Rough Spark: Big Flirt Series Book Two

by Echo, Kristen

  “I’ll get you where you need to go.”

  “Thank you.”

  Gemma had the hot librarian look on lock down with her tight sleeveless blouse and pencil skirt. Her outfit wasn’t designed to be sexy, but I liked the way it hugged her hourglass curves. Her body had filled out more since high school. I’d bet her skin was just as soft and smooth as I remembered. Her pussy just as…

  “Don’t thank me yet.” I charged forward and opened her car door. “Your car should still be drivable. Park in the lot. I’ll have the guys shuffle things around inside and squeeze you in.”

  “Okay.”

  There was another place I wanted to squeeze into. Spread her thighs apart and…

  “Fuck,” I cursed under my breath. I refused to let myself go there. Making love to Gemma would never happen again. She’d made that clear when she ended our relationship and had me locked up.

  “I owe you one,” she added.

  Having her audit the books would be a life saver, but it would mean spending even more time with my ex. I’d help her out, but I wouldn’t make this easy.

  “You owe me way more than one. We’ll start with five.” I showed her five fingers and winked.

  Her mouth open and then closed. Her bow lips looked damn inviting. We stood close. If I leaned down, I’d learn if they still tasted sweet like fresh fruit. I had no business thinking about kissing her.

  “How does me asking for one favor mean I owe you a handful?”

  “Inflation.”

  She narrowed her eyes into adorable slits. “Forget I asked.”

  “Suit yourself, but you’ll never make it out of town without my help.” I crossed my arms over my chest and watched her squirm.

  “Two,” she countered.

  “You owe me one for getting rid of Dwight quickly.” I held up my hand before she interrupted me. “I’m not saying you wouldn’t have put him in his place, but it might have taken hours. That man likes to hear himself talk. One for taking you to the city. Another for setting foot in my town and acting like you didn’t see me. Another—”

  “Three. Besides the accounting assistance, I’ll owe you two more favors.”

  I smiled and nodded as she slipped awkwardly into the driver’s seat. I watched her navigate the expensive ride onto our gravel lot and followed on foot.

  The car didn’t suit her. It was too flashy and arrogant. The girl I remembered rode an old-fashioned yellow bicycle with a basket in the front and big white fenders. Something she’d bought off ol’ Miss Barker after babysitting the Sheppard twins all summer. I had no idea why I remembered those things about her, but I did.

  From the moment her family had moved to town, I’d noticed her. The quiet bookworm had attended every one of my football games, but she refused to talk to me. At least in public. Gemma had always been a bit of a mystery. I had loved discovering her mind and her body. I had planned to marry her one day. Not that her family would ever allow it. That thought made me laugh. Her folks still hated me and my family. Their mission was to ruin us. Time hadn’t lessened their disdain. The verdict was still out on their daughter.

  My boots crunched against the stone as I approached from the back of her car. The end of my favorite country song cut off abruptly as she turned off the engine. She didn’t move to get out. Instead, she checked her phone before placing it in her purse.

  “Toss me the keys. You may as well come inside and cool off in the air-conditioned office. This might take a couple of minutes.”

  She seemed reluctant to leave the car but placed the keys in my hand. Her fingers grazed my palm for a second and she snapped her hand back like I’d burned her. She smoothed her hands along the side of her skirt, drawing my attention to her full hips.

  “What will this cost me? I should know the terms first.”

  “Depends.”

  We’d already established I didn’t want her money. I’d never touch a dime of her family’s money. Collecting favors or punishing her sounded far more interesting. As if she sensed where my mind had wandered, her hazel eyes locked with mine. The hints of green brightened and overtook the brown.

  “On what?”

  “Are you married or in a relationship?” Jealousy clawed its way to the surface as I pictured her with another man. My fingers balled into fists.

  “No to both. What does that have to do with anything?”

  I released the breath I’d been holding. Glancing down, I knew without a doubt I’d enjoy collecting the payment. Dirty fantasies drifted through my mind.

  “Just curious. That’s all. So, tell me what happened back there.” I moved closer until our arms touched as we walked towards the office. “Were you too busy checking me out to notice he hadn’t moved?”

  Her steps slowed, a deep blush darkened her cheeks, and she instantly looked away. “No. Don’t be ridiculous. I didn’t even know you still worked here.”

  I’ll be damned. She was checking me out. For some reason, knowing she still desired me made my cock twitch.

  “Right. That’s why your face is redder than a behind after a thorough spanking.”

  The pretty shade of pink dipped down her neck and disappeared into her green blouse. I wondered how far that blush traveled. My gaze followed, feasting on her full breasts as they tugged on the buttons. I spotted a sliver of black, showing a naughty side to Miss Prim-and-Proper. Hints of the girl I knew poked through.

  She covered her cheeks and inhaled sharply. Her feet stopped a foot from the door. I turned to face her and pulled her hands away. Her skin was smooth and softer than silk. She gasped. Her eyes widened.

  “I was kidding, but it’s cool,” I said, releasing her hands. “Next time, you don’t have to rear-end someone to get my attention.”

  “You’re still as cocky as ever,” she huffed, but didn’t deny she found me attractive.

  I smirked. “If it makes you feel better, I think you’re beautiful when you blush.”

  Her eyes connected with mine. “You’re still a big flirt.”

  “Not with everyone.”

  “Are you telling me you reserve this charm for me?”

  “Maybe,” I admitted.

  Despite her family being the bane of my existence, there was no sense denying I was attracted to the woman standing before me. I had always found her gorgeous and nothing had changed. If she looked down, she’d see the bulge in my pants.

  As a teenager, she’d been pretty and curvy. The years had filled her out a little more, bringing a fullness to her breasts and roundness to her hips and ass. If she knew all the indecent thoughts running through my mind as I raked my eyes over her luscious body, she’d run. I hadn’t dated or been with a woman in years, but I wanted Gemma. The years hadn’t dulled my desires. She could rip my heart out for a second time if it meant I could taste happiness one more time. That thought shocked the fuck out of me.

  “Does your entire body still pink like that or—”

  “Blake Kruz, that’s inappropriate,” she admonished. “I don’t think your girlfriend would like to hear you talk like that. Or did you and Kirstin get married?”

  A bucket of cold water would have chilled my bones less than the mention of my ex. My attempt to replace Gemma had backfired. After three years with Kirstin, I ended things. The scars from that failed relationship still plagued me. My jaw clenched tight.

  “Keeping tabs on me?”

  “No. Small town gossip travels far even when you don’t want to hear it.” She shuffled her feet, covering the tips of her high heels with dust. “Who you’re with doesn’t concern me. I just—”

  “Never been married. That relationship ended years ago. Surprised your spies didn’t tell you that,” I huffed. “I’m single too.”

  “Years ago,” she repeated.

  “Yeah. I don’t want to talk about her.”

  “Sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up a sore subject.”

  “Don’t be sorry. Is Kirstin the reason you stayed away this long?” The question slippe
d off my tongue, but I didn’t regret it.

  “No. Yes. It’s the past,” she answered.

  I wanted more answers, but she was right. It didn’t matter why she left or why she never came back. She was here now, and I planned to make the most of our time together.

  “Follow me.”

  I opened the office door and ushered her in. A handful of townsfolk sat in the small seating area. The red upholstered bench near the counter was vacant. I lead her towards it, keeping her in my peripheral view. She composed her expression into a blank canvas as she looked around the room.

  The décor hadn’t changed since my grandpappy opened the doors in nineteen fifty-two. The relics, like everything, had a little wear but were close to mint condition. Pictures of classic cars lined the walls, and black-and-white checkered tiles covered the floors. We took pride in our shop and it showed.

  “It’s like stepping back in time. I’ve always loved this place. My parents… never mind.”

  Ma stood behind the counter staring at Gemma. She was like a shark, smelling blood in the water. A woman to sink her teeth into.

  “Sit,” I offered, keeping my tone neutral.

  “I’ll stand.”

  “Suit yourself. I’ll head back, talk to Pops and change. Be back soon.”

  Her delicate fingers landed on my forearm, spreading her warmth. “Um. I’m not trying to be a pain, but I wasn’t kidding earlier. The clock is ticking.”

  “Can’t wait to be alone with me, heh.”

  “Alone… with you. Right. Your ego is far too inflated if you think my request is a ploy so we can sneak away together.”

  “Snap,” Janet chuckled and covered her mouth when I glared at her.

  My ma and Janet studied me, trying to assess my reaction to Gemma. Their eyes bounced between us like they were watching a tennis volley. I pursed my lips and turned my attention back to Gemma as the heat from her touch traveled south.

  “You want to hold my hand or let me get things set up so we can leave?”

  My flirting was rusty. My tone might have come across more forceful than playful. Once upon a time, I was great at seduction, but I hadn’t flexed those muscles in a long time. Maybe I needed practice. Maybe I needed Gemma.

  “Of course. Go,” she removed her hand, adjusted her glasses and leaned against the counter. “I’ll wait.”

  “Fine.”

  “Hello, Mrs. Kruz. It’s nice to see you again,” she said, extending her hand. “Only wish it was under better circumstances.”

  “I’m so sorry about Henry. Gemma Newbury, you come give me a hug.”

  Everyone in the room gasped. Fuck. Our town was divided, and her last name wouldn’t win her any favors with this crowd. If I left her with them, there was no telling what kind of craziness they’d say or how much prying they’d do. It might have been years since she set foot in town, but small-town gossip still ruled the roost.

  I couldn’t in good conscience leave her with the vultures. I grabbed her hand, laced our fingers together and pulled her with me. Once we were alone in the back office, I let go. This time when I offered a seat, she accepted without protest.

  She sat in the worn leather chair and crossed her legs. “Care to explain why I couldn’t stay in the waiting area?”

  I closed the door, dulling the sounds of the compressor and power tools. “You said you were in a rush. We’ll be heading out the back door. Makes more sense for you to wait here.”

  “Oh. I thought maybe you didn’t want me around your mom because of...”

  “Not sure what nonsense your parents fed you, but we don’t hate you or your family. We don’t agree with their politics, the way they treat people or their vision for our town. It’s not personal.”

  “Yes, it is,” she mumbled.

  “We aren’t the enemy.”

  “With my parents, there is no reasoning. You’re either with them or against them. In with their crowd or forever an outsider.”

  “My family aren’t the type to hold grudges. I don’t care about some old vote.”

  “I know that.” She checked her watch and then knotted her fingers on her lap. “I don’t want to discuss my parents or the town. I have my own issues with them.”

  Hearing the worry in her voice set off a primal need to protect her. It was strange. Even after all these years, the connection was still strong. I placed my hand on her shoulder and she leaned into my touch.

  “You okay?”

  “I’ll survive. But if we don’t leave soon, I’ll have to explain why I came back empty handed.”

  I wouldn’t let that happen. “Let me pass your keys along. I’ll grab a quick shower and then we can kick it.”

  “Sounds good.”

  “You want to join me? Get wet like old times?”

  She rolled her eyes, grabbed a magazine off the desk and tried to hide the blush creeping up her cheeks. Gemma was never good at hiding her feelings. I could read her like a book.

  “Go.”

  I chuckled and closed the door behind me, leaving her alone. It didn’t take long to find Pops. He was at the hoist, chatting with Owen. My cousin was recounting Gemma’s run in with Dwight. The two looked my way as I approached.

  Pops glanced over my shoulder. “We don’t usually bring customers into back area.”

  The statement lingered in the air as though he expected me to admit she was special. That wasn’t going to happen. Gemma wasn’t mine. She was a stranger who needed a ride. Nothing more. The attraction I felt didn’t mean a damn thing.

  “Here’s the keys to her wheels. I offered her a courtesy ride to the city. I’ll be back later.”

  “You both look like you could use a good, long and rough ride,” Owen joked.

  My hands balled into fists. “Shut up.”

  Pops smiled and patted me on the back. “You need to borrow my truck? Can’t very well take her on your motorcycle. Her parents would have a heart attack if they found out. We’ve got enough problems with them.”

  He didn’t need to remind me. I was well aware of their hatred for me. The lengths they went to keep me away from their daughter left a permanent impression.

  “I don’t give a fuck what they think. We’re taking my bike. We’ve got extra helmets and jackets.” I wasn’t in the mood to argue or explain why this was a great idea. Making her comfortable was not my priority. “Later, I’ll swing by the farm and—”

  “Take a night off, son. We’ve got everything covered. Despite what you boys think, I’m still capable of running my businesses.”

  Owen nodded, letting me know he’d help. As much as my pops believed he could do manual labor, his heart couldn’t handle the stress. The man had barely survived the triple bypass surgery. Years later, complications still plagued him. However, arguing was pointless.

  “See you tomorrow.” I handed him the keys and returned to the back office.

  The door creaked as it opened. Gemma jumped to her feet. “You startled me.”

  “I’m not so scary,” I said, advancing towards her until only an inch separated us. “I wouldn’t hurt you.”

  “You did once,” she whispered.

  “What?”

  “Nothing. Let’s go.”

  The gentle slope of her lip tempted me to pull it between my teeth. I exhaled and released that desire. A quick ride to the city and back. Nothing more.

  “Good idea.”

  Chapter Four

  Gemma

  The sun beamed against the motorcycle, making it sparkle. It looked powerful and intimidating. A lot like the man who owned it. The prospect of sitting on that beast sent my nerves into an excited frenzy. I circled the machine with my hands on my hips.

  The lot behind the shop had two motorcycles and an old classic truck parked. I recognized Mr. Kruz’s truck because he’d been driving the restored, bright yellow truck for as long as I could remember. That left only two options. I stopped in front of the one with raised handlebars. There had to be another car or truck stas
hed away. He couldn’t possibly expect me to travel on a motorcycle.

  I eyeballed the hunk of chrome on two wheels. My pulse spiked as Blake stepped next to me. “Is this a joke?”

  “That one’s mine,” he said with a hint of pride. “Does it not meet with your approval, my lady?”

  My stomach somersaulted as his arm brushed against mine. Before we left the shop, he’d showered and changed. He wore dark snug-fitting jeans and a black t-shirt. His short hair still had a hint of moisture on the tips. The scent of soap and faint cologne struck me. He smelled good and looked even more delicious.

  “Where is your car?”

  The twinkle in his blues eyes could convince me to do just about anything. His eyes were too damn alluring. He reached into the saddlebag, removed a helmet and covered his head.

  “You asked for a ride to the city and these are my wheels. Is there a problem?”

  “Yes. I can’t ride on that.”

  “Why not? You used to love when we went cruising.”

  “Let’s not talk about the past.” I motioned towards my outfit as if the answer were obvious. “Is there another option?”

  He smirked and shook his head. “This is it. Take it or leave it.”

  Sweat dripped down my back as I circled the motorcycle again. My hands were shaking either from fear, attraction or excitement. All of the above most likely. I patted my legs nervously as I weighed my options. I had none. Either I jumped on his chopper or returned to my parent’s house.

  His eyes tracked my movement. “Clock’s ticking.”

  “Are you taking pleasure from my discomfort? I thought you said you didn’t hate me?”

  “As they say, keep your enemies closer.” He chuckled and my body stiffened.

  “Are you serious?”

  “I’m kidding,” he replied. “You’re safe with me.”

  My shoulders relaxed a little because I believed him. It was foolish and reckless, but I trusted Blake. The boy I knew would never intentionally hurt anyone. If I hadn’t left maybe… there was no point looking back. I moved and he didn’t come with me. He passed on the scholarships and opportunities to study abroad. He made his choice.