I froze when I heard the voice behind me. I turned around and saw that it was Ethan.
I wasn’t sure how to feel, should I be happy that he stood up for me, or should I just roll my eyes?
This was something I had under control, and now it looks like he was a superhero who saved me from a bully.
But I could feel the small thrill that ran through me. “Get a grip,” I scolded myself.
The guy looked up and saw that Ethan wasn’t pleased. He gave Ethan a disdainful look, his hand forming into a fist.
“You think because you own half the town you can intimidate me? Hell no. You know what, get a life,” he sneered.
Ethan wasn’t bothered at all. He stepped closer, and everyone watched to see what would happen.
“I’m not going to let you cause trouble here, and I don’t appreciate you talking down to one of my employees. So get out, just like she told you earlier,” Ethan said, his voice low while pointing towards the door.
The man’s eyes looked around the room, looking for support, but I could tell no one was in support of his unruly behavior.
I turned my face back to Ethan and wondered if this was the same Ethan I knew or someone else entirely, his tone was so different and commanding.
I saw the guy hesitate, fear flickering in his eyes. But like most bullies, he didn’t want to back down easily.
The man clenched his jaw, trying to hold onto whatever shred of pride he had left.
For a moment, it seemed like he might make a move, but then, with a low growl of frustration, he took a step back.
“Fine,” he spat out, but this isn’t over.”
With that, the man turned and stormed out of the shop, the door slamming shut behind him.
Ethan walked over to where I was standing, his eyes scanning from my head to toe, as if checking for any signs of injury.
I almost wanted to laugh, after all, the guy never even got past the counter. “Are you alright?” he asked.
I nodded, trying hard to look away from him. But his gaze was intense like he was searching through my soul.
What’s his deal? Is he just concerned because I’m one of his employees, or is there something more to it?
Ethan’s eyes didn’t waver. I forced a smile and said, “I’m fine. He didn’t even get close.”
He nodded, then said, “You look tired, and I think you should rest.”
Before I could respond, he gently took my arm, guiding me away from the counter.
My eyes widened as I tried to protest, not wanting to be anywhere near him, but his grip was light as he led me out of the flower shop.
I struggled to find my footing. “Stop it, sir. I’m fine, and I don’t need to rest,” I insisted.
He stopped abruptly and stared down at me. He was much taller than me, and I had to tilt my head to meet his gaze. His dreamy blue eyes locked onto mine, but I quickly looked away, not wanting to get lost in them.
“Then why were you seated when you should’ve been attending to customers?” he asked.
“I… I was… You know what, I’m fine now. I’ve rested enough, and I’ll just go back to what I was doing,” I stammered, pulling my hand from his grasp as I hurried back to the counter to help Zoey.
I could feel his eyes on me. I tried to shake off the unease and focus on helping Zoey.
The customers were still coming in, and I was grateful Ethan didn’t press further about my brief rest. The last thing I wanted was anyone getting too close for comfort.
I walked back to Zoey, who had everything under control. She noticed me and asked,
“Hey Nadine, are you feeling better now?”
I nodded, unable to find the right words.
Zoey looked at me with a knowing smile. “Ethan seems to have a soft spot for you, girl.”
“It can’t be,” I said, rolling my eyes. I knew what she was implying, and it wasn’t something I wanted.
“Deny it all you want, but I know you like him. In the years I’ve known Ethan, he hasn’t shown any interest in any girl.”
A man with his wealth and charm would surely have girls flocking around him.
“I don’t believe you,” I finally said to Zoey.
Zoey shrugged, still smiling. “Believe what you want, but there’s something different about the way he acts around you.”
“Maybe he’s just being a decent boss.”
“Believe it, girl,” Zoey said, then walked away.
It was lunchtime, and I headed to the break room as usual. I was relieved to see that I was the only one there.
I picked up my fork to start eating when I noticed Mason walking past the break room.
When he saw me, he grinned widely and made his way over to my table. I rolled my eyes heavenward.
“Hey there,” he said, making himself comfortable in the chair opposite me.
“You aren’t invited to sit,” I said, trying to hide my smile. I liked how he took my eye roll lightly and didn’t seem to mind.
I went back to my food, but I noticed his eyes were focused on me. I tried to ignore his gaze, but it was clear he had something on his mind.
Finally, I couldn’t hold back and snapped, “What?”
Mason looked surprised by my outburst but quickly covered it with a smile. “I hope you’ll come to the party this weekend,” he said, his eyes hopeful.
“Do I have any choice?” I asked back.
“I don’t think so. The whole staff will be there.”
“Okay,” I said, returning to my lunch.
Mason seemed relieved that I agreed. “Great! It’ll be fun. Just a chance to unwind and get to know everyone better.”
I nodded, focusing on my food. “Sounds like it could be interesting.”
Trying to end the conversation, I asked, “Anything else?” I wanted to be left alone, as the uneasy feeling in my stomach reminded me of the nausea I sometimes felt.
Mason gave me one last look. “Nadine, I know you’re going through a tough time, but I want you to know we care about you. If you ever feel like talking, I’m here.” He winked and said, “See you at the party.”
With that, he walked away, leaving me to finish my lunch in peace.
As Mason left, I took a deep breath to steady myself. I didn’t want to let my talk with Mason have any effect on me.
I focused on finishing my lunch, hoping it would help calm my nerves for the rest of the day.
After lunch, I went back to the flower shop. Zoey was busy preparing for the next day’s orders, so I helped her make sure everything was in place.
The day went by quickly, and I was relieved when it was finally time to go home. I packed up my things and headed outside to wait for a cab. Just then, I heard a car horn. Startled, I turned slowly to see who it was.