Build a Nerd

by Wendy Smith

  “Glad to hear it.” His lighter tone makes me grin. It’s a good sign that he’s moved past the whole Brad thing and he’s just enjoying talking to me.

  I still want to climb him like a tree.

  Masturbating while he’s doing the same on the other end of the computer was hot, but it can’t compare to the real deal.

  By the time he gets back, he won’t stand a chance.

  I’m still on cloud nine in the morning.

  Tom’s coming home to me. And we’ll put everything behind us and just be together. I don’t care about anything else but that. And my project.

  At least that’s going to plan.

  “Bridget.” Molly calls out as she approaches. I’ll give her credit. We’ve worked on some sites where the owner of the property ignores all the safety protocols, but Molly’s a stickler. Brad even gave her a high-vis vest and hard hat of her own and she wears them. It’s kind of cute.

  “Hey, Molly.”

  “How’s it all going?” she asks.

  “Good. We’ve got the cement trucks arriving shortly to start laying the foundations. It’ll be good to get that out of the way.”

  She smiles. “Great to hear.”

  For a moment, she just looks at me.

  “Uh … Is there anything else you need?”

  Molly shakes her head. “I just wanted to say that I spoke to Tom on the phone earlier. He sounds a lot happier. I hope you two have patched things up, because I hated seeing either of you sad.”

  Her caring tone surprises me a little. She’s got just as much reason to dislike me as I did her. Though that dislike has almost all evaporated on my part.

  “We did. I’m looking forward to him coming home now.”

  Her smile widens. “Good to hear. He won’t be making too many trips back to San Jose once we’ve finished ironing out all the kinks that seem to be popping up.” Her expression drops, and I know something’s wrong.

  “What is it?”

  “He’s going to have to stay a bit longer than originally planned.”

  I frown. “Are you having problems?”

  “There’s some resentment from the Psycom team. Some of them actually liked that two-bit slime ball who used to head up the company. They no fans of me.”

  I shrug. “They should probably get over themselves or find a new job.”

  She nods. “Tom will help them work through that, I think. He’s a good judge of character and I’ve always used him as my guide.” As she turns, she calls out over her shoulder, “He likes you.”

  I grin as she disappears back toward the office. At first, I thought she was so eager for Tom and me to get together because of Brad. Maybe it’s because she genuinely thinks we make a good couple.

  I’m not really sure what to make of her.

  The last thing I thought I’d ever be was Molly’s friend. But it appears that’s exactly what I’m am.

  With work underway on the foundations, I head inside to talk to Molly.

  I’ve been mulling over everything since last night, and I want to make Tom’s homecoming extra special. Even though I’m disappointed that he’ll be away longer, I’ve got an idea that I’m sure he’ll love.

  She’s reading papers when I walk in, but looks up and smiles as I approach. “Hi. Is everything okay out there?”

  I nod. “I’ve got a couple of the guys supervising, so I thought I might have a word with you about something personal?”

  Her brows dip. “Shoot.”

  I shoot a glance at Belle and Claire, and Molly nods. “Why don’t we go for a drive to Madison’s? I’d kill for one of Janie’s herbal teas.”

  “Sounds great. I could do with something sweet to eat.”

  Molly smiles. “A woman after my own heart.”

  She packs up her papers in her desk, and I follow her out to her car. It’s a beautiful, late-model Mercedes-Benz. I’d love to have a drive in it, but it’d be insane compared to my little beast.

  “Your car is amazing,” I say.

  “You should have seen what I drove in San Jose. It wasn’t dissimilar to your car, but it wasn’t very reliable. I figured if I was coming here, I needed something that wouldn’t die at the side of the road while taking Grace to school.”

  I laugh. “I can understand that. What does Grace think?”

  “She loves this car. The only thing she hates is that she’s not allowed to sit in the front seat yet.”

  I slide into the passenger side when she unlocks the car and sigh. The seats are black leather and more comfortable than my living room chairs.

  She climbs into the driver’s side and flicks a switch. “They even keep your ass warm.”

  “No way.”

  Beneath me, the seat warms, and I shriek with joy. “That is luxury. I should hang out with you more often.”

  “I’d like that.” She starts the car, and I take the moment to study her expression. She’s been nothing but nice to me, and the longer I spend with her, the more guilt consumes me. I never should have been so mean. Even if it was only in my head.

  The engine purrs as she pulls out onto the road and heads toward town.

  “You know, I thought a lot about Nettle Downs when I was in San Jose. I always wondered how much it had changed, and it’s wonderful that it hasn’t changed a lot.” Molly sighs. “But I think we’re about to force it.”

  I nod. “It’s a good thing. Everything’s pretty stagnant here apart from the retirement industry. It’ll be good for the local businesses to be able to grow for the first time in a long time.”

  Molly shoots a smile at me. “I’m glad you think so. I don’t want to step on toes, but I want the town I love to thrive. And I really think we can help make it happen.”

  “I hope so.”

  It’s not a long drive, and we soon pull into a carpark in front of Madison’s.

  Janie smiles as we walk in.

  “Can we please get a herbal tea and …?” Molly looks at me.

  “The same, and can I get a raisin-bran cookie?”

  “Make that two?” Molly pulls out her purse.

  “I’ll find a seat,” I say.

  She nods, and I turn to see there’s a booth available.

  I slide into it and she follows a moment after.

  “This is nice,” she says. “We should do this more often while you’re working on the site.”

  I grin. “You don’t think Brad would mind?”

  She shrugs. “He doesn’t need to know. Besides, I don’t think he’d mind at all. You’re the boss now.”

  “I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to that.”

  Molly’s eyes light up. “I think you’d better. If the town has a boom, you’ll be busy, and this’ll be far from the last project you’ll be in charge of.”

  My heart swells with pride. I love that idea. And the thought of giving back to the little town that’s given me so much makes me want this to succeed even more.

  After the tea arrives, Molly looks pensive. “So, what did you want my help with?”

  “I thought I might do something nice for Tom’s homecoming.”

  Her whole face lights up. “Bridget, I’m sure he’ll just love coming home to you.”

  “I know, but I have an idea, and I’ll need your help. There are still a few weeks until he moves into his new house, and I want to invite him to stay with me until he moves.”

  “That’s a big step.”

  I nod. “I know, but we’ve got everything sorted now, and it’s only for a short time.”

  “Until you move in with him.” She laughs. “It’s okay. I’m not judging. I’m so happy for both of you. Tom’s special to me, and I couldn’t ask for him to find anyone better than you. You are very obviously what he needs.”

  I blink a few times, tearing up a little and wondering if I heard right. “I just want to make my place feel like home for him. And I’ve got an idea, but I don’t have the expertise.”

  She smiles. “This is to do with gaming or something
like that, right?”

  Nodding again, I take a sip of tea. “I want everything to be perfect when he comes home. And I know I can be a bit full on so he needs some way of relaxing.”

  Molly leans back. “Okay. I’ll help you in whatever way I can.”

  “Good. I have no idea about any of this geeky stuff, and you know Tom better than anyone.”

  “Except for you.”

  I shrug. “We still have a way to go, but we’re getting there.”

  She studies me closely, a warm smile gracing her lips. “I’m glad.”

  “So, this is what I have planned …”

  24

  Tom

  There’s a knot in my stomach all the way back to Nettle Downs.

  But I can’t stop thinking about Bridget and all she’s said.

  She wants me.

  The plane touches down, and the shudder it makes as it grinds to a halt is nothing compared to my thundering heart.

  I grab my bag when the pilot tells me I’m good to go, and step down onto the tarmac.

  My gaze lands on her waiting at the gate.

  She’s wearing those shorts that show off her amazing rounded ass, and a tank top. Her red hair is down around her shoulders, and the grin on her face goes all the way to her eyes.

  I walk, then run toward her, dropping my bag to the ground as she throws herself into my arms.

  She’s wearing that light scent that reminds me of citrus, and nothing in my life has ever smelled so good. In my arms is where she needs to be.

  Where I need her.

  Her lips find mine, and she tastes sweeter than candy.

  I love her.

  I love her.

  When she break apart, we’ve both got silly grins on our faces.

  Her eyes search mine. “I’m so glad you’re home.”

  “How did you know when I would be here?”

  “Molly told me. She and I …” Bridget licks her lips. “Well, we’ve almost become friends.”

  “Almost, huh?” I laugh.

  She nods. “I’m here to take you to my place.”

  I run my hands up and down her back. “I’m supposed to go to work.”

  “Not anymore. We have plans. It’s okay. It’s all been approved by your boss.”

  I grin. “Is that right?”

  “I wouldn’t take you without asking. Promise.” Her eyes are full of mischief. What the hell is going on in that head of hers?

  “Okay. To your place. What are we doing?”

  “I’ve got a surprise for you.”

  I narrow my eyes. “Have you now?”

  “It’s a nice one. Promise.”

  I raise my hand to cup her cheek. “I’m just happy to be home again with you. I’m sorry for not listening.”

  “You were hurt. I know you have a big heart, Tom, and I’m guessing that it’s easily bruised.”

  “You have no idea.”

  She raises her gaze to meet mine. “Then teach me.”

  We don’t stop on the way to Bridget’s place. She seems excited and determined to get me back there as quickly as possible. What on earth could this surprise be?

  As soon as she parks the car, she throws open the car door and gets out. “Come on, Jarvis. Don’t waste time.”

  “You’re really excited, aren’t you?” I laugh as I grab my bag and exit the car.

  “Can you tell?” She reaches for my hand and drags me toward her place. Not that she really has to.

  Her hand shakes as she slides the key into the lock and pushes open the front door.

  I step in after her. “What the hell?”

  Her living room is spotless. But that’s not what’s got my attention. In one corner of the room is a computer desk that didn’t live there before. Nor did the computer and, at a guess, twenty-seven-inch monitor.

  “Bridget?”

  She squeezes my hand. “Do you like it? I thought maybe it’d help fill the gap until you get your things out of storage. Only it would have to live at my place.”

  “You bought a computer?”

  “It’s for you.”

  I shift my gaze to her. Her excitement is obvious, but I’m not quite sure what it all means. “Why? We can play games on your console. You didn’t have to.”

  “I wanted to.” She licks her lips. Her gesture stirs something in my soul. Computers aren’t her thing, but she did this for me. There’s nothing for her to make up for.

  Now, we move forward together.

  Bridget runs her hands up my chest. “I thought maybe if you came over here to play games, at least I know you can join me in bed when you’ve finished. Rather than me falling asleep on the couch.”

  I laugh. “You’d put up with me playing games? You know how I focused I get.”

  “As long as you don’t forget I exist, I’m fine with it.” She grins.

  “How on earth am I ever going to forget you?”

  She sucks on her bottom lip, and it’s so distracting, I could forget computer games exist entirely. “I want you to know how much you mean to me.”

  “This is incredible, Bridget. How did you know what to get?”

  “Molly helped me.”

  My eyebrows arch of their own accord. “She did?”

  “I told her what I wanted and she ordered everything. She built the computer and installed it all for me. As much as I hated your stay in San Jose being extended, it bought us more time to get it ready.” She presses a soft kiss to my lips. “I missed you.”

  “I missed you too. Especially after the other night.”

  Her cheeks flush pink. “I know. We got a bit carried away.”

  “And now I’m back …”

  “Now you’re home, you can play on your new computer and relax. I’ll order takeout for dinner and then we can have an evening together.”

  I search her expression. For once in my life, I have that clarity I’ve never had before. Her feelings for me are plain to see. Did I not see it before, or was it not as obvious? I don’t know, but all I see is the love in her eyes. “I like that idea.”

  Her lips twitch. “Why don’t you stay here until you move into your own place? There’s not long to go. I know there’s not enough space for you to live here, but it’d work for a while.”

  I can’t fight my grin. “Only if you’re sure you can put up with me.”

  “After nearly losing you, I’m not sure if I can ever let you out of my sight again.”

  I press my forehead to hers, closing my eyes. “I feel the same way.”

  “I’m so sorry for hurting you, Tom. It’s the last thing I ever wanted to do.”

  Wrapping my arms around her, I kiss her temple. “I just needed a little time. You didn’t do anything wrong. It must have hurt when Molly came back.”

  She pulls back. It takes a moment before she gives a quick nod. “I thought that Brad was who I wanted. Maybe I just got hung up on the idea. I can’t blame him for loving her. She’s so damn nice.”

  I chuckle. “She is. And I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in now without her. She’s been a good friend to me, and it sounds like she’s being a pretty good friend to you too.”

  Bridget gives me a small smile. “She has been. I think she wants you to be happy.”

  “You make me happy.”

  Her smile turns sly. “I’ll make you even happier tonight.”

  “By jumping my bones?”

  Her mouth falls open, and I laugh. “Yes. But given that it won’t be just our first time together, it’ll be your first time, period, I thought that we should take things slowly.”

  “I like that idea.”

  “So, we’ll have dinner and relax and see how things go.” She raises her face, and I lean in for a kiss. It starts slow, but she takes the initiative I’m still a little scared to take and slips her tongue into my mouth.

  The heat of her kiss and the taste of her stirs me. I want this woman more than I’ve ever wanted anything in my entire life. The past doesn’t matter. Only the here
and now.

  She breaks away. “That’ll have to do for now otherwise we’ll end up naked and on the floor, and while it’s tempting, it’s not how I want this night to go.”

  I laugh.

  Leading me to the computer desk, she motions for me to sit down. The screen flickers to life when she turns on the computer, and I sit as the familiar Aeon loading screen comes up.

  “She logged me into my account? I should be pissed about that.” I laugh.

  “I have no idea what she did. But as long as it makes you happy, I’m happy.” Bridget heads toward the kitchen.

  “Hey, Bridge,” I call.

  “Yes?” She turns at the door.

  “I love this. Almost as much as I love you.”

  My heart pounds. I hadn’t planned on saying the words, but they’ve been so close to the surface for days when she’s been far away. Telling her I loved her wasn’t something I wanted to do on the phone or via message.

  Her smile’s so big, it lights up the whole room. “I love you too. You might just be my favorite nerd.”

  I chuckle as she leaves the room. I’ve never felt so content.

  Time to check out her gift.

  She doesn’t let me get distracted and lost in the game.

  After a while, I’m unceremoniously pushed backward, and Bridget straddles my lap.

  “Dinner’s ready.” She’s breathless.

  “Umm. Are you for dinner? Is that what you’re trying to tell me?”

  She drapes her arms over my shoulders. “No, because I’m not going to all that effort to cook and then not have you eat.” Leaning over, she murmurs in my ear, “You can eat me afterwards.”

  Holy fuck.

  Her mouth turns up at one end. She knows I’m hard already, and there’s still dinner to go. But it’s instinctive when it comes to her. She leaves me feeling this way.

  After leaping back off my lap, she disappears into the kitchen and returns with two plates. “Let’s sit on the couch.”

  I nod. “Whatever you want.”

  Her eyes shine as she hands me a plate piled high with spaghetti and meatballs. “I hope you know that I made the meatballs myself.”

  “I’m impressed.” I smile.