My Bully’s Love by Stacy Rush

Long Time No See

“Oh, my God! I am so glad you are back, Ella!” Becky screeches as she rushes around the counter to come maul me.

I have literally just stepped into the coffee shop and there are three customers in line, waiting to order, and Becky leaves them hanging to come and greet me. I should be happy that she feels as though I’m more important than the customers, but the annoyed expressions they each are wearing tells me not to take up too much of Becky’s time.

“Uh, you should probably help the customers, Becky. We can hug it out later,” I snicker, then mouth, “Sorry” to the cus tomers staring at us.

“Fine! I’m just excited to have you back is all, and that you are okay after the stabbing.” Becky is sweet, but she’s got a loud mouth as she continues to talk while making her way back around the counter.

“I’m doing great, but we can talk about all this later, at break.” | follow her behind the counter but continue to the back, so I can set my things in the small break room in the back. It’s more like a small walk-in closet but at least it’s some thing.

Hurrying, I throw my things in the corner and grab an apron quick before going to the front to help. Becky is busy making a customer’s order, so I go to the register to help the next person. Ten minutes later, we get done with the small rush and clean up a bit before we get the lunchtime cus tomers. I’ve missed working these last few weeks, and I’m sure

the boss is happy to have me back. I felt terrible having to take so much time off when I haven’t been working here all that long.

The bell over the door chimes, causing me to look up, and then smile at my handsome neighbor, “Howdy stranger, it’s been a while since I last saw you.” I watch as Gabe strolls up to the counter with his smile that lights up the whole room be cause his teeth are so white.

“Yeah, I figured you had enough men around you when you had your guards, so I just kept my distance. Besides, I’m kind of talking to someone now.” He states a bit on the shy side.

I gasp, “What!? Reece never told me that!”

wanted to make sure

interest in someone other than me, “So, what’s her name?” | draw out the question while resting my chin in the palm of my hand, as I place

“Really, Ella?”

and I need to know the name of the girl that has captured your attention. Besides, I can’t stalk her on social media if I don’t have

thought you

to that! I’m nothing like her, I

happy

after everything. Will you be coming to Game night this week?” Gabe hands me a twenty when he sees

know what, I just might? Let me see what Jace has planned, and I will let you know. It’s seems like forever

has been forever…” Gabe

him his change, I turn around, grinning, until | run right into Becky who just so happens to

his cup of coffee up in the air to say bye and then heads

specimen of hotness!” My coworker

top of his good

the whole package!” Becky snorts and then heads to the back, leaving me to stare after my

sink down into the steaming scent

asking us for a favor. I’ve yet to give Jace an an swer and my

because it’s easy to ignore the crowd that may be watching, and I can’t hear them from the other side. Being up on a stage without any walls around me to not only block the people that will be watching intently, but I will also be able to hear them, and it will make it harder to ignore them. Jace says that I can wear a blindfold, and that may help calm my nerves, but not being able to see what is going on when there are so many people in the room, scares me even more.

already heard the locks on the front door unlocking, so I’m not startled when he walks in and comes to stand behind

so