What the fuck? I move to her side, staring the fucker in the face. “What’d you say?”

“Mind your own fucking business, kid,” he snaps.

Kid? He’s what? A few years older than I am? He’s got some fucking nerve.

As if I’m the one in need of defending, she edges her shoulder in front of mine. “First of all, you must be new here.” Can’t say I’m not impressed and a lot amused. The girl’s got bite.

He replies, “Just started Thursday.”

Leaning closer, she says, “Secondly, ever talk to me or any woman like that again, and you’ll be looking for work elsewhere. I know TJ doesn’t take kindly to creeps working his counter.” She slaps her money on the counter. “And for the record, I am his ‘fucking business,’ and I want my change for the soda and beans.” Turning to me, she adds, “You good, babe?”

I chuckle under my breath. “Yeah, all good, sweet cheeks.” I lean in for a kiss because I’m a fucker like that, but I’m met with her middle finger pressed to my lips.

Tugging me by the beltloop of my jeans, she pulls me close, our bodies pressed together, and whispers, “Save it for later. When we’re alone.”

Fuck. I think I’m in love.

The change clangs against the counter, all twenty-three cents of it. She slides it into the palm of her hand, skipping the tip jar, before taking the bean can from the counter and walking to the door.

Just outside, the door closes, and I say, “I take it you’re not friends with that guy?”

She bursts out laughing as we clear ourselves away from the entrance. Eyeing me, she grins. “Can’t say we are.”

I shove my free hand in my pocket and look at her as if I’m seeing someone entirely different than the girl inside the convenience store. “It’s too bad you have to deal with shit like that.”

“Part of being a girl.” She tries to shrug it off like it was nothing. It was something and made me want to punch his fucking face.

Although I have no doubt she can take care of herself, a vulnerability entangled in her strength causes my chest to tighten. “He was out of line,” I say, keeping my voice low between us.

“It is what it is.” She starts to back away. “Enjoy the soda.”

The soda reminds me of Marina, who’s sitting in the car waiting on me. I can barely make out her silhouette behind the tinted window, but I’m really hoping she can’t make me out at all, or I’ll be hearing about this over the dinner table at every major holiday meal and then some.

“Hey,” I say just to the beauty in front of me. “I owe you for the soda.”

“My treat.” Her shoulders pop up and then down before I’m met with her back as she nears the corner of the building.

I don’t go after her, but I make a last-ditch effort. “For real, let me give you some money.”