7. Drake
Chapter 7
Drake
I show up today eager for work and anxiously sort through my deliveries, hoping I have something for Dress Me Up. I smile when I see three boxes. I could space these out and show up for the next three days. But I know they’re probably waiting on the items too. I shouldn't be so selfish.
I jump in the truck without feeling the cold. All I feel is excited, so I hope she gives me a bit more today. If she's even at the store.
About an hour later, I make my way into town, having done some residential stops first. I pull up behind the store and round the truck, grabbing the three boxes and placing them on the dolly. I roll to the door and ring the bell before pushing through backward into the stockroom like usual, and when I swing around, I’m met by the most perfect sight.
“January.”
She stands with her hands on her hips, assessing me. But all her position does is draw my eyes to the indent of her waist. Those amazing thick curves I had in my hands.
“This feels like a test.”
She raises a brow and crosses her arms over her chest. “No test. Just waiting to see what you’re going to do.”
“Definite test,” I mumble and push the dolly closer, bringing it to a stand. I grab the top box. “Blossom usually has me stack these by the office door. Is that okay?”
“Sure.” She waves her hand in that direction. I drop the box and come back for the second.
“I feel like I need to say I’m not that kind of guy.” I turn back around in time to see her lips twitch.
“Same.”
I chuckle and decide to try to push her a bit. “I don’t know, you followed me into that bathroom.” I brush by her and place the second box with the first.
“Temporary lapse of judgment.”
“Or just really good taste,” I say.
“Awfully fond of yourself, huh?” She switches her stance.
“You were pretty fond of me too, if I remember correctly.”
I lean on the dolly and wait for her reply, but it doesn’t come.
“How about dinner?” I ask.
She shakes her head. “I don’t think so.”
“Is it because I’m just a delivery guy?” Back in Florida, everyone knew me as Drake Ford, the son of one of the top-ten wealthiest businessmen in the state. I had every girl dropping at my feet. Now I've got one that I want, and she won’t give me the time of day. Nothing like being knocked down a peg and a reminder that I made the right choice to leave. I’d never find true love back there, only women who want something from me.
“What? No.” She makes a face like I just insulted her.
“It's Lily, right? She’ll be jealous? She did see me first.” I try to break the tension. She does smile, but it’s vacant.
“It's complicated.”
“Oh, her dad? I’m sorry I didn't–”’
“No, he’s…” She shakes her head. “No. It's me. I’m complicated.”
“Everyone has a story, January.” I grab the last box and move it to the other two. I come back and grab the dolly. “And everyone has to eat. I’ll even take you to a restaurant without bathrooms if that makes you feel better.”
She huffs a laugh and drops her head. She stares at the ground for a moment, and just when I think she’s going to give me a firm no, she looks up with a new resolve in her expression and says, “Okay. Dinner.”
I roll my lips inward, trying to play it cool. I take the delivery sheet from my pocket and hand it to her with a pen. “Sign this and print your phone number. I’ll text you later and we can make plans.”
“You’re awfully pushy, Drake. How do you know I’ll give you the right number?”
“I don’t know. But if you don’t, I’ll just come back here every morning until you do.”
Her eyes linger on mine before taking the sheet and signing it. She hands it back and turns to walk away, dismissing me where I stand. “And stop bringing my daughter cookies.”
I smile. “How about flowers?”
“Goodbye, Drake.”
“Bye, January.” I smile and watch her walk from the stockroom, a feeling of excitement coursing through me.