by K E Osborn
I find myself lost in his sensual voice, and it takes a few seconds to realize he’s stopped talking. I shake my head to snap out of my trance. “Of course.” I check our availability. “We’ve had a cancellation this afternoon. We can fit you in for a consultation. One of our mechanics and a body repair technician can take a look at your vehicle and give you an estimate.”
“Great. What time?”
I find myself starting to imagine what this man looks like. Dusky blond hair, broad shoulders, chiseled jaw, maybe?
“Say about two o’clock? Bob and Mark will be free then. Please park your vehicle in the parking lot out the front. Then come into the main office and ask for Jeni. I’ll get everything straightened out for you.”
He doesn’t need to come into the main office. Let’s face it, he could go straight to the repair shop. But for some reason, I want to see this mystery man with the gorgeous voice.
“Excellent, see you then.”
I smile a huge childish grin. “See you then, Mr. O’Connell.”
We both end the call, and my mood lifts. I don’t know why, but I’m excited to see this Aiden O’Connell. I know nothing about him other than his voice is mesmerizing. Maybe I’m losing my damn mind today?
I spend the next few hours invoicing, photocopying, and doing other mundane activities, and then decide to email Sarah to see how things are going at home.
To: Sarah Carlisle
From: Jenifer Taylor
Subject: Surfer God
Hey Sez,
Imagine my surprise this morning seeing that manly eye candy in our kitchen stealing all the milk! So I missed my morning coffee, then had a minor car accident and spilled said coffee all over my new white blouse. So you can picture how good I look today! Please don’t worry, I’m fine, no need to panic. Needless to say, that’s made my morning eventful.
Anyway, I hope your day is far more exciting than mine has been!
Also, can you grab some more milk… please. :)
P.S. Is he any good???
I giggle to myself as I imagine her reaction to the car accident. She’ll be panicked, and then when she reads about the spillage of coffee all over me, she’ll be in hysterics—my friends always see the funny side of my misfortunes.
I get back to my work, answer the phone a few more times, and look up at the clock. Only twenty minutes have passed since the last time I checked. I huff and continue working until the shop alarm rings. It’s twelve-thirty, and the guys will swarm the lunchroom soon. I have to get in there before all of the food is gone, and they make their usual mess, which, somehow, I always end up cleaning.
Luckily, I make my way to the fridge before them. I pull out a sandwich and a can of soda, all provided by the company. Every day they supply lunch for their twelve employees. I shut the refrigerator door, and as I turn around Tim walks past blowing me a kiss. Normally it’s customary for me to catch it as the high-pitch tenor of cackling laughter filters through the space.
“Same joke, every day, Tim. It gets a little boring,” I grunt, louder than my usual voice.
When I turn around, the guys are wide eyed, staring from my intonation. The customary blown kiss happens every day at lunch time, and I usually laugh it off with them, but my moodiness strikes again. I shake my head as the guys start to talk among themselves while I head back to my desk.
I nibble away on my sandwich, checking my email inbox. Twelve new emails! I let out a small huff and begin to open them one by one. Most are junk which I delete one after the other, and then notice a reply from Sarah.
To: Jenifer Taylor
From: Sarah Carlisle
Subject: Surfer God
U were in an accident? R u sure you’re okay? If u have a sore neck or something, u can always claim worker’s comp seeing as you were on your way to work! Lol.
I luv that new white blouse. Is it completely ruined? (By the way, trust u to spill coffee on yourself.) Anyway, that’s enough about u, let’s talk about me.
So Surfer God’s (awesome name by the way) actual name is Chris, and oh man, he’s gorgeous. I don’t know how I landed this one, Jeni! He’s so sexy, nice, sexy, caring, very sexy, considerate, and extremely sexy. He can cook. Oh, and did I forget to say, amazingly sexy? He made me breakfast in bed, even though it was almost midday. Still breakfast, right? I think this one is a keeper, I really do. Fuck Jeni, I’m honestly excited!
And to your P.S. is he any good? I think four orgasms in one session is a pretty good answer, don’t u?
Oh, and Chris says he’s sorry about this morning.
Hope work is going well. What time will u be home?
P.S. Chris just left to go buy some milk for u and more condoms for us. Thought u would like to know that. Lol!
I type out a quick reply, because I need to get back to work and spending all day gossiping with Sarah will get me into trouble with my bosses.
To: Sarah Carlisle
From: Jenifer Taylor
Subject: DON’T FORGET THIS IS WORK EMAIL!!!
Hey Sez,
First things first. Don’t forget you can’t write stuff about ‘climactic events’ or ‘protective measures’ for that matter in case my emails are monitored! I love this job and don’t want to get fired! (That’s a suck-up in case you’re reading this, Mel.)
So, from what I gather, you think he’s only average-looking.
Work’s going well. I snapped at the guys earlier when they did the ritualistic blow me a kiss at lunchtime. They are a HR person’s nightmare. I’ve been in a crappy mood since this morning. I woke up on the wrong side of the bed, I think.
Anyway, I’m going to actually do some work now. Have a ‘fun’ afternoon. Don’t forget to get some studying in. *said in a kind motherly voice* Should be home about five-ish, hopefully. That’s if I don’t have any accidents or coffee spillages on the way home.
xoxo
I glance back up at the clock, the afternoon is getting away from me. I grin because time is flying by, and Aiden O’Connell will be here soon. I’ll finally get to see if his looks match his voice.
Not that appearance is everything, but damn if his voice isn’t one hell of an attraction.
I sit at my desk and look at the clock again—it’s just past two.
“Hmm…”
Aiden’s late. Maybe he’s not going to show up, which is a shame. I’m lost in some paperwork when someone clears their throat, gaining my attention. There, right in front of me, is the man who crashed into me this morning. It’s the idiot who put me in such a foul mood.
“Jeni, I presume?” he asks with a quirky smile on his face, which is unexpectedly attractive.
My mouth opens slightly in surprise as I sit in silence staring at him.
Why the hell is he here?
He speaks again, “I’m sorry about this morning. I see you managed to get most of the stain out of your top. I’d like to pay for a new one, and my insurance will cover the damage to your car, of course.”
I swallow a lump in my throat and squirm in my seat as I realize how hot this guy really is. I’m sure any living, breathing female would feel the same. His dark brown hair sweeps back perfectly, his jawline is well-defined. His magnificently incandescent blue eyes shine at me like they’re looking right into my very soul. My heart rate increases pummeling in my ears. Clenching my thighs together, I gnaw down on my bottom lip. How did I not notice how breathtaking this man was when we met after the crash?
He is, quite frankly, one of the most attractive guys I’ve ever seen and that includes the Surfer God from this morning. In spite of Aiden’s outrageously good looks and cheerful demeanor, the memory of the accident floods my mind. “No, you don’t need to buy me a new top or go out of your way with your insurance. My manager already told me they will repair my car for me. I imagine you’re going to get a ticket from the police for driving without due diligence, so honestly, like I said this morning, I don’t want or need anything from you... thanks, though.”
H
e raises his brow with a mischievous grin. “That’s no way to talk to a potential customer.”
I let out a frustrated sigh, even though I’m distracted by his gorgeous face. “I’m sorry,” I reply. “Can I have the details of your car, please, Mr. O’Connell?”
“If you won’t let me buy you a new top or fix your car, how about lunch?” There’s that grin again.
I quickly shake my head even though I want to nod emphatically. “It’s after two, Mr. O’Connell. I’ve had lunch.” I smile, feeling quite pleased with myself as I stand. “Now, if you don’t mind, the details of your car?”
“I didn’t mean today. I meant tomorrow or the next day or the weekend… whenever you’re free.”
His soft lips stretch up, but the smile doesn’t quite reach his bright eyes. It seems so genuinely sweet with just the right amount of edginess that an unexpected warmth rushes through me.
Is it hot in here?
My cheeks burn as a throb begins between my legs. I look down, pretending to sort through paperwork on my desk, so he can’t witness the redness spreading across my face. “I don’t think I can do lunch. I’m pretty busy.”
As I look back up, he narrows his eyes as if he is thinking hard about what to say next, and he tilts his head slightly. “Dinner then?”
I let out a stifled laugh but quickly gather myself together. “I could really use the details of your car, Mr. O’Connell.”
He grins again. “Jeez, you’re a tough one to crack, Jeni.”
I pull my lip in with my teeth attempting to hide my smile because he does seem sweet. Maybe I overreacted this morning—no, scratch that—I definitely overreacted this morning.
“Okay, how about this? If you give me the pleasure of having dinner with you on Friday night, I’ll give you the details of my car.” He’s very pleased with himself as he grins from ear to ear.
I sigh, considering his deal. Everything in me wants to jump the counter and ravage him. But I swallow hard, tightening my legs together to stop the dull ache building, and bring back my level head. “I don’t know. You’re a potential customer. Surely, there’s some sort of rule about customers and employees dating?”
He laughs, the sound a delight to my ears. “I won’t tell if you don’t.”
My eyes widen as I stand here in shock, contemplating what to say next. I mean, could this amazingly handsome man want to take me out to dinner? Really? I’m not anything like the type of girl I’d imagine he’d be into. He’s so out of my league, and did I mention fucking gorgeous. And me? Well, I’m just your typical plain Jane. I try to think of some witty comeback, but before I know what’s happening, my mouth opens. “Fine! Friday for dinner if it’ll get you to cooperate… please tell me the details of your car?” I take a deep breath and wait for him to reply.
“Great! Friday it is. I have your information from this morning. I’ll call you with the restaurant and time.”
I sit back down in my chair in a dazed shock at how this all happened so quickly. I shake my head with disbelief. “Sure, why not?” It’s all I can manage even though my body language and what’s coming out of my mouth are two different things.
Aiden’s smile reappears as though he’s overcome a huge obstacle and triumphed. He looks nothing like how I imagined him. I find myself staring at his perfect smile. He’s tall, has broad shoulders, and his tailored suit fits him so fucking impeccably it should be illegal. My guess is he’s in his late twenties, and he’s definitely better looking than Sarah’s Chris, which is saying something. He’s pretty much the epitome of tall, dark, and handsome.
And he’s interested in me? This is strange. Something’s not right.
As I pull myself together and stop staring, I remember work needs to be done.
“So, Mr. O’Connell, can I get the details of your car, please?” I ask as he smiles brightly at me.
“Do you need me to write it down?”
“I’ve worked here for a while. I think I can remember the make and model of your car, Mr. O’Connell.”
He raises his eyebrow. “I’m sure you can, Miss Taylor.”
I’m taken aback at him calling me by my surname. Then I remember giving him the ‘with compliment’ slip this morning with my particulars. So, I ask impatiently, “Again, can I have your details?”
“Please… call me Aiden.” He grins mischievously.
“Fine, Aiden, your details… please?” I almost beg.
He chuckles, seeming pleased with himself. “It’s an Aston Martin V12 Vantage, manual.”
My jaw drops. “That’s an incredible car. Why are you bringing it here for repairs and not to the dealership you bought it from?”
There’s an awkward silence for a few seconds, and then he clears his throat breaking the tension.
“I bought the car in another state, and I don’t have the time to take it there. I saw your sign on the main road, and it looked reputable. So, I thought, why not?”
I don’t want to question the fact that there are Aston Martin dealers in this state, so I leave it. I direct him to the red leather couch in the corner of the room. “Please take a seat over there. I’ll be right back.”
“Sure thing, Jeni,” I hear Aiden announce.
“Cute but arrogant,” I whisper quietly to myself and keep walking, almost stomping as I head toward Bob’s office.
I can hear Bob’s gruff voice bellow through the phone to a supplier before I even get halfway to his office. It sounds like a tornado ripping through the workshop. I smirk as I step up to his doorway. “I don’t care about the price. Get it here as soon as possible,” he yells.
He slams the phone down with a hefty sigh. His balding red hair parts badly on his head as he reclines in his chair. His coveralls are cleaner than the guys in the workshop, but they’re still littered with grease. I guess doing more clerical stuff these days keeps him in his office, but I know he likes to get his hands dirty on occasion. His belly seems a little more rotund every time I see him, but it only makes him look more and more like a cuddly teddy bear. I can’t help but feel warmth toward him as I clear my throat.
He turns and smiles at me. “What a fucking day, and it’s only mid-afternoon. Hopefully, this next job will cheer me the hell up.”
I smile, knowing I’m not the only one having a bad day. “I think you’ll be very happy with the next one. It’s one of your favorite cars.” His eyes light up. “Actually, it’s the car that rear-ended me this morning. There’s damage to the front and the rear of the body. The owner’s still able to drive it, so I assume there’s no chassis or engine damage—”
“All right, all right, what kind of car is it?” Bob interjects, acting like a child on Christmas Day waiting to open his presents.
I let out a small laugh. “Why don’t you come and have a look?” Bob jumps out of his chair and almost runs to the rear roller-door entry.
Stopping him, I add, “Bob, the car’s in the front parking lot. He came into the office to give me the details first.”
He looks at me questionably, but then quickly changes direction, heading toward the front office door, walking briskly, almost sprinting. Bob continues straight past Aiden and out the front door. Aiden stands to meet me, and I smile coyly. I look away, reaching to open the door at the same time he does. Our hands touch slightly, and a jolt of electricity surges between us. Gasping and quickly pulling my hand from his while he smiles a brilliant, dazzling smile, my heart gallops a million miles a minute—I’ve never felt anything like that before.
Maybe it was static electricity?
When Aiden holds the door open for me, I move outside to follow Bob. What I can’t understand is just how easily Aiden affects me. What’s even more crazy, I like it!
“Oh, man, an Aston Martin V12 Vantage. Does a top speed of one hundred and ninety miles per hour. Zero to sixty-five in four point five seconds. I love this color, man. Carbon black, the best color there is.” The biggest smile on Bob’s face makes him look like he’s just won the lott
ery.
Aiden starts up a conversation with him. They’re talking about the specifications and styling of the car—usual guy shit. I stand back and admire Aiden’s physique. He’s dressed in a dark blue suit with a white shirt and loose-fitting blue tie looking like the budding young businessman he probably is.
He has me pinned against the wall. My arms wrap around him as he kisses my neck slowly and softly. I sigh as the feeling of being touched again is so fucking good. Our eyes connect while his bright blue orbs gaze straight into mine. As I shiver with excitement, his hand moves down to the top button of my coffee-stained white blouse. One button pops open, then the next as he kisses my delicate skin. I let out a quiet moan. “Mmm—”
Shit, shit, shit! I awake from my reverie, realizing, to my complete and utter mortification, that I moaned out-freaking-loud. Bob and Aiden, both turn to look at me. My head swirls feeling lightheaded, and my chest tightens in fear. My entire body flushes so incredibly hot that I can hardly stand the sensation, all while Bob stares at me questionably with his eyebrows raised. “Are you okay?”
My heart races, and my breathing quickens as panic sets in. I look over at Aiden, and his cheeky smile sends a calming wave of energy over me. He winks, and my eyes shoot to the ground in undeniable embarrassment. “I’m fine. Just hungry. Was thinking of, um… pizza?”
Both Aiden and Bob laugh. I sigh with relief, hoping they bought my story but knowing they probably didn’t. Bob continues to speak to Aiden about what he’ll need to repair on his vehicle and arranges for him to pick up the car on Friday. “Jeni will give you a call to let you know what time your vehicle will be ready.”
“That’s quick service. Thanks, Bob, I appreciate it.”
God, his voice is intoxicating.
“No, thank you. I love these cars. It’ll be my pleasure to work on such a seductive beauty.” They both chuckle and shake hands.
I feel like a third wheel in a guys’ club, and if I stay here any longer listening to Aiden, who knows what stupid noises I might start making. “I’ll leave you to it. I’ve got work to do.” I turn, and start to walk off inwardly smacking myself on the forehead for being such a damn fool.