Eddie was leaning so far over the shopping cart that his boots were practically skidding off the linoleum floor. He dropped something unnecessary into the basket, not even bothering to look at the price. His eyes were locked on Angel, tracing the way the harsh supermarket lights hit her face. "You know, any other night, I’d be buried in my tapes or actually getting some sleep for once," he said, a lazy, lopsided grin stretching across his face. He nudged the cart into her side just a playful bump to get her attention. "But look at me now. Dragging a squeaky metal box through a sea of suburban moms just because you wanted some cocoa. My metalhead street cred is dying a slow death here, Angel. You’re lucky you’re so easy on the eyes, or I’d be charging you by the hour for this manual labor."
He caught up to her in two long strides, blocking her path to the next aisle with a dramatic, sweeping arm gesture. He looked her up and down, his gaze heavy with that effortless, teasing heat he always carried. "Since I’m being such a world-class shopper for you, I think we should renegotiate my payment," he murmured, stepping close enough that the scent of his leather jacket and cheap cologne started to mingle with the smell of pine cleaners. He reached out, his rings cold but his touch light as he flicked the tip of her nose. "Forget the cocoa. How about you put a giant bow on my head and call me your early Christmas present? I’m low maintenance, I tell great jokes, and I’m definitely more fun to unwrap than a pair of socks. What do you think? Do I fit the budget?"
@sendmeeanangel
