We got to the large double doors, and he pulled one open.
This time, I knew to wait. When he waved me in, I stepped inside and took in my surroundings. The walls were the standard beige with forest brown tile floor. The hallway that branched off to the left held offices that looked like they were for admissions, financial aid, and all of the various types of administrative departments needed for a college of this size.
In front of me was a back entrance that led to picnic tables and the river. To the right was a bookstore with an attached coffee shop, and to the immediate left was a cafeteria with indoor seating. “This way.” Killian took my hand again and led me into Shadow Ridge Coffee.
There was an obvious theme around here.
Inside it looked like a standard coffee shop. There were a few tables that students had already taken over, and in the center were two espresso machines and someone taking orders. The line stretched outside the entrance and into the cafeteria.
Dragging me behind him, Killian went to the front of the line where an attractive guy who had to
be close to twenty stood taking orders. His shaggy brown hair hung in his eyes and sweat beaded his forehead. He chewed his bottom lip like it was a piece of gum. The nice fact that he had a deep musky scent that identified him as a wolf shifter made me feel better.
“Carter.” Killian leaned his hip against the counter.
“Dude, I don’t have time right now.” He hit some buttons on the machine and frowned. “It’s rush hour, and that bitch Deissy called in sick. Now I have to work the cash register, and a demon lives in it.”
“A demon?” I leaned over the counter, but nothing out of the ordinary appeared to be happening. I didn’t realize that demons lived on Earth.
“Yes, because it won’t work for me.” He smacked the buttons like that would make everything better and then paused. He glanced at my and Killian’s connected hands. “Uh… this has to be some kind of whacked-out nightmare. You’re holding hands with a girl?”
“Well, yeah, but I didn’t come here to declare my relationship status. I need a favor.” Killian placed an arm loosely around my shoulders. “Dove needs a job, and you owe me one.” “Her name is Dove?” His forehead furrowed.
The girl standing in front crossed her arms and tapped her foot. “Are you going to get my coffee or not?”
Carter’s moss-green eyes focused on me. “Do you know how to work a cash register?” “It shouldn’t be hard to figure out.” It had buttons with words.
“Then you’re hired.” He held his hand out. “It’s not like I could say no anyway since Killian is my alpha. Give me your ID so I can enter your information and you can get to work.”
Shit, I hadn’t thought that through. I didn’t have anything to give him, and if I left, people would get suspicious. Anyone looking for a job would know to bring their ID with them.
How the hell did I get out of this situation?
CHAPTER SIX
M
y eyes flicked toward Killian. I was at a loss as to what to say. The fact that I was already relying on him so much was unnerving. I hadn’t even known him for twenty-four hours. I
hoped my trust wasn’t misguided by a desperate attempt to find someone to have my back so I wasn’t alone.
Killian sighed exasperatedly. “Man, can we get it to you tomorrow? It’s my fault that she doesn’t have it at the moment.”
“Of course it is, but I don’t want any details. There’s no telling what you two did to cause that.” Carter rolled his eyes. “I’m desperate, so I’m willing to make an exception. But I need it first thing in the morning or no deal.”
Thank God. I hadn’t expected him to roll over. “So I can start tomorrow?”
“Fuck no.” Carter pointed to the wall behind the counter where several black aprons were hanging on a hook mounted in the center. “Get one of those on and get your ass over here. We’ll work the line together.”
I moved quickly and snatched an apron before he changed his mind.
“All right then.” Killian saluted me. “I’ll let you get to work. I’ll come by after my classes to get you.” He kissed my cheek. “See you soon.”
My cheeks warmed. I’d never received that kind of attention before, and a few girls in line gawked at his display of affection, making the entire situation even more uncomfortable.
“I like it when you blush.” He brushed his pointer finger against my cheek. “But I’ll get out of your way.”
“Please do.” Carter scowled. “I’m pretty sure PDA goes against sanitation rules, not to mention the cat fight that could break out.”
“See you.” I glared sternly. I didn’t want my boss to get pissed at me during my first minute on the clock. Well, I was pretty sure he was my boss since he hired me.
Killian walked out the entrance, and the girl who’d been demanding her latte tilted her head. Her straight, long, mahogany hair fell over her shoulder, contrasting with her fair, unblemished skin. “Did you actually snag Killian?” She leaned over the cash register, and her rose scent hit my nose as her gorgeous dark purple stardust-colored irises focused on me.
She somehow smelled even more pleasant than the flower. She was breathtaking, but I had no clue what kind of supernatural she was. “Snag?”
She flipped her hair over her shoulder and tugged at the edges of her coral sweater, pulling it over her dressy white shirt. “Wow. You’re a mindless bimbo like the other girls he’s messed around with. And here I was intrigued by you. Obviously, you’re not any different and aren’t worth talking to.” She wrinkled her nose.
What a jerk. I couldn’t stand being talked down to. “Wow, that hurt,” I said, emphasizing my sarcasm. “I mean a girl yelling at a poor guy who’s trying to wait on her is always super classy. I really give a flying fuck what she thinks of me.”
“Dove!” Carter gasped and his shoulders sagged. “I’m so sorry, Rosemary. She’s new-”
“Yeah, I was standing here when that whole exchange went down. I know she’s new.” She licked her bottom lip and placed a hand on her hip. “But I’m glad you finally hired someone who has the balls to not take any crap.” She grinned at me as approval radiated from her. “Do you think you can ring me up better than he can?”
“Of course.” Girls like her respected others only when they demanded it. Granted, I wasn’t sure how she’d take it here in front of everyone, but I went with my gut. Maybe I wasn’t so out of sorts after all.
I sucked in a breath and stared the cash register down. I’d figure out how to work it. Another thing kicking my ass wasn’t an option.