Chapter 15
Chapter Fifteen
The hot sun beat down on them as Helena kneeled next to the tire of her Honda Civic. Her black high-waisted shorts were quickly becoming a distraction as her skull tank top threatened to expose her heaving breasts. Next to them was her brand-new black backpack full of the items that Grayson deemed necessary to be always in her possession when away from him. After hearing of her struggle of changing her tire with just her tools that came with her car, he gifted her with a breaker bar to make it easier on her small frame.
“Good job, baby, make sure your hand is on top for stability.”
Helena listened and kept her black-tipped fingers securely at the top of the tool.
“Like that, Daddy?”
“Mhm. Now pull, use all your weight. You can step on it if you need to.”
She grunted but managed to loosen the tight lug nuts one by one and then unscrew them by hand.
“Wow, that is easier than a wrench!” She twirled the simple tool in her hands, grinning. “Where has this been all my life?”
“Where have you been all my life?” He licked his lips watching his girl adeptly use her tools. There was something so goddamn attractive about watching her get dirty as he walked her through other steps in relation to her car.
“Now where are you going to keep your tool set?”
He cocked his head toward the purple set he had also purchased for her.
“In the trunk?”
“Nope. Back seat. I’d rather you have it within arm’s reach so you won’t have to get out.” He shook his head and made sure she placed it where he told her.
“I took the liberty of filling up your bag too. No more going without enough water throughout your day, baby. You have some other water bottles which I expect you to replenish regularly, and some protein bars. I got you spare clothes too.”
She bit her lip and shifted her feet as she played with her torque wrench.
“Daddy, that’s a lot. I feel bad. I can reimburse you!” She leaned into the car for her purse, likely to procure her wallet.
A quick pop on her shorts-clad behind fixed that.
“Hey!”
“This is what I want to do for you, baby. You’ll pay me nothing.”
“But—”
He held up a finger, a single warning that closed her lips.
Helena obeyed, and his chest swelled.
“Can you think of anything else you’d need in your bag?” Grayson asked, letting his fingers trail over her tattooed thigh.
“Tampons?”
“That’s good. I wasn’t sure which you preferred actually, I was going to ask you so I could keep some in your drawer in the bathroom.” Grayson’s casual mention of her intimate items, and the idea of moving more of her things into his house made her blush.
“Daddy—”
He held up another finger. “One more protest and I’m going to bend you over this car, tug those cute little shorts down and spank your ass.”
All red in the face now, she nodded and let him list any more emergency items she would need.
Once Grayson was sure she knew how to use her new breaker bar, he allowed her to release the jack and pack all of her new tools in her car.
“Thank you.” She took his hands but pulled away when she remembered how dirty hers had become.
He pulled her wrist back and refused to let her go.
“You’re welcome, princess. This is my job. To protect you and make sure you’re safe.”
A squeal in the distance snapped them from each other’s attention and a little girl riding a tricycle ahead of her father turned the corner. He immediately recognized her as Rebecca, the four-year-old who lived down the street.
“Hi, Mr. Grayson! Look at me!”
She sped up on her bike, proudly braking in front of them with a massive smile.
“That’s great! You’re doing really well!”
Rebecca’s father stopped and said hello, his gaze lingering a second too long on Helena, but the little girl looked at her and waved.
“Hi! I’m Becky! Are you Mr. Grayson’s wife?”
Helena’s mouth opened, as if the answer was right on her tongue, but she was immediately cut off.
“No, Becky, she’s probably his nurse. Hey, how are you?” The man held out his hand, which Helena did not take. She stepped even closer to the refuge of Grayson’s hand instead.
The corner of his mouth tilted.
Good girl.
“No. I’m not his nurse. I’m not anyone’s nurse. We’re together.” She avoided his gaze as he attempted to converse with her, lifting her chin in defiance.
It stung like a bitch. This happened every single time with his last relationships. And each time, the person was shocked when informed that the woman in question was indeed not his aide or his nurse. Maybe he couldn’t blame people for not knowing any better. Maybe he could for being ignorant. But what good was it to waste his energy being angry when he spent so many years embittered?
“Ohhhh, like a boyfriend and girlfriend!”
“That’s right, Becky. She’s all mine. I don’t need anyone to nurse me.” He let a hand travel over her hip as he pulled Helena closer, maintaining clear eye contact with the girl’s father. Her left hand found the back of his neck, slightly reddened by the sun. What would it feel like when she would wear his ring?
Grayson couldn’t help but imagine a delicate little silver band, with a black stone. A raw stone, not the polished lab created ones. A crystal for his bride. The thought made his heart rate accelerate. Helena sharing his bed, his life, his last name.
“Oh… I didn’t know. I just figured…”
His neighbor pocketed his hands, wisely choosing not to say another word.
The man backed away, nodding his head in embarrassment. Grayson almost wished he had left a mark on her so the world would know to keep away.
Their eyes found one another again. Her chocolate rings stared back at him.
“Don’t worry, sweetheart, I’m going to be his wife one day.” Helena stood proud as she let the words spill from her lips, not just geared toward the little girl.
“Oh, uh… good for you guys I guess?” Her father sheepishly averted his eyes.
Grayson bit the inside of his cheek to stop himself from hauling her over his lap and carrying her inside. His wife.
She wanted to be his wife.
“Bye bye, Mr. Grayson and Miss Helena!” Rebecca peddled away and her father jogged behind with his tail between his legs, leaving them in blessed silence. Her hand was lingering on the back of his neck, almost as if she needed it for support after her statement.
“She’s cute,” Helena almost whispered.
“Yes.” Grayson’s skin heated up, not just because of the summer sun.
Her pale cheeks were beginning to pink up, and he took the cue to usher her inside and get her in the AC.
“Get in the house, sweetie. In the bath with you.”
He tapped her bottom again, and she swiftly complied.