Chapter 3
CHAPTER THREE
Lacey
When I got to my office, did I get any work done like I wanted to?
Nope.
Instead, I paced back and forth, again and again.
What the hell is happening?
I sank down into the fluffy couch I set up in here, knowing I’d need a space to de-stress, unwind, and relax.
I ran over the day’s events in my head, yet they still seemed impossible. The man appeared out of nowhere, invaded my space, and interjected himself into a situation that wasn’t his business to begin with.
While it should piss me off— I mean, really, who did this guy think he was? —it didn’t.
Instead, I found myself entranced. Hypnotized. And fucking horny.
But I couldn’t let some lusty feelings interfere with everything I’d worked so hard to achieve.
I’d let him help with the electricity, insist on paying him, maybe offer him a free massage, and send him on his way.
I had to.
Otherwise, his charm would work its way inside me, and he’d distract me with sex and love and…
No. No distractions. You’ve come this far. Why slip up now?
I tried getting some work done but gave up after a couple of hours. I decided I’d check on Crew and see how it was going. I needed to run home, change into more comfy clothes, feed my cat, Moonpie, and hopefully feed myself.
Exhaustion crept in as I made my way toward the sauna. I stopped by the door for a moment to listen, but all I heard was music playing. When I slipped inside, I found Crew working hard in front of the electrical box with wires sticking out in all directions.
I watched him as he worked; his focus was intense, like the way it had been on me earlier. A part of me wished I were the wires and he was playing me.
Damn, girl, what’s gotten into you?
Him, that’s what .
I studied his long, muscular frame, his shoulders and arms defined with ripples of muscle. I imagined my hands running over the ridges and planes of his hot skin, feeling them bulge beneath my fingertips.
“Hey, you.”
His words pulled me from the trance his body held me in, and I looked up to him looking at me. When did he turn around?
“Hey…uh…I…I was…I was just checking…”
Crew chuckled, the low and deep sound shooting straight to my core. Fuck, he’s good.
“Checking me out or checking on how it’s going?”
I blushed for the millionth time tonight. I was surprised I hadn’t sweat through my top yet. “Checking on how it’s going,” I said more confidently than I felt. “I need to run home and feed my cat.”
He raised an eyebrow. “You go ahead. I’ve still got a lot of work to do. It’s probably going to take me all night.”
“No, that’s silly. I’ll push the opening back a couple of days.”
“I don’t want you to.” His face grew more serious.
“It’s no big deal. Honestly, I’ll?—”
“No, Lacey. I’ll work until it’s finished.”
“If you’re sure…can I bring you something to eat or drink?”
“Sure, that’d be great. Anything is good. I’m not picky. Though I’d prefer to be tasting you…” Crew winked, and my heart flipped.
“You can’t resist, can you?”
“Resist what?” He feigned an innocent look.
“You know what. I’ll be back in a bit with dinner.”
“Please tell me you’re my dessert.” Crew licked his lips, and I had to look away before I exploded with desire.
“Bye, Crew,” I said before walking away like he had no effect on me at all.
A couple of hours later, I unlocked the front door of my spa and walked inside, carrying a bag of takeout food from the diner in one hand. Camille, who runs the diner in town, insisted on giving me more than enough food and wouldn’t take no for an answer.
“Cat fed?” Crew startled me as he came through the doorway and into the front lobby.
“Yes. Now it’s our turn.”
Crew nodded toward the bag. “Smells delicious. I’m starving.”
“Good, let’s eat. We can go into my office, where it’s more comfortable.”
“Your office, hmm?”
“Don’t get any ideas.” I headed in that direction, and Crew followed closely, per usual. This guy definitely needed to take some lessons about personal space. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t kind of like it…a teensy bit, but enough to notice.
“You look a lot more comfortable,” he said.
The heat of his stare burned right through me. “Best way to be. How’s it going in the sauna? Any more progress?” I asked as I flicked on the lights in my office.
I watched as Crew took it all in, digesting pieces of me he hadn’t seen yet and learning more about me from this small space. I set up the food on the small table in front of the couch and took a seat. When Crew sat next to me, my breath caught in my throat.
Dammit, it was like being a teenager all over again.
“Getting there. I’m confident it’ll be up and running in no time without any more power surges.”
“Thank you. You’re a lifesaver,” I said as I dug into my Cobb salad after adding a generous portion of ranch dressing, the best part.
“Don’t thank me yet. I haven’t finished.” He opened his takeout container to reveal a bacon cheeseburger with fries. “Camille told you my favorite meal?”
I laughed. “Perks of a small town are real, huh?”
“I’m beginning to learn that myself. Zach told me how it works around here, but there’s nothing like seeing it firsthand.”
“Zach is Camille’s boyfriend, right?”
“Yes, and one of my best friends. It was his idea to start the security guard company. I was a bit lost after the service, you know? So, I’m really looking forward to this new opportunity.”
“Aw, Crew. I bet you are. I’m sure the military wasn’t easy.”
“No, it most certainly wasn’t. I’m ready now to surround myself with people I love and I’ve always wanted a relationship full of heat and love.” He winked as his eyes held mine. “But honestly, I’m really looking forward to being apart of this business and learning the ropes.”
“I’m sure I could show you a thing or two.”
“Oh, I’m sure you can…” He winked again.
“Real talk, though, Crew. I can’t thank you enough. No other electrician would’ve worked all night so I could still open on time.”
“I’m not just any other electrician.” Crew popped a couple of fries in his mouth.
“Why?” I asked before taking another bite of my salad.
“Why what?” Crew raised one eyebrow.
“Why do you insist on helping me? At least let me pay you.”
He shrugged like it was no big deal. “When my mind is set on something, that’s it. Besides, my mama raised me to help a woman in need, especially the pretty ones.” Crew winked as he finished off his burger. “And you won’t be paying me, Lacey. At least not with money, anyway.”
Crew was so damn sure of himself that I couldn’t help but be turned on by his sexy confidence. I gave it right back, knowing he could handle it.
“Ha, you think so. Nice try, playboy.”
Crew tossed his head back in laughter. “Playboy? Not even close.”
“I’m sure you’ve had your fair share of women. Not that it matters, but I’m not a fool.”
“No, you’re not, but you’d be surprised to know I’m not usually like this.”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s you, Lacey. You make me want to bend you over this couch and fuck you three ways to Sunday.” Crew’s eyes blazed with fire, and I swallowed hard.
I dropped my fork, my appetite suddenly gone, the air in the room slowly disappearing.
Crew leaned forward and placed his arms on his knees while staring directly at me. “I don’t know how much longer I can wait before…” His eyes ran over me for the millionth time in the short time since we’d met.
“Before what?” My breath caught in my throat, and I almost choked on the question.
Crew rubbed his chin for a moment. He moved even closer. “Before I just take what I want.”