“Consider this my way of getting your attention.” I turned back to the cashier. “Keep the change.”
The woman took her receipt and stepped aside to wait for her order.
“Can I at least know your name? I’m Joseph Garcia.” I extended my hand. “And you are?”
She hesitated before taking it. “Ava Flynn.”
Her touch sent an unexpected jolt through my system. Dean suddenly became alert and pushed forward with interest. Strange.
“Well, Ava Flynn, I think you owe me.”
She raised an eyebrow. “For what exactly?”
“Emotional distress. The image of my mother opening that package still haunts me.”
Ava laughed. “And how exactly am I supposed to make amends?”
“Your phone number would be a start.”
Her smile faded slightly. “I don’t think so.”
“Come on. One coffee or have a dinner. Let me tell you exactly how awkward the conversation with my mother would have been.”
“And why would I want to have dinner with you?”
I grinned. “Because I’m charming, successful, and incredibly forgiving about the whole sex toy incident.”
She laughed again. The sound stirred something in my chest.
“Tempting,” she said, gathering her things. “But I think I’ll pass.”
I frowned. “You’re rejecting me?”
“Don’t take it personally. I’m just not interested in dating right now,” she stood up. “Especially not someone who looks like he goes through women faster than most people go through toilet paper.”
I stood up too. I was genuinely taken aback. Women didn’t reject me. Ever.
“How do you know what kind of man I am?” I asked.
“I’ve met enough Josephs in my life to recognize the type,” she said. “Enjoy your day, Mr. Garcia.”
She walked away. I stared after her in disbelief.
I returned to Antonio’s table. I felt strangely off balance. Women didn’t walk away from me. Especially not when I was making an effort.
Antonio was cackling. “That was your master technique? I think I just watched the great Joseph Garcia strike out for the first time ever.”
“She’s playing hard to get,” I muttered.
“I guess you have finally met your match,” he teased. “I’m starting to think Mom shouldn’t worry about you settling down. You couldn’t get a date if you tried!”
“The bet’s still on,” I insisted. “I’ll get her number.”
Antonio stood and patted my shoulder. “Sure you will, Uncle Joseph. In the meantime, I’ll pick out that t-shirt.”
As I watched him leave, I felt a bit defiant, but I was still thinking about that woman.
Ava’s POV
I couldn’t stop thinking about that encounter with Joseph Garcia during my lunch break. When our hands touched during that brief handshake, something strange had happened. An unexpected jolt sent tingles up my arm. The memory of it still lingered hours later as I finished my shift at the boutique.
Was I actually attracted to him? The thought was both alarming and annoying. Sure, he was handsome with those piercing eyes and confident smile. But he was also clearly an Alpha with an ego the size of Harbor Bay.
“Earth to Ava!” Nina waved her hand in front of my face. “You’ve been folding that same sweater for like five minutes. What’s going on in that head of yours?”
I blinked. I was embarrassed at being caught daydreaming. “Sorry. Just tired.”
“Uh-huh.” Nina raised an eyebrow. She wasn’t convinced. “This wouldn’t have anything to do with that hot guy who was trying to get your number earlier, would it?”
“What? No! Of course not.”
“Your face says otherwise,” she teased.
She nudged me with her elbow. “Come on, spill. He was gorgeous, and clearly interested.”
I sighed and set down the perfectly folded sweater. “He’s exactly the kind of guy I need to avoid. Rich, arrogant Alpha who thinks every woman should fall at his feet.”
“Sometimes a little fun doesn’t hurt, you know.” Nina wiggled her eyebrows.
“Let’s just close up and get out of here,” I said.
I changed the subject. “Pablo isn’t working tonight, so we need to grab a cab.”
Nina groaned. “Ugh, I hate closing shift. The mall feels so creepy when it’s emptying out.”
Nina helped me with my closing duties quickly and headed toward the employee exit. The mall was mostly deserted. Our footsteps echoed in the empty corridors.
“Want to grab something to eat before heading home?” Nina asked as we pushed through the doors into the parking lot.
Before I could answer, a familiar voice sent ice through my veins.
“Well, look who it is. My favorite little wolfless wonder.”
Isaac stepped out from between two parked cars. The smell of alcohol hit me even from several feet away.
“Isaac,” I said. “You need to leave.”
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