After Hours Attraction--A workplace single mom romance by Kianna Alexander

Author:Kianna Alexander
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2020-11-25T20:17:21+00:00

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Despite being back outside in the dreary weather, Gage felt his mood lighten considerably because now, Ainsley walked by his side. Their meal together had turned into something of a confessional for him. He typically avoided any conversations about emotions and feelings, and he still wasn’t quite sure what had come over him. All he knew was that he cared about Ainsley, and that he wanted a much deeper connection with her than just their working relationship.

The ball was in her court, though. What he wanted in no way superseded her autonomy. His mother, Addison, had raised all her children as womanists, and those teachings were deeply ingrained in his mind. He’d never disrespect Ainsley or do anything to make her feel uncomfortable. So now that the truth was out, he’d simply have to follow her cues, whatever that might lead to.

He watched her as she walked beside him. Even in the rain-dappled poncho and sensible outfit, she radiated beauty. Her gaze rested on the scenery as they passed, and he wondered if she were avoiding his eyes again. He smiled. Suddenly, his effervescent assistant had become somewhat shy, a quality he’d never known her to exhibit before.

“Here’s the place.” She grasped the door handle at Glow Apothecary.

“Allow me.” He reached to open the door, and their hands grazed momentarily, sending a charge of magic up his arm. He held open the door for her to walk in, then followed her inside.

The interior was small, but the setup showed creative use of the space. The displays were both aesthetic and practical, and the whole place smelled like warm sugar cookies. It was, hands down, the most inviting place in Summer Village. He heard a familiar beat, playing softly from a hidden speaker. Listening intently, he tilted his head and stood near the middle of the store until he identified the song. “‘Good Lovin’’? Classic Atlanta hip-hop. That song doesn’t get enough love.”

“Thanks. Not everyone around here appreciates my taste in music.” The Black woman behind the counter, who introduced herself as Candace, offered a bright grin before turning her attention to Ainsley. “Good to see you back so soon!” It was obvious she and Ainsley had a certain rapport. He could feel himself smiling. There was something about watching Black women chatting, laughing and enjoying each other’s company that always warmed his heart. While he was eager to spoil Ainsley a little, he hung back and let them talk.

After a few minutes, Ainsley turned his way. “So, the stuff I wanted is over here.”

Candace’s expression brightened. “Oh, honey. You didn’t tell me earlier you were here on a little romantic getaway.” She winked.

Ainsley’s wide-eyed expression, a mixture of embarrassment and humor, was priceless. She swallowed visibly but didn’t say anything.

Under normal circumstances, he would have corrected Candace. But considering all he’d said a short time ago, he simply slipped his arm around Ainsley’s shoulders and said, “Show me what you want.”

“I’ll leave you two to your shopping. Let me know if you need any help.

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