Divine Phoenix(Divine Creek Ranch 10)(57)

“Hold on a second,” he said, then used the inhaler. After one more dose from it, he continued, “Tabitha, I never meant for you to think I was considering dating you. You’re my employee. Period. I’m taking down the rule but I’m not opening that door between us.”

“But—” She wouldn’t get away, and he couldn’t help himself. He sneezed explosively in her face as she blotted her hairy Kleenex against his cheek again. Get off of me, woman!

“Sorry about that. No, Tabitha. You’re a good worker. You’ve been loyal and I appreciate it.”

“But I—”

“No.”

Tabitha’s cheeks burned bright red as it evidently dawned on her why he’d taken down the sign. He had no intention of justifying his actions. It wasn’t for his employee to dictate what he did or whom he dated. He wanted the sign gone so Lily would know the only barrier between them was on her end now. Maybe that would help.

“I assumed…”

“I know, and I’m sorry. I just heard the bell. Would you mind seeing to that customer?”

Obviously embarrassed, Tabitha said, “Of course. I’m sorry for my mistake. I hope I…”

Clay smiled at her. “Just help the customer, Tabitha. It’s okay. It was a misunderstanding.”

Clay went in the bathroom, took off his T-shirt, shook it out hard, and then doused his face repeatedly with cold water as his sinuses unleashed their histamine-induced fury. He stayed that way for a couple of minutes until the cold water seemed to help. He coughed and felt the inhaled medication taking affect, easing his breathing. He used hand soap and washed her greasy lip gloss from his face.

After drying off with paper towels he used the nasal spray and went into the workroom to put on the clean shirt he kept there in case of spills or accidents.

“Oh, hello, handsome.” Clay grinned and turned at the sound of Lily’s voice. She stood with Del just inside the back door.

“Oh, hey,” he said, noting her appreciative gaze traveling over his bare chest. His cock responded to the heat he saw in her eyes.

“Everything okay?” Del asked as Clay blew his nose again, feeling embarrassed for his continuing nasal histrionics.

“Yeah. I had an allergic reaction.”

“What are you allergic to?” Lily asked.

“Cat hair and cat owners, evidently. It’s a long story,” he said quietly. He pulled the clean white T-shirt on and hugged Lily when she came to him, and kissed the top of her head. “Did you have a nice afternoon?”

Del nodded. “Lily helped me with my errands.”

“I’m going to cook and freeze some meals for him, too. He invited me out to the ranch one day this week.”

Clay liked that idea and the fact that it would give her a break from the hard work and long hours she was keeping lately. He observed the casual way Del’s hand rested on her shoulder and felt a slight twinge of possessiveness, but he tried to not react to it. Lily had always been equally close to both brothers, and he didn’t want her to feel pitted in the middle.

“I’m going to go check on Tabitha and see if she needs a break.”

Clay smiled at her thoughtfulness. “She’s probably a little peeved at me right now. I’m sure she’d appreciate a break, darlin’.” The endearment slipped so easily from his lips, and Lily paused for a second, flushed a bit, but didn’t say anything else as she slipped through the doors. So much for not showing his possessive thoughts.

“Everything really all right?” Del asked. “You look like shit.”

“Yeah. This allergy kicks my butt. I…”

“What?”

“I was pulling down the ‘No Dating’ policy sign I put up to keep Tabitha off my back, and who should walk in while I’m doing it?”

“Let me guess. Tabitha?”

“Yeah, and she got a little enthusiastic.”

Del snorted. “She jumped you?”

“Basically, yeah.” Another loud sneeze echoed through the workroom.



* * * *



Lily found Tabitha talking on her cell phone while she looked out the front windows. She sounded upset, and when she saw Lily she spoke hastily and then hung up. “You’re back.” Unspoken was the word “finally.”

“Yes, I thought I’d relieve you if you need a coffee break.”

Tabitha looked aggravated about something and replied, “Well, I could use a snack.”

“I saw several boxes of Girl Scout cookies in the freezer.”

Tabitha scowled. “I’d love some but unfortunately I’m allergic to peanuts so I can’t have Girl Scout cookies. They have a warning on their label about being manufactured in a facility using nuts.”