Free Work Like You Don't Need the Money by SJ McCoy

busy sidewalk outside her store. She didn't seem to care either as she reached her arms up around his neck, pressing the length of her body against him.
    Her amber eyes met his. “Oh, I'll test you, Bigshot. Over and over again.” She stroked her hand down his cheek then stepped back with a smile. “On Friday,” she said, then disappeared inside the store.
    Pete stood staring after her. She was going to drive him crazy! Was he, Pete Hemming, really standing out on the street staring after a woman he'd just been pretty much dry humping in public?
    Staring through the storefront, he caught a movement, it was Roberto waving at him. Oh, God. He'd no doubt just seen that little performance. Pete raised a hand in reply and smiled as Roberto raised his eyebrows and nodded. Pete had a feeling he'd made a new friend there. He was glad, he liked the guy.

Chapter Six
    By one thirty on Friday, Holly was jumpy and irritable. She was nowhere near ready to leave and she didn't want to. She touched the cell phone in her pocket, ready to give in to the temptation to call Pete and tell him she couldn't go. She'd drive up tomorrow by herself. Except she hated to drive. Especially long distances. Especially by herself! She let out an exasperated sigh as she watched Erin and Anna, both busy with customers.
    “Calm down, Holls.” Roberto appeared at her shoulder. “You keep me around for a reason, darling. We both know it's because this place would fall apart without me.”
    Holly smiled in spite of herself.
    “You, my dear, are simply decoration, not necessary to the survival or success of the place.”
    “Thanks!” she laughed.
    “Seriously. Go touch up your makeup for that delicious man, then be on your way with a smile. You're going to offend me if you keep fretting like an anxious mother. You know I can run the place, no problem. If you carry on like this, I may start to think you don't trust me.” He folded his arms across his chest and pouted, “You don't want to go there do you? You know you don't want to risk the wrath of Roberto!”
    “I do not, and of course you're right.”
    “Always, darling, and don't you forget it.”
    “Okay, I give up. I'm going in the back to get my things together. Let me know when he arrives, will you?”
    At two o'clock on the dot Roberto peeked his head around the office door. “Come on out, Cinders, your carriage awaits.”
    Holly smiled and picked up her bag. She was surprised to not see Pete and looked at Roberto. “Where is he?”
    Roberto nodded through the storefront. “As I said, your carriage awaits.”
    She could see a silver limo waiting at the curb with a uniformed driver standing beside it. “What the..?”
    “Chop, chop. You don't want to be late for the ball.” Roberto patted her shoulder. “Go, relax. Let your hair down. Don't give this place another thought. I promise I will take very good care of it.”
    “Thanks Berto.” She reached up and kissed his cheek. "You're the best.”
    “Yes dear. Now go. Give my love and congrats to Emma.”
    She walked out onto the street where the driver, a man in his seventies by the looks of him, snapped to attention as she approached. He held open the rear door for her.
    “Miss Hayes?”
    “Yes.”
    “Mr. Hemming sends his apologies. He was delayed and asked me to collect you.”
    Holly stared at him. The only time she'd ever been in a limo was on a hen night.
    The driver smiled at her and held the door a little wider. “If you will?”
    Holly continued to stare at him, not knowing what to make of this. The driver started to look uncomfortable. “I'm Albert,” he said, seemingly at a loss for what to do or say next since Holly still wasn't getting in the car.
    Holly's brain kicked in when she realized how rude she was being to this old gentleman. She held out her hand. “Nice to meet you, Albert. I'm Holly. Would you mind if I call shotgun?”
    Albert grinned. “It'd be my pleasure, Miss Holly.” He opened the passenger door