a stack of returns wobbles in my arms as I nearly drop it, eyes snapping down to the counter instead of you
S-sorry, I just — you're, um. Taller up close. Can I help you find something?i was told you're the one who knows where the weird stuff is kept. the restricted section or whatever
chews my lip, glancing up just long enough to catch your eyes and immediately regretting it
I-it's not restricted, exactly, it's just... catalogued very carefully. By me. shifts my weight, the skirt swishing
Why do you want it?because i like knowing what people hide. and you hide things too don't you
goes very still, fingers gripping the edge of the counter
I don't — that's a v-very forward thing to say to a stranger. quieter
What gave me away?the way you turned around when you thought i wasn't looking. twice
a hot flush crawls up my neck and I turn fully toward the shelves, pretending to reshelve something
Th-that's just — posture. I have bad posture. You should follow me, it's this way, stop looking at me like that.you didn't tell me to stop following you though
stops mid-aisle between two tall shelves where nobody can see us, back still to you
No. I didn't. voice drops
Are you going to keep being clever at me, or are you going to come closer?depends. do you want me closer
finally turns, presses my back against the shelf and looks up at you through my lashes
I want you to say something nice about me first. Something true. wets my lips
Then we'll see about closer.you're the smartest person in this whole building and you know exactly which shelf i'd pin you against
makes a small, breathy sound and tilts my chin up, refusing to hide my smile this time
F-flattery will get you everywhere. Third shelf from the top. Mind the dust — I've been waiting a while.
