I was quickly becoming lost in the transitions. “I don't—”
“Now, being that you are at that impressionable age—” Pausing, she looked me over. “How old are you dear?”
“I'm seventeen, ma'am.” I was happy to get to say something.
“Oh, and so well mannered. Your mother did a wonderful job. Speaking of jobs, as you are at an impressionable age and in need of discipline I firmly suggest that you proceed to get a job. Nothing speaks of a well-developed woman more than a well-developed work ethic, I always say.”
“That's what I'm—”
“So don't you worry dear, I'll personally help you on your path to womanhood. Lord knows your mother has a lot going on with her life, with being an author and all. No, don't you worry. You can start here on Monday—”
“But mom!” Rosemary began.
Yay, the crazy woman's Rosemary's mother. Should have seen that one coming. “Really, that's not necessary—”
Oblivious to the both of us, she patted me affectionately on the shoulder. “Rosemary will train you, my dear, and we can fill out those silly work forms Monday. Be here at eight am sharp! No one likes running behind schedule, and the early bird gets the frog and all that.”
“Worm.” Rosemary and I stated at the same time.
“What now?” Rosemary's mother asked, startled out of her speech.
“The early bird gets the worm.” We both stated at the same time again.
“Why are you ladies talking about worms and birds for? Nasty little things, both of them, what with one devouring its own feces and the other fluttering about. Defecating on peoples belongings. Not nice at all.” She started gesturing wildly again. This time both Rosemary and I stepped out of harm’s way. “Now, where was I?”
“You said—”
“Oh yes! Monday! We'll have everything ready and you'll fit in nicely here, don't you think so Rosemary?”
“No, I certainly do not—”
“Of course you do. Now I'm off to the office to do the daily paperwork. I swear I never knew owning a shop would take so much darn paperwork. I'm going to end up killing all the trees at this rate, just you watch.” Frowning, she started to move toward the door behind the counter, obviously that's where the tree killing went on at.
“But mom!”
I was becoming frantic now. “Ma’am, you really don’t have to—”
“Mary Beth.”
“Excuse me?” I was hopelessly lost. I looked over at Rosemary but she was busy staring incredulously at her mother.
“My name is Mary Beth, dear. Now, I'll see you on Monday!” And with a cheery wave, she was gone, her colorful skirts almost getting caught in the door as she closed it behind her.
“Okay, what just happened?” I asked, turning still stunned eyes on Rosemary.
“Well, you just met the steamroller, aka my mom. And it looks like you just got yourself a job, little Star.” A sharp bite of resentment colored her tone. Turning on her heel, she stormed off toward the other side of the store.
Releasing a breath I didn't know I was holding, I turned to walk out the door. Glancing back toward where Rosemary went, I saw her standing by two hot guys around our age, gesturing to some books. I couldn't help myself. “See you Monday Rosie! Oh, and good luck with your rash!” I smiled wickedly when I saw the guys take a giant step back from her. I'd more than likely regret it come Monday, but for now I was happy.
*****
I didn’t want to go home yet. I relished the thought of being away from my parents, if only for a little while.
I tilted my head back while walking slowly down the street, looking at the wispy clouds, and letting the sunlight warm my face. I had to admit, it was beautiful here.
“Oomph!” I smacked into an incredibly hard, hot chest. Looking up through my lashes, I stared at the behemoth in front of me. He was absolutely gorgeous. Long black hair framed his face. Creating shadows along his high cheekbones, chiseled jawline, and strait aristocratic nose. His eyes were almost the color of obsidian. The small flecks of gold throughout his eyes were almost reflecting the light much like a cat’s at night.
His slightly winged black eyebrows were drawn down into a frown, causing black flames to dance in his eyes. He was easily over six feet tall, and from what she could feel of his body from mine being flush against it, he was also extremely fit.
His hands were wrapped around my upper arms. The heat of them seemed to burn through my t-shirt, and all the way into my skin, seeping into my blood. I had the strangest urge to reach up and wrap my arms around his neck, and lift myself up onto the tip of my toes to kiss his slightly full lips. In fact, they were moving on his hauntingly beautiful face… Shit! He's talking! What the hell is wrong with me?
“Um, what?” I mumbled into his shirt, but it came out sounding more like mmmwhaf?
“I said, would you mind removing your nose from my shirt!” he practically growled at me. I could feel the reverberations of his words against my lips. It definitely felt like a growl.
I stepped back hastily, almost tripping over my own feet. Luckily his hands were still on my arms, otherwise I would have toppled over. I tried to run a hand through my hair, but his grip halted the motion. I looked into his eyes, then off over his shoulder, and not wanting to look at him directly for fear of being entranced again. “Sorry, I wasn't paying attention to where I was going.”
“Well, that much was obvious. Are you daft or something? I tried talking to you five times before you answered.”
I could have told him the truth. That I was too busy stopping myself from rubbing up against him like cat. But, I really didn't feel like having the word 'freak' branded onto my forehead. It didn't help that I was shocked at my own reaction. I quickly turned angry and sarcastic, hoping to cover up the blush that spread across my face.
“What is it with you people? I swear if I receive one more warm greeting, I may burst from all the happiness you guys keep throwing around.” I tried to cross my arms, pulling off a look of full blown indignation, but is hands were still resting on them.
“Dude, I don't know who you are or what type of personal bubbles Virginians have. Where I come from you keep your hands to yourself, unless you're invited to touch someone.” I watched as the left side of his mouth raise a little. Oh that boy better not be smirking at me. I was getting ready to lay into him, but was surprised when he backed off with his hands held up in surrender.
“Point taken. I apologize for keeping you from falling on your face—”
“I was not falling—”
“And from saving you from further embarrassment—”
“Listen here, you little—”
“So, you can apologize to me, thank me, and move on like a decent person.”
“Are you flipping serious? What in the hell do I have to apologize for?”
“For staying plastered to me and invading my personal bubble.” He quirked of his eyebrow. At me. He quirked his eyebrow at me. I was beyond anger at that point.
I moved around him without saying a word, while silently chanting to myself. I will not kick his ass. I will not kick his ass. He grabbed a hold of my arm, forcing me to stop. Wrong move, fucker.
Grabbing hold of his hand, I started to twist it, and place him in a submissive hold. Stunned, I stared up at him over my shoulder when he easily reversed the move. He locked my body against his with both of my arms crossed over my chest. My body lit up with excitement. My mind, on the other hand, was shocked into silence.
“Feisty, aren't we?” His breath bathed against my ear, causing a delicious shiver to race down my spine.
“Let go of me.” I felt my body run hot with pools of desire racing through me. I didn't understand why I was having that strong of a reaction to him.