge In fact, there is only one three seater lounge in the store because that’s all it can fit It’s about a quarter of the size of Safira’s and I’m sure at one point our two stores used to be one

I go in to find Sammi behind the counter

Perfect Just who I need to see

I walk over to him and shteen; he works at Winnie’s part tie He is cute At least, I think he is under all that dark hair His hair is long and brushed forward over one eye The eye that I can see is a warm brown color

He set you?"

Ever the charmer, I reply, "Actually, Sammi, I need a favor"

His face shows unconcealed surprise A small smile forms on his lips and he says in a husky voice, "Sure! Whatever you need…" He licks his lips in invitation

I laugh, put a hand on my chest and say, "Oh h to be your Mo…uh, older sister"

He wiggles his brows at me and responds, "My sister ain’t a hottie"

I can’t help but laugh We banter like this all the time It’s harmless and Sammi is a sweetheart

"Can you help me or not?" I say in mock sternness withs for you, babe"

I explain to him what I need done and he looks atwith hi and a wet, sloppy kiss on his cheek, he finally agrees

I jump up and down in victory, thank him and walk back to Safira I relieve Mimi, take my place at the counter and wait to see what happens

A half hour passes and the beautiful arette in hand I spot Sa his way across the street and anxiety knots my sto??! God, I am such a turd!

Sa to hih Safira’sand winks atand take out the candy

He looks confused I’m not surprised

He tears the note off the ribbon, opens it and reads He looks even more confused and my heart shrinks

What I see next makes it all worth it

His eyes crinkle and a sreat, but definite progress This is the first seous face and it was nice I can’t help but smile, too

Yay, me! See?! Not such a bad idea after all

A deep sigh escapes e smile plastered on my face

Rawr Raaawr

I inwardly cringe and glare at the damn door

Abut his eyes look at irl is a disease and you can catch it fro a boutique

He is tall, probably 6’2" Olive skin tone and amber colored eyes

I’m mesmerised

His eyes are like honey! I’ve never seen that eye color before He has dark brown spiky hair and a nice five o’clock shadow

Wow, this e He walks over to me, places both forearms on my counter, leans in close and asks, "Can you help ue tied His voice is as s obviously heard a man’s voice in the store, Mieous up and down and narrows her eyes She says firmly, "I can help you"

He looks her up and down the sa seous has a dimple

My knees almost buckle and I start to sweat

He s for the owner of this"

I look down and feel the flush rise from my chest up This is because on the counter sits my Mr Beautiful note

Mimi looks down, brow scrunched in confusion She reads the note and I know I’

I feel her stare bore into me, I won’t look at her

"You didn’t…" Her voice colored with amusement

I’m red, splotchy, and e atto read ure me out

Before I can stop myself, I ansith a shrill, "How did he knoas eous takes the note from the counter and turns it over We all look down and what I see eous quietly chuckles

Safira Boutique

I wrote on Safira stationary!

I Am Mortified

He was never eous speaks, "C’mon, sweetheart You’re comin’ with me"

Uh, What?

I whisper, "Excuse me?"

He flicks his head to the note and says, "Boss wants to see you"

Uh, What?

My eyes widen and I whisper loudly, "Am I in trouble?"

He looks me up and down and his lips lift a little He answers, "I’m not sure, sweetheart" He says sweetheart in a way that makes it sound like sweethawt

He takes my hand that rests on the counter, pulls me next to him, and tucks my hand into the crook his arm I know he sees uncertainty in my eyes He looks to Mimi and smiles as he speaks, "I’ll have her back in one piece I’m Max, by the way"

She does a little head lift and responds, "Mimi" She points to me and says, "That’s Tina"

He smiles and says, "Great, she’ll be back soon" He starts pulling lare at Mi and lifts her hand in a wave

Crud! I knew this was a bad idea

Chapter Two

Friend-zoned

I’et back with information on who sent me the candy and note

Curiosity eats away at uy candy?

Not just any candy, but those goofy wax lips that taste like cardboard