Renley
His job was surprisingly quiet all week. News of his date with Eveline hadn’t seemed to travel. There were no snide comments or side-eyes—not even from Jeronimo. The property was slowly coming together, and currently, Miguel was teaching him tricks on how to lay hardwood.
Nearing the end of his day, he grabbed his phone to let Eveline know he’d be late, only to find that she’d already texted him.
Of course!
Thank you
She’d offered her help to restore the bed and even wanted to tag along on his trip to the hardware store.
“Mind if I ask you something?”
He looked up and over to Miguel. “Go for it.”
“Are you and Boss a thing?”
Ah, he’d spoken too soon. “I took her to the carnival this past weekend.”
“I like her.”
“Who doesn’t? She brings us food.”
“She’s a good boss, cares about us. She takes the time to learn about our families and always checks on us.”
Unsure of what to say, Renley only smiled and thankfully, Miguel dropped the conversation. She did care about all of them, and he hoped that they all knew he genuinely cared for her as well. He’d fallen head over heels before he could stop himself.
That evening, Eveline was waiting for him as he pulled up to the hardware store. He was still in his work clothes, but her eyes still hungrily trailed over every sweaty inch of him. The moment he was within reach, she tugged on his shirt and stole a kiss.
“You look gorgeous,” he complimented. He’d noticed that she seemed to prefer dresses and skirts, though the ones she wore to work were on the longer side.
“Thank you. Have you thought about colour?”
“Something dark but natural.”
“I’m excited.”
“Don’t bring any of your fancy clothes, it will stain them right away.”
“I already have some set aside.”
He smiled to himself, enjoying that something as natural as picking a paint colour could be as thrilling as taking Eveline out. They hadn’t spent a ton of time alone, but that didn’t change the fact that being together felt good .
“Do we need to get something to cover the floors with?” she asked, skimming over the supplies.
“If I want my deposit back, definitely.” With his fingers dancing over her neck, they collected the rest of the supplies. “How much do you want everyone to know about us at work? Miguel was prying for gossip today. I admitted to taking you out but nothing more.”
“No bedtime talk? What a gentleman.”
“I thought that would be rather inappropriate and let’s be honest, I don’t want to share you.”
“I don’t mind them knowing that we’re dating. Though I did spill the beans about your dominant side to my sister.”
“I assume you two are close?”
“Very. She also knows how we met. I felt safer with someone knowing where I was.”
“You don’t have to justify yourself. My best friend knows about that night. He also knows that I asked my boss out on a date. I just left out the part where you two are the same woman.”
“Do you want to tell him?”
“If that’s okay.”
“I mean, I don’t want the whole world to know about my desperate attempt at a one-night stand, but I think those closest to us deserve to know.”
He wanted to scold her for the way she talked about herself, but he dropped it for a more appropriate time and place. “I didn’t want to tell him the whole story without your permission. He thought it was stupid to ask you out, but I didn’t know how to explain the whole thing.”
“So he believes you asked your hot boss out on a whim?”
“Basically.”
“Oh, he’s in for a big surprise.”
They checked out with all of his paint supplies, and he walked Eveline back to her car.
Waiting until she was settled in the driver seat, he threaded his fingers through the curls at her nape.
He tenderly tugged on them, a smile conjuring on her lips.
“Be safe and message me when you’re home, kitten. ”
“You too.”
“Of course.” He crashed his mouth to hers, free hand teasing under the hem of her dress. “Now get out of my sight before I give into the urge to take you right here.”
He stepped back and closed the door, using the walk to his truck to will his raging erection down.
With breakfast sizzling in the pan, he waited for Eveline to arrive. He’d set the table and had gotten some flowers for her. He tried to seem confident but deep down, her seeing his apartment stirred insecurities deep in his mind.
When the knock pulled him out of his thoughts, his grin was involuntary, and he rushed to open the door. He was met by a bright smile, a bouquet of flowers, and a gift basket. “Hi,” she greeted, handing him the flowers.
“Good morning.” Rather weak in the knees, he brought the floral arrangement to his nose.
“Is that bacon I smell?”
“Yes, sorry come in,” he babbled, stepping aside. “I got you flowers too.”
“Aw, thank you.”
While she took her sneakers off, he squeezed his flowers into the vase with hers before plating up their food. She’d placed the gift basket on the table and pulled the vase closer to smell the bouquet he’d gotten her.
He set their plates on the table and curiously eyed the basket. “Can I open it?”
“Only if I can eat while you do.”
“Go ahead, I can’t have you starve before we get started.”
Eveline dug into her plate while he sifted through the presents. There were cleaning supplies, a plant, a gift card, and at the very bottom, a fluffy blanket and cosy slippers. He pulled them out and swiftly slid them over his feet.
“I love them.”
“I thought since you walk around all day your feet might hurt.”
“Everything is perfect, thank you.”
“You’re very welcome.”
He sat down with her and once the table was cleared, they set to work. He made sure to push the couch and mattress as far away from their work area as he could and then taped the floor all around.
“Should I cover your chair too? I don’t want it to get stained.”
“I brought my house chair just in case.”
He stared at it, feeling stupid for not seeing it sooner. “Oh, I didn’t even realise.”
“They’re very similar—don’t beat yourself up over it.”
He started with the top of the frame while Eveline began with the bottom.
They worked quietly side by side, with soft country music playing in the background.
The silence was far from awkward, rather comforting even.
They both startled when someone knocked at the front door.
Confused, he went over and peaked to see Shannon standing there with bags of food in his hand.
“I know you’re there, I have lunch. Now open up.”
Turning his back to his friend, he warned Eveline, “You’re going to meet my best friend and I’m really sorry for what is about to happen.”
She only threw her head back and laughed. “Bring it on.”
He opened the door in time to find Shannon’s hand raised to knock again. “Finally. What took you so long?”
Renley stepped aside and revealed the woman behind him. “Eveline, this is my best friend, Shannon.”
She gave him a wave. “Hi Shannon.”
“Oh shit.” Then pain rippled through Renley’s shoulder thanks to Shannon’s fist. “Why didn’t you tell me you’re on a date?”
“You didn’t ask.”
Shannon turned to Eveline and smiled. “Hi, Eveline.”
“I hope you brought enough,” Renley teased, indicating the food.
“Should be fine. Eveline seems like she weighs less than a sack of potatoes.”
Renley barked out a laugh. “Don’t let that fool you. She likes her food.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t let you two starve,” Eveline chirped, joining them at the table.
He leaned down and kissed her hair. “Very generous of you.”
They all sat down sharing the wings and fries, with Shannon curiously eyeing Eveline. “So, you’re his boss?”
“Yes, when we’re clocked in. I’m mostly in the office anyway while my partner handles most things at the job sites.”
“Do you usually date guys you just newly hired?”
“Watch it,” Renley growled.
Shannon threw his hands up in defence. “She’s your boss, I’m allowed to ask questions.”
“ Respectfully , so fix your tone.”
Before Shannon could respond, Eveline sighed and began speaking, “Renley and I first met when I hired him as my escort for the night. When he stepped into my office a few days later, I let him decide whether he wanted to work for my company or not. In neither instance did I ever imagine we’d be dating. He initiated that.”
Shannon’s jaw dropped and Renley wasn’t sure if it was her words or how confident she delivered the story that had him speechless. “ You’re the woman that paid him for a good time.”
“Yes.”
“Oh…”
“I would prefer for that part not to be shared outside of this room,” she added sternly, but not rudely.
“My lips are sealed, but damn that explains it.” Then Shannon’s head snapped around to Renley. “You fucker! You didn’t tell me!”
“Because I didn’t know how Eveline felt about anyone knowing.”
“You make a valid point.” Shannon turned back to Eveline. “Sorry.”
“You’re fine. I understand that you’re just looking out for your friend.”
“This fool needs someone to watch out for him,” Shannon muttered. “Makes stupid decisions that land him in jail if I don’t hold his hand.”
“Oh, fuck off,” he mumbled, but enjoyed the way it made Eveline laugh.
“I see you’re the voice of reason.”
Thankfully, Shannon didn’t stay long and quickly left them to their date.