Chapter Six
I wake up with the feeling of Everett’s lips still on mine. His kiss made my whole insides go gooey. Except my dick went rock hard and needed some attention as soon as I got to bed—sadly alone. I had the best date ever. Even Leo gave me the green light to go for it, said Everett was a hottie. And he’s in a happy relationship with Bruno Alderton, the top model.
My mum is moving around, so she must be doing okay today. I’m going to get twenty questions about my night out. I was surprised she wasn’t waiting up for me. That oversteps the mum duties.
When I walk into the kitchen, a bacon sandwich and a cup of coffee are waiting for me. “You didn’t need to do this, Mum.”
“I know, but I wanted to, and I get to hear all about your night while you eat it. Did you have a good time? What was the food like? Are you going to see him again?”
“Bloody hell, Mum. Slow down.”
I take a bite of my sandwich, chew, and swallow. “I had a great time, the food was delicious, and yes, I’m seeing him again.”
She rolls her eyes. “I need more than that. When are you seeing him again? Did you kiss him?”
“I’m not telling you that, and I think it will be at the weekend.”
Maybe I could give her some slack. “He’s really nice. I like him probably more than I should.”
“Don’t say that, Noah. The fact that he came back after your no-show means he’s interested. You’re a catch, sweetie. Don’t forget that.”
Before I can find a suitable answer, my phone chimes a message notification. Everett’s name shows up on the screen. My cheeks heat up, which my mum has no doubt seen.
Everett: Good morning, sweetheart. Have a great day at work.
I cast a glance at Mum, who’s doing her best not to look nosey.
Me: Thank you, and you too. I had a lovely time last night.
The three dots flash for a few seconds, stop, and start again.
Everett: Is it too soon to say I can’t wait to see you again?
My mum squeaks. I shoot her a scowl. She bustles away with no shame, hardly able to keep her smile to herself.
Me: No, I’m looking forward to it. Although we haven’t arranged anything.
Everett: I can easily change that. Just wait and see…
What’s that supposed to mean? Has he already made plans and isn’t going to tell me? I’ll have to do as he says and wait. Not without having the last word, though.
Me: Meanie.
Mum looks at me with her brows knitted.
“What are you thinking?”
Does she know him? They’re not that far apart in age, so maybe she knows him. I don’t make a huge deal about the men I’m attracted to. I’ve wanted to bring one home to meet my family.
“He’s considerably older than you, Noah. I knew his brother at school,”
Mum says. “He’s maybe a year older than me, but Everett is younger and wasn’t in the group we hung out with.”
Her words or voice doesn’t hold condemnation, but she’s made a point. Is she waiting for me to be grossed out? But that’s the furthest thing from my mind. I don’t care she knows them. I want Everett, and I’ll make sure he’s going to be mine.
“I know that, and it’s all good. Age isn’t important to me or Everett.”
But I want to take some time to think about him having a hugely successful business. Not that it makes any difference. He said he’s a builder and likes to be on-site more than in the office, and that’s fine by me.
“I have to go.”
I finish my sandwich and drink the last of my coffee. “I might be late tonight, so go ahead and eat if you get hungry. You don’t need to wait for me. Call me if anything happens.”
She knows I mean health-wise. She’s had more than a few falls before she was put on the medication. My boss is understanding and knows if something happens, I will need to leave. “Are you going to the pub after work? That’ll be nice. Now go. I’ll be fine. I’m not leaving the house today.”
I drop a kiss on her cheek and leave. The sun is already warming up the early morning sky, which means lots of people are out enjoying the weather and shopping. It’s going to be a long day. A drink after work sounds perfect. Could I persuade Everett to meet me?
The day is going just as I predicted. We are all rushed off our feet as more and more people enter the shop. Although I guess a lot of people are making use of our air conditioning instead of actually wanting to buy anything. They are making a mess of all the displays, which means I’ll be working hard to get it ready for tomorrow.
As I straighten the fragrance stand for the hundredth time, someone approaches me from behind, so I step to the side to let them pass. But nothing happens, and I look over my shoulder. I’m met with a grinning Everett. “Hi, sweetheart. You look busy. I was hoping to sweep you off for lunch.”
I groan with disappointment. “You’re too late. I’ve already eaten. I had the early lunch break today.”
His smile droops a little.
“But I’m free after work if you’d like to go for a drink.”
He perks up. “Yeah? I can do that. What time do you finish?”
“I can be out of here by about quarter to six. Is that okay?”
“Perfect. Can I take you for dinner too? I bet you’ll be hungry by then.”
“I will be, but something in the pub is good. I don’t need anywhere fancy.”
I glance around the shop. No one is paying any attention to us. I go up on my toes and peck a kiss on his mouth. “See you later.”
“I’ll be here.”
The last part of the afternoon drags so slowly. Every time I look at the clock, it seems the hands have hardly moved. I keep my section stocked up and as tidy as possible without getting in the way of the customers.
Finally, it’s five thirty, and I can leave. I rush to the staff room and pull my change of clothes, a hairbrush, and lip balm out of my locker. I have a quick sniff of my pits. I’m not sweaty or stinky, but I add a bit more deodorant, just in case. When I’m in my jeans and a V-neck navy T-shirt, I brush my hair. For once, it behaves itself, and I don’t look too dreadful.
“You look good. Are you going out?”
my manager asks as I return to the main room.
“Thanks, and yeah, I’m meeting my boyfriend.”
I’m not sure if that’s what we are yet, but it feels like the easiest way to answer her. The door opens, and Everett enters the store.
He smiles widely, and my cheeks heat.
“Lucky you. He’s very handsome.”
She gives me a wink and gets behind the counter to serve a customer.
“Hi.”
I take Everett’s hand, wanting him out of the store before the others see him. Otherwise, they’ll pepper me with questions when I go back to work.
He kisses my cheek. “We’re boyfriends? Good, I like that.”
“You look smitten.”