Page 118 of Never and Always
Leaving them, I headed for the maintenance workshop. As I approached, I heard the buzz of a power tool. I pushed through the doors and saw all the workbenches were empty, except one.
And there was my man, with safety glasses, earmuffs, and his sleeves rolled up. Those muscular forearms needed a warning sign.
I felt a buzz of desire in some very inappropriate places. Then I gasped.
He was wearing his khaki uniform shirt!
My nose wrinkled. I missed the flannel.
I headed in his direction. His gaze lifted and I watched his sexy smile hit his lips. He shut off the…I wasn’t entirely sure what the power tool was, and set it aside. The glasses and earmuffs followed.
“Hello, there, Ms. Ellis.”
“Mr. Murray.” I reached him and he gripped my waist.
He lifted me onto the workbench and I gasped, grabbing his shoulders. I fingered his collar. “I see you’re wearing your uniform today.”
He leaned forward and nuzzled my neck. “Figured the COO would make it worth my while.”
I arched my head to give him better access. “Maybe.”
Then I felt one hand sliding under my skirt, those callouses I loved scraping over my skin and leaving a trail of goosebumps.
“Murray, this is very inappropriate behavior for the workplace.”
His mouth landed on mine and the kiss left me breathless.
“Guess you’ll need to reprimand me, then,” he murmured.
“I will. In my suite, at lunch time.”
He bit the side of my neck and I gasped. “I’ll be there.” He gave me another kiss.
Trying to get ahold of my unruly desire, I slid off the workbench. I straightened my skirt. “Good, don’t be late.” I sauntered away, then looked back at him with a smile. “And Everett, bring your flannel shirt.”
His lips moved into a wide smile. “Oh, I will. You’ll be wearing those heels.” His gaze moved down my legs.
“I will. And nothing else.”
Chapter 42
Everett
A few weeks later
Iwalked into the kitchen, checking my phone. On the counter was Piper’s handbag. It had spilled open and I saw her wallet, keys, her ID card for work. There was also a pretty bracelet and the carving of Maple I’d made for her.
Smiling, I looked around my townhouse. She’d left little touches everywhere, from the vase of flowers on the table, to the stack of magazines on the coffee table, to her cashmere sweater tossed over the back of the couch.
She’d officially moved in a week ago. I’d lugged all her suitcases upstairs and she’d taken over most of my closet.
I smiled. I liked it. I liked having her here, liked the signs that she was settling in and making my homeourhome.
I was happy.
It was funny how you could think you knew exactly what you wanted from life. Have a path charted that you sure was exactly what was best for you.
Then life went and knocked you sideways. It gave you what you didn’t expect and sent you on a detour. Then you suddenly realize that unexpected thing is what you can’t live without.
