19. Nineteen
Nineteen
Tessa
A fter my epiphany at the hospital, the urge to see Jake was almost overwhelming.
The need to touch him and reassure myself that this thing between us is real was so strong it simply couldn’t wait.
So, after I dropped my mother off at home, making sure my dad was around to care for her, I got back into my car and headed straight to his job site.
When I enter the newly erected bungalow, I run straight into Carter, who looks pleasantly surprised to see me.
I ignore the knowing smirk he exchanges with one of his co-workers while he points me in the right direction and make my way into the basement.
Following the incessant whizzing sound to the back corner of the building, I come to an abrupt halt at the sight of Jake in his element.
Good Lord, he rocks a tool belt like no other.
I’m such a sucker for him in his work getup, all dirty and sweaty from a long day of labor.
I think it’s sexy as hell that he’s not above getting his hands dirty, even though he can most likely afford to take a step back and solely focus on running things.
But that’s never been him. Jake likes the physical aspect of his job.
He enjoys being part of a team—part of the process—and I respect and admire him even more for it.
Seems to me I like a man in charge, in and out of the bedroom.
I take a few more minutes to gawk at him while he’s unaware of my lingering form and marvel at the effortless way he’s screwing a sheet of drywall to the naked wood frame.
His muscular back flexes with his movements, and his thin cotton shirt does little to conceal the glory beneath.
“Erm, excuse me? Sir?” Jake’s head whips around, and I see the moment his eyes light up.
The corner of his mouth twitches as he removes a couple of screws he’d pinned between his lips.
His dark hair is covered in drywall dust, and his face is visibly flushed—probably from the strain of lifting heavy sheets and holding them in place by himself—and I want to climb him like a goddamn tree.
“I was wondering if you might be able to assist me? I have a blocked pipe that’s giving me some trouble, and I thought a strong and capable man such as yourself may be able to help a girl out? Of course, you’d be properly compensated for your time and efforts.” His grin widens.
“You’re aware I’m not a plumber, right?” He quirks a brow, looking me up and down in a way that instantly has my core tightening.
I give him a look that says, ‘Just go along with it’, before adding, “I’m aware, but I couldn’t think of anyone I trust more to get the job done right, and I know you have at least some plumbing experience.”
Jake puts his power drill down and makes a show of unbuckling his tool belt before placing it on the ground beside it. When he turns to me fully, his eyes twinkle with mischief.
Gotcha!
“I do, but plumbing is a grueling job, and I’m a big guy.
It’s a challenge for me to maneuver in tight spaces, and I don’t really enjoy the work.
But…” he adds, as he casually leans against the unfinished wall at his back and gives me another slow once-over.
“With the right incentive, I’m sure I could be persuaded. ”
“I see.” I tap a finger against my pursed lips as I pretend to mull things over.
“You know, on second thought, maybe I’ll just have a quick walk-about.
See if I can’t find someone else who’s capable and a little more willing to help a lady out.
After all, a smart woman considers all her options.
” I shoot him a challenging look as I turn and slowly make my way toward the door, adding a little extra swing in my step.
There’s an undeniable hunger in his eyes as they drop to my backside, and his expression morphs into a devilish half-smile that makes his dimples pop.
God, I love that smile. It’s lethal and heart-stoppingly beautiful.
Probably because he so rarely allows anyone to experience its full effect, so when it happens, it’s like witnessing the most beautiful sunrise.
“Hold up, ma’am,” he calls after me, pushing himself off the wall and stalking toward me like a dangerous predator, all sleek lines and single-minded focus. I retreat until my back meets resistance and peer up at him with an expectant look.
Jake slaps a palm to the wall just above my head and leans in.
I fight the urge to sniff the air as his masculine scent envelops me and slowly begins working its magic.
Clean and woodsy, with a hint of cinnamon.
Big Red, I recall. His favorite gum. It’s a heady combination, and I want to lick into his mouth to taste his familiar spicy flavor.
“Let me save you some time, miss,” he drawls in a low, sensual rumble as his hot breath fans across my skin.
“I can assure you, none of these bozos up there can take care of your needs. I may not be a professional, but what I lack in experience, I make up for in perseverance. I don’t quit until the job is done.
Customer satisfaction is one hundred percent guaranteed.
” Jake leans in even closer as his lips ghost over the tender skin of my throat, making me shiver all over.
Someone gives a quiet moan, and I realize that someone is me when he chuckles against my flesh.
“Why don’t you head over to my house while I clean up here and make sure the equipment needed to help you with your little problem is in good working order?
” He bends at the knees and presses himself into me, letting me know, in no uncertain terms, that his equipment seems to be working just fine.
“We better hurry because every second we don’t deal with your situation, the pressure is building, and if we don’t give that blocked pipe some relief, it might burst prematurely.
Trust me when I tell you, we don’t want that to happen. ”
I can’t help but laugh at his colorful description, even as my eyes almost roll into the back of my head when he grazes my earlobe with his teeth.
“Why not?” I deliver the breathy question, trying my best to keep my wits about me.
I hate how easy it was for him to gain the upper hand.
Jake’s fingers dig into my hip before his other hand disappears under the hem of my shirt and begins its torturous journey north, over my taut abdomen and the swell of my breasts.
He gently tugs on my nipples, a part of my body he seems to have a special fondness for .
“Well,” he rasps, setting my nerve endings on fire with his ministrations.
“Once that pipe bursts, it’s going to take me some time to source out alternatives.
We’d have to halt the job until we can get our hands on a new one, and sometimes that can take a while.
Now, seeing as I’m a professional, I don’t like twiddling my thumbs,” he whispers, brushing his mouth across mine and giving my bottom lip a nip.
“I like to keep myself busy, so I guess I could inspect the rest of your plumbing while we wait for the pressure to rebuild. I might even have to give my plunger a try. You see, most people don’t use them right.
In order for it to be effective, you have to submerge it completely.
Make sure it’s inserted directly into the opening, then give quick…
” he presses into me once more. “Concentrated thrusts without breaking the seal. It might take a little while, but eventually, we’ll drain that blockage of yours, and if you’re lucky—”
“Stop,” I beg, shaking with the inhuman effort of trying to hold back my laughter. I push at his chest, setting him back several steps as I wipe the tears from my eyes. And there it is again. That full-blown smile, both dimples on display, eyes sparkling with mirth.
“Too much?” he asks, cocking his head and cupping the bulge in his pants to adjust himself .
“What killed the mood? Was it the plunger or the part about draining your blockage?”
I crack up again, releasing a very unladylike snort while I slap at his chest. “God, I haven’t laughed like this in years,” I admit while I hold his amused eyes.
“Well, I’m glad you find me so entertaining because I’ve missed that laugh.
A little word to the wise, though. I’m all for a little dirty talk to get the engines going, but you might want to lead with something hotter than plumbing issues.
Maybe go with a sexy librarian next time.
We could pretend I was a naughty boy and failed to return my books on time.
I have a few ideas about how that particular scenario might play out. ”
“I bet you do,” I say, slinging my arms around his neck and beaming up at him with adoration. “How about I take you up on that offer to wait at your place? I might just cook you dinner, while I think of a sexier opening for our next dirty-talk session.”
“Sounds delightful,” he mumbles as he leaves a trail of open-mouthed kisses between my neck and shoulder. “Give me an hour to finish up and I’ll meet you there.”
I go to turn away but give a sound of surprise when he lays a smack to my backside.
“I can’t wait to sink my teeth into those tight cheeks,” he growls, making my pussy react with a subtle throb .
“Mr. Nelson,” I tsk, giving him my sternest look.
“That’s no way to talk to a lady. And if you think putting on the charm will get me to drop those late fees, you’re sorely mistaken.
” I stride out of the room, turning just before I reach the stairs leading out of the dark basement.
“I expect you at the library within the hour, ready to make up for your tardiness.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he snaps, digging his teeth into his full bottom lip as he gives me an appreciative look that sets my cheeks on fire.
I try hard not to break every speed limit as I race to my parent’s house and rummage through every piece of clothing I’d brought from LA in search of something suitable for our little role play.
I’m a mess of giddy anticipation by the time I sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese onto my signature Cajun chicken bake and shove it into the oven.
Wearing nothing more than a skirt that might as well be an oversized belt and a sheer blouse that leaves very little to the imagination, I try to remember the last time I’ve had this much fun.