The following days felt excruciating to Marshall. He couldn't get Emily out of his mind. Her rejection had only fueled his determination to win her over, to break through her defenses. He was used to getting what he wanted, and she was no exception.
He found himself planning ways to contact her, concocting schemes to "accidentally" run into her. He was like a tiger stalking its prey, waiting for the perfect opportunity to pounce. He started making frequent trips to the store for mundane items or things he didn't even need, all just so he could see her.
Marshall made sure to visit the supermarket regularly, always at times when it was quiet and few customers were around. He would casually walk through the aisles, browsing the products and waiting for the opportune moment to approach her.
Each time he visited, he watched her closely, studying her mannerisms and observing her interactions with customers. He found her more intriguing and attractive with every visit, though his intentions were anything but honorable.
As he watched her work, he noted how she would assist customers with a polite smile and a friendly demeanor. She was attentive and helpful, always willing to go the extra mile. She seemed to genuinely enjoy her job, and customers seemed to appreciate her presence.
Whenever Emily was alone at the cashier, Marshall would casually stroll up to her, always having some excuse or question to strike up a conversation. He kept his tone light and friendly, his charismatic demeanor fooling her into believing he was just a regular customer with harmless intentions.
Today, he had a different pretext to approach her. He had a shopping list in hand and a feigned look of confusion on his face. As he browsed the shelves, he made sure to time his movement so that he would be in the same aisle as her.
As he turned the corner, he found her restocking the shelves, her back slightly turned to him. He allowed himself a moment to observe her, admiring her petite form and the way her blonde hair fell in waves over her shoulders. Then, he deliberately made a show of looking around, acting puzzled.
He cleared his throat loudly, purposefully making his presence known. As she turned to look at him, he feigned a baffled expression, holding up his list as a prop.
Emily looked up from her task, noticing Marshall standing there with his shopping list.
__Emily: " Can I help you with something?" she asked, her tone polite but cool.
He could see that she was guarded, her eyes wary. But something about that only fueled his determination to break down her defenses.
Marshall let out a sigh of relief, putting on a facade of helplessness.
__Marshall: " Yes, actually. I'm looking for the right flour for making pastries, but I can't seem to find it. Can you help me ?"
He held out his list to her, his eyes meeting hers with a pleading expression. She took a moment to examine the list, her expression still somewhat skeptical. She wasn't quite convinced of his clueless persona, but her work ethic wouldn't allow her to send him away empty-handed.
__Emily: " You're in the right aisle," she said, her voice somewhat softer now. "But the brand you're looking for is on a higher shelf. Let me grab a stool and I'll show you."
He smiled inwardly, his plan working.
__Marshall: "Thank you so much.
He said, his voice earnest yet dripping with insincerity. He watched as she brought a small stepstool and climbed up to reach the higher shelves. His eyes roamed over her petite form, his heart rate quickening slightly with anticipation.
Emily climbed up on the stepstool, her short stature making it a bit of a challenge to reach the higher shelves. Marshalls eyes stayed glued to her, taking in every move she made to get the flour. The perfect blend of vulnerability and dexterity, he thought to himself. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she finally managed to grab the desired package.
__Emily: "Got it," she said, her voice slightly breathless. She turned around and climbed down from the stool, her eyes meeting his as she held out the package of flour. "Here you go."
Marshall accepted the flour, his fingers deliberately lingering over hers for a moment longer than necessary.
__Marshall: " Thank you so much."
He said again, his voice a low murmur.
His eyes stayed on hers, his gaze intense as he studied her reaction to his touch. He was close enough now to smell the soft scent of her perfume, something delicate and gentle. He could see the subtle shiver that passed through her body, though she tried to hide it.
Emily quickly withdrew her hand away, her walls back up in an instant. The skin on her arm where he touched tingled slightly, the warmth of his touch still lingering. She to ignore the way his touch had left her feeling somewhat unsettled.
__Emily: " You're welcome. Is there anything else I can help you find?" she replied, her voice regaining its cool edge.
Marshall feigned a look of contemplation, as if racking his brain for more items on his list. He kept his gaze on her, enjoying the way her expression flickered between politeness and wariness.
__Marshall: "No, that's all. You've been so helpful." he said, his tone casual yet calculated.
He paused for a moment, then added:
__Marshall: " You don't happen to know anything about making pastries, do you?"
.
He said it as casually as he could, trying to keep his true intentions concealed.
Emily shrugged nonchalantly.
__Emily: " I have some basic knowledge."
Her voice was guarded but her interest piqued. She was wary of his persistent questions but at the same time, her innate helpful nature couldn't resist offering some guidance. Marshall's eyes lit up slightly at her response.
__Marshall: " That's great. I'm trying to bake a cake for a friend's birthday but I'm not too confident in my baking skills, I must admit."
His eyes fixed on hers again, his tone deliberately vulnerable, as if seeking her approval or guidance.
Her demeanor softened a bit, her defensive barriers slipping momentarily at his vulnerability. Her heart always had a soft spot for those who seemed sincere, and he was playing his part perfectly.
__Emily: " I can give you some advice if you want." she said, her voice still measured but warmer than before.
Marshall's heart fluttered in his chest, secretly pleased that his act of vulnerability was having the desired effect. He gave her a small, grateful smile.
__Marshall: " I would really appreciate it. Do you have time now to give me some advice?" He was careful to make sure his question seemed innocent and polite.