Elephants and Ever-Afters [Dark Desires 5] (Siren Publishing Sensations)

by Suzy Shearer

  Laura had just gotten out and turned to look at him. Her mouth opened and her face flushed. Her eyes seemed to travel all over him. He glanced down and realised his coveralls were undone almost to his groin and she was getting a good eyeful of him. He went to do them up then changed his mind as he got closer to her.

  “You were quick, Jules.”

  “We were gone almost forty minutes,” Julian said as he walked to the back of the car.

  “Oh. Oh well. The oil should be out by now.”

  He looked down at Laura in time to catch her licking her lips as she looked at his abs. Never in his life was he as glad as he was then that he’d always exercised and taken care of his body. He stared at her and she raised her eyes to look at him. He put his hands on the fastenings of the coveralls.

  “Shall I do it up?” he asked her quietly.

  “Don’t you dare,” she whispered naughtily.

  He winked and she gave him the sexiest grin. He had to brush past her quickly, lest her eyes drop down to his groin. Quickly, he leaned into the engine bay of the Holden and looked over at Laura.

  Damn! She knew. She was laughing and it felt so good. Julian came over and dropped an arm across her shoulder. She looked at him and said something quietly. Tobias felt another surge of jealousy, but then she looked back at him and smiled. She walked behind him and actually brushed against his butt. If it was possible his erection got even harder as she went inside the house.

  “So I guess you’re glued to the car for a while till things subside.”

  “Fuck you, Jules.”

  He just laughed and continued getting the purchases from the rear of Tobias’s car. When he’d emptied it, he came to where Tobias was.

  “So what can I do?”

  “Find out if Laura has some empty containers we can put this oil in. It can go to the recyclers and we’ll need others for the coolant.”

  “Okay.”

  Julian went into the house while Tobias began reassembling the car. Laura came out with cool drinks for them all. An hour later it was finished and he’d just put the new battery in. Julian had filled a few containers with the old oil and coolant.

  “Julian, you’d better start it, I’m pretty dirty.”

  “Oh, I bet Laura loves a man who’s dirty, don’t you my dear?”

  “Jules, you are nuts.”

  “So you keep telling me,” he said as he got behind the wheel. The car burst into life.

  “Leave it run for a bit to get the oil through, Jules. I’ll pump up these tyres, but I have a feeling they won’t last.”

  “As long as I can get it to a dealer. I’ll definitely trade it in and get something new.”

  “Promise me you won’t drive it yet. I’ll get one of our friends who runs a tyre place in Windsor to come out and check it.”

  “Thanks, Tobias.”

  Julian got out of the car and stood beside Tobias as he looked at the engine turning over. Laura stepped close to the two men.

  “Come inside and have a shower, Tobias. Then I can make you both another drink.”

  They nodded their agreement and left the car running, all the garage doors were open so there wouldn’t be a problem with carbon monoxide building up. Tobias packed up his tools then wiped his hands as best he could on a couple of the rags he’d brought. Gathering up his clothes he went into the house. Laura showed him the downstairs bathroom, and laid a clean towel on the vanity unit.

  Tobias thanked her then said huskily, “I don’t suppose you’d like to wash the places I can’t reach?”

  “Naughty boys don’t get to ask for favours. Be careful I don’t punish you for that.” Laura covered her mouth with her hand as if she’d just realised what she’d said.

  She stammered something indistinguishable and quickly left him at the bathroom door.

  Now what was that about? Surely not. Could it be? Would she?

  Chapter Twelve

  Once Tobias had showered they all settled inside, sitting around the breakfast table with an instant coffee each.

  “So when do you get the cast off?” Julian asked.

  “Thursday, and I can’t wait. I’m going to come home and stand in the shower for hours just washing my hair.”

  The two men looked at her as if she were crazy.

  “Just washing your hair?” Tobias sounded full of disbelief.

  “Yep, you have no idea how awkward it is to wash hair one-handed. I went to a hairdresser a couple of times to get it washed, and last time I was so tempted to get it cut off, it’s so awkward.”

  “I’m glad you didn’t, you look lovely with long hair. It really suits you.”

  Laura blushed. “Thanks, Jules.”

  Tobias seemed to be hiding a grin and Laura wondered what he was thinking. He gave her a smile then said cheerfully, “How are you getting to the doctor’s?”

  “I’ll give Harry a ring.”

  “Harry? A friend?”

  “Sort of, he’s a local taxi driver that I’ve been using for the past five weeks.”

  Quickly Tobias said, “I’ll take you.”

  Laura looked at him as if he were crazy. Julian looked at the two of them then stood.

  “I’ll go turn off the car.”

  He left the room and Laura studied the table in front of her. How could she accept Tobias’s offer?

  Frightened because of their rapidly growing attraction to each other, Laura realised this was what she’d been worried about, getting attached to him and then knowing he’d leave once he knew her kink. She never thought she’d meet someone who punched all her buttons and made her feel this way so quickly.

  “Laura.”

  She looked up at him.

  “Please I want to take you. I…I think there’s some real chemistry between us and I’d love to be able to explore this. So…can I take you, please?”

  “Don’t you have to work or something?” she asked desperately.

  He laughed then said, “I’m the boss, I can do whatever I like.”

  He stared into her eyes.

  “Just say yes, Laura.”

  Laura knew if she said yes to this there would be no going back, and they would explore the chance of a relationship. Was she willing to risk disappointment and the very real chance of being hurt when he ran off?

  “Laura, I know what you’re thinking, you’re wondering if I’m worth taking a risk with. I know we had a rough introduction. I am worth taking a chance, please. I have no idea where it will go, but I really want to get to know you. I have since that day I almost killed you.”

  “I…you didn’t.”

  He grinned at her and she felt warm all over, her stomach filled with so many butterflies she was sure she gained ten kilos. If he could make her feel this way with just a grin, she couldn’t imagine what it would do to her if he were to kiss her or make love to her.

  “So?”

  She nodded then exhaled softly. “Okay. I’ll let you take me to the doctor’s.”

  The smile he gave her made her glad she was sitting down because her knees went weak and a shiver ran down her body. When he turned on that smile Laura was sure she’d give him anything he wanted. Julian wandered back in.

  “So who won?”

  “Me,” Tobias said without taking his eyes off Laura’s face.

  “Should I keep score?”

  Laura hid a smile behind her hand as Tobias glared at Julian, who blithely ignored him.

  “So I peeked in your living room. What on Earth is in that huge pile of boxes?”

  “Books. I’ve got nowhere to put them. I’m going to hire someone to move the wall of shelves into that large spare room alongside the office. I’ll get them to put in more shelves around the walls then I can unpack. I’ve found a couple of builders in the local paper, but that’s as far as I’ve got”

  “We’ve got tradies coming out our arses, well not really, but we could get a senior cabinetmaking apprentice out to do it for you. Good training for them.”

  �
��Oh. I couldn’t impose.”

  “Ridiculous isn’t she, Toby?”

  “Yes, I think Miss Keell doesn’t like handing over control. It’s a good idea, Jules. Ray Brownstone is in his final year. I heard Greg...” He looked at Laura who had blushed when he mentioned control. “Greg’s the apprentice boss. Anyway, I heard him say he thought Ray needed some more time on fiddly jobs. He and Ray could do it easily.”

  Laura realised by hiring a person these two knew would mean she wasn’t risking someone who was only out for the money and wouldn’t do a good job. But at the same time she didn’t want either man to think she was using them.

  “I guess it would make sense to use people who could actually do the job.”

  “Great. Jules can get Greg to ring you and arrange a couple of days. He’ll have to come out and measure up first so they know what you want and what materials to buy.”

  “Just one thing, Tobias. I pay full price.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous,” Tobias said with a hint of anger in his voice.

  “I won’t have it done by them if I don’t. I’ll ring someone else,” Laura threatened equally combative.

  Tobias looked like he was going to argue the case but Julian spoke up before he could answer.

  “How about we compromise? You pay for the materials, provide food, and pay the apprentice wage for the few days.”

  “Why not Greg’s, too?”

  Blithely, Julian said, “He’s on a package, gets a salary.”

  “I think you’re trying to get around this, Jules. Sorry but it’s all or nothing.”

  Suddenly Tobias laughed, making Laura jump.

  “No fooling you, Laura. Okay we agree.”

  Laura was a little suspicious at his recapitulation, but before they could change their mind she held out a hand.

  Both men shook it as she said, “Agreed, oh and I’ll still provide food.”

  “Food! That reminds me. Who else is hungry beside me? I’m in the mood for Chinese.”

  Laura put up her hand the same time as Tobias said ‘yeah’.

  “Okay what’s everyone want?”

  “Honey chicken for me,” Laura answered.

  Tobias said, “Get me some of those Szechuan King Prawns.”

  “I’ll get some mini dim-sims and spring rolls, too, won’t be long.”

  “Julian, you can ring an order through and get it delivered,” Laura told him. “There’s a place in Kurmond that will do it.”

  “I know, but Toby and I found this great place in North Richmond and it kind of spoilt us for any other nearby place.”

  “Please let me pay for it to thank you two.”

  “Forget it, we’ll go out to dinner another time, your treat.”

  “Okay.”

  He winked at her. “You kids behave while I’m gone.”

  She and Tobias shared a quick look then she turned back to Julian, her heart racing.

  “Be about forty minutes. Ta ta for now. Where’s your keys, Tobe’s?”

  “Kitchen bench.”

  Julian left the room and Laura thought you could cut the tension with a knife, she looked everywhere else but at Tobias. She heard him clear his throat.

  “Come on.”

  Swiftly turning her head to look at him, she gave him a puzzled look.

  “I’m going to wash your hair now.”

  “Don’t be silly,” Laura responded quickly.

  “Why? I saw you’ve got one of those hand-held things in the laundry. We put a chair against one of the basins in there and I’ll wash your hair—simple.”

  He shrugged.

  “This is crazy, Tobias.”

  “Please, I want to.”

  Laura just stared at the man in front of her, if he only knew what he was doing to her. This wanting to do things for her was sending her libido sky high. She imagined him naked in the shower, washing her hair, his glorious body glistening from the water as his fingers massaged her. Shaking her head, she sighed.

  Ah, to hell with it.

  She nodded and caught her breath at his smile of delight. He really did want to wash her hair for her. She told him there was a chair on wheels in the office. Within a minute he’d dragged in the desk chair from there and arranged it at the sink. He’d made her get shampoo and conditioner, and all the time she kept thinking how crazy this was.

  “I see you collect elephants.”

  Laura could feel a blush rise from her toes to the top of her head. It was an innocent statement, considering the three elephants arranged on her desk, but if he knew what they represented, well best he didn’t. She just nodded then sat down in the chair and tipped her head back. Surprisingly it wasn’t uncomfortable, the chair and the counter where the sink were both the right height. Tobias stood alongside her and turned on the water.

  “Tell me if it’s too hot or too cold.”

  “I will,” she managed to answer without showing her excitement.

  Laura couldn’t believe how sensuous the hair washing felt. Tobias fingers rubbed her head as he washed her long locks. When he put the conditioner on, he spent so long just massaging her scalp. Laura closed her eyes with a satisfied loud sigh and just let herself enjoy the sensation. She felt him move and actually straddle the chair. Risking a peek, in front of her was his groin and unless the guy packed a spare elephant in there, he had an enormous erection.

  How easy it would be to unzip his jeans and take him in her mouth—she groaned softly. She knew Tobias heard her from the twitch in the bulge in front of her. She raised her eyes only to discover he was staring at her face. She blushed and licked her bottom lip. Time seemed to stand still as they locked eyes. Laura breathed rapidly through her mouth as he moved slightly, his bulge brushing against her hand with the cast. Neither spoke. Tobias breathed as fast as her, the air filled with possibilities. Suddenly, he stood upright and swung his right leg around so he was standing beside her again. Laura didn’t know whether to feel relieved or disappointed.

  “It’s…” He coughed to clear his throat. “Finished.”

  He wrapped a towel around her head and held out a hand to help her stand. A charge of unreleased sexual tension sped between their hands as she stood staring up at him.

  “Laura,” he gasped softly.

  The ringing of the phone saved her from answering, but she cursed it all the same. Moving past Tobias with a regretful smile she went into the family room and picked it up.

  “Laura, it’s Charlise Macarli. Just wanted to let you know everything is finally set up with your accounts. I’ll e-mail you the full details of what I’ve done, but I think you’ll be happy. Don’t forget to keep receipts, although telling a bookkeeper that is extraneous.”

  “Thanks, Charlise. I appreciate your work.”

  “No problem. I’ll catch up with you another day. Let me know if there’s anything you’re not sure of or unhappy with when you go through the details.”

  “I will, thanks again. Bye.”

  Laura hung up turning to see Tobias now stood in the kitchen.

  “Another coffee?” she asked awkwardly.

  “Thanks. Sit down first and I’ll rub some of the water out of your hair and give it a comb. Do you usually use a hair dryer?”

  “Not really. I usually just let it dry naturally.”

  “Okay.”

  Laura sat on one of the breakfast table chairs and let Tobias rub her hair with the towel. She had to admit it was wonderful being pampered like this, even Colin never washed her hair unless she specifically asked for it to be done, and then he did it as fast as he could.

  Tobias took the wet towel into the laundry then brushed and combed her hair. Once done, he asked if he could make coffee for them both.

  “Oh, thank you. There’s instant in the pantry. That is unless you can figure out the monster machine on the bench,” she added trying to keep the exasperation out of her voice.

  There was no denying how aroused she now felt. The hair washing, the wanting to drive her to the
doctors, and now wanting to make her coffee. They all combined to send her excitement into the stratosphere. She wondered how she was going to get through the rest of the day with him around.

  “Milk and sugar?”

  “Please, two.”

  Tobias looked at her coffee machine then asked if she had any fresh beans.

  “There’s some in the pantry. I bought them last week but still haven’t figured out how to even turn on the monster.”

  It seemed Tobias had a coffee machine pilot’s license because he got the fresh beans from the pantry, and after working with the machine he came to the table, putting a mug beside her right hand then sat opposite with a mug for himself.

  “How did you know what to do with that? I’ve looked for a manual but can’t find it anywhere, plus there are so many dials and settings I was frightened I’d blow it up.”

  “I’ve got one similar. I’ll show you later how to work it.”

  “Thanks.”

  “So what time’s your doctor’s appointment?”

  “Eleven-fifteen.”

  “Okay, is it in Richmond?”

  “No, just up the road in Kurrajong village.”

  “I’ll be here about eleven.”

  “Are you sure about this, Tobias?”

  “Yes, so no more arguments.”

  “Okay, thank you.”

  “Like I said, Laura, I want to do it.”

  It seemed Tobias thought it best to change the subject as he looked around the room. “I honestly love your house.”

  “So do I. I never dreamed I’d live in something so big and luxurious as this.”

  “Julian said you’d been living in Canberra.”

  “Yes. Been there all my life, so this is an enormous change.”

  “Food’s here!” Julian’s voice echoed down the hall.

  Laura went to stand, but Tobias put a hand on her shoulder as he leaped to his feet.

  “Stay there, we’re modern men capable of serving food.”

  Julian put the dishes on the table and helped Tobias get plates and cutlery with Laura’s direction where to find things. The two men sat and Julian opened all the containers.