Chapter 3

Rebecca

I can’t believe I got the job on the spot. I’m sure my brother had a lot to do with Mr. Goren hiring me, but then again, they want to be on James’s good side just in case they need financial help. They have me in back prepping for my first customers by wrapping empty boxes they use for décor around the store. I take to it easily, and before I know it, I’m behind the wrapping counter.

“Hi, I’m Rex,” he says, sticking out his hand. I give him a quick shake and take in the guy I’m going to have to work with the rest of the night. He’s handsome if you like the hipster look. He has a rugged look about him, but his shoes without socks tell me he’s probably got some stinky ass feet. All people do when they wear shoes all day, but no socks on is twice as gross.

“Hi, I’m Rebecca,” I say, being friendly. He keeps a smile on his face as he looks me up and down, lingering over my figure more than acceptable and making me uncomfortable. Now I see why my brother sheltered me.

“Becky, that’s cute.” Fuck, I’m going to kick him in his shins.

“Actually, I prefer Rebecca.” It’s not that I don’t like Becky, but coming from him, it has a whole different vibe.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you,” he half-ass apologizes.

“You didn’t.” You fucking annoyed me. A vast difference, but I won’t say that out loud. Nothing like starting out on the wrong foot with your colleagues. Temporary or not, I’m going to have to spend a great deal of time around them.

“So, what did you do before this?” he asks, making small talk while we wrap. When I look over to see how he’s managing, I notice he’s quick and great at wrapping.

Trying to interact, I respond, “Well, I’m finishing my first semester in college. Actually, this is my first job.”

“Really? Wow, that must be nice,” he scoffs, tearing off a piece of wrapping paper from the roll with a little more attitude than necessary.

“Yes. It is.” I ignore him because he’s kind of being a real dick. I have a bunch of gifts that are here to be wrapped before the customer picks them up and he’s handling those that come in on the spot, so we don’t have to really chit-chat at all. Which works for me, so I stay focused on my task and avoid any looks from him.

Twelve packages later, I’m refilling the tape dispenser, and it flies off the holder. It nearly hits him, and then the earlier tension seems to have eased, and I’m not so annoyed by his attitude.

“Wow, trying to take me out. Sorry, I didn’t mean to be a jerk earlier,” he says with a laugh as he picks up the empty roll.

I take the empty roll from him and shake it at him. “You better not or I’m sure next time I’ll have better aim,” I joke, then turn around and insert another roll of tape in the dispenser.

“Scary.”

“So cute,” an older woman says. “Young romance.” I quirk my brow at her and shake my head. There’s nothing going on between us, and there won’t be.

“We’re not together. We just met,” I point out.

“Well the day is young,” she adds, smiling at both of us before taking her packages and walking away.

“Old people,” I remark, and get back to wrapping while Rex smirks. I don’t want a relationship especially with someone like him. If he knew the truth about me, I’m sure I’d get reamed for working instead of rolling in my cash.

Today’s been an extremely long day, but they asked if I could stay until close. I agree only because I’m trying to make a good impression, but I didn’t bring lunch. I head out for a quick bite at Subway then return full and drowsy. Wow, I ate too much. Time to work it off. I pull several orders and get them done. All of a sudden a mad rush of people come at five-thirty.

My buddy decides to stay as well, and we get along a little better as the night continues. He’s still kind of a douche nozzle, but I let it go because it’s the holiday season and first impressions aren’t everything. “Closing time here can be crazy. It’s Friday so the shoppers are going to come in until nine and we’re here to wrap until then.”

“As soon as that last package comes past my hands, I’m out. There’s no way I want to stay another minute. My hands are actually starting to ache. I didn’t think that was possible,” I complain.

He smirks and quips, “Too hard to wrap, pretty princess?”

I point my shears at him and warn, “No, but it’s going to be too hard for you if you keep messing with me.”

“Really?” he asks suggestively, taking my meaning and turning it dirty.

“Yes, I’m going to break your fingers. It’s going to be hard to wrap or unwrap anything.”

“Ouch. Harsh,” he laughs. I look away because this guy is driving me crazy. He’s rude, then becomes nice followed playful flirting. It’s been a long day for sure. I look at the clock just as the store announces that gift wrapping will close soon. Thank heavens for that.

Someone catches my eye, and I stare at him. Fine as hell…Damn, the man is gorgeous. I steal glances as he scowls at my pain in the ass coworker. I drink in his features: bright eyes with sexy facial scruff, strong jaw, and a perfect haircut. He looks like he should be on the cover of a magazine. I think about his soft lips as he grimaces, wondering what they would feel like against mine. My body is alive with anxious tension. I duck my head to avoid the instant reaction that came over me. I’m totally freaking out, so much so, my hands are shaking. This is going to be hard since he’s in my line.