Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 50753 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 254(@200wpm)___ 203(@250wpm)___ 169(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50753 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 254(@200wpm)___ 203(@250wpm)___ 169(@300wpm)
“I need to find someone to work with me,” she admitted when they were alone inside The Blue Door.
“Can you afford it?” Blade asked.
“Yes.”
“Would having someone else here part-time or full-time free you up to design and create new pieces?”
“Definitely.” Sapphire’s mind boggled at the idea of not having to stop to wait on customers as she devised new creations.
“Do you think it’s possible to find an employee who loves your jewelry and would connect with the shop visitors?”
“Of course,” she answered, slightly offended at his question. He liked her designs, didn’t he?
Blade simply raised an eyebrow at her tone and expression as he seemed to read her mind. “You already know I think you’re extraordinarily talented. Back to the quandary about help. It sounds like you’ve already got a profile of who you need. Let’s get a sign in the window.”
It took her longer to design the help-wanted sign than it did for the first person to come in to apply.
“Sapphire? Are you really looking for an assistant? I’d love to work here,” a familiar, young woman said in a rush of excitement as she burst through the door.
“Hi, Desiree! I am looking for someone. Blade, this is Desiree. She’s an art student who shadowed me for a week last semester.”
“I’m glad to meet you, Desiree. I’ll go check on the workmen and let you two talk.” Blade nodded to the back door, and Sapphire understood the message. He was close.
“Come sit down, Desiree. Tell me about your availability.” Sapphire invited her over, waving Desiree back to her workspace where she had two stools drawn up to the table.
“Taking the sign down already?” Blade asked later that morning when Sapphire untaped the announcement.
“She’s perfect. Thank goodness, she’d come by to ask me a question about suppliers.” Some of the stress heaped on her shoulders had disappeared after talking to the young woman. She continued, excited by the prospect of having help. “Desiree is going to start tomorrow. We’re going to overlap shifts for a while, then I’ll let her have some hours alone in the shop.”
“I’m glad, Little girl. You’ve been doing a lot for a long time.”
“I told her about that guy. I want her to be safe too,” Sapphire said.
“I heard you. She didn’t seem fazed by it.”
“She’ll be careful.”
“And so will you. The door is fixed, and the cameras are functional. Are you ready to close the shop and get out of here early?” Blade asked, studying her face.
“I’m not going to let him win. Besides, he’s out of the picture for a few days at least,” Sapphire said and realized she meant it. She’d worked hard for this shop. Some guy wasn’t going to make her run away from her dreams.
“Good girl.”
She watched him go take a seat at the workbench and knew he’d stay with her for as long as she needed him. A warm feeling around her heart made her aware of how much she cared for him. Sapphire walked to his side and wrapped her arms around his waist.
“Have I told you how awesome you are, Daddy?”
“There’s no limit on how many times you can tell me that, Blue Eyes.” He rotated on the stool to lift her onto his lap. “I was scared today, Little girl.”
“Petrified,” she whispered.
“You did all the right things.” He ticked her wise choices off on his fingers. “You called the cops. You phoned me. You stayed strong and didn’t panic. I’m so proud of you.”
“I walked right out into his hands,” she said, shaking her head at her own stupidity. Blade hadn’t said anything about that move.
“Did you check the cameras?”
“Yes.”
“Was there anyone at the door?” Blade probed.
“No. I could see you all a distance away. I thought you were just looking at the aftereffects of that guy trying to break in.”
“Now there’s a wider lens camera back there. You can’t anticipate everything that could happen, Little girl. You did all the correct things. He didn’t. This is on him—not on you.”
Staring at his face, Sapphire processed his words. He was right. She wasn’t to blame.
“How did I get so lucky to find you?” she whispered.
“I don’t know, Little girl, but I won’t lose you now.” Blade cupped the back of her head and pulled her close to kiss her gently.
Sapphire deepened the exchange. She’d seen her hero in action today, and he was so hot. Stroking his hard muscles, she reveled in his strength.
Blade broke off the kiss with a groan. “Little girl, I’d fuck you right here on your workbench, but I don’t need spectators. Do you?” he asked as the bells on the door jingled.
She shook her head and peeked over her shoulder toward the open door behind her. Controlling the laughter that threatened to spill from her lips, Sapphire winked at him and called a hello to the customers. She didn’t even care they’d caught her on his lap. Who wouldn’t want to be that close to Blade?