Page 39 of Never Kiss and Tell

I’m so tired when I walk into work Monday, I try to avoid everyone by keeping my head low. Of course, Lionel notices me, though and chases me to the back store room where our lockers are.

He sidles up next to me while I’m grabbing an apron and shoving my bag into my locker.

“A little birdy told me Charles Jr. is watching you like a hawk. Any particular reason?”

Goddammit, Charlie.

I shrug. “He’s probably watching me because I’m new and he thinks I’ll steal something.”

Lionel narrows his eyes at me, searching my face and then checking behind me at my rear.

“It could be that.Orit could be that ass in those shorts.”

My cheeks flame, but I laugh.

“I promise you, it’s nothing like that. Charlie hates me.”

“I think the hate makes it better. They really give it their all.”

“Who told you he’s been watching me?”

“I’ll give you three guesses and the first two don’t count.”

“Marybeth,” I groan, gritting my teeth. Of course, she would notice that. Thank God no one saw me practically climb him like a tree the other night. “You guys didn’t tell anyone else that, right?”

He gives me a pointed stare. “Do I look like a gossip?”

I eye him, wondering if he really wants me to answer that.

He shrugs, conceding. “Okay, I am, but I didn’t say anything. I know when to mind my business.”

I smile, relieved. I reach out and hug him, causing him to still.

“You’re a hugger, ain’t you?” he asks, sounding like I’m causing him physical pain.

I release him with a laugh, just as I catch the silhouette standing in the doorway.

Goddammit. Speak of the damned devil.

I groan internally, meeting a pair of dark and stormy eyes.

“That’s my cue to get the fuck up out of here,” Lionel says with a wave of his manicured hand. He strides past Charlie, batting his eyelashes at him. “Hey, Prince Charming.” I would have laughed, had the look on Charlie’s face not been murderous.

“If you’ve come to chastise me about something, can it wait until I’ve clocked in?” I ask, tying my apron around myself.

Charlie pushes off the doorframe, coming to stand in front of me.

“Where were you yesterday?”

I blink at him.

“Home?”

“Hiding out inside all day?”

I cross my arms over my chest and stare at him, perplexed. “I had work to do. Is that alright with you?”

“Work on what?”

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