by Tory Baker
It doesn’t come as a shock to me to see that Braxton’s Bronco is already in the lot or that the lights are already on. This man is a workhorse. Who knows how long he was even here last night.
The wind is brisk when I hop out of the truck, making sure it’s locked up tight. There is no way I’ll ever forgive myself if something happens to it. I tuck my hands in my cardigan’s pockets until I get to the door. Thankfully, it’s only a few more steps. This weather is really coming in. It won’t be too much longer before my winter clothes will be out for the season. I’m loving and dreading that at the same time. Smelling the crisp fall air is probably my favorite, but knowing that snow will be coming and is probably right around the corner… It causes a full body shiver just thinking about the abundance of snow we’ll be getting.
“Hey siren.” The door opening for me causes me to jump back.
“Hey, way to scare me, again.” I hold my hand over my rapidly beating heart. I was so lost in thought that I didn’t even hear or see him.
“You’re here early. I wasn’t expecting you to get here when I did.” He arches his eyebrow, showing me the small grin that’s playing on his luscious lips, lips that I’ve had on some of the most intimate parts of my body.
“You never said a time. I figured I’d get here early, start the coffee, and get started on the bookkeeping part of my job before the phone starts ringing off the hook. Oh, I forgot to ask yesterday. How do you want jobs distributed to the other mechanics and which ones you take on yourself?” My body slides against his as we make our way into the building. I want nothing more than for Braxton to pull me into his warmth and feel his lips on mine.
“You can’t look at me like that, Rowen. Not right now at least. The guys will be here soon, and there’s no way I’ll let them hear or see you come apart for me.” He smacks my ass as I walk in front of him. It only causes me to put even more of a sway into my hips as I walk. Now I’m kind of wishing I’d have worn a shorter skirt just for this instance.
“That wouldn’t be the best, but I think we’d reap the benefits too,” I throw over my shoulder.
We make it to his office. Even though I already smelled the scent of a strong pot of coffee, I need to get all of his access codes and seriously work on the admin part of things.
“You’ll get it, don’t you worry. As far as the guys, give them the work that will make them the most money. It’s all on the computer, but there’s also a book I pulled out for you in case you want to use that instead. I’ll help with the other stuff or when a customer asks for me by name. For the most part, I like the guys to get as much as they can. Marty has a baby on the way, and Craig is taking care of his sister and her kid. It makes more sense this way.” I probably do the last thing Braxton could ever expect, but I do it just the same. My hands glide up his arms. He hasn’t changed into his work uniform yet and is wearing his signature worn-in jeans and black shirt that molds to his firm chest. When he realizes I want to loop my arms around his neck, he bends at his knees and allows me to kiss him. Braxton doesn’t let me lead the way for very long. It’s only a matter of seconds before his tongue is sliding against mine, giving me a taste of him. The minty flavor mixed with the undertones of coffee. It’s a kiss that I’ll always remember, much like all of them. I swear I have a memory bank for every kiss, touch, or taste of Braxton.
It only lasts for what seems like seconds before he pulls away. I moan low in my throat in annoyance that it’s over.
“Come on, siren. Let’s get you started before I have to get ready for work myself.” I follow him hoping I get to see more of him throughout the day. Maybe I can even convince him to have lunch with me. A slow plan forms in my mind while he starts to show me the ins and outs of his computer system, which is a laugh because he literally has done the bare minimum with it, when I know I’ll be adding to it and making it much more user friendly.
Six
Braxton
Getting to see Rowen throughout the day has been nothing short of amazing. I’m already rethinking this whole keeping-us-a-secret thing when I hear a new vehicle pull up outside of the bay I’m working in. The car I’m working on is more rust than car, but that’s not my problem. No, that would be getting the old alternator out to replace it. Most times, I love my job, until a car like this comes in. It’s not like I can tell the owner, ‘Hey this thing belongs in a junkyard.’ Especially since it’s an elderly lady who I know for a fact is on a fixed income, which means she’ll be getting a good discount once I can get this old part out of her delipidated vehicle.
I look up after I hear the slamming of a door. The music is lower on the volume side today. The only time I turn it up like it was yesterday is when the guys are gone or close to leaving for the day and I’m working later. Which I know for a fact Rowen must have been watching to know that I’d be by myself.
“What’s up, Bridger? You looking for Rowen?” I ask him while still attempting to work on loosening the bolt but looking at him before going back to my job at hand.
“Not much. Yeah, Dad mentioned you were working on her car and gave her a job. What’s wrong with her car?” he asks.
“What’s not wrong would be a shorter list. She’s in my truck until I can make sure it’s good from top to bottom.” I nod my head towards the door leading to the inside of my office, not sure how I’m able to maintain my composure and not be pissed as hell at him for letting Rowen drive on bald tires and fucked-up brakes. I won’t even start on the fact that she barely had any oil in it and there was a slight knocking when I pulled it in. Christ, that woman needs me in her life for more than what’s going on between us.
“Send me the bill,” he grumbles.
“I’m not touching that with a ten-foot pole. You’ll have to take that up with your sister.” I know her. She won’t take his handouts. Hell, when I mentioned I’d take care of it, she wasn’t having any of that either, throwing her attitude at me. It was cute as hell and had me kissing her to shut her up.
“I wish she had told me it was that bad.” Bridger is looking around the shop. I don’t usually let people who aren’t on my payroll in here for insurance purposes, but with Bridger, I know there’s nothing to worry about.
“Apparently, she did tell both you and your pops. I don’t know when it was, but she said other shit was going on.” I finally loosen the bolt, and it makes a loud bang. That’s about the time Rowen comes out, papers in her hand, hair up in a bun with a pencil shoved through it, and the reading glasses she uses while on the computer.
“Fuck, not that I’m ungrateful she came to you for her car being fixed. And that better be all she’s coming to you for too. I’m not a fucking idiot. She’s had her doe eyes on you for years. I respect you, but I’ll go to any lengths to protect my baby sister, even if that means protecting her from you.” His finger is pointed at me. Rowen heard the whole fucking conversation. He really is a fucking tool.
“Are you freaking kidding me right now? You’re coming into my place of work acting like some overbearing dumbass. I’m pretty sure I can take care of myself. And my love life is my own, even if it is non-existent at this point. If you or Dad can’t handle it, then I suggest you look the other way. Not that it’s any of your business anyways. Get this straight right now, Bridger Robert Jennings. I am your sister. A sister you’re meant to treat with respect, and the way you’re acting right now, I’m not sure I want to look at you, much less talk to you.” Rowen’s face is beet red. Not only that, the way Bridger was talking earlier, his voice might be deep, but it carried, so I’m sure Rowen’s more pissed that the two other mechanics on duty just heard her brother talk about her like she’s a child, right after she gained their respect earlier this morning. I shake my head because as much as I want to step in, Rowen would have my balls if I did.
“Ro.” Bridger swallows, trying to come up with the right words. Something tells me there’s nothing he could say right about now.
She ignores him completely. “Mrs. Williams is on the
phone and would like to set up a payment plan. I did that for her. She could only afford ten dollars a month. I know that’s not something you usually do, but she can’t do much more.”
“That’s fine. Make sure she gets the senior citizen discount too. It’s in the papers I gave you this morning.” I nod at her, letting her know I agree with what she did. Rowen’s face turns soft when she sees she didn’t fuck up, unlike her brother here.
“Bridger, if you don’t have an apology for not only me but for Braxton, please don’t say anything at all. I really thought more of my brother. You’re lucky that Kellie deals with your pain in the ass self.” She turns on her heel and marches away.
“Shit, my sisters sure know how to put me in my place. I better go and beg for her forgiveness, but I’ll be damned if I apologize to you.” He runs his hand down his face.
“I’ll only say this once. You keep pushing, you’re liable to lose her, and I am not for one minute going to let you get between Rowen and me, not when she and I are the only ones in this equation.” So much for Rowen and me keeping shit to ourselves. But after the way he talked about her and then how he talked to me, there’s no fucking way I’ll stand for that.
“I’ll deal with you later. If she goes home upset, Mom will know, and then it could land her in the hospital. Nice job, asshole,” he tries to pin this bullshit on me.
“Low blow, even for someone like you. You’re the only person who’s upset her today. I’m making up for three years’ worth of hurt. It’s only the beginning for me, but at least I’m man enough to admit my mistakes.” With that, I get back to work. Bridger is left standing there once again without a word to say. Something has to give, and I’m sure as hell not going to have him throw blows even if they are verbal to me or Rowen.
“Son of a bitch,” he mumbles before he stomps out of my garage bay like he’s a toddler. Rowen isn’t wrong. I’m not sure how Kellie deals with him. Then again, I’m not sure how Rowen has dealt with me and my shit all this time. Now that shit is out in the open, I’ll be taking my woman on a proper date. The Fall Festival will be just the ticket. I know it’s Rowen’s favorite thing to do every year. Yeah, I’m going to love making up with her. I get back to work, giving Rowen some breathing room before letting her know the shit that went down after she left.
Seven
Rowen
“I’m not ready to forgive you, Bridger.” I don’t bother looking up from the paperwork I’m going through when I hear Braxton’s office door open and close.
“It’s a good thing I’m not him, then.” Braxton saunters his way towards me, my eyes watching him the entire time. He must have stopped and washed his hands on the way in here because they’re clean and his coveralls are tied at his waist like yesterday.
“I’ll say, I’m sorry he said what he did.” His hand moves the hair that fell from its haphazard sloppy bun out of my face. It got hot in Braxton’s office, so I nixed my cardigan, put my hair up, and got to work. Nothing could have prepared me for the number of invoices that need to be taken care of. Some weren’t marked as paid, some I can see Braxton either paid himself or wrote them off as donations, much like I have a feeling Mrs. William’s repair will end up.
“Yeah, our secret is out of the bag. There’s no way I was going to lie to his face, but I may have made it a bit difficult for you tonight when you go home. Though, I think we’ll reap the benefits in the long run. Because tomorrow night, it’s you and me, the Fall Festival, and you aren’t going home afterwards.” I see the heated desire blazing in his eyes as they’re only getting darker with what he’s telling me. I could get drunk off them without taking a sip of whiskey. That’s what he does to me.
“I bet that was an interesting conversation. I’ll let Mom know not to wait up for me. Knowing her, she’ll give Dad hell. She’s been livelier than ever lately and dishing it out to Dad. Just last night, she called him an old coot. Even then he couldn’t get upset with her,” I tell him with probably more enthusiasm than I should have, but a night out with Braxton without it being a secret, and to sleep in his arms after, it has me on the edge of my seat.
“You could say that. I’m not too worried about him. The guys will calm him down. Before I forget, your car won’t be ready till next week. Christ, you can tear a vehicle up. Do you know how low on oil you were?” he asks.
“No, the reminder didn’t come on like it usually does. It could be out too?” I really paid no attention to what’s been going on. It’s not like I was home much. When Mom was in the hospital, it was in the next town over, so I just drove over there and sat with her if no one else could. We all did it on shifts, Aspen less than anyone, but she always came home once a month to see everyone. Even Berkley would come along. We’d sit with Mom and do word puzzles, questioning her about what the answer could be. Those things always stumped me.
“Fuck, I’m telling you, babe, your car is going to need more repairs than it’s worth. Not sure what y'all were thinking buying it without me looking at it.” He shakes his head in disapproval.
“Well, to be fair, it’s not like you and I were really talking. Though, Bridger or Dad could have asked, but you know, macho men know macho stuff,” I say with a small laugh, trying to lighten the mood.
“No shit. Still, until I’ve inspected it from top to bottom, stay in my truck. Tomorrow, I’ll pick you up at your place, and we’ll take the Bronco.” I beam up at him with the news we’ll take his project truck. I couldn’t be happier. He’s been working on it for years. It’s a 1981 with black exterior and interior. It’s a beast, and I know he’s almost finished with it.
“Think you’ll let me drive the Bronco?” I question, already knowing the answer.
“Do you know how to drive a stick?” He cocks his head to the side.
I throw my head back on a laugh. All the innuendo he just put into that statement has me chuckling like a loon.
“No, but I’m sure you could teach me a thing or two about driving a stick, in more ways than one.” Braxton moves so he’s standing above me in the office chair I’m sitting in, his hands gripping the arms. He’s wearing a smile on his face, and when he bites that lower lip of his, I’m freaking swooning.
“Oh, I will, but it won’t be in my office. And our first time, it won’t be in the Bronco either. It’ll be when you’re on my bed, naked, writhing in pleasure after I’ve had my mouth on every inch of your skin. Only then will you learn just how to drive my stick.” Braxton leans in, his lips finding mine, the slow sneaking of his tongue teasing my lips causing me to open for him, but he’s a tease. I only get a hint of a kiss before he pulls back.
“Ugh,” I grumble, rubbing my legs together, the lace of my thong drenched in my desire for him. Braxton sees it all—the movement of my thighs, the way my nipples are in desperate need for his mouth, he sees it all.
“Be patient. It’s been how many years? One more night won’t kill you. The guys are almost done for the day. You can be done if you want,” he offers.
“Uh, that would be a negative. The phone has been ringing like mad. I still need to finish a few things, but then yes, I’ll get out of your hair,” I joke. I’m not sure if his shop is always this busy or how he managed it before I came in.
“It can wait, but if you’re going to hang for a bit, I’ll call the diner and pick us up dinner. I have Mrs. Williams car I want to finish so she can pick it up in the morning, and then I’ll take a look at a few things on yours, but I’m telling you, siren, it’ll be in the junkyard before winter hits,” he states, like it’s a matter of fact.
“Dinner, yes. My car, that’s a hard no. I’m saving to find a place to lay my head at night. I love my parents, but that is not where I want to stay for the next however many years, and my car is paid off,” I throw back at him.
“Tell me what you want. We’ll come back to where you’ll be living and what kind of car you’ll be in.” He kisses my forehead, leaving me in a stupor until he disappears from my sight.
“T
hat man is going to give me anxiety. Who the hell knows what will really happen? I mean, sure, I’d love to live with him, but there’s no way he’s getting rid of my car,” I grumble out while returning to my work.
“I heard that. You want to move in? Consider it done, but we’re not negotiating about the car.”
“Holy shit! Quit sneaking up on me!” My stomach drops when he makes that announcement.
“Not my fault you’re so lost in the clouds. Just letting you know, we are the real thing and this is happening.” This time, he really leaves, and I keep my mouth shut, but my smile is taking over my face because I know Braxton means every word he just said.
Eight
Braxton
I can’t say that it wasn’t awkward as hell walking up to the Jennings’ house and not worrying a little bit, especially with how Bridger behaved with Rowen yesterday. It didn’t help much that he never did apologize to her, a fact that she’s not letting go. Even when I told Rowen he may not, she just grumbled, “He’s a bonehead, and Kellie will sink her teeth into him.” I laughed mostly because she’s not wrong.
Tonight, though, knocking on Rob and Talia’s door to pick up Rowen for a date, I’m man enough to admit that if her parents don’t approve, that will bring the tally up to three on odds that are stacked against us.
I stand at their front door in nicer clothes than I would usually wear. There’s no way I’d wear my old stained jeans. So, today, I reached for a pair of jeans that I probably wore one other time, I’m sure at my mother’s direction, a gray shirt, and I threw on a lightweight jacket. Hell, I’m even wearing nice boots instead of my usual shit kickers. That should at least garner me some kind of points in the Jennings household.