It was only the sound of a car door slamming out front that had us pulling apart. We faced each other, her lips swollen from our passion, her rapid breathing matching mine. My cock was hard and erect, pulsating with need.
She swallowed. “I’ll order that wipe-off board.”
I nodded. “Yeah, you do that.”
She turned and fled.
CHARLY
I didn’t run because he kissed me. I ran because I was afraid that regardless of the fact that a customer was about to walk in, I was going to drag him back to my mouth.
My god, the man—the growly, snarly bear of a man—could kiss. Considering the venom his mouth spewed, his lips were addictive and sweet. Even when he was angry. He controlled my mouth, and me, easily. Kissing him made me remember the night we shared. How he felt inside me, the sounds he made while we…
My thoughts came to a standstill.
Made love?
Fucked?
Had a fast fling?
All three?
I set down the laptop on the counter, noticing he had cleaned up after his dinner last night. I had to admit, the place was in chaos, but he, himself, was neat. He simply needed someone to sort through the destruction he’d created around himself.
I sighed, confused. We were like oil and water. He was swift to anger, and somehow, he brought out the same reaction in me. One glare from him and my hackles rose.
Holy moly. So did my temperature.
I rubbed my forehead. I came here to do a job, and I was going to do it. He could huff and puff all he wanted. I ignored the little voice in my head that whispered she hoped there’d be more kissing. Pushing that annoying little voice away, I concentrated on the tasks I wanted to accomplish.
I decided to start a simple casserole of macaroni and cheese for dinner. There were a couple of pieces of short ribs left over that Maxx could eat in addition to the casserole if he wanted to. I put the pot on to boil, then found a sharp knife, and began sorting boxes in the dining room. Most of them were empty, simply tossed to the side. I kept all the box tops so I could match them up with jobs, or where they were in the supply area of the garage. The ones that still contained parts, I piled in the mudroom to be carried to the garage. I worked happily, turning on some music, pleased when a couple of hours later, I stood back and admired my process. The table was clean, and I had polished the wood until it shone. I vacuumed the floor, admiring the heavy oak planks and the vintage scatter rug under the table. The casserole was on the counter, ready to heat, so I sat down, making more calls. Most people were shocked when I explained why I was calling, introducing myself, and the reason for my call. Many were more than happy to send an e-transfer once I gave them the amount owed. I had found a list of prices in the drawer and, after doing some checking, increased the pricing more to reflect today’s rates. No one objected to the amounts. A few were hesitant about my identity, and I informed them to feel free to call Maxx to verify who I was. Some insisted on dropping off payment at the garage later this week, no doubt curious as to what was happening. I was friendly and courteous, trying to represent Maxx in a professional manner.
At least to his customers.
I glanced around, surprised to see it was only three. The sound of heavy footsteps made me look up from the pile of paperwork as Maxx walked in, Rufus trailing behind him. Rufus headed in my direction, and I stroked his large head, scratching behind his ears the way I’d discovered he liked it.
Maxx looked around, blinking. He sat across from me, silent and tense. I kept giving Rufus attention, waiting to see what Maxx would say.
Would it be rude? Demanding? Snarky?
He ran a hand through his hair and sighed. His voice was even, maybe even slightly amused. “My phone’s been going off nonstop.”
“Oh?”
“Customers making sure you aren’t scamming them. People wanting to know who you are.”
“I see. I assume you verified I work for you and they better pay their damn bills.”
One of his eyebrows slowly lifted, a grin playing on his lips. “I was a little more polite, but basically, yes. There should be more of your e-bills coming.”
“E-transfers.”
He waved his hand. “Whatever.” He eyed me with speculation. “What is this price list you referred to this morning?”
I pushed a list toward him, and he scanned it. “You increased all my prices.”
“You were far too cheap. Not a single person complained when I gave them the amount they owed. You can offer your ‘loyal customer’ discount if they do.”