The Whole Package

“Um, yeah. I’ll probably skip out now. I want to get an early start in the morning.” I’m already thinking about going into a couple of stores tomorrow and asking around to see if she works there. I could probably ask Belinda, but I feel like this is more of a private issue.

“Good luck. Call me if you need me,” she says as she walks out of the room with the last remaining person.

The door closes behind her and I sigh. I grab the stack of handouts we were all given today and straighten them up. The sound of a door opening has me looking up, and to my surprise the blonde is standing there.

I’m silent for a moment as I take her in. She’s wearing her Community Mart uniform with a handbag clutched tight in front of her. Her long blonde hair is over one shoulder and her brown eyes are looking anywhere but at me. She’s beautiful, and though she looks delicate I can somehow see there is strength in her.

“Hi,” I say, stepping closer to her. “I saw you come in earlier.”

She blushes and finally looks me in the eyes. “I thought you’d be old.” She puts her hand over her mouth and her eyes widen in panic. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean for that to come out.”

I laugh and hold my hand out. “I’m Shawn.”

She puts her hand in mine, and though her skin is soft she’s got calluses on her palms. Like she works with her hands. If she’s working in one of our stores, then she’s probably a cashier or stocker. She gives me a firm shake with a strong grip, and I’m surprised how much I like the feel of it.

“I’m Bailey Webb. It’s nice to meet you.”

“It sure is.” I hold her hand longer than I should, but I’m not ready to let it go.

We stare at one another for a long moment until she blinks and loosens her grip. Only then do I release her, but I step forward a little, needing that closeness back.

“Sorry, I had this whole speech prepared in my head. I’ve said it a hundred times on the way over here.” Her eyebrows draw together and concern is all over her face.

“What’s going on? Is everything okay?” My instinct to protect her is strong, and suddenly I feel responsible for how she feels. “Would you like to sit down?”

She glances at her watch and bites her lip. “I don’t think I have time. I didn’t realize the meetings went so long.”

“Can I buy you dinner?” The words are out of my mouth before I have time to think about it. I’m sure Kristen in HR would be having a panic attack right now if she were in the room.

“I, um, don’t have time.”

It sounds like an excuse, but it could just be because I’m disappointed. “How long do you have?” I find myself pushing for even just a little more time. I need to know what’s got her upset.

“Not long. I should have left fifteen minutes ago.” She takes a step towards the door and everything in me needs her to stay.

“Here,” I say, taking out my wallet and pulling out a card. I grab a pen off the table and scribble my personal number on the back. “That’s my direct line. Nobody has that but my mom. You can call me on your way to wherever you need to go. Or text. Either way, I’ll answer, day or night.”

God, could I sound any more desperate? My need to connect with her is unlike anything I’ve ever felt.

“Wow, I didn’t expect this.” She looks at the card and then up to me like I’ve given her a golden ticket into the chocolate factory. “I’ll call you.”

She tucks the card in her bag and walks out of the room before I can say another word.

I stand there completely still as I replay the whole thing in my head. I’ve never given out my number to anyone before. There’s something about her that’s different yet perfect. I need to know more and I need it now.

I take out my work phone and hit a few buttons and put it to my ear. “Hey Kristen, it’s Shawn. Can I get you to email me a file on an employee?”

Chapter 3

Bailey

“Sorry I’m late,” I say to Annie as I hop out of my car and grab the grocery bags. Kyle texted me when I was on the way home to tell me that they asked him to work late and he wouldn’t be able to bring over pizza tonight. So not only did the meeting take forever, but I had to go get some food for us, too.

Annie and Hazel are feeding one of the goats with a bottle. Not that it needs to be bottle-fed anymore. Hazel loves doing it, and now the two girl goats—Abby and Gabby—are spoiled. Thankfully, she doesn’t try to do it with our cow, Sugar.