Chapter 17
17
RYAN
H e’s quiet. More so than normal. He hasn’t said a word since we left the diner, and I can practically hear the thoughts swirling around in his head.
“You all right?” I finally ask as we cross the final street before we reach his auto shop.
“Yeah, fine,” he replies quickly. His entire body is rigid, his hands shoved in his pockets.
“Okay,” I reply, picking up my pace a bit to keep up with him.
When we reach the parking lot for the repair shop, I realize he’s heading straight for the open garage bay, while I need to go to the left to my rental. Needing to say something, I blurt out, “Thank you for lunch. Sorry to have bothered you while you’re working. I should have considered your time more, but I was in the neighborhood and saw your business, and well, I just stopped. My friends and I get together every now and again for lunch, so I just fell into that old habit.”
He stops. I see his shoulders rise as he takes a deep breath and slowly turns around. I don’t know why I expect to see anger in his eyes, but I don’t see an ounce of it. Probably because of his complete one-eighty from the time we ate to the time we left the diner. But his eyes reflect awkwardness and maybe a touch of embarrassment.
“I made it uncomfortable. I’m sorry,” he says softly.
“It’s fine,” I reply quickly, waving it off.
“No, it’s not.” He takes a deep breath before continuing. “Ellie said something about us being together, and I guess it just hit me wrong. I don’t mean to be rude, but,” he pauses, lifting his hat and running his hand through his hair, as he tends to do when he’s thinking. I don’t know why, but I find that act incredibly sexy.
“We’re not together,” I insist. The moment the words are out of my mouth his shoulders physically drop. In relief. “I mean, we had a great time last night, right? And I’m out of here in a few weeks, so it’s not like I’m looking for a relationship. And if I’m being honest, I’ve recently gotten out of one and not looking to start anything anytime soon.”
His eyes burn with something that resembles…jealousy. “You did?”
I nod. “Before I came here.” I take a deep breath, almost relieved he didn’t research me. “Listen, Marcus, last night was great. It was more than great, really. I had fun. If we do that again, I’m game, but you don’t have to worry about me wanting more from you. Like I said before, this is temporary. A summer fling.”
He continues to stare at me. “A fling. Yeah.”
“Don’t worry, big guy. Your big dick energy is phenomenal, but at the end of my month here, I’m heading back to California,” I state, reaching out and patting him on his big, hard chest.
The corner of his mouth curls up, giving me a hint of a smile. “Big dick energy?”
“Oh yeah,” I reply, wondering where this bold woman has come from. “You just possess this broody, confident big dick energy, and lucky for you, it was confirmed last night.”
Now he openly smiles, making my heartbeat skip a little in my chest. “Interesting.”
“My point is, we talked about this yesterday. Whatever happens here, stays here, so to speak. I’m not looking for anything but maybe a few orgasms.” Again, who is this woman? I can’t believe I’m actually saying this out loud.
He steps forward, but not close enough we could touch. His jaw seems tight, his eyes laser-focused on me. “My place. Eight o’clock. I have a bit more energy to show you.”
My core clenches, my panties soaked. Instantly. I have that sort of reaction to this man.
Clearing my throat, I lift my chin and nod. “See you then, buster.”
With my head held high, I walk to my SUV. Do I add a little extra swing to my step as I go? Sure do. Am I excited about what’s to come later this evening? That would be a very loud, overly anticipated Hell yes!
I check the clock for the one-thousandth time, only to find it still thirty minutes before our scheduled meeting time. Why is the time passing so slowly? Is this the sex-laced equivalent to a watched pot doesn’t boil? Because the clock is refusing to move, essentially drawing out the length of time until I’m supposed to head to Marcus’s cabin.
The front door is open, the warm breeze blowing through the screen door, so when a large truck approaches, I hear it. I walk to the door and find a tow truck approaching. I recognize Marcus’s truck and step outside as he turns and backs into the lawn beside my SUV.
He climbs from the driver’s seat, Buddy hot on his heels. “Hey, change of plans,” he says as he approaches the steps.
“Is everything all right?” I ask, crouching down to give Buddy some pets.
“Yep. We’re going for a ride. Get in.”
I stand up and blink. “A ride?”
“Yep,” he says with a crooked grin. “Got a tow call and won’t be done by our eight o’clock appointment, so I figured we could have another adventure.”
“An adventure,” I grumble, taking a step closer to where he stands. “I’m not sure this is the adventure I was looking for.”
He openly smiles now, lines crinkling around the edges of his eyes. “Ever been in a tow truck, Princess?”
“Uh, no, can’t say I have.”
“Well, you’re in for a treat. And if you’re lucky, I’ll let you honk the horn.”
I can’t help but bark out a laugh. “Lucky me.”
“Get whatever you need from inside. We gotta go.”
Spinning, I move up the stairs and reach for the door handle.
“Oh, Ryan?”
Before I slip inside the cabin, I look back at Marcus.
“Leave the panties here.”
All I do is smile. Why? Because I’m not wearing any.
When I got home and unloaded my shopping bags, I spent a little time removing tags and checking out my purchases. None of it was items I’d choose—or find, frankly—in any of the boutiques I frequented in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills. I purchased bags worth of clothing for the same price as one or two shirts back home. Everything I found would work perfectly for my little vacation here, helping me blend in better than my usual attire.
I flip on the small light above the kitchen sink, so I can see when I get home later, and grab my clutch purse. However, as I walk back to the door, I set the bag down. I shouldn’t need it, right? I don’t need keys to get into the cabin, and if I’m just going on a tow run and then back to Marcus’s place, I shouldn’t need money. I mean, he’s already made it very clear I won’t be paying when he’s around. Not that I wouldn’t—or can’t—considering I’m worth millions, but whatever. It’s not worth the argument.
Except picking a fight with Marcus might be fun.
At least the making up part…
I slip out of the cabin and lock the door. Buddy is right there, spinning circles around my feet.
“Ready?” Marcus asks, his eyes landing between my legs. Even though you can’t see anything through my dress, I can tell he’s trying to figure out if I followed his directions or not.
“Very ready. Let’s go tow a truck,” I say excitedly, stepping down the stairs and making my way to the passenger side of the vehicle.
“Actually, we’re off to tow a van, as well as a car. MVA near the main entrance to the Bluff Preserves National Park. That’s a motor vehicle accident,” he informs me, opening the door for me to climb up. It’s not huge, like a semi, but there’s still a good amount of elevation between the ground and the seat I’m supposed to sit on.
Before I can ask how I’m supposed to get up there, big, warm hands wrap around my waist, and I’m practically hoisted up. A squeak slips from my mouth as I reach out for something to stabilize my weight and movement. Buddy barks, as if finding it humorous I’m being manhandled into a truck, and I suppose, in some weird sexually fueled way, it is. That big dick energy he possesses.
He’s pretty good at manhandling me.
I sit in the seat, glancing around the cab of the truck. It’s dirty, if I’m being honest, but not filthy gross. There’s dust and maybe a bit of dirt on the dash and floorboards, probably because he drives around with the windows open all the time. And let’s be real, it’s not a clean job. Auto mechanics is messy. I’ve seen it on his clothes and under his fingernails.
Back in California, I never would have been caught dead with a man with dirt and grease embedded under his nails, but after spending just a little time with Marcus, it’s not so bad. He’s rugged, manly, blue-collared, as the internet would call him.
And I kind of like it.
Buddy jumps onto the driver’s side floorboard before climbing up onto the seat. “Keep moving, Buddy. You can’t drive.”
The dog looks my way, clearly not impressed he’s being relinquished to the floor for the ride instead of the passenger seat, but this truck doesn’t have a bench. He moves to the floor between the seats, carefully around a bin holding papers and clipboards. He gazes up at me, big puppy dog eyes pleading for me to share.
“All right, mister,” I say, sliding over and creating a little space between myself and the door.
Buddy jumps up on the seat, his head hanging out the window.
“Good to go?” Marcus asks, putting the truck in gear.
A swirl of exhilaration sweeps through me. “Yes.”
We head out, Marcus driving the larger truck easily. I watch him out of the corner of my eye. Why? Because he’s hot while driving. His arms are all corded muscle framed by a tight T-shirt. Not only is he radiating big dick energy, but now he’s flashing the arm porn. He’s like every woman’s dream right now, and that’s before you add in the rescued dog into the equation.
If I were wearing panties, they’d be annihilated.
Maybe that’s his new nickname. Not buster.
He’s the panty annihilator.
We make our way through the park, toward where the accident is. I’ve seen plenty of fender benders in my time. The 405 and 110 interstates are some of the worst for high traffic volume. I’ve even seen a car flip due to a high rate of speed. Well, I didn’t actually see it flip. It passed me and then wrecked a bit ahead of me. I remember seeing the mangled wreckage left in the median and not being able to sleep that night.
Is that what I’m in for?
Because now that I think about it, I don’t want to see that kind of destruction. Especially if a life was lost.
“Umm, Marcus?” I say, starting to fret a little. My hand instantly reaches out to pet Buddy, the softness of his fur having a calming effect on me.
“Yeah?” he asks without taking his eyes off the road.
“How bad is this accident? Maybe I shouldn’t go,” I say, hearing the hint of a quiver in my own voice.
He takes his eyes off the road for only a second, but I can see the concern. “It’s not bad, I promise. Both cars are damaged enough to warrant a tow, but injuries were minor.”
I exhale the breath I didn’t realize I was holding. “Oh. Okay. Good.”
“I wouldn’t take you to the scene if it was bad, Ryan. It’s not something I enjoy seeing myself, and I’d never subject you to it willingly.”
A huge wave of relief washes over me, and I relax a bit in the seat. Buddy has his head out the window, his tongue dangling in delight. My hair is blowing around, and it’s the first time I realize I’m not wearing my ball cap. Will people be nearby when we arrive? You know the ones. The gawkers who have nothing better to do than to stand around and watch something that doesn’t pertain to them unfold?
When we finally work our way through the park to what I assume is the main entrance, I see two vehicles with a bit of damage and a police officer standing between them. Once we pull up beside them, I realize the officer is TD, Ellie’s husband.
“Hey, man,” Marcus greets once he stops and climbs out of the cab.
Even though I remain inside the truck, I can easily hear their conversation.
“Which one do you wanna take first?” TD asks.
“Probably the Nissan Pathfinder. It’s in the way. I can get it loaded up and get the glass and debris cleaned up so you can get this intersection opened up.”
“Appreciate it.”
The door opens and Marcus climbs back inside. “I’m going to back up to that small SUV there. I have to position my truck in the middle of the intersection, so I’m going to have you and Buddy go over to that grassy area over there to keep you safe.” He reaches behind the driver’s seat and pulls out a leash.
“Okay,” I answer, glancing around.
Marcus secures the leash to Buddy, who seems eager to go outside. Before I open the door to climb out, he says, “Wait. Here.” I turn to find him digging a ball cap out and holding it out for me. “It may not be the cleanest, but it’ll help shield your face.”
My heart does this wild tippy-tap in my chest as I reach for the hat. I can tell he’s worn it, probably several times. There’s a smear of dirt or grease on the bill and a slight dirt ring around the inside. I’m sure it’s from sweat, and as gross as I would have found this a few days ago, for some reason it doesn’t bother me as much now. The fact Marcus wore this, worked hard while wearing it, makes me feel a little…happy.
I slip it on my head, and of course, it’s way too big. Marcus reaches over and adjusts the plastic strap on the back before replacing it. “There.”
“Thank you,” I reply, feeling all warm and gooey on the inside.
In a dirty old hat.
“All right, Buddy, ready?” Marcus asks, earning a bark in return.
Smiling, I carefully get out of the truck and shut the door. Buddy and Marcus come around to the passenger side, and together, we walk to the grassy area he was referring to. Instantly, I notice it’s not too close to where the vehicles are, or to where a few lookie-loos meander.
“Be right back,” Marcus says as he hands over the leash and puts on thick work gloves.
Buddy barks, clearly not happy he’s being left to the side, but doesn’t pull on the leash to follow. Instead, he moves around on the grass, sniffing for the perfect spot to pee. While he does his thing, I watch Marcus climb back into the truck. TD goes out into the road, making sure it’s clear to move the big truck into position, and watches closely.
I do the same.
I’m not sure why this seems so fascinating, but it does. From the moment he’s in the street, maneuvering his truck into position, to the time he gets out and lowers the bed. When he walks over to the SUV, he gets on the ground, shifting himself to get a good look under the vehicle. Then, he attaches some sort of cord and goes back to the truck. He presses some buttons, and the next thing you know, the vehicle is being pulled onto the flatbed.
Buddy barks, as if letting his owner know he did a good job, and together, we observe Marcus securing the vehicle onto the flatbed. He finally looks our way and waves us over. “Come on, Buddy. Let’s go.”
We return to where Marcus waits, and instead of climbing behind the wheel, he goes to the passenger side and opens the door for us. He helps me climb in again, and I’m not sure if he’s being chivalrous or just likes to have his hands on me.
Or both.
“Everything okay?” he asks when I’m in the seat. He bends down and unclips Buddy’s leash before pointing into the truck.
“Yep, everything’s great. He went potty.”
“Good boy,” he boasts, giving the dog a hearty scratch behind the ears.
He gazes up at me, and those hazel eyes turn molten in a matter of seconds. His eyes drop to my legs, which are covered by the skirt of my dress, and slowly drag up to the apex of my legs.
I smile and ask, “What are you thinking about?”
His eyes return to mine as he rips the work gloves off his hands and drops them on the floor between the seats, and there’s no missing the desire embedded in them. “Just wondering if you were a good girl and listened earlier.”
“You mean about the panties?” I whisper, as if it’s some big conspiracy.
He nods and holds my gaze.
Leaning closer, I add, “There’s really only one way to figure out the answer to that question, isn’t there?”
Heat blazes in his eyes. They’re burning with the intensity of an inferno, bright and urgent. Without saying a word, he places his palm on my knee and slowly moves his hand. He brushes along my thigh, angling his fingers to where I ache for his touch.
“Fuck,” he curses the moment he’s met with bare, wet flesh.
“Yes, that’s the point, right?” I tease, wishing we weren’t in the middle of a tow call and in public. Being bent over something so he can explore more sounds pretty damn good right about now.
But as quickly as his fingers brush against my pussy, they’re pulled away.
“Shit,” he mutters, taking a step back and putting a little distance between us. “That was a bad idea.”
“Sure was,” I confirm, adjusting my skirt. “Now I’m all…needy.”
He groans as if in physical pain, which makes me want to grin in satisfaction. But I don’t. Why? Because I’m just as worked up as he is.
He sighs and closes the truck door. The moment he does, Buddy jumps up on the seat and sticks his head out the window again. Marcus climbs in and prepares to move the truck. He throws it in gear and waves to TD. “I’ll be right back for the other.”
“Take your time, but not too long. I’d like to get home to my wife before too long. You shouldn’t be the only one getting some, man.” He taps the door of the truck.
Even though I can’t see TD from my seat, I clearly watch Marcus flip his friend off and drive away. The smile I was fighting earlier spreads widely across my lips, and the temperature in the cab of this truck elevates considerably, even though the windows are open, and night is starting to fall.
It’s all Marcus.
He makes things very hot with his sexy grumpiness and big dick energy.
He’s the panty annihilator, and I’m not even wearing them.