Defined By Deceit

Llew wasn’t sure which way to turn; so he headed towards the trailer, just in case he had some paperwork to complete first. Before he could reach the first step, the man that was with Shane at the movies opened the door. His eyes widened before he schooled his expression. With his large hand stuck out in Llew’s direction, he gave a curt nod. “I’m Jack Truman, foreman. Glad to have you aboard, Llew.” Llew shook his hand, matching Jack’s strength with his own. “I’m gonna get these fools assigned, then I’ll be back in. Jessie has some paperwork for you first though, so go on inside.”

Jack leaped down the stairs and walked towards the guys, barking at them to shut up and get over to where he stood. They grumbled and talked trash, making Jack throw his head back and laugh at the ribbing thrown his way. It looked like the man ran a tight ship but he wasn’t a bastard of a boss.

Llew ducked into the trailer, looking around at the three desks positioned at the far end. There were drafting boards on one side and a row of file cabinets stood opposite them. A woman stood in front of one the cabinets with her back to him; her shiny black combat boots laced up over her black tights. Her trendy turquoise and gray sweater-dress tapered in at her small waist and stopped mid-thigh. With sandy brown hair pulled up into a high bun, and curly tendrils strewn about, she looked nothing like a contractor’s assistant, more like a buyer for Forever 21.

“Excuse me, Jessie?”

Llew’s voice must’ve been too deep inside the small space, because Jessie jumped high enough to almost hit the celling; and the files flew out of her hands, scattering across the floor. She clutched her hand to her heart, gasping. “Oh god. You scared me. You’re - You’re Llewellyn, right?”

“Yes. I filled out an application the other day. Shane. I mean, Mr. Smith told me to come in this morning.” Llew stammered. He backed up as far as he could, because Jessie wasn’t looking as friendly as she did when he was here filling out his application. Before, the woman couldn’t have been more helpful. Now she watched him with narrowed eyes, most likely making sure Llew kept his distance. He needed to get out of this trailer with her in here alone. His counselor told him to be mindful of the situations he put himself in. These men didn’t know him, all they knew was what was on paper and what gossip was milling around town.

“I got your papers ready, they’re over there on the table.” She pointed to the oblong table in the corner, on the far opposite side of the trailer.

Llew adjusted his backpack and picked up the papers. “I’ll just fill them out outside.”

“Okay,” she said, quickly.

When he reached for the door, it opened before he grabbed the knob, and Shane stood there smiling at him as if he’d been waiting to see him. Oh, how he hoped that were true. “Hi. Llewell. I’m glad you made it. You got all your papers done?”

“I was just heading outside to fill them out.”

Shane’s head jerked back in surprise; a slight frown creasing his brow as he peaked around Llew’s broad shoulder to look at his assistant. “That’s silly, they might fly away. You can sit right here and fill them out.” Shane’s boots were loud as he walked across the floor. He pulled off his black skullcap and ran his hand through his wayward hair. His jeans were well worn and fit him just right. He had on a navy blue flannel shirt under a puffy black vest. But it was the low-riding tool belt that had Llew’s heart pumping harder in his chest. Nothing sexier than a well-built man in a tool belt. He stopped staring, and sat down to complete the tax forms.

“Jess, can you get us a couple cups of coffee, please?”

“Sure.” She hurried into the other room, and Llew felt Shane’s hand on his shoulder before he bent down, putting his cheek way to close to his.

“You okay, Llewell?” He whispered, very close to his ear.

Llew had to clear his throat before he could answer. “I’m good.” He kept his eyes downcast, focusing on his forms, because if he turned his head, his lips would’ve brushed Shane’s cheek.

“You’ll be with me on the new site. Is that alright with you?”

“You’re the boss.”

Shane huffed an indignant sound before adding, “Not always.”

Before Llew had time to figure out what Shane meant by that, Jessie was setting a cup of coffee in front of him.

Shane had watched Llewellyn the entire morning, except for when he had to leave the site to meet with the architect. From the moment he’d walked into his trailer and seen Llew standing there in faded jeans and a long-sleeved long john shirt under his thick camel Carhartt, he hadn’t been able to keep his eyes off him. He was so gorgeous. Those expressive eyes told Shane that Llew wanted him too, but was scared to death. When he’d bent down next to Llew’s ear, he’d caught a whiff of his deodorant and it made him want to bury his face in his underarm.