Chapter 20
CHAPTER TWENTY
JAKE
The morning sun streams through the workshop’s skylights as I lean against my workbench, nursing my second coffee and watching Stella through her office window.
She’s been at her desk for an hour already, completely absorbed in whatever spreadsheet she’s working on, her red hair catching the light each time she moves.
Even from here I can see the little furrow between her eyebrows when she’s concentrating, and it makes me want to walk over and smooth it away with my thumb.
Fuck, I’ve got it bad. Three months officially together and I’m still besotted like a teenager with his first crush.
“Earth to Kinky Batman,” José calls from under the hood of a ‘68 Camaro, voice muffled by the engine bay. “You’re doing that creepy staring thing again.”
“It’s not creepy,” I defend, still looking at Stella. “It’s appreciative observation.”
“That’s a fancy way of saying creepy staring,” Asher points out as he walks past with a paint gun. “Seriously, mate, it’s like watching a nature doco. ‘Here we see the lovesick mechanic in his natural habitat, unable to look away from his mate.’”
“You lot are just jealous,” I reply, finally turning back to the engine rebuild I’m supposed to be working on.
“Jealous of what? The way you moon over her like a lost puppy?” Parker asks with a grin, not looking up from the electrical system he’s diagnosing.
“The way she’s got you completely whipped,” Chase chuckles, emerging from his office with a stack of work orders. “Remember when you used to be cool, Jake? Before you fell head over arse for our boss?”
“I’m still cool,” I protest weakly.
“Mate,” Robert says, lifting his welding mask and shaking his head, “yesterday you spent ten minutes describing the way she laughs to a customer who didn’t ask. That’s not cool. That’s whipped.”
“There’s nothing wrong with being whipped,” Rhys chimes in from where he’s rewiring a dash. “It’s actually kind of sweet.”
“Thank you, Rhys. At least someone around here has sense.”
“Sweet, yes,” he goes on with a grin, “but also obvious to everyone within a fifty-kilometre radius. You light up like a Christmas tree every time she walks in.”
Before I can defend myself, the subject of their amusement walks out of her office, tablet in hand and a determined set to her mouth.
She’s wearing a black pencil skirt that hugs every curve and a blue blouse that makes her eyes look even greener.
Even after months of seeing her every day, the sight of her still knocks the breath out of me.
“Morning, boys,” she says, soft and sweet. “I need to go over next week’s schedule. We’ve got three major deliveries, two new client consults, and the Manson’s anniversary car needs to be finished by Friday.”
“Yes, boss,” comes the chorus from around the workshop, and I can see the small smile that tugs at her lips. She still gets a kick out of the respect she commands here, and rightfully so.
“Jake,” she adds, turning those green eyes on me, “I need you to prioritise the engine rebuild on the ‘69 Mustang. The client’s flying in specifically to see it next week.”
“Already on it,” I reply, gesturing to the partially assembled engine on my workbench. “Should have it finished by Wednesday.”
“Perfect.” She makes a note on her tablet, and I find myself watching the way her fingers move across the screen—remembering those same fingers tangled in my hair last night. “Also, Arden’s called a team meeting for this arvo. Something about a special presentation.”
“What kind of presentation?” Chase asks, glancing at me before steering his gaze back to Stella. We both know exactly what it is, and excitement tightens my chest.
“He didn’t specify,” Stella says with a shrug. “Just said everyone needs to be here at four.”
She heads back to her office, and the speculation starts.
“Think it’s bonuses?” José asks hopefully.
“New equipment?” Asher suggests. “That paint booth’s been playing up.”
“Second location?” Parker offers. “Business has boomed since Stella took over.”
I keep working, pretending disinterest while counting down to four.
Arden’s been planning this surprise for weeks, ever since he decided Stella deserved recognition for everything she’s accomplished.
The woman has transformed not just the workshop but all our lives, and she has no idea what’s coming.
The morning passes quickly, filled with the usual banter and the satisfying rhythm of mechanical work. Around noon, Stella emerges again, this time looking slightly frazzled.
“Has anyone seen the Manson file?” she asks, scanning the workshop. “I swear I left it on my desk, but it’s not there.”
“Check Chase’s office,” I suggest. “He was reviewing the final inspection notes.”
She nods and heads towards Chase’s office, and I can’t help watching the sway of her hips as she walks. The woman moves with a confidence that wasn’t there when she first started working here, and it’s sexy as hell.
“You’re doing it again,” Robert says, amused.
“Doing what?”
“The staring. With the dopey expression.”
“I don’t have a dopey expression.”
“You absolutely do,” Asher confirms. “Like you’re seeing her for the first time—every time.”
Maybe I am. Every day I notice something new: the way she hums under her breath when she’s happy; how she bites her bottom lip when she’s thinking; the tiny victory dance when she solves a tricky problem. Three months in and she still surprises me—still makes me fall a little harder every day.
“Can you blame me?” I ask, not bothering to deny it anymore. “Look at her.”
We all turn as Stella emerges from Chase’s office, file in hand, looking triumphant. She’s gorgeous, sure, but it’s more than that. It’s how she carries herself, the sharp mind, the passion she brings to everything.
“She is pretty spectacular,” Parker admits.
“More than pretty,” I correct. “She’s brilliant. She’s increased our profit margin by thirty per cent in three months—and did it while learning a whole new industry.”
“Here he goes,” José mutters, but he’s smiling.
“She works harder than any of us and still makes time to check on everyone, make sure we’re all okay.”
“Jake,” Chase says gently, appearing at my elbow, “we know. We all love her too.”
“But not like I do,” I blurt, heat hitting my face.
“Aww,” comes the chorus from around the workshop.
“Did Kinky Batman just admit he’s in love?” José crows.
“Finally,” Asher adds. “We’ve been waiting for you to say it out loud.”
“I’ve said it before.”
“To her, maybe,” Chase points out. “But this is the first time you’ve said it to us.”
I rake a hand through my hair, suddenly feeling exposed. “Yeah, well. I am. In love with her, I mean. Completely, stupidly, head-over-heels in love.”
“About bloody time you admitted it,” Robert says with a grin. “Now maybe you can stop mooning over her long enough to actually get some work done.”
The arvo flies. By three-thirty I’m practically vibrating with anticipation. Arden texted an hour ago to confirm everything was ready, and I’ve been watching the clock.
At exactly four we gather in the main bay. Stella looks curious but not suspicious, which is exactly what we were hoping for. Arden arrives a few minutes later, dressed in his usual attire. Bow-tie and all.
“Right,” he begins, “I know you’re all wondering why I called this meeting. It’s because I want to recognise someone who has made an extraordinary contribution to this business.”
Stella shifts beside me, probably assuming this is about one of the boys. She has no idea she’s the guest of honour.
“Three months ago,” Arden continues, “we hired someone for basic admin. What we got instead was a complete transformation of how we operate.”
I see the moment Stella realises he’s talking about her. Her eyes widen; a flush creeps up her neck.
“Stella,” he says, turning to her, “you’ve increased efficiency, improved client relationships, and turned us from chaos into a legitimate business. You’ve exceeded every expectation.”
“Arden—” she starts, embarrassed by the attention, but he lifts a hand.
“Which is why,” he continues, pulling a set of keys from his pocket, “I wanted to show my appreciation with something special.”
The roller door opens, and a delivery driver gestures us to follow him outside. Stella looks bewildered as we file into the car park.
Sitting there, gleaming in the afternoon sun, is a brand-new BMW 3 Series in the exact shade of red I suggested. Sleek. Sophisticated. Powerful. Perfect for her.
Stella stops dead in her tracks, her mouth falling open. “What… what is this?”
“Your new company car,” Arden says, beaming, offering the keys. “A thank-you for everything you’ve done.”
“I can’t—Arden, this is too much.” She shakes her head, backing away like the keys might bite. “I can’t accept this.”
“Of course you can,” I encourage, stepping closer. “You deserve this, Stella. You’ve earned it.”
“Jake’s right,” Chase adds. “You’ve worked miracles around here.”
“We all agree,” José chimes in. “You should have something reliable to drive.”
“But it’s a BMW,” she protests, her voice a little strangled. “Do you know how much these cost?”
“Less than what you’ve saved us in improved efficiency,” Arden replies smoothly. “And you represent the company when you meet with clients. You should be driving something that reflects your position.”
I see her wavering—practical nature wrestling with obvious desire for the beautiful car. She walks towards the car and runs her fingers over the bonnet with something like reverence.
“It’s red,” she says quietly.
“Jake’s suggestion,” Arden admits. “Said it matched your personality.”
She turns to me and the look on her face tightens my chest—surprise, gratitude, and something deeper. The recognition that I know her well enough to choose the perfect colour.
“You did this?” she asks.
“Arden did this,” I correct. “I just helped with the specifics.”
“I helped,” Chase adds. “Team effort.”