Chapter 2
CHAPTER TWO
OLIVIA
I slowly release the air in my lungs and watch him step back before getting to work on the spare tire. It’s been way too long since I’ve felt anything remotely close to what my body is feeling now.
With his back to me, I take the time to admire the creation God made when he decided to put this temptation on Earth.
He’s much taller than my five-foot-seven frame.
He has to be close to six-three with the way he towers over me.
A grey t-shirt molds to his sculpted chest as I watch the muscles in his arms expand and stretch as he loosens the tire off the rack.
His dark hair is longer with a slight wave to it, giving him the sexy bedhead look without even trying. A lock has fallen across his forehead, and I find myself wanting to run my fingers through his thick hair and tousle it up even more.
Stunning grey eyes with dark lashes turn briefly and meet mine as a slight smirk plays on lips that should be illegal.
They are full and pink with a small lip ring that matches the one on his eyebrow.
I don’t even hide the fact that I’m checking him out, and he knows it.
It’s not like I’m going to see him again, so I might as well memorize what will undoubtedly be on my mind later when I’m alone in bed.
He finally breaks eye contact and easily lifts the tire off the back door before setting it against the jeep and getting to work on jacking up the front end of the vehicle.
I should look away or at least pretend I find him unattractive and repulsive, but I can’t.
He’s got me under this hypnotic spell that I can’t seem to break away from.
Everything about him is oozing bad boy, and it’s the one thing I crave but know I should never touch again.
His body is a work of art covered in ink swirls and patterns so detailed that all I want to do is run my fingers along his skin and study every black line and image.
They extend onto his hands and weave around both arms, letting me know that under that t-shirt he’s wearing, there must be more.
One slightly etches up the side of his neck before disappearing where his hair lies.
“You know…,” he says, his deep voice breaking me out of my trance as he continues to replace my tire.
“For someone who doesn’t want to deal with a random guy hitting on you, you sure are putting out some major fuck me vibes .
” He turns his head, and a smile plays on his face.
“If you see something you want, all you have to do is ask. I might even say yes if you ask nicely.”
I should be shocked at his boldness, but I have a feeling this guy always gets what he wants and never has to try hard.
“Are you always this cocky?” I tilt my head and peer at him.
“Just because I’m watching you change my tire doesn’t mean I want to sleep with you.
You’re not my type.” I swallow down the lie because it couldn’t be further from the truth.
He’s exactly the type I usually go for, and all it gets me is heartbreak, and I told you so from my mom and sister.
“And what exactly is your type?” He tightens the lug nuts on the spare with an amused look on his face .
“Everything you’re not,” I say, crossing my arms across my chest, determined to see this lie out to the very end.
Chuckling, he shakes his head with a grin, and butterflies flutter in my stomach as I hug myself tighter.
Damn that smile .
Why can’t I be attracted to nice bankers or accountants? Someone safe that doesn’t walk around with sex dripping off of them and girls dropping their panties as soon as he walks through the door.
My eyes briefly glance at his left hand. He’s not wearing a wedding ring, but that doesn’t mean a damn thing. I’ve learned the hard way that guys who look like him let you see and believe what they want you to.
It doesn’t matter anyway because my tire’s almost done, and I plan on getting as far away from him as possible before I do something stupid and repeat old patterns.
“Well, that has to be a lie. I’m everyone’s type,” he grins widely, causing me to roll my eyes yet again. He lowers the jeep and removes the jack before standing up.
“Exactly my point. I have no interest in joining your fan club.” I check my watch and see it’s five.
Shit .
I forgot to let Miss Beth know I would be running late. “I need to make that call,” I say, walking toward the front seat where my cell phone is.
I yank open the door and lean over, rummaging in my purse for my phone.
I hear the back door shut as he finishes putting the flat tire in, and suddenly, the air gets thick as a shadow blocks the sun from behind.
Heat pricks my skin, and even though I can’t see him right now, I feel every bit of gaze on my body and can almost pinpoint it like a map as I feel his eyes wander over me.
I take a deep breath, trying to calm my heartbeat that’s racing like I’m running for my life…and maybe I am. Finally finding my phone in the bottom of my purse, I pull it free and brace myself as I stand up and turn around.
He’s watching me with such intensity that it takes me a moment to find my voice.
“All done?”
“All done.” He gives me a slight smile before gazing down the road, deep in thought, before focusing on me again.
“My brother, Ryder, owns a car restoration shop here in town called Ryder’s Restores.
They don’t usually do basic tire changes, but tell him his better-looking brother sent you, and he’ll hook you up with a good tire.
” He grins and winks at me...and damn if my heart doesn’t skip a beat.
He has a brother. Great. Now there are two of them in this town.
“I’ve driven by there and know the place. I’ll try to stop by soon,” I say, even though I’m already planning on staying far away from anything remotely tied to him.
“Good,” he nods.
“I need to get going,” I say quickly, wanting to get out of this close proximity before I do something stupid like press myself against him so I can have a taste of what his body feels like against mine.
I shake my head to clear the intrusive thought away.
“Let me at least pay you for your time before I go.”
I turn to reach for my wallet, and he steps closer, stopping my movements. His arm comes up on the door frame, blocking me in, and suddenly, I find myself consumed by his presence. He smells of sandalwood and leather, and all I want to do is bottle it up and savor it forever.
“I’m not taking your money,” he shakes his head slowly. “What’s your name?” He asks softly, his eyes lowering to my lips and back up to meet mine.
“Olivia,” I whisper .
“Olivia,” he repeats, slowly testing it on his lips. Just hearing my name coming from him has me wishing for things I have no business wanting. “Well, Olivia, it’s been a pleasure meeting you. I guess this is goodbye…unless there is something else I can help you with?”
The playfulness in his eyes has me smiling before I can stop myself.
“So she does smile,” he grins, and my smile goes wider at the sight. “And, of course, you have to have dimples because why not torture me more,” he groans, causing me to laugh.
“I’m not about to feel sorry for you in the slightest. I’m sure you have no problem finding women to warm your bed.”
“Maybe I only like girls named Olivia with hazel eyes and a cute nose piercing with dimples so sexy that all I want to do is see how they would feel against my lips.”
“God, you’re good,” I laugh softly. “This may surprise you because I’m sure most girls would be on their knees right now for you, but I’m not interested. Like I said before, you’re not my type.” I sit down in the jeep and grab the door handle as I wait for him to move so I can shut it.
He looks surprised as he takes a step back so I can close the door. His lips twitch at the corners as he rubs a hand over his light scruff.
“So this is it? You’re not even going to give me your number?”
I start the jeep and peer up at him through the open window as I put my sunglasses on.
“I’ll think about it. If fate decides to bring us together again, maybe you’ll have better luck next time, lover boy.
” I grin and pull onto the road, leaving him standing there.
Glancing in the rearview mirror, I see him shake his head.
His handsome face is etched with bewilderment as he watches me drive away.
When he’s finally out of sight, I breathe deeply for the first time since I saw him. I don’t know how I had the strength to fight what was clearly being offered to me on a platter, but I did. He’s a one-way ticket to heartbreak, and I don’t have any desire to go down that route again.
You can tell he’s not used to being turned down, and his whole demeanor screams fuckboy.
No, thank you.
I won’t be messed with again, and besides, I’ve already got the love of my life at home, and we don’t need anyone else. Speaking of home, I quickly dial Miss Beth’s number. I’m never late, so she has to be worried.
“Hi dear,” she says, answering on the second ring. “Is everything okay? I tried calling but got your voicemail.”
I smile at Miss Beth’s sweet voice. We moved in next door to her a month ago, and I fell in love right away with the small elderly lady who brought us an apple pie to welcome us to the neighborhood. I didn’t even know people still did that, and it warmed my heart to see.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you worry. I got a flat tire, but I’m on my way home now. Is everything okay at the house?”
“Everything is good here. You don’t have to worry about a thing.”
“Thank you. I’ll see you soon, then.”
We say our goodbyes, and I sigh against the headrest. I knew moving here would be harder without my family to help me, but I needed a fresh start. I needed somewhere I could breathe…somewhere away from the hustle and bustle of the city.