Chapter 19 - Reiner
I’ve been welding since I was old enough to pick up a torch. It’s always been a passion of mine, and I’ve spent countless hours perfecting my craft. When I was offered a job at the local steel mill, I jumped at the chance. I’ve always loved the smell of the shop, the sound of the machines, and the feeling of accomplishment that comes from a hard day’s work. It’s my safe place, my sanctuary.
Mostly, I make parts for cars, trucks, and other large machinery, but when I get a bit of free time, I like to try my hand at more artistic projects. Today, I’m working on a piece for Jane. It’s a small sculpture of a wolf, and it’s coming along beautifully. The details are intricate, and the lines are clean. I’m proud of my work, and I can’t wait to see the look on her face when she sees it.
“You really should think about making a career out of this,” a voice says from behind me.
I turn, smiling when I see Rodney, my boss. He’s a short, stocky man with a thick beard and a bald head. He’s got a gruff exterior, but he’s a good guy. He’s always been supportive of my artistic side, even though he knows it’s not exactly practical.
“Yeah, right,” I chuckle. “I don’t think there’s a big demand for handmade sculptures.”
“You’d be surprised,” he says, shrugging. “People like unique things. They’re willing to pay for quality. My daughter has a shop on Etsy for the soaps she makes. I’d bet you could find a market for your stuff. I’m sure she’d be willing to help you get set up online.”
Yeah, no. See, the thing about art of any form is that it’s personal. It’s not just about the product; it’s about the process, the emotion, the connection. And then you’ve always got some asshole who has to come along and pick that work apart, tell you what’s wrong with it and why you’re not good enough. That’s not for me. I don’t need the validation. I’m happy doing my own thing.
“I’ll think about it,” I say, humoring him.
“That for the girl who came by the other day by chance? What was her name again?”
“Jane,” I say.
“Right, Jane,” he nods. “She’s pretty. Bit of a firecracker, though. Might do you some good to have someone like her in your life. Keep you on your toes.”
“She does,” I agree.
“Well, I’ll leave you to it,” he says, clapping me on the back. “Just keep in mind what I said. You’ve got talent, Reiner. Don’t waste it building car parts for me.”
“Thanks, Rodney,” I say, appreciating his support.
As he walks away, I can’t help but smile. He’s right. Jane is a firecracker, and she definitely keeps me on my toes. She’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met, and I’m lucky to have her in my life.
I turn my attention back to the sculpture, determined to finish it before the end of the day. I want it to be perfect for her. The ears need a bit more work, and the tail is a little uneven. I lose myself in the details, letting the rest of the world fade away. I don’t know how much time passes until I hear a familiar voice.
“Hey, Reiner.”
I look up, surprised to see Jane standing in front of me. She’s wearing a simple white blouse and a pair of jeans, but she looks stunning. Her hair is pulled back into a ponytail, and her gray eyes are bright and full of life.
“Hey,” I greet her with a smile, wiping my hands on a rag. “What are you doing here?”
“I was in the neighborhood,” she explains. “I thought I’d stop by and see how you were doing.”
“I’m good,” I say. “Glad you’re here. I’ve actually got something for you. I was going to bring it to you tonight, but since you’re here, you might as well have it now.”
I take her hand and bring her closer. Her nearly finished gift is sitting on the workbench, and I watch her face as her eyes fall on it.
“Oh, Reiner,” she gasps. “It’s beautiful.”
“You like it?” I ask, pleased with her reaction.
“I love it,” she says, reaching out to touch it.
“Careful, it’s still warm.”
“It’s incredible,” she breathes, moving her eyes from me to the wolf. “I can’t believe you made this for me.”
“Of course,” I say. “I wanted to make you something special. I know it’s not much, but—”
“No,” she interrupts. “It’s perfect. Thank you.”
She moves to me and kisses me, and I can feel the heat between us. I pull her close, and she moans softly, her body pressed against mine. I’ve never felt such a strong connection with anyone before. It’s like we were made for each other.
“I’m sorry,” she says, pulling away. “I didn’t mean to get carried away.”
“Don’t apologize,” I say, caressing her cheek. “I like it when you get carried away. It’s sexy.”
She blushes and shifts, looking everywhere but at me.
“What’s wrong?” I ask. “You look uncomfortable.”
Jane shakes her head and says, “No, it’s not that. I’m fine. It’s just… seeing you work, it’s…”
“Sexy?” I tease, smirking.
“Very,” she admits, her cheeks flushing.
“Come on,” I say, taking her hand. “I haven’t taken my lunch break yet. Let’s go somewhere we can talk.”
“Okay,” she agrees, her voice breathless.
I lead her to the back of the shop, to a small room where we keep extra supplies. It’s quiet and private, and it’s the perfect place for a quick rendezvous. When we step inside, I can tell by the smile on her face that she knows just what I’m up to.
“What are we doing here?” she asks, her voice playful.
“I think you know,” I say, closing the door behind us.
I step toward her, and she meets me halfway, pressing her body against mine. We kiss, and it’s like electricity is flowing through us. Our hands are all over each other, and I can feel the heat rising.
“You’re so fucking sexy,” I murmur, kissing her neck.
“So are you,” she whispers, her hands exploring my body.
When she drops to her knees, I can barely contain myself. She looks up at me with those big gray eyes, and I feel like I’m going to explode. But then I remember how inexperienced she is, and I try to control myself.
“Are you sure about this?” I ask, my voice husky.
“Yes,” she says, unzipping my pants. “I want to taste you, Reiner.”
Well, who the hell am I to say no to that?
My cock springs free, and she wraps her hand around it, stroking it slowly. I groan, and she smiles, clearly enjoying the effect she’s having on me.
“Jane,” I gasp, my hips thrusting forward involuntarily.
“Shh,” she whispers, kissing the tip of my cock. “Let me take care of you.”
Then she opens her mouth and takes me in, inch by inch. I’ve never felt anything like it. Her mouth is hot and wet, and the way she’s looking up at me is almost enough to make me come right then and there.
“Fuck,” I moan, my hands tangling in her hair.
She starts to move, bobbing her head up and down, her tongue swirling around my shaft. It’s the most amazing feeling in the world, and I can’t believe she’s doing this for me. It’s so fucking hot, and I’m so goddamn lucky.
“Just like that,” I encourage her, my hips thrusting in time with her movements.
She picks up the pace, and I can tell she’s getting into it. She’s moaning and sucking me off like she can’t get enough.
“God, Jane,” I gasp. “You’re so fucking good at this.”
She pulls back and says, “I’ve been practicing.”
“Practicing?” I ask, confused.
“On bananas,” she admits, her cheeks flushed.
“Bananas?” I repeat, trying not to laugh.
“Yeah,” she says, smiling. “I wanted to make sure I could do it right.”
“You’re doing it perfectly,” I assure her.
“Good,” she says. “Because I want to make you feel good, Reiner.”
“You are,” I pant. “You are.”
She takes me into her mouth again, and I’m lost in the sensation. She’s so eager and enthusiastic, and it’s driving me wild. I have to reach out and steady myself on the wall to keep from falling over. I tilt my head back, closing my eyes and just enjoying the feeling of her lips wrapped around my cock.
“Jane,” I groan, my hips thrusting forward.
“Mmm,” she moans back, her eyes locked on mine.
“I’m going to come,” I warn her.
“Mm-hmm,” she hums, her eyes full of desire.
“Fuck,” I growl, my body tensing.
She takes me deeper, and I can’t hold back any longer. I explode, and she swallows, her eyes never leaving mine. It dribbles down her chin, and she licks it up, making sure not to waste a single drop.
“Fuck, Jane,” I pant, trying to catch my breath.
“Was that okay?” she asks, her eyes wide and innocent.
“It was more than okay,” I say, pulling her to her feet. “It was amazing. You’re amazing.”
She smiles and kisses me, and I can taste myself on her lips. It’s surprisingly erotic.
“I can’t believe you did that,” I murmur, my hands roaming over her body.
“I can’t believe I did, either,” she giggles.
“You’re full of surprises, Jane,” I say, nuzzling her neck. “Best lunch break I’ve ever had.”
“Glad I could be of service,” she teases. “I better get out of here before I get you in trouble.”
“Yeah, probably,” I agree, even though the last thing I want is for her to leave.
“I’ll see you tonight,” she says, kissing me one last time.
“I’ll be counting the minutes,” I reply, earning another smile.
She slips out of the room, and I lean against the wall, a smile on my face. I’ve never felt so alive, so connected to another person. I know it’s only been a few weeks, but I can’t imagine my life without Jane in it. She’s everything I’ve ever wanted and more.
That thought scares the shit out of me, and my eyes spring open just as soon as it comes to mind. I’ve never felt this way about anyone, and I’m not sure what to do about it. I’ve never been a relationship guy. I’ve always been the love ‘em and leave ‘em type. But with Jane, it’s different. I can’t imagine being with anyone else now that I’ve found her.
The realization makes me want to run for the hills, but I know I can’t do that. I can’t walk away from her and hurt her again. Besides, she’ll be leaving very soon. Whatever time we have left, I want to spend it with her.
I take a deep breath and push myself away from the wall. I need to get back to work. I’ve got a lot to do before the day is over. But as I make my way back to the front of the shop, I can’t help but smile. Even if things don’t work out between us, I’ll always have these memories.
For the rest of the afternoon, I can’t stop thinking about her. The way she looks at me, the way she laughs, the way she feels in my arms. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before, and it’s both exhilarating and terrifying.
When it’s time to close up shop, I’m the first one out the door. I can’t wait to get home and see her.