Page 9 of Edge of Secrets

“Yeah, chica, you did good. Tomorrow wear something sexier. Say, like, a tight ribbed turtleneck. Sleeveless, ‘cause you got good arms. If you don’t have one I’ll lend you one of mine,” Monica offered.

“Ladies, do you mind?” I hissed, grabbing the coffeepot.

I did as Norma suggested, refilling all the coffee cups to steady my nerves.

I didn’t really have that much experience with men. I’d dabbled with sex in college, but this guy was in another league from the callow literary types I’d discussed poetry and philosophy with over cheap wine and takeout.

God. Such a brief, inconsequential encounter, but I’d almost had a seizure.

The moment he finally took notice of me, a feeling stabbed through me, part excitement, part stark terror. I couldn’t tell if the feeling was pleasurable or not. I had never felt so vulnerable. So female. And all he’d done was ogle me intensely.

I would be hopelessly out of my depth with Mr. Hyper-Focused. Now I was backpedaling at a hundred miles an hour, like a dithering coward.

I went back to the counter to refill the coffeepot and dared a sidelong peek. Yup. He was still looking right at me. Fixedly. Hungrily. Those keen, scorching dark eyes, following my every move. My stomach jumped up and crowded my lungs. Now what?

Norma presented me with a plate of apple crumb pie with vanilla ice cream. “You’ve got to see it through,” she said sternly. “Just gotta. Come on, girl. Buck up.”

“Norma, I can’t. I just can’t.”

“You must, or I’ll fire you,” Norma threatened.

“Go ahead. Fire me then. Do your worst,” I said, putting the coffeepot on the warmer and putting my hands over my hot cheeks. “I don’t care.”

“If you don’t do it, I’ll start talking real loud about how you have this huge crush on the hot guy by the window with the computer. I swear to God I will.” Monica’s voice rose in volume then and there.

I shot her a furious look and snatched up his dessert plate, forcing myself to approach his table. I laid it beside his computer and turned to go.

“You didn’t ask if I wanted the usual dessert,” he said, freezing me in place. His resonant voice sent a shudder of excitement down my spine. “I feel cheated of my agency. Robbed of options, freedom, and spontaneity. How could you do that to me?”

“I think you’ll live,” I informed him. “I’ve taken enough risks today.” I gathered up dishes just to keep my hands from shaking. “Next time, maybe we can take that leap together. I haven’t given up hope of persuading you to try the pecan fudge brownies.”

I walked away—back very straight—and as I moved, I could feel his gaze burning against my back. It was a very stimulating sensation.

I watched with my peripheral vision as he sat there staring at me for a few breathless minutes. Then he dropped a couple of bills on the table, got up, and walked out.

When the door closed behind him, I exhaled and sank down onto a chair.

Monica punched my shoulder gently in approval. “Good job, chica! That was some flirting to be proud of!”

“I wasn’t flirting!” I protested. “I merely tried to persuade him to order something new, and I failed in the attempt. Failed miserably. That’s all that happened. That’s it.”

“So why are you hyperventilating?” Monica asked.

“Because I’m stupid, okay?” I yelled. “Dumb as a rock! Everybody on board with that assessment? Anybody need more clarification?”

“Oh, calm down, Nelly.” Norma bustled over and squeezed Nell’s shoulder. “Monica’s right. You did great. Couldn’t have done a better job myself in my heyday, and that’s saying a lot, if I do say so myself. He’s obviously intrigued. Come in early tomorrow and let me fix your hair.”

“Norma, please!”

“It’s true,” Monica said sternly. “It’s time. The hair needs help.”

“I am not playing this game with you two!” I glared at both of them.

“Oh, honey, indulge a fond old lady!” Norma wheedled, pinching my cheek.

“I’m gonna bring that shirt I was talking about tomorrow. And I’m putting some makeup on you, too,” Monica said, looking her over with a critical eye. “What’s your shoe size? Got any heels?”

“For waitressing?” Nell asked, aghast. “Under no circumstances! Ever!”

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