Page 20 of Allie

He chuckled. “Just something to look forward to later.”

Oh wow, did it just get hotter in here?

"Knock 'em dead," Draven added, reminding me he was right there.

I pulled out of Roan’s arms and moved closer to Draven. Standing on my toes, I pressed my lips to his. He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me closer while slipped his tongue into my mouth. The sound of the elevator alarm going off broke us apart. I stepped back, feeling flushed. This time when Draven smiled at me, I saw the point of a fang.

“Vampire.” The words were out before I could stop it.

Draven winked at me. “Vampire-witch.”

I nodded and stepped off the elevator with the visions of Draven biting me in the throes of passion. “I have so many questions.” I laughed and added, “But I don’t want to be late.”

“Talk to you tonight, Love,” Draven said.

“Have a good day,” Roan added.

"Thanks," I called back and waved a hand over my head as I made my way towards Nat’s Boutique.

I swung open the door to my sister's boutique, the familiar jingle of the bell announcing my arrival. The scent of lavender and fresh linen greeted me, a signature touch that made the space feel more like a sanctuary than a store.

"Morning," I called out, dropping my bag behind the counter as I surveyed the room, taking in the latest boho-chic dresses and artisan jewelry displayed on rustic shelving. My fingertips grazed the soft material of a sundress, and a flicker of excitement ran through me.

"Hey, sis!" Nat emerged from the back room, her smile as bright as the summer sun outside. "First day. Are you ready?"

"Born ready," I said.

Nat gave me a quick rundown—inventory duties, register operations, customer service etiquette. I nodded along. I’ve worked retail before, so a lot of the stuff wasn’t new to me.

"Got it all?" she asked, eyebrows arching playfully.

"Got it," I confirmed.

“I’ll be in the office if you need me. I have to get the monthly accounting done.” She darted through a door that led to the back office.

The first few customers trickled in, a mix of locals and tourists looking for something unique to take home. I eased into the role more naturally than I'd expected, my charm weaving its way into sales pitches and friendly banter.

"Could you help me find a dress for a beach wedding?" a woman with salt-and-pepper hair inquired, her hopeful eyes scanning the array of clothing.

"Of course," I replied, leading her to a section of flowy, floral maxis. "This one has a touch of magic to it," I said, half-joking as I handed her a seafoam green dress with delicate lace embellishments. She chuckled, unaware of how close to the truth I was.

The morning passed in a blur of hangers and tissue paper, my mind occasionally drifting to Roan's laugh or Draven's smoldering gaze. I pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the task at hand. Still, their presence lingered, like the faint trace of cologne in an empty room.

"Doing great, Allie," Nat praised, peeking over as I expertly wrapped a silk scarf around a display mannequin's neck.

"Thanks," I said with a grin.

"Break in fifteen, okay?" She nodded toward the back where a small oasis of a break room awaited, promising a chance to sit and collect my thoughts.

"Perfect timing," I murmured, feeling the morning's energy beginning to wane. I was ready for a moment of solitude, a brief escape from the cheerful chaos of the boutique floor.

As I retreated to the back, my phone buzzed in my pocket, a message lighting up the screen. It was from Roan.

How's the first day going?

Me: Great!

I texted back, a smile tugging at my lips. Their concern, though unnecessary, was a warmth I hadn't realized I'd been craving.