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Wild & Free Beach Shoppe
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Laura
The week passed with work and steamy times with Rex. Everything was going well. My love life was ten times better now that we were together again, but I wanted to spent time with my best friend.61Please respect copyright.PENANAofhuGOIBCG
The car coasted to a stop in the parking lot. “Thanks for the ride,” I gave Rex a passionate kiss for being a great boyfriend.
He groaned, “I’ll drive you wherever you want if you keep kissing me.”
“I might take you up on your offer,” I teased him and then grabbed my leather bag. “Hopefully, I’ll be able to talk Stacie into a night out, if not, I’ll stay here.”
“Okay. I’ll come back when you’re ready to leave.”
“I’ll probably stay overnight.”
“A brunch date it is,” Rex smiled. “I love you.”
“I love you too. I’ll text,” I promised and left the car.
The ocean breeze whipped through my hair. I waved as Rex drove away and went in the shop. The bell chimed.
Stacie glanced over her shoulder, “Hey, I have new coverups. I put one of each aside for you.”
“Thanks, you know I need every color, but I came to hang.”
Stacie groaned, “Why? It’s Friday night, you should start your weekend off right with your boyfriend. You two have a lot of catching up to do. Have fun.”
“I’ll spend time with Rex this weekend. You work nonstop and could use some downtime.”
Stacie sighed, “Yeah, but business is good. I want to keep it going while cash is flowing.”
“I get that. We don’t have to stay out late. We can hang out at Savage Paradise or have a girls’ night here with takeout and wine,” I put one hand on my hip. “You have to pick because I’m not leaving.”
Stacie laughed, “Look at you, all fiery and whatnot. Rex is so good for you.”
I blushed, “Hush. I’ll give you time to decide. What can I help with?”
“I was stocking the shelves throughout the day. You can check stock and fold the graphic tees. A crowd ripped through here so everything looks extra crazy.”
“Got it,” I started at the shelves in the back and work my way to the front. I added more products and refilled the discount bins. The tee shirts would be last.”
Stacie was busy with last-minute shoppers. I took time to straighten the racks. Wild & Free had great beach clothing. I purchased all my bohemian dresses from Stacie. I found two in my size that I didn’t have. I set them aside and checked to see if there were any new flip flops.
The shop closed thirty minutes later. I ushered Stacie upstairs to the loft and then ordered takeout for us. We ate, talked, and sipped wine. Stacie was trying on outfits.
I laughed when she yanked off the sundress.
“It’s not funny,” Stacie huffed. “I don’t like it.”
“Your wardrobe is fantastic. The dress is cute.”
“It makes me look frumpy,” she groaned. “Maybe I’ll wear shorts and a tank top.
“Your new sandals would look so cute with that dress.”
She bit her lip, “Probably, but I want to wear flip flops, so I can kick them off and curl up in a lounger.”
“Okay. Find something to wear or I’ll open another bottle of wine and grab a blanket. We’ll walk to the beach and relax. Don’t be difficult tonight.”
Stacie released a defeated sigh, “I’m feeling down because my sex life is crap.”
“What happened to Liam?”
“He stood me up last night. I wasn’t expecting a ton of romance, but damn he could’ve at least texted to say he couldn’t make our late-night hookup. I was so ready and had to figure it out myself to sleep well.”
“Oh no, I know how that can be. Did he call today?”
“No. He sent lunch from my favorite place.”
I smiled. “Aww, that was sweet.”
“It was bullshit. He hooked up with another woman last night and felt guilty for not speaking up.”
“Stacie, you don’t know that.”
“Yeah. I do. Liam is playful, but he can’t lie to save his life, so he tries to compensate in other ways.”
“Well, make him wait or move on.”
Stacie grinned, “Check you out, throwing my own advice back at me. I might do both.”
I teased her, “Keep it honest and dirty.”
“I will. I’m thinking about calling Dash.”
“Dorian’s brother,” I laughed, “You two are trouble.”
Stacie sighed, “Yeah, but he’s a good damn lay.”
“I’m not judging. You can invite him out tonight. I don’t mind hanging with Rex for a while if you want to relax by the bay.”
“Romance is not Dash’s thing. He’s a good time for sure, but passionate, steamy times on the beach won’t happen. We haven’t linked up in months. He bailed when I needed more than sex.”
I stared at her, “You never mentioned this.”
She shrugged, “I worked him over before I kicked him out. Goodbye sex is best when it’s the last time. I haven’t hit him up since. I’m not sure if I should, besides, Teddy works at Savage Paradise. I won’t invite another guy to hang out there.”
“I knew you were into him,” I squealed. “Did you two hook up in secret? I’m going with yes!”
“Cut it out,” Stacie tried hushing me but laughed. “You know I have a thing for him, but he’s not into me. Does he have a girlfriend?”
“I’ve been staying at the house for a week. I haven’t seen him with anyone. Teddy likes his peace and quiet.”
“But he could be hooking up with someone.”
“True,” I agreed. “You should ask him.”
“And look crazier than he already thinks I am?” Stacie shook her head. “No. I can’t do it.”
“Wow, this crush is really serious.”
“It is,” she admitted. “But don’t tell Rex.”
“I won’t, but you always go after the guys you want.”
Stacie responded with a sassy shrug, “I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t, but I don’t want to make things awkward. Well, enough about me. How are things at work? Did you and Rex talk with HR?”
“We did, but it wasn’t necessary. Rex provided proof that we were together before he became CEO of Amcor, and Mr. Emerson even made a statement about my not knowing they were related. Rex isn’t my supervisor, so it worked in my favor,” I sighed. “Dad is impressed with Rex and I’m not sure how to feel about it.”
“I get it. He kept you two apart.”
“Exactly. You know we’re really close, so it’s hurting me to draw the line with my Dad but I don’t believe he’s sincere when it comes to my relationship.”
“What will you say if Rex popped the question?”
“Yes,” I said without hesitating.
It was Stacie’s turn to squeal, “I’m your best friend, so I should get to be your maid-of-honor. I’ll be so mad if you let your cousin take my spot.”
“Not a chance. Melinda will be a bridesmaid,” I laughed because Stacie was celebrating.
“We’re not getting married yet. I’ll clean while you get dressed.” I eased off her bed and glanced at the lingerie she was wearing. “Keep on the lace. You might hook up with a hot guy tonight.”
“Get out, you naughty minx,” Stacie threw a pillow
I moved but didn't spill a drop of wine. “I’m finishing this glass and then we’re leaving. Choose something and let’s go!”
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