Page 35 of Storm Warning
He’s got me there.
“Thanks for the offer, but I don’t need any more distractions for the night. And you, Cowboy,” I force my finger into his chest. “Are a rather large one.” I peg him with a pointed stare. I don’t say it to be rude. In fact, he and I both know just brushing past him gave me that information. I can already see how the night would unfold if he stays. And it would involve a lot less clothes.
I brush past him, knocking my shoulder into his, and he reaches up fast enough to catch me by the throat. His touch is tender, and the desire I have for him sparks once more.
Giving me a gentle kiss, he bites my bottom lip, sending shivers down my spine.
Without dropping his hand, he glances into my eyes for only a heartbeat before releasing me.
“You’ve got my number, then. Call it for a good time.” He walks over to the counter and picks up his coffee and muffin. “Just came back for this, anyways.” He makes the comment with such an air I know he’s kidding, but I also want to punch him for it. Gathering his stuff, he advances toward the exit. “See ya around, Angel.”
I watch as he walks out and saunters down the sidewalk. Stunned by how easy it was for me to let all of this unfold, when liking him goes against everything I try to protect myself from.
Shaking my head, I return the deadbolt to the locked position, trying to allow myself to enjoy what just happened instead of overthinking it. I return to the office and smile when I reach the desk, the papers in disarray from only moments ago.
Pulling out my phone, I dash straight to Daisy’s number.
ME: LET ME KNOW WHEN YOU’RE HOME.
I aim for the send button, but second guess my excitement and delete the message.
What have I gotten myself into?
21
RHETT - JUNE 29, 2004
Another day,another dollar.
I have to remind myself of this each time I set foot onto the site. It’s a huge relief that I actually like who I work with, but I can’t shake the feeling that my days are being wasted and I’m missing out on life itself.
To make matters worse, I’m chasing after a girl who seemingly might never chase back. And why?
I scoff at the stupidity of my own question.
I know why. It’s not just her looks, and it sure as hell ain’t the chase, but more so the challenge. She’s not easy. Rather the opposite. And I’m drawn to it, but if I’m reading her right, she’s also drawn to me too.
Something in my gut tells me that isn’t my only hangup though. I feel like there is so much life boiling beneath her hard exterior that never had the chance to shine. I don’t want to fix her. You can’t fix things that aren’t broken, but I do think anything as beautiful and as wild as her needs some tending to. Tending I’d be happy to supply even if it’s only for a short time. I’d rather have any piece of her she’d give than none at all.
“You gonna actually work today or do you just think siding puts itself up?” A familiar, deep, raspy voice booms from behind me.
“Now, wouldn’t that be great, Richy?” I put on a fake smile as I turn to look at my boss.
The smell of his body odor engulfs the air around me and I wonder how a man who barely gets off his ass can sweat as much as he does. My eyes scan over his shirt. Its gray color deepening near his pits and chest. His belly hangs out past the bottom hem of his shirt while his collar bears a gold chain. His boots are clean, never seen a day of work in their life but I can only assume, by his profession, that he’s had to at least seen a few…even if they were all from the sidelines. Guess it pays to be born into success rather than have to actually work for it.
“No, what would be great is if you spent less time fucking off and more time working. Houses may be built on dreams for the owners, but dreaming ain’t what I pay your ass for.” His irritation with me is clear as day, but that doesn’t make it any easier for me not to fire back.
Judd shifts through some boxes that sit next to the house. His expression changes from indifferent to annoyed when he overhears our conversation. He offers a telling glare, taking a few steps toward us. You’d never guess they were family unless you based it on their height alone. Both are some of the tallest motherfuckers I’ve ever seen, but Judd is not only half the guy’s weight, but also a helluva lot nicer too.
“Hey, Boss, just the man I was looking for.” Judd butts into the conversation.
“And why is that, Judd?” His manner remains just as gruff, not softening in the slightest for his nephew.
“Well, Rhett and I were just about to start this siding when he noticed the nails are too long for the furring strips.” I’ll be honest, I wouldn’t have noticed if the nails were the wrong length, the siding was put on at an angle or if my damn bootswere on fire. My mind was, and remains, elsewhere, but I’m happy to pretend I wasn’t day-dreaming if it prevents me from losing my job.
Richy grunts. “I made the order myself. They’re correct.”
“Yeah, Boss, I have no doubt you nailed it. No pun intended.” Judd laughs, but Richy remains cold while I bite back my chuckle, thankful he’s willing to kiss ass, because I sure ain’t. “I think someone else missed the shot, though,” he says, holding up a twelve inch nail.
