by S. M. Shade
Scoffing, I shake my head. “You’re never going to believe who was doing the hiring.”
“Who?”
“Remember Landon from the bar?”
“Jeremy’s friend?” she squeals. “You’re kidding!”
“Nope, he inherited this huge house that apparently hasn’t been cleaned since it was built, and he was looking for some help.”
“So, did you take the job?”
Peeking at her over my glass, I admit, “He offered me twelve an hour. I really couldn’t say no.”
She fans herself with the menu. “Why the hell would you want to say no? The guy is hot as hell.”
“I’m not screwing him!” I toss a napkin at her.
“Why not?”
“Because that would make me a whore. He’s paying me, remember?”
“So, you make some extra tips,” she teases.
“What about you? How was Jeremy?”
She spreads her hands about eight inches apart. “And the girth of a damn Pringles can.”
Laughing, I dig into my plate of spaghetti before asking, “Are you going to see him again?”
She shrugs. “Doubt it. If he calls, I’ll give him another go, but I’m not bothered.” Something in her tone is off. I wonder if she might actually like this one. That is, until she starts flirting with the dark headed waiter.
“What?” she asks when the guy walks away.
“Just you,” I reply, smiling. “Don’t ever change.”
* * * *
The repair shop calls an hour before I have to be at work. Just enough time for me to take the bus there, grab my car and make it to Landon’s on time. A young guy comes out of the garage when I approach, wiping his greasy hands on an equally greasy rag. Bright blue eyes land on mine. “Zoe Page?”
“That’s me.” And you are just too damn cute.
“She’s running good, now. Come on in and we’ll settle up.” He flashes a wide smile and his eyes run up and down my body before he leads the way inside. It’s possible I took note of the way his ass filled out his blue work pants.
He trades me the invoice for my check and hands me a business card. “My name’s Jason. You call me if you have any problems.”
“Thank you.”
“My cell number is written on the back. Or I could call you,” he suggests with a grin.
My eyebrows climb my forehead as I try not to smile. “To see if I have any problems? That’s some serious customer service.”
“Or to take you out to dinner. Are you busy tomorrow night? You have the most gorgeous eyes I’ve ever seen.” His baby blues aren’t too shabby either. Frannie’s advice runs through my head. Maybe I do need to get out. I can go out and have fun, maybe even get laid without getting into a relationship, can’t I? My life is just too complicated for a relationship right now, but some time with bright eyes here might be just what I need.
“Thank you. Dinner sounds like fun.”
“I can pick you up at eight.”
“Sure.” We spend a few minutes talking, working out the details, and I leave with a big smile on my face. I’m actually looking forward to tomorrow night. I think I’ve done okay holding things together, keeping us fed and a roof over our head while still going to school, but it’s a daily struggle. It’ll be nice to have a night away from it all where I can act like a normal twenty-three year old.
I pull into Landon’s driveway right on time, and he’s just coming from the bathroom, his hair soaked and a towel wrapped around his waist when I let myself inside. Christ on a cracker, I forget how gorgeous he is. His usual tight tee shirts show he’s built, but it’s nothing compared to seeing those rippling muscles dripping wet and—fuck me—he’s got those v lines running down his hips.
“Ahem…Zoe?” I’m met by an insufferably smug smile when I glance up. Shit. How long was I just standing there, lost in the fantasy of whipping that towel off and climbing him like a jungle gym?
“Ummm…sorry,” I mumble. “I let myself in.”
“Don’t apologize. That’s why I gave you a key.”
“Right.” With no thought about where I’m going, I turn and head into the living room. “I’ll just let you get dressed.”
He follows me and leans against the living room doorway. “It’s not like I’m naked. The big guy is covered. Does this make you uncomfortable?”
His smile taunts me and I can’t let him know it makes me feel way more than uncomfortable. With a shrug, I make my way past him. “Hey, if the little fella needs some air, it doesn’t bother me. I’ll start your laundry.”
“Little!” he scoffs, following me again.
I sort a load of colors into his machine. “Stop following me. And if you even think of taking off the towel to prove me wrong, I’ll rub Deep Heat in every pair of underwear you own.”
Laughing, he shakes his head. “You wouldn’t.”
“Never screw with someone who washes your clothes or handles your food.”
I step back from the machine and into a solid wall of damp skin and muscle. Hot breath flows across my neck as he murmurs, “Only one problem there, sweetheart. I don’t wear underwear.” With a chuckle, he walks away, leaving me to try to slow my heart rate back to normal.
Why the hell does he affect me like that? I’ve been with good looking men before, hell, I have a date with one tomorrow night. I hate it that he can get under my skin like that. He’s nowhere in sight when I return to the living room to straighten up. The guy can be a slob. Two empty beer bottles wait on the coffee table and a pair of socks lie on the floor. A small scrap of red lace falls to the carpet when I pick up the throw blanket from the couch.
Panties. I guess I know what happened here last night. I hurry to toss them into the washer with the rest of the clothes, then go check the kitchen. Other than a few dishes, it’s still in good shape. Landon saunters in wearing his usual jeans and fitted tee shirt. “How do you feel about cooking?”
“It’s beneficial and keeps you from getting food poisoning.”
“Very funny, smartass. I hate to cook and I’m getting sick of take out. I’d like you to make dinner through the week. I’ll add a few dollars per hour to your wages.”
Stunned, I turn to see if he’s just screwing with me. Fifteen dollars per hour if I’ll also make a few meals? The way he says it, like money has no meaning or value to him, kind of makes me sick. He wouldn’t feel that way if he had to struggle every day to eat and pay rent. Sometimes, he comes off as a spoiled rich kid, and I have to remind myself he’s been really good to me. There’s no reason to think he’s like that.
“Deal,” I reply. “Any requests for tonight?”
“Something that will leave me with leftovers tomorrow?” he suggests with a shrug.
He’s well stocked with groceries after my trip yesterday. “Lasagna?”
“Sounds great.”
“I’ll get started on that, then. Do you know what you’d like me to work on tonight?”
“The guest rooms could use some help. They’ve been closed off since I moved in. I’ll be in my office if you need anything.”
“I’ll be fine.”
The fridge is stocked with a pan of lasagna and some sub sandwiches when I finally leave for the weekend.
Ethan texted me earlier to say he’s spending the night at Zach’s, so my apartment is silent when I let myself in. At least we have hot water again. I briefly consider calling Frannie to see if she wants to go out, but curling up on my couch with a book and a package of cookies sounds much more tempting. I’m over the hill at twenty-three. Oh well, I do have a date tomorrow night.
When I climb into bed a couple of hours later, I think about my upcoming date. Jason is cute, and he seems really sweet, so why does Landon’s face keep seeping into my daydream? The man is infuriating.
Despite my intention to sleep in, I’m wide awake early the next morning. I take the opportunity while the house is quiet to get some studying done and finish writing my paper for Anatomy cl
ass. A really detailed account of the digestive system and how it functions. Ugh.
Ethan shows up just before lunchtime and we head to the mall. “I have a few hundred saved, Zo. I can get my own stuff,” he says as we make our way through the Saturday crowd of teenagers.
“So I’ll get you a few things you need and you can buy some of those horrible Japanese cartoon t-shirts.”
“They’re Anime.” I smile at the offense in his tone.
“Let’s get some lunch first. I’m starving.” He agrees, and we grab a burger and fries from the food court.
We’re in the middle of a conversation about what he’d do in a zombie apocalypse when a hesitant voice says, “Ethan?”
A tall red headed boy stands beside our table, a shy smile on his face. Ethan looks up at him and smiles. “Hey, Colin.”
They just stare at one another until I break the awkward silence. “I’m Zoe, Ethan’s sister. Join us if you want.” I gesture to the chair beside Ethan.
“Thanks,” Colin replies, taking a seat. It doesn’t take them long to fall into a conversation about some video game, and I can see the hesitation in Ethan’s expression when I bus our trash and start back toward them. He likes this boy and doesn’t want to leave. It looks like the feeling is mutual.
I dig some money out of my pocket and hand it to Ethan. “Why don’t you give me your school supply list and I’ll get them while you shop for clothes? We can meet back up in a couple of hours.” Ethan smiles from ear to ear and hands me his list before practically darting away with his friend. He’d hate me for thinking it, but it’s too damn adorable.
So, now I have two hours to kill in a place too expensive to shop in. I make sure Ethan has new, name brand stuff because I know he gets enough shit in school without being the kid with discount clothes. There’s a thrift store across the street from the mall, so I decide to walk over and see what they have. You can find some good stuff sometimes.
I luck into a few pairs of jeans that look brand new. One pair fits perfectly and makes my ass look great, if I do say so myself. They’ll work for my date tonight. He may as well know right away I’m not the dress and makeup type. A clingy red top and a pair of red ballerina flats round out my new outfit. I stop in the beauty shop next door and emerge minus a couple of inches of hair with a smile on my face. I didn’t intend on spending money on myself today, but trimmed hair and thrift store clothing isn’t too much of a splurge.
It’s been almost two hours, so I head back to the mall and quickly gather the school supplies from Ethan’s list. My arms are loaded down as I take a seat and text Ethan.
-You done? I’m by the fountain.-
He shows up carrying a few bags with Colin in tow. A sheepish smile sweeps across his face. “Would you mind if I stay? The Deadpool movie is playing in a few minutes. Colin can bring me home.”
Trying to hide my grin, I look at Colin. “Do you have your driver’s license?”
“Yes, ma’am. Had it for almost a year,” Colin replies.
“Don’t you need someone eighteen or older to get into that movie?”
“Er…yeah. That was going to be my next question,” Ethan admits.
Laughing, I shake my head. “Let’s get all this stuff to the car and I’ll get you in the movie.”
“Thank you!” They beam at each other.
* * * *
I have plenty of time to launder my new clothes and grab a shower before my date with Jason, the cute mechanic. After drying and straightening my hair, I pace the house. It’s been a while since I went on a date, and I know nothing about this guy. Dating is a bitch. You never know if you’re going to get the guy whose idea of romance is flowers and hand holding, or an instant dick pic to your phone—usually a tiny one they’re way too proud of. That seems like something Landon would do. And why the hell am I thinking about him now? I need to get a grip.
Jason picks me up at exactly eight o’clock. He’s punctual. Always a good thing. He also doesn’t seem bothered by the neighborhood I live in. Bright blue eyes meet mine as his lips turn up in a soft smile. “Zoe, you look beautiful,” he says, walking me to his car with his hand on the small of my back.
“Thank you.”
“Do you like Mexican food?”
“I love it.”
“Great, I know a little place that has the best chicken quesadillas.”
We engage in small talk during the drive to the restaurant. Jason seems laid back and I find him easy to talk to. He opens the door for me, pulls out my chair, and picks up the check with no hesitation. We walk down the street to an ice cream shop and indulge in root beer floats. When he pulls up at my apartment to drop me off, he again opens my car door and walks me to my door.
“I had a great time with you tonight,” he says, grinning at me.
“So did I.” I lay a hand on my belly. “The food was delicious. I’m stuffed as a tick.”
Laughing, he catches my hand while we stand outside my door. “I’d love to take you out again.”
“I’d like that.”
A smile blooms on his face and he presses a soft kiss on my lips. It’s sweet and brief, but I still feel a flutter in my stomach. “Goodnight, Zoe.”
“Goodnight.”
I hear his car pull away just as I get my door unlocked. When I look behind me to wave to him, he’s gone, but I notice Landon’s car parked a few spots away. Was he here when we pulled in and I didn’t notice? What the hell is he doing here? It’s Saturday night.
“Something wrong?” I ask as he stalks up the walkway.
“I forgot to give you my credit card so you can get the stuff for the guest rooms before you come in on Monday.” His posture is stiff as he thrusts a credit card into my hand. “Sorry if I interrupted your evening.” He turns and marches back to his car without another word and drives away.
What the hell? Hasn’t he ever heard of a phone? He has my cell number. And what was with the attitude? He can be seriously weird sometimes.
Ethan is lying on the couch, watching T.V. when I come in. “What did you do today?” I ask.
“Hung out with Colin. He’s transferring to my school.”
“Yeah? You happy about that?”
A smile lifts his lips. “Should be fun.”
Uh-huh. I know not to keep questioning. I’m not his mom, but there’s only so much a boy will tell his sister. “All right then, I’m going to shower and go to bed.”
“Night.”
“Night, brat.”
I spend Sunday studying and catching up on housework. For once, I go to bed early, but still sleep until after nine. I have a class from one to three, so I plan to go to the mall to shop for Landon’s stuff right after school.
Ethan is asleep on the couch when I leave. He may as well enjoy it while he can since he goes back to school next week.
Landon’s only request was that the bedding not look like it belongs in an old folk’s home. When I pull into the mall parking lot, I’m a little excited to go shopping with a no limit credit card, even if the stuff isn’t for me. All four guest rooms really are in serious need of a makeover. I decide to do two in soft, neutral colors, and two in a darker, more masculine hue.
My cart is piled high with bedding, curtains, and a few items he still needs for the kitchen. I can barely fit it all in my trunk. Sweat rolls down my temple as I climb into my car. It must be over ninety degrees and the sun feels like it’s close enough to singe the hair from my skin. My only thought is the iced tea I plan to grab on the way to Landon’s when I turn the key in the ignition.
Nothing. Instead of the engine turning over, all I hear is a click. Oh no. Not again. I can’t afford another repair bill. My palm smoothes across the dash as I mumble, “C’mon now. Start.”
Click. Click. Click.
I hate my life. No matter what I do, I can’t get ahead. I must’ve pissed off some unseen force since it just keeps pushing my head underwater. My forehead drops to the steering wheel while I try to decide what to do.
I really can’t afford to tow the car back to the shop. Maybe I just need a jump? A peek at the time shows me I can’t call Frannie. She’s at work. Shit. Landon it is, then. I was going after his stuff anyway. I’m sure he won’t mind coming to jump my car. I’m only a few miles from his house.
He answers on the first ring, catching me off guard. Am I ever going to be on equal footing with this man? “Landon, I’m really sorry to ask you, but I’m stranded at the mall. My stupid car won’t start. I have all your bedding and items in the trunk, so I really don’t want to leave the car here. Can you come and try to give it a jump?”
A silent pause unwinds until I think he may have hung up. “Are you there?”
He releases a long suffering sigh, making me regret that I even called him. “What lot are you in?”
“Lot C, row 3.”
“I’ll take care of it,” he says. “Let me call you right back.”
Um, okay. Does that mean he’s coming or what? The phone goes dead in my ear before I can ask. Five minutes later, he calls back.
“Dare is on his way to check out your car. He’s about forty-five minutes away.”
Dare? His friend that kept flirting with me? Why send him? “Are you not at home?”
“I’m busy,” he snaps.
Anger heats my cheeks. “Forget it. I can take a cab to your house, then figure out what to do when I get home. You don’t have to bother your friend. I shouldn’t have called you.” I’m not sure why I did. I know better than to count on anyone else.
“Dare will get your car going or bring you here. So don’t be stubborn.”
“Don’t be an asshole.”
His deep chuckle rumbles in my ear. “It’s hot out. Go wait inside. I gave Dare your cell number. He’ll text you when he’s there.”
“Fine,” I grumble. “Thanks.”
Maybe I interrupted him with his flavor of the week and that’s why he’s so testy. Or maybe he’s sick of having an employee that can’t keep a car running. That really isn’t fair, though. I was getting to work on time and I’ve never asked him for anything before today. I’m sitting on a bench in the shade, sipping an iced tea when I get a text from Dare that he’s in the parking lot.