Chapter 4
“Well, well, well!” Charlotte Webb yelled out as soon as I rushed into her boutique on Tuesday morning.
“So sorry,” I apologized as I locked the door behind me.
“Inventory Day is an important day each month.” She shook her head, her shoulder-length locs swaying from side to side. She finished cutting open the huge box in front of her and then pushed her oversized glasses up the bridge of her nose. “And you’re late.”
“I know. I’m sorry.”
Charlotte and I met three years ago at a party during fashion week.
We had a similar eye and found ourselves voicing a likeminded opinion in a group discussion.
That discussion turned into further conversation, and before I knew it, she was asking me if I was interested in modeling some of her merchandise.
She was looking to grow her brand and wanted to partner with a model.
I was looking for an opportunity to model and dive full force into the fashion world.
We developed a great working relationship and friendship that only grew as the time went by.
My social media presence blew up, and because I was wearing her pieces, her online boutique, Charlotte’s Webb, blew up, too.
I never wore the same thing twice and I paid very little for the items I actually wanted to keep.
So a year ago, when she was just about to make the transition from an online boutique to a storefront in Richland, she asked if I wanted to work part-time—twice a month—in exchange for clothes.
Of course, I said yes.
So even though I only needed to come in for a five-hour shift to help with inventory today, I was almost an hour late.
“I overslept,” I explained, joining her at the opened box.
“You’ve never been late before.” She paused, cocking her head to the side. “Who was it?”
My eyes widened. “What do you mean?”
“I know you had a date, and then you come in late, with your skin glowing.” She pursed her lips. “Which one was it?”
Snickering, I grabbed a skirt out of the box. “The Fun One.”
“The Fun One,” she repeated as if that were his name. “And what exciting adventure did The Fun One take you on?”
“We went on a helicopter ride to see the sunset, and then we went to dinner.”
She dropped the shirt she’d just unpacked. “What?”
I nodded. “Surprise helicopter ride, dinner at this nice-ass restaurant, and then we went to his hotel downtown for dessert.” My smile grew. “It was a nice night.”
She wiggled her eyebrows. “I see. Such a good night that it made you late.”
I laughed. “I overslept. My intention was to go home after… dessert. But that man put me to sleep.”
“No wonder he’s your favorite.”
“You know I don’t play favorites.”
“You had back-to-back dates, right? The Smart One on Sunday and The Fun One on Monday.”
I grabbed the last skirt out of the box and put it on a hanger. “I did.”
“And you’re not sleeping with The Smart One, correct?”
“Correct.”
“So The Fun One is the only one you’re sleeping with?”
Just the thought of it created a flashback and caused me to clench. “Yes.”
“Your answer plus that look on your face tells me everything that I need to know.” She pointed a hanger at me. “The Fun One is your favorite. I rest my case.”
I burst out laughing. “In my defense, he’s kind of hard to compete with. It isn’t a fair competition.” Pausing, I put my hand on my hip. “You know… it’s really because I have a big heart. I don’t want to set the rest of the team up for failure. It wouldn’t be right.”
“Oh my God, Nina! I can’t with you!”
Charlotte always acted appalled by my dating life, but she hung on to every word and lived for my updates.
I always assumed part of it was because she had been with her boyfriend for so long and she missed the excitement of dating.
She never outright said it, but she was living vicariously through me, and I didn’t want to disappoint.
We spent the next four hours talking as we opened boxes, scanned in merchandise, and rearranged the floor display. Finally, I put my boxcutter in the drawer and took a last swig of water.
“And with that, my job is done,” I said, tossing the empty bottle in the trash.
I swept my eyes over the replenished shelves and racks, the updated outfits on the mannequins, and the new signage posted around the store.
“It’s ten o’clock, and even with me being a little late, we’re done on time.
We did a good job. The store looks incredible! ”
“Yeah, we did. And it does.” She put her hands on her hips. “This look that you put together in the window—perfection!”
“You did the shopping. I just worked with the materials you gave me,” I complimented her back.
She gestured to the stack of clothing on the counter. “And you racked up.”
“I sure did.” I glanced at the five items that I’d gotten for my services. “So, the hard work put in was well worth it.”
“Good! Now I’m going to treat myself to something small before opening. Will and I are going to lunch at noon.”
“Oop!” I made a face. “Okay, afternoon delight!”
She laughed. “No, it’s just lunch!”
I grabbed the clothes from the counter and gave her a look. “And here you were judging me about my activities last night while you were planning your own midday activities.”
Flushed, she sucked her teeth. “Anyway, what are you doing today?”
Snickering, I answered, “I’m making content for the rest of the day. Not as exciting as a midday sex session, but it’ll be fine.”
Squealing, she opened the door for us to leave. “Stop it!”
“I’ll see you soon,” I said in a singsong voice. “Have a good morning. I already know the afternoon is going to be a good one.”
“Nina!” she protested, amusement raising the pitch of her voice.
Waving my hand, I said goodbye.
I had a lot to do that day, so I picked up breakfast on the way home. I was running on adrenaline and vibes with only three hours of sleep. My night of fun had really taken a lot out of me. But I was going to rally. I had content to create and money to make.
I entered my two-bedroom loft-inspired space and immediately exhaled. For the last two years, I’d called the converted warehouse home. From the polished gray concrete floors to the brick accent wall, I was impressed by how cool the place looked. But it was the spaciousness that sold me.
Every time I walked in, I couldn’t help but smile.
The sleek appliances and open floor plan made it modern and luxurious.
The abstract artwork, the unique shelves, and the high-end furniture replicas showcased my style and my creativity.
It was tastefully colorful, with vibrant throw pillows on a white couch and effervescent art that leapt from the walls, and the sweet smell of lilac lingered in every room.
It was so me.
Although at least once a week, I questioned why I was so committed to the white couch.
My home was my sanctuary and filled me with peace. And since I believed that people carried energy with them, I rarely allowed new people over. My family and close friends were the only people I invited into my space.
Walking through the living room to the back of the apartment, I went to the first door.
“Welcome to your new home,” I murmured to the clothing slung across my arm.
The second bedroom was meant to be a guest room, but since I didn’t have many guests, I converted it into a closet.
The extra-large arch mirror, custom-built vanity lights, personalized shelves, and the extended rack made the room the closet of my dreams. It was color coded, labeled, and organized.
Once I put the clothes in their proper place, I headed to the en suite bathroom.
I’d taken a shower at the hotel after the first round with Russ. I had every intention of leaving after I got myself together. But that man decided to join me in the shower and fuck me again.
With a smile pulling at my lips, I shook my head at the memory.
As I lathered myself up, I couldn’t help but have flashbacks. It was always like that after a night with Russ. It was hard to shake how completely he handled my body. We started sleeping together after the second date, and my body had been calling for that man ever since.
We’d seen each other weekly since we’d met.
Sometimes our schedules didn’t align, and we’d only get a night together.
Most of the time, we’d get a whole twenty-four hours.
Twice, we got the entire weekend. But every single day we’d either talk or text.
Our relationship was fun and free, so the sex seemed better because of it.
But then last night…
“Mm, mm, mm,” I intoned under my breath.
He’d always fucked me like he had gotten his degree in my pleasure and graduated summa cum laude. But last night was different.
Maybe it was because I was still heady from watching the sunset from that altitude.
Maybe it was because I was feeling territorial because of the waitress’s disrespect.
Maybe it was the realization of how well he knew me, how closely he paid attention to me, and how well he took care of me.
It truly could’ve been any of those things that resulted in the best sex I’d ever had.
I ran the washcloth between my legs again, cleaning myself and reminiscing at the same time. I was tender from the work that was put in all night long. I shivered as I let the water run over me and wash off the suds. My stomach tightened as I remembered the feel of him on me.
Now that is some good dick.
The only issue with getting dick like that was it made it harder to want someone else.