Daddy Next Door

by Tina Lee

  “Honey I'm home!”

  “I see! And you brought company,” Mandy said, getting back to her feet.

  “Yep. I don't know if you guys have been formally introduced. Mandy, this is James. James, this is Mandy.”

  “I've heard plenty about you,” Mandy said. “What the hell took you so long to come over?”

  “I had to spend time getting to know Jenna just the two of us before we started bringing everyone else into the mix. I think now is just about the right time. Did you maybe want to go get breakfast?”

  “Breakfast actually sounds amazing. Give me one sec,” Mandy said.

  “See? That wasn't so bad.”

  “We're not done quite yet.”

  As expected, Mandy asked a lot of questions the entire breakfast. Luckily, James was able to answer most of them with grace and without snapping at her for being rude or invasive.

  “So are you going to get an apartment out here or what?”

  “That's the plan.”

  “And what are you going to do for work?”

  “Well, Dan offered me a security position a little while back. I figured I'd start with that possibility and go from there.”

  “When do you plan on talking to Dan? I don't need you jobless borrowing money from Jenna. It won't be allowed.”

  “I assure you. You don't have to worry about that.”

  “You didn't answer my question. When are you going to talk to Dan?”

  “Is today good enough for you?” James asked.

  “I guess that will work. You better be good to my best friend.”

  “I plan to be good to her.”

  “She was hurt by a jackass before. He left before I could really give him what he deserved. I won't let the next one be so lucky.”

  “I don't plan on hurting Jenna at all.”

  “Alright. Well, I guess I don't have any more questions. Just hang out more and be good to her.”

  “Not a problem.”

  “And-”

  “Mandy! You're done,” Jenna said. “You always take things just a bit too far.”

  “I'm just looking out for you.”

  “You know, it says a lot about him that he's willing to put up with your interrogation at all!”

  “It's fine. I get it,” James said. “But if we could talk about literally anything else I would be super happy.”

  “Fine,” Mandy said. “I really need to get to the bottom of this Phil thing.”

  “I'm almost positive it's in your head at this point,” Jenna said. “You were entirely wrong about him fucking Larissa, and you've been wrong before.”

  “But there's something not right.”

  “Well, if you dig and dig and dig you're bound to come up with something. Stop digging.”

  “Sometimes things are left underground for a reason,” James said. “It might be nothing that affects you. He could just be embarrassed or scared.”

  “I don't care if he's embarrassed or scared. I can tell that he's hiding something, and I don't like it at all,” said Mandy.

  Jenna shook her head with a slight smile.

  “Let's get out of here,” James said. “I have a job offer to inquire about.”

  Jenna was impressed when they got back to the bike and he meant it.

  “Do you really think that he'll still offer me the job?”

  “Absolutely!”

  “And do I look okay?”

  The men in town wore jeans and t-shirts almost exclusively. James was showered and looked just fine in his jeans and a button up.

  “You might even be over dressed,” she laughed. “Now, let's get in there.”

  “What are you doing here so early, Jenna? You're not scheduled,” Dan said.

  “Actually, I told James here about the offer you made me the other day, and he wanted to come talk to you about it. James, I'd like to formally introduce you to Dan. Dan, this is James.”

  “Nice to meet you. I was intrigued with your offer, and I would like to learn more if possible.”

  “Sure thing. I don't really appreciate fighting in my bar. Luckily for you, I know just how annoying Eli and his friends can be. Also luckily for you, I was impressed with your skills at subduing them. Four on one, and you didn't even have to use a weapon.”

  “I just thought that they were starting to be disrespectful. They had to leave.”

  “Well, there was another incident last week. You would have been very useful. I like having people here watching over things.”

  “I didn't even know you knew about that!” Jenna said.

  “I talk to my customers. They're all locals,” Dan said. “They tell me what goes on around here.”

  “If you're still interested in hiring, I'm definitely interested.”

  “Tell me a little more about your past experience.”

  Jenna's ears perked up. This might be an opportunity for her to learn more about his past. She could at least learn what type of work he had done.

  “I graduated from high school at Morton West in a small town by the city. I worked at an oil change place for a year and a half in high school. After that, I started helping a mechanic. I don't have the technical certification, but I was his apprentice and learned everything from body work to transmissions and hybrid parts. I learned more and more. Eventually, I was trained on motorcycles. It's become a passion ever since.”

  “I ride a Harley myself. Plenty of people around here do. I think you'll find plenty of people to ride with.”

  “I hope so.”

  “So what did you do after that?”

  “I opted to travel for a couple of years. See the country.”

  “See anything good?”

  “Yeah. Plenty.”

  “And how did you support yourself?”

  “I lived humbly. I had savings, and I also did odd jobs whenever I could. It wasn't a steady paycheck, but I always got by.”

  “Well, you have the job. I'd like you to start as soon as tomorrow.”

  “That sounds good to me,” James said. “What time do you want me here tomorrow?”

  “You'll be here at nights, so show up at six. You'll be here until two. It'll be more like two thirty. I expect you to stay until the side work is done every night. You get a half hour lunch at some point, but it can't be after ten. We are open until one, you will be here from five to one. You must work every weekend. No exceptions.”

  “I understand.”

  “I'll have the paperwork for you tomorrow. You will not just be standing at the door checking IDs. You will help with everything that I might need done around here.”

  “Fair enough.”

  “Now, why don't you two love birds enjoy the rest of your day off? I'll see you both tomorrow.”

  Jenna and James left the bar hand in hand.

  “This almost seems too good to be true,” Jenna said.

  “It's not. It's what we both deserve. I just need to figure out how to make more than $30,000 a year. That's nothing.”

  “Maybe you can work on cars and motorcycles on the side. All of the money you make on side jobs can go to a special account for us to buy equipment and eventually a small shop and employees.”

  “Hold your horses, babe. That would take a very long time.”

  “Well, we have a long time. Who said that we had to get a shop next year?”

  “You are quite the ambitious woman, aren't you?” James asked.

  “It's one of my best and most annoying qualities.”

  “I think it's endearing. I can't believe you haven't told me what big dreams you have for yourself.”

  “Oh, I've got a couple of ideas.”

  “I can't wait to hear what they are.”

  “There's only one big question now,” said Jenna. “What do we do with our day off?”

  Day Off

  “It's absolutely beautiful,” Jenna said. “I don't know if you can afford it, though.”

  Jenna and James were in a two bedroom apartment only about six blocks
from Jenna's apartment. It was much nicer than Jenna's. It had central air, new appliances, a washer and dryer in the unit, a patio, hardwood floors, garage parking, and large bedrooms. Jenna was actually quite jealous.

  “I can afford it,” James said. “I won't be able to get it until I can show them some paychecks, but I can always give them Dan's number and show them the paperwork to start out.”

  “Are you sure that you want two bedrooms?”

  “Why not? A one bedroom costs roughly the same. This also gives me the opportunity to rent out the rent to somebody.”

  “What are you going to do? Put up signs around town?” Jenna laughed.

  “I don't know. Maybe I can ask someone I know to move in after a while.”

  “That still doesn't require two rooms. And Mandy is not going to be happy about that.”

  “I figure that we'll wait awhile before moving in together. You don't have to tell her that you're moving quite yet.”

  “Do you want to see any other apartments today?” Jenna asked.

  “No. I just wanted to get an idea of what was available. I'm fine at the hotel for right now. Keep your eye out for me, though.”

  “Will do. Well, you have been productive all day. I think it's time that we have a little bit of fun.”

  “And what did you have in mind?”

  “I have a couple ideas. We can go sing karaoke, we can go to the strip club, or we can lay in bed for the rest of the night with pizza and movies. Maybe some ice cream, too.”

  “Those actually all sound amazing. I have to be honest.

  “Pick one, cowboy.”

  “I'm thinking that the naked in bed with pizza option is probably the best one. I don't want to be social again. I already met more people than I cared to for one day.”

  “Fair enough. I vote for pineapple,” Jenna said.

  “You're so weird.”

  “What? What do you like on your pizza?”

  “I'm going to get pepperoni. Maybe add some onion and garlic to it.”

  “I have to kiss you later you know?”

  “Lucky you! Pepperoni, garlic, and onion are delicious.”

  “Lovely,” Jenna rolled her eyes. “Your hotel room or my place?”

  “We’ll just end up being too loud if we go to your place.”

  “Hotel it is. I can get used to this,” Jenna said. “I do need to go get my toothbrush and body wash. I hate the harsh soap that they have.”

  “Okay. Let's get out of here. This may be my new home, though.”

  “The kitchen is really nice!”

  “You going to come over and cook me dinner some nights?”

  “Maybe. Depends on what you give me in return!”

  They left the apartment with an application in hand and went back to the hotel with a large half pineapple and half pepperoni and onion pizza. As soon as Jenna shut the door, she slid her top off.

  “What are you doing?” James asked.

  “I'm not wearing clothes if I don't have to. I plan on laying around naked for the entire night.”

  “You're just trying to tease me aren't you?”

  Jenna started shaking her jeans off until they dropped to the floor leaving her in nothing but her bra and panties.

  “I'm not trying to tease you. I'm trying to get comfortable,” Jenna said. “And maybe tease you a little bit.”

  James walked up to her and started putting his hands on her bare hips, kissing her and kissing down her neck.

  “Mmmm, babe. Hold on. I'm hungry.”

  Jenna backed away from James and made her way to the pizza. She placed a couple of slices on a plate, poured herself some 7-UP and sat down on the bed with her legs crossed and the remote in her hand.

  “Do you like Star Wars?”

  James just laughed and decided to join her. He got some pizza, too, and he joined her on the bed. He also took off his shirt and jeans and got into his boxers.

  “Star Wars is lame. Give me that remote.”

  They argued over the remote playfully until finally agreeing on something. At this point, they ate pizza and actually watched the movie. They got comfortable about half way through the movie and started cuddling in bed. Jenna tried to pay attention to the movie, but she was distracted by his large arms around her. She kissed him softly. He tasted like pepperoni, garlic, and onion; it was delicious.

  Eventually James's strong hands wound up all over Jenna's body until they found themselves under her panties. She quietly moaned into his chest while he slid his fingers over her delicate wet slit. He continued until Jenna was squirming and getting louder and louder. James did what he could to keep her still and whispered into her ear as he continued. He started kissing down her stomach until he got to her thighs. He kissed and licked them until he finally put his lips on her most delicate parts. James continued until her leg was shaking, and Jenna griped the sheet with one hand and gripped his hair with the other. After the rushing bliss of her orgasm, Jenna took her place on his chest, and she went to bed thinking that nothing could possibly go wrong.

  A New Life

  The next day was James's first day at work at Rock and Country. She seemed to be significantly more nervous than he was.

  “How can you be so calm?” she asked him.

  “It's just a job. I've had plenty of jobs before.”

  “Well, try to show a little bit of enthusiasm and gratefulness. Dan didn't need to give you the job.”

  “He had no security at the biggest bar in town and left a girl alone to close. Yes, he did need to hire me. He knows it, too.”

  “Well, it allows us to be together. Don't take that lightly!”

  “I don't. Jesus Christ. Is that what you're always going to be like now?” James asked. Jenna immediately went to playfully swing at him, but he jumped back. “I'm kidding. I'm kidding. Let's go. You'll have a heart attack if I'm late.”

  When they walked into the bar, Dan was already there helping the morning bartender behind the bar.

  “Here, I got this Dan. You go tell James over there what he should be doing.”

  Jenna took her place behind the bar as she did every day, and she helped catch up on all the waiting customers. While she did this, she couldn't help but keep an eye on Dan and James by the door. She knew that it was boring to him, but she was proud that he was doing it. He was doing it for her. Jenna fantasized about what the job could lead to in the future while she went through her day as normal.

  Eli had a funny look when he showed up to the door. He frequented Rock and Country often because he liked to stare at Jenna while she worked, but he didn't think that he'd have James there as security every day.

  “What the hell was Dan thinking hiring him as security?” Eli asked. “The guy is a fucking buffoon.”

  “Look who's talking,” Jenna smiled, handing Eli his beer. “You might want to consider going to another bar from now on. I have a feeling you'll be watched pretty closely here.”

  “Yeah. Whatever.”

  “Have a good night, though!” Jenna said.

  The rest of the night went rather smoothly. It was nice for Jenna to have some help throughout her shift when she needed to restock things, and she enjoyed being able to give James a quick smile throughout the night.

  “Did you do alright tonight?” James asked.

  “I did well enough. Typical.”

  “Well, let's hurry up and finish closing so we can get out of here. You wanna come over by my place tonight?”

  “Sure! Mandy's going to start thinking that I don't live at home anymore.”

  “Well, just give me a little more time,” James said. “Hopefully you'll be living with me soon enough.”

  “I don't cramp your style?”

  “You are my style. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you anyway.”

  “Well, I'm almost done. Let's get out of here.”

  The motorcycle rides were becoming routine for Jenna, but they never seemed to lose their magic. The wind hitting her face still ma
de her feel free, and she loved having her arms around James's sturdy chest. She felt safe and relaxed. The stars looked like a moving blanket above her, and she thanked God for how well her life was going. That night, James decided to pull off onto a country road and just keep riding, and Jenna loved every single minute of it.

  They got home and watched a movie until Jenna fell asleep in James's arms. She was adjusting to James's apartment, his bed, and her new life. She was falling into it as easily as she slept in his arms. James was starting to get well-adjusted, too.

  Jenna noticed James talking to more and more guys at the bar when he was working. Many of the guys were instantly drawn to him because he managed to get with Jenna. Jenna was rather popular for her looks around town, and she was also popular for not being especially receptive to the guys hitting on her. His mysterious nature apparently didn't hurt with the guys, either. Jenna could hear people talking about the new security guy as they drank at the bar. Jenna was excited that he might be making friends and planting more roots. In her mind, it would only give him more reasons to stay in town with her. Secretly, Jenna couldn't help but worry that James would get bored of this new life and decide to leave for something more exciting.

  Jenna still didn't know how to feel the first time that James decided that he was going to out with some guys from town on his night off.

  “Who are you going with?”

  “Phil and some other guys.”

  “Where are you going?”

  “A bar. I don't know for sure. I think they mentioned that there was a strip club out here. We might hit that up.”

  “Why would you need to go to a strip club to give girls money for grinding on you when you can't even touch them?”

  “Awww.... are you getting jealous?”

  “No. It just doesn't make any sense to me is all.”

  “Would it make you feel better if I gave you my key and you could come sleep over tonight? That way you'll know when I get home. Mandy isn't home tonight anyway, so it really doesn't matter where you stay. You may as well hang out by my place.”

  “Well, what if I want to go out, too?”