Chapter 3
The next day, Eli stood at a bookshelf, restocking new inventory that had arrived. He would have been done before the lunch rush if he had been paying attention, but he couldn’t focus. His attention constantly strayed to the redhead behind the counter.
Telling Molly about Lauren was the most he had heard her speak since she had been hired.
And it hadn’t even been that much. He knew he shouldn’t have used her to chase Lauren off.
It felt great, but he knew he needed to apologize.
It had been highly inappropriate, and the last thing the bookstore needed was a lawsuit for sexual harassment.
But he wasn’t sorry he did it. Aside from it feeling amazing having her in his arms, he also got rid of Lauren that much sooner.
The door to the store opened and closed as the bell jingled. Eli looked up from the shelves to see Lauren. He groaned and ducked back down, hoping he hadn’t been spotted.
It didn’t take long for her to find him. “Hi, Eli.”
He looked up from where he was squatting in front of a shelf. “Hi, Lauren.”
She squatted down beside him. “What are we doing?”
He nearly rolled his eyes at her use of “we”. “I’m restocking the shelves.”
She reached into the box on the floor and pulled a book out. “Need any help? I’d be fantastic at this. I know where all the different books go. You’d be impressed with how I’ve memorized all the titles.”
He stared at her. If she had memorized the titles, he’d be impressed, but he also didn’t want to ask because then he would be showing interest. The last thing he needed was to encourage her behavior. Especially after she had interviewed for a job there and didn’t get it.
“I’m not in need of any help.”
“Are you sure?” She leaned in closer to him, so he stood quickly, taking the box with him.
“I’m sure.” Then he walked back toward the register where he dropped the box behind the counter. He would restock the shelves later.
Eli’s eyes strayed toward the counter where Molly was helping a customer. She smiled and laughed at whatever they said, and it was breathtaking. As if she could feel his eyes on her, she looked up and blushed.
“Is she your girlfriend?”
Eli’s eyes snapped to Lauren, who stood in front of the counter. She crossed her arms and stared expectantly at him. If he didn’t know any better, he would have thought she was also tapping her foot like an impatient mother annoyed with her child. Or perhaps she was, and he just couldn’t tell.
He wanted to answer “yes” to that question so badly, but he also didn’t want to put Molly on the spot. Especially since he wouldn’t be surprised if Lauren approached her. He tilted his head. “My personal life isn’t for sale today.”
Lauren’s eyes narrowed. “I didn’t think so. She didn’t know your coffee order anyway.”
And with that, she retreated to the other end of the store to do whatever it was she liked to do every day.
He let out a breath and raked his hand through his hair. He really needed a haircut.
As if sensing his frustration, Michelle appeared at his side. “Go take a breather. I’ll cover the register until she leaves.”
“You’re the best. Thanks, Michelle.”
“You’re welcome.”
Eli stepped into the back office and sighed loudly before dropping onto a chair. He was alone. Cole hadn’t come in today since he was helping take care of his girlfriend’s little sister, who she had custody of.
It was only a few minutes before Michelle came into the office. “She’s gone.”
“Thank you.” He sighed. “I need to figure out how to get her to stop coming in. We already denied her a job, and showing no interest in her advances clearly isn’t working.”
“Katie told me she left quickly when she thought you had a girlfriend. So get a girlfriend.”
He looked at her with his eyebrows raised. “I can’t just get a girlfriend.”
“Why not?”
“Because I don’t really want to date.” It was mostly the truth. He wanted to date, but the only person who had caught his eye in a long time was Molly. And there were too many reasons why that would be a bad idea.
“It doesn’t have to be a real relationship.”
He laughed. “Are you suggesting I get a fake girlfriend to scare Lauren off?”
She nodded. “That’s exactly what I’m saying.”
And before they could say anything else, the door swung open and Molly walked into the office. She stopped short when she saw them and turned red. “Oh, I’m sorry. Katie sent me back here to grab a few more pens.”
If there were anyone he wanted to fake-date, it would be Molly.
Michelle smiled brightly before turning to Eli. “You’re okay. Come on in.”
Molly walked across the room to the supply cabinet and pulled out a few pens before turning around. Michelle was still smiling brightly, so Eli bumped her with his arm.
“You look creepy. It’s freaking her out,” Eli said.
Molly laughed nervously as she walked back to the door. “I’ll let you two get back to whatever it is you’re doing.” And then she disappeared, closing the door behind her.
Michelle turned wide eyes to Eli.
“Not a good idea, Michelle.”
“Why not?”
“She’s an employee who works for us, plus I’ve only known her for like two weeks.”
“So?”
“Have you ever heard of sexual harassment?”
Michelle rolled her eyes. “Oh, please. She won’t think you’re harassing her. We just need to explain what’s going on.”
Eli scrubbed his face. “Michelle, you’re being careless. Lawsuits still happen in small towns. Ask Jameson if you don’t believe me.”
Her eyes widened. “Oh! I have an idea. Let’s ask Jameson to draft a contract.”
He sighed loudly and stood. “Okay, this conversation needs to end.”
“Oh, come on, Eli. It’s a brilliant idea. Then we can’t get sued.”
“What do you think she gains from this?”
Michelle gestured around before frowning, but it didn’t last long before she smiled again. “We can pay her extra to pretend. A bonus of sorts.”
Eli dropped his head. “Oh, good Lord. She’s not an escort.”
“I didn’t say she had to have sex with you,” Michelle said just as the office door opened.
Katie’s eyebrows raised as she looked between her siblings. “Um. Do I want to know?”
“Nope, probably not,” Eli said at the same time Michelle said, “Yep!”
“Okay,” Katie frowned. Then she looked at Eli. “There are customers who need help.”
He hurried to the door. He didn’t need to be told twice. Anything to get out of this awkward conversation.