one cent in commission all day with an attitude like that. “I like owls, and my mom loved them. Both of my parents were writers, and I’m studying to be one too. Do you think you’ll be getting any new pieces soon? Maybe some in sterling silver instead of white gold?”
“Not that I know of,” the salesman said blandly as he relocked the case since it was obvious Spencer wouldn’t be buying anything. “I wish you luck with your studies.”
“Sure.” Spencer nodded. Brent nudged him in the back, but his feet felt glued to the carpet. One day he’d come back and this bracelet would be gone, sold to someone who didn’t know its true value and meaning.
“What do you write?” a smooth voice said from behind them, catching Spencer off guard. It appeared to be another salesman, but this one carried himself slightly different than the man in front of him, who was still attempting to usher them toward the front door.
“He writes science fiction, some of the best I’ve ever read, and I don’t read,” Brent said boldly. “His mom and dad wrote the famous—”
“Brent,” Spencer bit out, then subtly shook his head. He didn’t like to discuss his parents because that would require him to recognize the massive void in his life. And he wasn’t in the mood to do that on Christmas Eve. “We better get going.”
“Certainly not before you purchase your bracelet,” the man said, walking behind the counter, his gait confident, his sexy smirk even more so. His suit was black pinstripes, and while Spencer was rarely impressed with well-dressed men, this one seemed to have the most alluring brown eyes he’d ever seen. Like the color of baked honey. “Season’s greetings to you.”
And then he had to go and say that bullshit. Spencer frowned, then turned his gaze back to the bracelet that felt tailor-made for him. Damn the holidays. If this guy was in such a festive mood, then how come the store wasn’t having a sale like everyone else.
“Yeah, sure.” Spencer sighed and stared at the white-gold literary owl that separated the two different-colored beads that looked exactly like his parents’ series logo. But fuck, why did it have to cost half of his paycheck? “I was just perusing.”
“Perusing?” Brent scoffed. “You’ve been orgasming over this bracelet since you first saw it.”
“Cole, you don’t have to worry about this, I got it,” the first salesman said.
Cole put his hand up and gently touched the other man’s shoulder. “It’s fine, Gerald. Go ahead and finish closing up. I’ll help Mr.…”
Spencer stared for a second before he caught on and offered his name. “I’m Spencer Underwood. I’m also not trying to waste your time because I’m not buying anything tonight.”
“I’m not in a rush.” Cole cocked his head to the side, his eyes dropping to Spencer’s mouth before popping back up to meet his eyes.
“No. No. I’m not getting it.” Spencer shook his head as if he was trying to convince himself.
“Are you sure? Because this bracelet happens to be half off tonight.” The man pulled his hand out his pocket and offered it over the glass counter. “My name is Coleman, but I prefer to be called Cole. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Spencer Underwood.”
Spencer extended his hand without thinking and gripped Cole’s palm. It was warm and soft as if he’d never worked manual labor. He thought Cole held their connection a little longer than normal, but he knew it was nothing more than a slick salesman turning up the charm to make a deal. And he was good because Spencer was officially going to be late, but all of a sudden, he didn’t care. This guy must be the manager.
“Are you serious?” Brent blurted too close to Spencer’s ear, making him cringe. “Half off! Now?”
Spencer gritted his teeth and held in his exasperated breath. Even with that kind of discount, he still couldn’t afford it. The first of the month was right around the corner. “You have a good night, Cole. Come on, Brent, let’s go. We’re late.”
“Oh, actually I was wrong. It’s seventy-five percent off for the holiday season. We do have some deals going on, but—”
“We do?” Gerald frowned as he continued to stand nearby and watch the other salesman as if he’d never seen him before.
“Yes, we do,” Cole said between clenched teeth, giving the other salesman a scowl that sent him walking in the other direction. Then those pretty eyes were back on him, and