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Texas
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Anna knew falling in love with Jeff was a mistake, but she did it anyway despite her better judgment. His cocky manner and stunning face weren't enough to make up for him being an abusive alcoholic. They had played house for a few months, a thrilling experience, but she needed to leave and live her young life without his control.
His presence at the store the following day confirmed it. Jeff nearly stumbled in. His appearance showed evidence of his time away.
Jeff was physically and mentally exhausted. Instead of his usual business suit, he wore a pair of gray sweatpants and a tight white shirt that hung past his waist but clung to his biceps. His salt and pepper beard was just as shaggy as his hair, with a dark brown mustache tickling his lips
Anna wasn't sure of all he had done in Virginia, but she knew he had fucked his ex-girlfriend. Upon receiving more videos of Jeff fucking Kate, one where the blonde woman was dressed in dog ears and a furry butt plug merged between her ass cheeks, Anna had shamefully masturbated. Afterward, she felt guilty and vowed to leave. Had it not been for his beloved dog, Butler, she would have. At least, that's what she told herself.
"Hi," came her dry greeting as Jeff closed in with a side hug.
"What's up?" His smile reached his eyes, "Did You miss me?"
"I miss having some help. Marsha called out today and yesterday." Anna rolled her lash-donned eyes.
"She's not coming with us to Houston." Jeff bitterly stated, "I need to tell her about us and the move, but I haven't had time. Have you mentioned it?"
"Nope, and I'm not going to. She is your problem, not mine." Anna brought a hand to her hip.
His brow hiked when he noticed her attire. Her denim shorts were so short the seam of the pocket tickled her tanned thighs. She had lost a little gut during his week away. A pale pink crop top stopped just above her belly button. It was sheer, revealing her hard nipples in the cold store.
"Why did you leave the house without putting a fucking bra on?" Jeff asked.
Giggling, she cupped her B cups, "I don't really need one. They aren't saggy or anything."
"If I can see your nipples. I know my customers will."
The lashes on her eyes were heavy and dark, making her eyes rounder as she looked up at him with shrug.
"Go put on a longer shirt, cover that belly up."
Self consciously, Anna brought her hands to her hips and pulled up her high-waisted shorts, "It's a cropped shirt," she chuckled nervously, shifting her top down.
"You look like a Goddamn hooker, little girl. I don't like it."
Anna regained some confidence and smirked, "It's fashion, Jeff."
"And, what's with these?" Jeff flicked at the hairy caterpillar on her lids.
"Stop," she swatted his wrist with annoyance.
Jeff gave her a sharp look, unsure why her new trendy style made him uncertain of himself, "Where's your glasses?"
"I forgot them."
"Anna."
"Like, Chill, okay," she whined, pushing her hair over her shoulder and popping her tiny hand on her hip, "I look fine."
"Don't tell me to chill when you can't see."
"Bro. Don't come for me right now. I'm tired. I've been up all night studying. I probably got like three hours of sleep," she pouted.
Jeff huffed a ragged breath at the trendy title. He hated it when she called him that. Before he could speak his gripes, he flinched from a knock at the window.
"Who locked the fucking door?"
Jeff stormed toward the glass door to find it jammed and congratulated himself on selling this place. He jerked it hard, allowing the customer in.
"Sorry about that," he expressed, rubbing his nose.
"Ain't no thang, young man," The older black man nodded, "Ya'll get any leather couches in yet?"
Jeff looked at Anna who kept her eyes on the man. He resented her hotter appearance even more but smiled, "That little lady right there will help you find any and everything you need," he patted his narrow shoulder.
"You're Carl's boy, ain't you?" The man asked with a smile, bringing a frown to his lips.
"Uh, yeah. Oldest one," Jeff found the strength to grin.
"I heard you were going out of business."
"We..." Jeff chuckled, "I. I am moving business to Houston."
"That's a shame." He shook his white-haired head, "Everybody just up an leaving and taking business up yonder. But, I don't blame you," he tugged his weapon on his hip, "This damn town has gone to hell since they elected that mayor. Nothing but dope fiends and gangs run this city."
Mentally distracted, Jeff tapped his foot. He had a flask of gin in his pocket that was calling his name, but refused to take a drink. He felt like shit and had spent too many drunken nights in his father's office.
Giving the man a quick pat, he nodded, "I'm Sure, it will get better, sir. Let my little girl here help you with... um. She will find what you need."
"That redhead said he'd order me two leather couches if I came back today."
Anna watched Jeff hurry into the office and noted his strange behavior before looking at the man. He could usually sell salt to a slug, but today, he was sluggish and off his usual game.
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The rest of the morning was quiet. Anna slowed down, answering emails and mailing receipts. Around noon, people turned out, and customers came one after the other, each wanting assistance. Usually, she would be overwhelmed by such a thing, but she was slowly excelling in her people skills.
Anna got three customers serviced before walking around to find the next one. She was surprised the guy had stayed around since she had taken so long.
The tall Hispanic guy scanning the lamps had his back turned when she spoke out, "Good afternoon. Can I help you find anything? I am extremely sorry for the wait."
"Yeah." The man turned around, and her eyes widened in shock, "I'm looking for this beautiful girl named Anna."
"Uh, Eric? W-what are you doing here?" Anna frowned and adjusted her tight top.
"I know this is weird," Eric confessed, rubbing hands together, "But I really wanted to see you in person. I'm sorry. I should have texted first. I come off like a stalker...."
Blushing, Anna fussed with the curls on her cheek and shook her head, "It's cool. I think it's sweet."
"Cool, cool," Eric nodded, unable to hide his nervous crush, "So, um. What time do you get off?"
"Uh..."
Anna looked at the closed office door and realized this impromptu meeting was off-limits. She didn't want to scare him away with the idea of her being a married woman. Why did Jeff have to come back today of all days?
"I'm actually going to be really busy this week with class and stuff," Anna frowned and nibbled her fingernail, "But we can still text and stuff. I like talking to you," she added, looking up to catch his disappointment.
"I love talking to you. Don't freak out, but I've been here before. I just never had the guts to come inside. I needed to make sure you were real. I was a little disappointed, to be honest."
"Why?" Anna frowned.
"You look younger than your profile picture. Are you really 21?"
Anna nodded, "Yeah. I'm just short. I guess I should have told you I was.... little."
"It's just your face. Cause your body is bangin', Mami," he took in her full hips, swiping his tongue across his top lip, "I could see myself having to fight over you."
"Me? No, I..." Anna beamed despite the nervous thuds in her chest, "Thanks. You look," she sighed, scanning his tanned brims, "So cute."
"Cute?"
Anna nodded, "I'm glad you're not a catfish or anything. You're way hotter in person."
"Me? No," he blushed, "So, now that we've seen each other, maybe I can take you out when you're not so busy. I can't stop thinking about that picture you sent me."
"Really? I was nervous when I sent it," she confessed, "I don't usually do that."
"I know you're a good girl," he brushed a hand over her shoulder, "You must be really feeling me like that."
Anna frowned at the title and shook her head, "No, I mean, Yeah. But no, I'm not a good girl." She moved his hand from her shoulder, "I can be naughty when I want."
"Really? Now you got me thinking."
Anna pushed her hand on her hip, "About?"
"Those thighs. They would look good wrapped around my beard," Eric pulled at the short hairs on his chin, "I bet you taste amazing."
Wanting to fan her warm face, Anna giggled and nodded, "I do. I know because I've tasted myself."
Eric swallowed hard and tried to touch her again, but Anna swiftly moved back. She knew Jeff could be watching and peeped at the closed door. Her doe eyes looked back at Eric just before the door opened.
The chemistry between them had a negative reaction to Jeff, who stood at his office door with a sneer. It was his first day sober, and his head hurt with a tension that pulled down around his shoulders. Anna was giggling, and he was hectically shaking in need of a drink. What he saw out in the lobby only made it Worse.
"Anna!"
She flinched at his stern call, and backed up,"I've gotta go," she looked at Eric, "That's my boss. You should probably leave.."
"Anna, here. Now." Jeff waved.
Eric hated the white man's controlling tone and called back to him, "She is helping me with these lamps, Bro. I'm a paying customer."
The youthful title was the last straw. With clenched fists, Jeff hurried over and unexpectedly grabbed her shoulder.
"I gave you an order, little girl," he hissed.
Eric stepped up to him, his face a hard mask that matched his sneer.
"Don't grab her like that."
"Get the fuck out of my store." His lips twitched as he awaited his departure, "Are you slow, motherfucker?. I said go."
Eric chuckled at the owner's unexpected anger, which only fueled his rage.
"Nothing is funny. I suggest you get the fuck out of my store before I put you out."
Unsure of his hostility, Eric stepped closer, "Yo, what's your problem?"
