Predator

by Michelle Heard

  I nod like an idiot. How’s it possible that this woman has reduced me to a walking hard-on? The predator has become the prey. Jeff is going to have a field day when we get together again.

  “I am. I’ve made an extra set of keys so if you do decide to go somewhere, just lock the door. Oh yeah,” I move around her and open the one kitchen cupboard that’s become a little storage space for my stuff. I take the cheap phone out and hold it out to her. “Same thing as before. You use it only to phone me. Don’t give the number out to anyone.”

  “But…” She takes the phone from me, and our fingers brush, sending electric pulses straight to my cock. “What if I need to give a number to an employer?”

  “Shit, you’re right. I don’t like the idea one bit, but you can give it to an employer. Just don’t go giving it to everyone.”

  She glares at me, and it makes her look cute. “I’m not stupid, Mr. Jackson. Go work.” She starts to walk towards the bedroom but then stops and turns back to me. “It has your number on it, right?”

  “Yeah.” I can’t keep from smiling. “Phone me if you need anything.”

  She smiles and nods. “Great, thanks.” She walks into the bedroom and then calls out, “Have a nice day, hubby.”

  I grin like an idiot. Yeah, I’m so pussy-whipped and I haven’t even had her yet.

  CARA

  After Damian leaves, I quickly shower and get ready to head out myself. I’ll go crazy if I just sit around every day. I need something to keep myself busy with.

  When I’m ready, I make sure all the appliances are off, and all the windows are closed. I lock up behind me and then walk in the direction of town.

  I love walking around here. Everything is so pretty, and the fresh ocean air is calming.

  My thoughts turn back to this morning when I walked past the bathroom, on my way to make some coffee. I could swear I heard Damian groan as if he was having an orgasm. Just the thought of his strong hand stroking himself makes my body grow hot and bothered, but there’s a pang of sadness at the same time. It’s something I can’t give him. Sure, I masturbate quite a lot more than I normally did, but I just don’t know if I’ll be able to have actual sex with him.

  We haven’t talked about us or what we are since the kiss. We also haven’t kissed again. He’s actually more careful around me, not touching me unless he has to – which sucks.

  Maybe I scared him off?

  Who does he think of when he’s making himself come?

  Ugh… I’d die if he was thinking of someone else. I’m so screwed. I want him all to myself, but I can’t give him all of me. How fucked up is that?

  When I reach the town, there aren’t many job prospects. I try Pete’s Place first, the local diner, but there are no jobs. This is going to be harder than I thought. I try the grocery, and the cashier there tells me to try the hardware.

  I cross the road and walk into the small hardware store. It’s hot and stuffy inside. I go over to the huge dark wooden counter. There’s a bell on top of the counter, and I hesitate to ring it. I tap it quickly, and the soft ping makes me cringe. Shit, I hope I didn’t bother anyone.

  “Can I help you?” someone asks from the back of the store.

  I walk closer and stop when I see a middle-aged man sitting on a crate. He’s busy stocking the shelves.

  “Yeah… uhm.” I clear my throat. “I was wondering if you have any jobs? For me? I mean I’m looking for any kind of job.”

  He gets up and looks me up and down. I take a step back just to be safe.

  “I have an opening but not for someone like you,” he says almost rudely.

  I lift an eyebrow and cross my arms over my chest. “Someone like me?”

  “Yeah.” He waves a hand at me. “You’re too small. I need someone with muscle. You’ll have to carry heavy boxes, stock the shelves, sign for stock as it’s delivered and carry it to the storeroom. You’re too small, and you’re a woman.”

  My mouth drops open in surprise that he’s discriminating against me just because I have boobs! Is this man from the middle-ages?

  “I’m strong,” I snap at him. “I’m a hard worker, too. What would you rather have, some wimp who hasn’t worked an honest day in his life, or a woman who doesn’t have a lazy bone in her body?”

  The man stares at me, and it looks like my smart mouth just lost me any chance of getting the job. I turn around to walk away when he says, “Fine, I’ll give you a week. The pay’s not great, but it’s money. There are no benefits. You work from eight a.m. until five p.m., and you get an hour’s lunch.” He points to the box he was busy unpacking. “You can start with that. You’ll find more boxes in the back. Keep the shelves well stocked. I don’t want to lose a sale because you didn’t have it on the shelves. Also, make sure we have stock in the backroom. If we run low on something, then you come tell me, and I’ll place an order.”

  He starts to walk by me, and I quickly give way. “I’m Nina Jackson. Don’t you need any of my information?”

  He keeps walking. “I have your name. I’ll be paying cash, so I don’t want to know any of your shit.”

  I frown at his rudeness. I resist the urge to stick my tongue out at him and go sit on the crate. I continue putting the tiny packs of nails, screws, and bolts where they belong.

  Right now I’m so damn thankful that I’ve worked in a hardware store before. I’m going to make this man eat every one of his words.

  DAMIAN

  I drive away from Mrs. Perry’s house after fixing her fish tank. She got new lights, but they didn’t work. The problem was with the switch. A wire came loose, and it only took a minute to fix, so I didn’t charge her.

  I think about the other job I have. It will take up most of my time for the next week. Mr. Taylor is wheelchair bound, so they want me to add a ramp for him to the new gazebo they just got. I also have to maintain the other ramps around and inside the house, so at least it will keep me busy for a while.

  I stop at the hardware store so I can order some lumber and get some other supplies. Walking in, I see Joshua behind the counter.

  “Hi, Joshua,” I greet as I take the measurements out of my pocket. “I just need a few things.”

  “Sure,” he smiles at me.

  “I’ll need these measurements in treated lumber for a wheelchair ramp over at Mr. Taylor’s place.”

  Joshua takes the piece of paper I wrote all the measurements on and checks it all over. “I’d suggest you use screws. Nails will come undone.”

  That makes sense. I nod at him. “Yeah, you’re right. Let’s go with the screws.”

  “I have some medium length boards in the back, two by four. They should work well.” He starts to walk to the back and then asks, “What are you going to use to make it non-slippery?”

  “I was thinking grit tape. You have some?”

  “I don’t have enough for this size ramp. I’ll have to order some.” He stops in the back of the store looking at the lumber. “You’re going to need some thinner ones for hand and guard rails.”

  “Yes, you think you can get it all ready for me? Just give me a call, and I’ll swing by to get it.”

  “Sure thing,” he grumbles, walking back to the counter. “Just write your number here. Nina!” he yells suddenly.

  I write down my new name and number and push the piece of paper back to him.

  “Yes,” I hear a familiar voice behind me. I turn around and frown when I see Cara. What is she doing here?

  “Go check how many packs of screws we have,” he barks at her.

  Her eyes dart from Joshua to me, and then she quickly disappears into the back.

  “So,” I turn back to Joshua, “she’s working for you?”

  “Who?” he asks, looking confused for a second. “Oh, you mean the woman? Nah, not for long. She came in here earlier asking for a job, said she could do anything a man could.” He chuckles, and I don’t like the sound of it. “We’ll see how long she lasts.”

  I don’t want to me
ss up her first day at a job, but I want to give Joshua a subtle warning. He better not mess with her.

  Cara comes back. She looks nervous, and she stays a safe distance from the counter. “Fourteen,” she says, trying to sound sure of herself, but the uncertain look in her eyes doesn’t escape my watchful eyes.

  “Get back to work,” he barks at her again.

  “Nina,” I say before she can dart to the back of the store. I walk right up to her and taking her face in my hands, I watch her eyes widen. I press a kiss to her lips and then smile at her. “What time do you get off?”

  “Five,” she squeaks.

  “I’ll be outside.” I give her another kiss, and then let her go. “We can eat at the diner, celebrate your job.”

  “Okay,” she whispers, and her eyes dart to Joshua.

  “Later,” I say to Joshua, who’s gawking at us. Let him try and fuck with her now.

  CARA

  It’s funny how nice people can be to you if they’re scared of your husband. Not that Damian is really my husband, but they don’t know any different.

  Joshua did a total one-eighty after that stunt Damian pulled, kissing me in front of him. So at least I’m not being treated like shit anymore, which is always a good thing.

  The last thirty minutes really drags out, and every time I look at the watch, only a minute has crawled by.

  I’m hungry and tired. I glance at the clock again, and a wave of relief washes over me when I see it’s one minute to five. I watch the seconds tick by and then I walk to the front of the store.

  “Bye,” I say uncomfortably, not sure if I can call him by his name.

  He smiles at me, but the smile doesn’t extend to his eyes. “Bye, Nina. Have a good night.”

  “T-thanks,” I sputter and then I rush out of the store. Damian is parked right in front, and he’s leaning against the driver’s door with his arms crossed over his chest.

  He pushes his body away from the car and walks toward me. “Hey, gorgeous,” he says, sounding gruff.

  He reaches for me and then pulls me into a hug.

  We’re standing in front of the hardware store.

  My boss can see us!

  Everyone can see us.

  My eyes widen as Damian leans closer to me. I feel his breath on my cheek. His eyes flick over my shoulder at what I’m sure is my boss, and then they flick back to me, and oh my freaking word, it’s so hot.

  He presses a kiss to my lips and then guides me around the car.

  I’m so stunned by his caveman behavior that I only gather my senses when he stops at the diner.

  “Gorgeous?” I ask, lifting an eyebrow. “And what’s with all the kissing?”

  He takes his seatbelt off and opens the door. “You’re gorgeous, and you’re my wife. I’m just kissing my wife hello and goodbye. It’s what normal married couples do.”

  He gets out of the car, leaving me confused. So he’s only kissing me for appearance's sake?

  Shit, I’m starting to think I imagined the kiss on the beach.

  CHAPTER 18

  DAMIAN

  Fuck, it gets hot here. I wipe the sweat from my forehead and then screw in the last of the screws for the landing. Once I’m done, I stand back and look at what I’ve achieved today. The landing is perfect. I’ve given Mr. Taylor enough elbow space as well.

  I pack up my tools and then walk into the house. “I’m heading home, Mr. Taylor.”

  “Would you like to stay for some milk and cookies?” Mrs. Taylor asks from the kitchen. She baked today, and it smells mouthwatering.

  “No thanks, Mrs. T. I have to go get Nina.”

  “Of course. I’ll keep some for you for tomorrow. You have a good night.”

  I wave and then rush to the car. I don’t want to be late picking up Nina. I have a little surprise for her.

  Just as I stop in front of the hardware store, she comes out. She looks a little tired, but she smiles happily when she sees me. The work is good for her. It’s not the job I would’ve chosen for her, but it keeps her busy.

  She gets into the car, and I lean over to her. I press a kiss to her lips. “Hey, Gorgeous. How was your day?”

  It’s becoming routine, the hello and goodbye pecks. I tell myself it’s only for appearances, but yeah, total bullshit.

  “It was good. The rest of your lumber order came in so you can get it when you drop me off tomorrow morning.”

  “Oh, good!” I drive to the local car dealership. I had a talk with the sales guy, and he found a truck that I can trade the car for. I can’t be a handyman and not have a truck. “I’m trading the car in for a truck. It would suit our environment better,” I tell Cara.

  “Oh. Okay.” When I stop in front of the dealership, she scrunches her nose. “Can I wait outside?”

  “Sure.” I go inside and find Ben. “You have it ready?” I ask, hoping this will be a quick transaction.

  “Yeah,” Ben points to the table that’s overflowing with paperwork. “I just need to make a copy of your license while you sign a few things.”

  I take a seat, and then he hands me the documents with a pen. “Just sign where I’ve marked with an x.”

  I hand him my license that’s in the name of Alex Jackson, and I make sure to sign in that name too. One screw up and our lives could be at risk.

  The whole transaction takes about fifteen minutes before I get the keys. “You’ll see it parked out front. I had it washed, but you’ll have to put in some gas.”

  “Sure.” I smile and reach out my hand to him, “Thanks for all your help.”

  Cara is standing outside, just staring off into space. I take her hand and point to the truck. “There’s our new wheels.”

  I open the door for her. She tilts her head and then looks at me. “Does it come with a ladder?”

  Laughter bubbles over my lips, and I take hold of her hips, lifting her into the truck.

  I stop in front of the diner, and she looks at me all puzzled. “Again? We were here on Tuesday.”

  “Just stay put. I’ll be back soon.” I run into the diner and get us ice-creams.

  When I come out of the diner, Cara smiles widely. “Oh, yes!” She claps her hands and then takes one. I watch her lick at it, and it has a direct link to my cock, which hardens instantly.

  I drive to a quiet spot where we have a nice view of the ocean, all the while trying to get rid of the hard-on. We get out of the cab and I lower the tailgate so we can sit on the back. I slide all the way back and lean against the back of the cab. Cara sits down next to me, and we finish our ice-creams.

  The view is stunning, and just sitting like this is relaxing. We should do it more often.

  “That was nice. Thanks,” she says as she licks her fingertips. I watch every one of those tips slip in between her perfect lips. I hear every tiny pop as she pulls that same tip out again.

  Fuck.

  Her eyes meet mine, and she freezes with a finger in her mouth. I reach for her hand and pull it out from between her lips. I bring the still wet tip to my mouth and then close my lips over it. Her tongue darts out over her bottom lip as her eyes zoom in on her finger in my mouth.

  I suck gently and then see the heat flare in her eyes. I’m playing with fire now, and we can both get burned, but fuck, I can’t stop what’s happening.

  She gets on her knees and moves closer to me. She pulls her finger from my mouth and then her mouth crashes against mine. I take hold of her hips and guide her onto my lap. She straddles me and her arms go around my neck. Her tongue plunges into my mouth, and I’m surprised by the passion she’s kissing me with.

  Suddenly she pulls back, her eyes wide again. “Sorry, do you want this?” she asks, motioning between us with the same finger I had in my mouth only seconds ago.

  I slip a hand around the back of her neck and pull her back down. “Just fucking kiss me already,” I growl.

  When our lips touch again, it feels as if something explodes between us, blowing all our self-control to hell. I
caress her tongue hard with mine, and then I take bites of her bottom lip. I’ve wanted to do this for so fucking long. I break the kiss and then continue pressing kisses along her jaw and down her neck.

  Her head falls back, resting in my hand, and she gives me full access to her neck. I kiss and suck, leaving my mark all the way down to her collarbone.

  I’m so fucking hard my cock is going to tear right through my jeans. I grab hold of the hem of her shirt and shove the piece of material up until I can see her bra. I pull the flimsy lace down, exposing her breast and then go in for the kill. I take her nipple in my mouth, and I suck at the soft flesh before gently biting down on her. Her hips jerk against my cock, and I let her breast go.

  I look up at her and see the shock on her face. She’s confused because she wants me. I cover her breast again, but I don’t stop. Stopping now will do more damage than good to both of us.

  I bring her mouth to mine and whisper, “Ride me, Cara. Make yourself come.” I take her mouth, slipping my tongue in again, and tasting the sweetness of the ice-cream on her tongue.

  I drop my hands to her hips and push her down on my cock. The clothes are in the fucking way. I let one hand slip into her slacks and panties. I feel her pussy, and she’s fucking burning up for me.

  I press my palm against her and push one finger in. Her hands dig into my shoulders, and I can feel that I’m losing her attention with the kiss. I pull slightly back and then start to rub her gently. “Fuck my hand, Gorgeous.”

  She keeps her eyes on my face as she starts to move slowly. Her cheeks flush with excitement, and soon, her body takes over. Her breaths start to come faster, matching every jerk of her hips. She presses down harder on my hand, and her movements grow slower. She’s so fucking close.

  I push another finger in, and I watch as her eyes glaze over with pleasure. Her mouth opens, but no sound comes out as she comes against my hand. My fingers fold around her neck, and I yank her to me. I crush her lips under mine and fuck her with my tongue, wanting to devour her orgasm. Her body jerks against mine. Her breasts brush against my chest, and her pussy rubs against my hand, and it takes every last bit of strength I have to not strip her down and fuck her right here on the back of the truck.