Charlie
As hard as I try,I can’t keep my eyes off of Mick. His white t-shirt clings to his muscles as he twists the wrench, tightening the valves under the kitchen sink. I twirl a lock of hair around my finger, wondering what those strong arms would feel like wrapped around me.
“Could you hand me that little white piece of piping?” He asks, and I jump into action. I hope I grab the right piece, then squat and pass it to him. He peers down at me and shoots me the sexiest half-smile. “Thanks,” he says.
“No prob.” Quickly, I stand and head back to the front of the store. The street lights flicker on as I do, and I head over to lower the blinds. We’re closed for the day, but since Mick wanted to stick around and finish fixing the sink, I thought it only proper I stay with him.
Proper, my ass. You just want to watch him work.
I squeeze the thought from my mind, mainly because I know how true it is. I grab a towel and wipe down the tables for the second time since closing.
Growing up in Thunder Mountain, Minnesota, I thought I knew everyone in this small town. I’d never even heard of Mick Toliver until he’d walked into my shop a week ago, but now any time I mention his name, the look on people’s faces tells me I’m about the only one who hadn’t. The words, bad seed, nothing but trouble, horrible family all spew from their lips. Though, it seems no one actually knows him personally. Not that I do, either, but I’m trying to remedy that.
It’s crossed my mind that maybe Cameron knew him, or at least one of his brothers.
I hate when my ex-husband crosses my mind.
You don’t expect your high school sweetheart to leave you after three years of marriage. Granted, it was my dream to open the cafe, but he could’ve said something. He’d always joked about moving to Tennessee to be a singer-songwriter, but he said it with such jest that it was hard to take him seriously. When he came to me and told me that not only was he moving to Nashville, but he was moving with Clara, a woman we’d graduated with, my entire world fell apart. He said my heart was too invested in the business and not enough in our marriage. I think it was an excuse to start over, to leave the town I love, and he loathes.
That was six months ago, and here I am, still struggling to pick up the pieces. Emotionally, I’m feeling fine—I don’t need a man to validate me. Physically, I feel like I could fall apart. Luckily, Mick has been a godsend, doing all the little things that I don’t have time to do. And more…
He’s grade-A eye candy, too. My whole body reacts when I’m around him, turning my brain to mush like a schoolgirl and her completely unattainable crush. It’s probably for the best. I clearly can’t keep a man and my business. I guess I can’t have my sticky bun and eat it, too.
“Charlie?” I gasp, surprised by Mick’s low voice.
“Hey,” I say. “How’s it going in there?”
“It’s all fixed.” He wipes his hands on his jeans and licks his full lips. “Wanna come take a look?” I nod, thinking of how I’d like to take a look at him without that shirt on. I bet his muscles would put a superhero to shame.
Mick’s tools are still strewn about the kitchen. I dodge them as he leads me over to the sink. He turns the hot water handle, and I can’t help but drool over his softball-sized forearms. The water runs for a moment before steam rises from its stream. “Look at that,” I say, leaning closer. “Finally, hot water runs again.”
“I told you I could fix it.” He looks down at me with steely gray eyes. I didn’t even know eyes could be that color.
“You certainly did,” I say, crossing my arms over my chest. “I’m sorry it took so long.”
“It’s really not a problem,” he turns off the faucet and leans against the sink. “Between you and me, I don’t really have too many places to be.”
“Are you staying with your family?”
An unreadable look crosses his face but disappears before I have a chance to analyze it. “No, I got an apartment right down the street.”
“Oh, you’re living in downtown Thunder?”
“Sure enough.” He doesn’t look pleased, and I don’t ask why. It’s really none of my business. He is, after all, my employee—my very hot, very sexy employee. Our eyes lock and for a moment, I think he’s going to lean down and kiss me. My heart rate picks up, and I lick my lips. When he turns away, I realize that I’m living in a one-woman fantasy show. A man like Mick, reformed or not, doesn’t go for women like me. I’m plain, predictable, and would rather spend the night watching Netflix or reading a good Cozy Mystery than hitting the bars or going to a party. From what I’ve heard, Mick’s quite the man about town—or at least, he used to be.
“Again, I’m sorry to have kept you.” I step away from the sink. “Can I help you clean up?” When I look back over at Mick, he’s staring at me in a way that makes my panties drench. At this moment, I realize how alone the two of us actually are, and I can’t tell if it intimidates me or turns me on in a way I’ve never felt. Either way, I’m not ashamed to admit that I like it.
“I’ve got the cleanup,” he says and takes a step toward me. Chills erupt all over my body. “But I could use the company.” He sucks the air in through his teeth. “It’s strange to admit this.” His chiseled features could’ve been carved by the gods themselves. “But it’s been a little lonely since I got out of prison.”
Another wave of wetness floods my panties. A subtle pulsing in my core causes me to let out a long exhale. “Oh?”
“I’ve been so pent-up,” he says, clenching his jaw. “I hope it’s okay that I’m talking to you about this.”
I nod, causing my ponytail to bob like some sort of bird. “It’s okay.”
“I never thought that coming back here would be so difficult.”
“Really?” I clear my throat, feeling brave. “Can I do anything to help?” Like…let you throw me on the table and fuck me until morning?
He raises his brow. “Actually, just being around you helps…” His words fade, and I’m certain he’s going to lean down and kiss me. I prep myself, steadying my knees—but a knock at the door breaks the spell.