BRIANNA

I stared after Mr. Adrian as he exited the club with his drunk friend, who was mumbling incoherently. He looked incredibly hot in his outfit. I didn’t even realize I’d been standing there, staring, until I heard someone clear their throat behind me.

“You were totally staring at him,” Cherry said casually.

“Was I?” I asked, feeling dumb.

“Snap out of it, dumbhead. He’s gone already!” Cherry yelled playfully in my ear, jolting me from my trance.

“Your boss really looks hotter in real life than in all those magazines,” Cherry added dreamily.

“Yeah, he does…” I blurted out before catching myself. My cheeks flushed as I clamped a hand over my mouth, wishing I could take back the words.

“Wow! Is this the first time you’ve complimented a guy’s looks? Don’t tell me you’re already crushing on your new boss!” Cherry teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“What?! Never!” I exclaimed. “You know I don’t have time for guys, let alone a crush. And how did you know he’s my boss?”

“Remember? You told me about the interview. Plus, I’m on social media, unlike some people who act like they just crawled out of a hole. Besides, who doesn’t know Adrian Carter?” she teased, and I smacked her shoulder.

“I didn’t ‘crawl out of a hole.’ I’m just not on social media because I don’t have time for it,” I retorted.

“Right! You weren’t in a hole because you were living in a cave, with no modern tech to boot.” She winked, and I opened my mouth to respond with a comeback when Mr. Cole approached us. Cherry quickly grabbed a rag and started wiping the counter as if she’d been cleaning all along, while I just stood there, caught.

“Brianna, what are you doing just standing around? Shouldn’t you be taking orders?” Mr. Cole asked sharply.

“Um, I was just getting something from Cherry,” I replied quickly. “Right, Cherry?”

“Yep! I’ll give it to you when I’m done here,” Cherry chimed in, nodding along.

“Fine, I’ll come by when you’re ready,” I said, turning to walk away.

“Hold it right there, Brianna. And Cherry, next time I see you both slacking off, there will be consequences. Am I clear?”

“Yes, Mr. Cole,” Cherry said meekly.

Mr. Cole walked away, and I mouthed a quick “sorry” to Cherry before following him. He led me to a quieter area of the club, then stopped and turned to me.

“Have you thought about my offer?” he asked.

“What offer?” I replied, feigning ignorance.

“We both know what I’m talking about, Brianna. Have you thought about it?”

“Yes, I have. And my answer is still no. I’ve told you already—I’m not interested in anything beyond a professional, boss-employee relationship,” I said firmly.

“I really like you, Brianna. I’d even increase your salary if you’d give me a chance,” he said, almost pleading.

“I’m not interested. Do you think this is by force?” I snapped, my voice rising. “I don’t want to be with you. There are plenty of other women who’d say yes in a heartbeat, but I’m not one of them!”

Before I could react, he leaned in and crushed his lips to mine. Anger surged through me. The feel of his lips moving against mine made me feel like throwing up. I shoved him away, breaking the kiss, and slapped him—hard—across both cheeks. His eyes widened in shock as the realization sank in.

“What was that for?” he shouted, anger flashing in his eyes.

“What was that for? You’re seriously asking me that?” I fumed. “You kissed me without my consent! That was my first kiss, and I didn’t plan on giving it to just anyone.”

“Your first kiss?” he repeated, incredulous. “With a body like yours, I’d have thought you’d kissed a lot of men. But hey, I’m proud to be the first,” he smirked, still undeterred.

“You’re insane! I’m done exchanging words with you. Try that again, and I swear, I’ll report you for harassment.” I warned, walking away.

“Son of a…” I muttered under my breath as I returned to the counter, fuming. Cherry had just finished attending to a customer and noticed my scowl.

“What happened?” she asked, her eyes widening as she took in my expression.

“That creep stole my first kiss,” I grumbled.

“What the hell! Did you slap him?”

“Of course I did—twice.” I crossed my arms, feeling a bit smug.

“That’s my girl! You should’ve kicked his ass too; that would’ve been satisfying,” she said, chuckling.

“If I could kick his ass and keep my job, believe me, I would. But if he tries that again, I’m done holding back,” I replied.

“There’s the Anna I know and love,” she said, and we shared a high-five.

“I better get back to work before he returns,” I said, grabbing my notepad to collect more orders.

By the end of my shift, I was a sweaty mess. The other server who was supposed to help me had called in sick, so I was left handling all the orders on my own. I’d spent the entire evening walking back and forth, collecting order after order. Cherry and I finished up around the same time, and we left the club together.

On the way home, we talked about random things until we passed a small store, and an idea popped into my mind. I had the perfect plan to get back at Mr. Adrian for making me walk under the hot sun.

“I need to grab something. Wait here or come with me?” I asked, already heading toward the store.

“What could you possibly need?” Cherry asked, following me anyway.

“You’ll see,” I said mysteriously.

The lady behind the counter looked like she was closing up but came over to help us when she saw us approach.

“Good evening, ladies. What can I get for you?” she asked, smiling politely.

“Do you have itching powder?” I asked. Both the lady and Cherry looked at me oddly, but I ignored them.

“Yes, I do. Would you like the mild or severe type?” she asked.

“Give me the one for severe itching,” I replied.

“What on earth do you need itching powder for?” Cherry asked, still looking at me strangely.

“Oh, don’t worry. You’ll find out tomorrow,” I replied cryptically as the lady handed me the powder.

“That’ll be three dollars,” she said. I paid, thanked her, and walked out with Cherry, a devious grin on my face.

When we reached the point where we usually parted ways, we exchanged goodbyes, and I continued on my journey home, smirking as I went. I had the perfect plan to get back at Mr. Adrian.