Page 58 of Thorn Evermore
“Which brings me to my problem.”
“You couldn’t possibly have one, but hit me anyway.”
“Remember when you told me about love bombing?”
“Yep.”
“What if that’s what Thorn is doing? He’s so over the top. He calls me beautiful, and sweetheart, and pretty boy. He looks at me like I hung the moon. No one has ever looked at me like that. What if it’s all an act and it’s not real?”
Sandra’s face softens as she takes my hand in hers. “I get it, Ky. It’s scary to start something new after your experience with Neal, but here’s the thing. Love bombing without action is a big red flag, but that’s not what I’m hearing. People with bad intentions are takers. The love bombing is to get everything they can from you without returning the effort. Money, gifts, time. They take and take. Based on what you’re telling me about Thorn so far, he’s not doing that. He seems legitimately into you. Besides, he showed up at your job to make sure you were okay after last night. A guy just in it to hit it doesn’t do that. Trust me, I know.”
I nod, mulling over her words for a moment. “I guess I don’t understand why me. I’m so average in comparison to him. He’s… larger than life. So handsome and charming and interesting. I’m just a guy who works at an antique shop.”
“You obviously can’t see yourself the way other people do, but you’re all the things you just said about Thorn. He’s smart enough to see what a catch you are. Don’t forget you’re also loyal, honest, and an amazing friend.”
Shaking my head, I push my glasses up my nose. “I guess so.”
“My advice is to keep letting Thorn show you who he is without projecting your past onto him. That’s not really fair.”
“True. I just wanted to be smarter this time.”
“You don’t need to be smarter when you meet a person who isn’t a douchebag.”
We both laugh. “Gah, I hope he’s as amazing as he seems. He told me he would explain everything to me after work. Catching feelings seems new to him.”
“Ooh, even better. Of course he’s love bombing. He’s never felt like this before.” She rubs her hands together. “I love it when the tough ones fall.”
“You’re crazy.”
“We know this. Also—” She leans in closer. “—he’s so huge. He makes tall and lanky Neal look short. He could sweep you off your feet, Scarlett O’Hara style.”
“Dreamy sigh. Maybe he will one day.”
She squeezes my hand. “I’m happy for you, and you deserve this. Try to enjoy it, huh?”
“Thanks. I’m gonna try.”
When I finally clock out and start to head up front, the door to Neal’s office opens. He pauses, glancing briefly at me before shifting his gaze to the floor as he walks out. Interesting. Something on his desk catches my eye, and even though I definitely shouldn’t go in, I do anyway, peeking at the stack of files on his desk.
He’s got personnel folders out. Ah. I bet he was going through the employee list. On a notebook next to the folders he has several names written out, but one of them is circled. Matthew. Does he suspect one of our most tenured cashiers? Matthew is an older man, in his sixties I believe. I can’t imagine he would steal from the store. He’s crossed out Manny though so that’s a relief.
With that thought still lingering, I walk up front to find Thorn leaning against the wall behind the checkout counter where the shopping carts are. Matthew is there, ringing up acustomer and chatting happily about her purchases as he does with every customer. No. It can’t be him.
Thorn is overly focused on the other worker next to Matthew. His name is Brandon and he’s been here about a year. Good kid. Always on time, polite, seems interested in the work. Manny likes him.
Thorn blinks hard, turning his intense gaze to me. A smile spreads across his lips and my belly flutters.
“Done with work?”
I nod. “Yes.” I glance at Matthew and Brandon. “Everything good?”
“It is now that you’re here again.” Thorn lifts my hand to his lips, kissing it and inhaling deeply. His eyelids flutter. What a strange reaction.
“I probably smell like old books and attics.”
“A scent I’m apparently fond of. Are you hungry?”
“I could eat.”