Under The Lights

Three- Record Lee

The first thing I notice is that he's nervous.

The second thing I notice is that he's really cute.

Like a bunny.

Last night I must have been tired out of my mind because when he walked in here, talking to Liz, I didn't recognize him for a second.

He looks different but nothing has changed.

Actually yes, something did change. Today his arms aren't hiding between thick fabric and lord knows I have a thing for arms.

And shoulders.

And hands.

I glance down.

He has big hands.

He's wearing a dark grey shirt with black sweatpants and although I like him in dark clothing, the sweater he wore yesterday fit better, it seems more him.

Another thing I notice, "no glasses?" I say and he sheepishly rubs the back of his neck. "I wore contacts today."

I nod. He's extremely hot without them but I think the glasses make him cute. More nerdy even though his body looks the opposite.

His biceps are big and tight against his shirt, and I can literally see his pecs right now. I couldn't help but cop a feel earlier, they were staring right at me. Not to mention his hands, which are warm and surprisingly soft.

"So where do you want it?" I ask.

He flips his arm and points to his inner forearm. "I think this is a good spot."

I nod and spin in my chair as i begin taking everything out and prepping.

"Pink?" He curiously questions and then his eyes slightly widen like he didn't mean to say it.

I nod and look at my station set up where everything I can possibly have pink, is pink.

Today I got to open a new box of gloves, pink gloves.

"They say pink calms you down and work is the place where I stress out the most."

I grab my iPad and send the drawing through the thermal printer.

"If it stresses you out why don't you quit?" He says and I look back at him.

"I'm good at it, and I love it even if it does stress me out. What do you do for work?" I ask him a question instead, curious to what he does.

He clears his throat. "I uh- own the bookstore down the street actually."

I tilt my head. "The one with the cafe?" I try to think of the name. "Cafe Chronicles?"

His face slightly reddens at my recognition and nods.

My face grows into a smile. "Who runs the cafe portion? The cookie butter cake and hazelnut croissants are so good."

His face reddens even more and suddenly that's my new favorite facial expression.

He clears his throat and leans back on the chair. "I actually run that part. After I started hiring people to work with the books, I found a passion in baking and they didn't need me in the shelf's or behind the registers anyway. So I just stay in the back mostly."

My teeth show with my next smile and I watch his eyes widen at my own new facial expression.

And then for the first time I really think.

I feel like this guy is clearly into me, why don't I ask him out?

I whine in my head when I realize asking him out on a date when I want to ask him to make me dessert?