10. Amethyst
Ten
Amethyst
“ Y ou have a good one, I’ll see you next time.
” I wave bye to one of our regular customers.
You’d never tell by looking at him that he always has the most lurid gossip.
He’s never bothered to tell me his name, but after this past couple of weeks, I know all about his husband’s cousin twice removed… or something of that nature.
The hazy magenta sunset complements his dark hair as he steps outside. The feather braided into his pine-colored strands dances in the breeze. He explained to me when bear shifters take a mate, they weave an item into each other’s hair. A signal to others that they are bonded.
A grin tugs at my lips, my expression softening. Perhaps the paranormal aren’t all villainous. The proof is in the laughter this customer and I have shared. In Skyler and I’s budding friendship.
A half moon hangs above a wayward cloud signaling the shift from day to night. I feel a warm presence at my back. My heartbeat drums like a racehorse’s hooves in my chest.
His voice sends goosebumps up my arms. “Amethyst, I hate to ask you this, but is it possible you could stay and work the closing shift?”
Turning to face him, I mean to answer right away.
But the words fail as I drink in his appearance.
His dark, windswept hair. The stunning greens and browns of his eyes standing out in stark contrast to the long sleeve black dress shirt he’s wearing.
Which of course is form fitting, outlining the muscles rippling beneath it.
My eyes travel downward. Too far. I don’t stop myself and neither does Skyler. His shirt is tucked into dark gray dress pants. My lips part as my gaze follows the V of his hips and homes in on —
A thud sounds behind me; someone placing items on the counter. I turn slowly, my gaze lingering on Skyler. Observing his expression, I find only longing in his eyes. A confident grin plastered on his face as his eyes fall to my lips.
“Did you find everything okay?” I resurface my professionalism as I slide the customer’s items across the scanner.
Yet, as Skyler’s arm brushes against mine while he bags the items, I have no control over the heat of my cheeks.
A grunt is the only acknowledgement I get from the woman on the other side of the counter.
Without allowing me time to say the total, she taps her card. Then grabs her bags and sprints out the door. Waving me off when I ask about the receipt. The people who shop at Burrow’s are very… interesting.
“Oh!” I toss my hair over my shoulder turning toward Skyler, realizing I never gave him an answer.
He’s still at the bagging area, elbow resting on the leg he has propped up on the counter.
“Yes, I can stay tonight. A few more hours can’t hurt.
” I glance around, making sure we are alone before adding, “Especially in your company, Angel.”
I’m treading into dangerous territory, but I can’t find it in myself to care.
The smile on his face is worth any amount of rule-breaking, any amount of meshing personal and professional lives.
He shakes his head, “You flatter me, Sunlight.” Leaning closer, his breath brushes against my ear.
“I love hearing that name on your lips. Even if it does make me sound like a pet.”
His laughter intoxicates me. I shrug, “You seem like such a good boy. Give me a paw, I’ll give you a treat.” He drops his leg, stepping closer to me. His eyes hold a feral expression.
My back hits the register. His arms cage me in as he asks, voice low and sultry, “What kind of treat are you offering?”
He is impossibly close. I’m lost to his earthy, whiskey scent. I pull my bottom lip between my teeth.
I want Skyler to kiss me.
This miniscule space between us could be closed in a heartbeat. I think the world will stop spinning if he doesn’t get his lips on mine. Right. Now.
But we shouldn’t. He shouldn’t.
I would be fine if I lost this job. Maybe I’d take a couple of months to wallow in self-pity. Then I could focus on starting my photography business. Skyler, on the other hand… what would he do? He’s dedicated to this job, that’s clear to anyone with eyes.
Regardless of the other’s slack, he always keeps the displays clean and set on time. Despite working countless hours, he still has compassion for the customers — even the rude ones.
This is his career. What other aspects of his life would I be jeopardizing? He’s told me about his house by the lake, and I see his beautiful car almost every day. I couldn’t live with myself if I were the cause of him losing his livelihood.
But nothing’s wrong with a little flirting.
I hold his gaze, hoping he can see the need burning beneath my skin. “Whatever your heart desires,” my words are barely above a whisper. His eyes darken as he inches closer. Too close for any wandering eyes that may be searching for their next morsel of gossip.
But I give in to the gravity in my chest. Press myself against him. Let his arms wrap around me and forget why it would matter if someone were to see. He cups my face in his palm, brushing his thumb across my cheek.
“Amethyst, I —”
A playful feminine voice calls from behind us. “Skyler!” I nearly jump out of my skin. For a moment, he doesn’t move an inch. A strong arm still resting in the crook of my back. Finally, with a pained expression, he turns to the newcomer.
“Sage, have I ever told you that your timing is diabolical?” He nearly growls at the woman.
I step to the side to peer around the cigarette case.
She’s an officer. She fits into that stereotype perfectly.
She has a shorter build, but she boasts otherworldly muscles.
She has short blond hair, cut at an angle on one side, and buzzed on the other.
Sage hasn’t said a word to me, but I like her already.
Cockily, she replies, “Actually, this would be the first time you’ve ever said that to me.
Usually, you’re all thank the Goddess, Sage is here !
” Her deep blue eyes shift my direction, and she offers me a wink.
“Don’t worry, buddy. I’d be pissed if my time with a beautiful woman was interrupted, too. ”
Skyler rubs a hand along the back of his neck, quickly turning away from us both.
My cheeks burn hot. I can only imagine the shade of red they’ve turned.
“Say, what is your name, lovely? I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure of meeting.
” Sage boldly steps up to the counter, holding her hand out to me.
“Amethyst,” I dip my head to her. I place my hand in hers, expecting a handshake. To my surprise and Skyler’s vexation, she raises it to her lips, pressing a soft kiss against my skin.
In the blink of an eye, Skyler is at my back again. Did he just… growl?
“Down boy,” Sage gently drops my hand with a shrug. “Just testing a theory. Spoiler alert; you played right into my hand,” She snickers playfully, her voice menacing. “Play with your packmates next time, Rivera.”
Sage is a wolf as well, then. Still knowing nothing about wolf etiquette, I’m lost in this scenario. I offer Skyler a smile as I glance at him over my shoulder. “ Seems like —” I hear Sage’s voice, but as I turn back to her, her lips aren’t moving. I guess my mind is playing tricks on me again.
But Skyler snaps at her, “Don’t.” Then, did I hear her talking after all? Sage quirks a brow, confused as she opens her mouth this time to respond. The radio on her hip begins speaking instead.
She sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose, “Goddess damn it.” Turning toward the door, she waves, “Nice to meet you, Amethyst. While I’d much rather hang out with you two, unfortunately, idiocy calls!”
Whatever came over Skyler before is gone now. “See you later, troublemaker,” he calls after her. She turns quickly, blowing him a kiss. I don’t miss the stern look he offers in return.
Customers have been sparce tonight. One, maybe two an hour. Conversation on the other hand has been plentiful. We’ve covered all the basics. Favorite color. His is black. Favorite food. He loves red velvet cupcakes. Any sisters or brothers? He has an older sister.
Maybe during our next shift together, we can get into deeper territory. Tonight, I’ve been careful with my words. Omitting details of Angel’s Rest entirely. The more our connection grows though…
The more I want to let him in.
I know I can heal myself. I can learn to live with what happened to me. I have always persevered through hardships before, and I can do it again. I know that, and yet, this time I want him to be on the journey by my side. I bite the inside of my cheek.
I don’t want to be alone. I never have. But it’s glaringly clear in my heart that I don’t want just anyone’s company, I only want his.
There’s an hour left before we close the store.
I grab a green bottle of cleaning spray and start wiping down the counter.
Sliding the cloth back and forth, I watch Skyler.
He’s across from me, standing at the second register.
The sleeves of his shirt are rolled up, the top button undone.
As he counts the money in the drawer, my heart beats faster.
My eyes home in on his hands. The way his veins flex as he grabs the stacks of money and his thumb brushes across the bills. I imagine those fingers intimately exploring my skin, sending chill bumps along my arms.
I clear my throat. Blurting out a question to distract myself from thoughts of his hands on my body. “You’re a wolf. What is that like?” His eyes dart to mine; one brow raised inquisitively. His look makes me feel like I should already know the answer.
Nonetheless, he humors me. “Freeing in a way,” he begins, grabbing the register till and stepping behind my counter. “Suffocating in another. Feeling trapped by pack life and its expectations but being shunned for leaving. It feels impossible to escape the judgement of others.”