by Erica Breyer
“Thanks, Migs,” Carrick responded. “I’ll do what I can from my side too.” The sound of a door opening drew his attention to the site office, where the new office manager was heading down the rattling steel stairs. He was glad to see she’d addressed her wardrobe choices, although the snug blue jeans and form-fitting t-shirt didn’t make him feel any more comfortable than the tight navy skirt she’d worn on her first day. The denim clung to shapely legs and that t-shirt... Oh, Lord, how he’d pay money to be that shirt right now...
“Dammit,” he muttered. Miguel glanced at him.
“Yeah?” the man asked.
“Nuthin’,” Carrick replied, covering his discomfort. He’d spent the past few days trying not to stare at her, but it wasn’t an easy task. “I’m just thinking about calling Head Office. Maybe put pressure from the finance department. I’m pretty sure that ‘line’ might start running again if the supplier feels a bit of pressure in their pocket.”
Miguel nodded and grinned. “I hear ya,” he agreed.
Carrick tore his attention from the woman making her way towards the canteen and focused on getting back to work.
∞∞∞
By the end of the week, Kelly had not only streamlined the administration processes but had managed to automate much of the paperwork that had previously bogged them down.
“You are a machine!” said Taneka as they headed for the canteen on Friday afternoon. “I knew I’d whip those accounts into shape, but that filing system made me want to hide under my desk!”
“Oh, it was no big deal,” Kelly brushed it off, smothering a smile.
“Sure...no big deal, if you happen to be a machine!” Taneka laughed and aimed a high-five in her direction. Kelly laughed back and slapped palms with the other woman, who was quickly becoming a firm friend. They headed into the canteen and ordered lunch, carrying their trays to a table near a window overlooking the site. A truck was offloading a load of steel girders, and the workers on site had congregated around the vehicle to assist. Kelly spotted Carrick’s tall frame among the group, towering over most of the men. She turned her eyes back to her lunch, fixing her attention on the chicken salad she’d ordered.
“So what you got planned for the weekend, hon?” Taneka asked, trying to get her mouth around an oversized burger.
Kelly had speared a cherry tomato and paused with it halfway to her mouth. “Just a bit of family time,” she answered. “My mom was feeling a bit down this week – maybe because we haven’t seen much of each other.” She’d shared some of her family background while working with Taneka in the week they’d spent together. Taneka had recently lost her grandmother and understood many of the fears that Kelly had.
“Yeah, you’ll wanna spend as much time together as you can right now,” Taneka acknowledged. She didn’t say the words out loud, but Kelly knew what was between the lines.
Spend time with her before it’s too late.
Kelly brushed the dark thoughts from her mind, flashed a small smile at Taneka, and popped the tomato into her mouth. She gave a little nod in agreement.
The sounds outside were becoming louder. Shouts and the grinding of steel as girders were swung from the vehicle. The truck had come in at an awkward angle, and the team was battling to offload its cargo. Kelly noticed Carrick hauling himself up onto a precarious pile of girders. He’d shrugged out of his checked shirt and tied it around his waist. A white tank top clung to his back as he shoved a beam into position.
Kelly swallowed hard, her eyes fixed on the movement of his back and shoulders as he worked. A light sheen of sweat coated his skin, and he gleamed in the afternoon sun. This was not a man who’d spent hours in the gym...his body was hard and sinewy in a way that spoke of physical labor. Lean muscles tensed and bunched as he lifted and pushed at the heavy metal. Without thinking, Kelly licked her lips, almost holding her breath. And then he looked up, and for a moment, their eyes locked across the yard. Close enough for her to see the hint of amusement in his expression.
She quickly looked away, turning her attention back to Taneka, who was watching her with a similar expression of amusement.
“Mmm mmm mmm,” Taneka hummed in approval and then laughed. “Y’all got caught eyeing the wares, girl!”
“I… I—” Kelly blustered, feeling her face flaming.
“Don’t you worry, babe, I’m not saying I blame you!” Taneka winked and popped a French fry into her mouth, lush lips parting before she bit down.
“I’m surprised they don’t get injured out there,” muttered Kelly, “clambering around like monkeys!”
“Monkeys...yeah, that’s it, all right.” Taneka was openly laughing at her now, but Kelly couldn’t find it in herself to be annoyed.
She gave a rueful sigh. “Okay, yes, he’s hot! And there’s no harm in looking, right?”
“No harm at all, hon,” her friend agreed.
“But that’s where it ends,” Kelly said emphatically. “I’ve had my share of grubby deadbeats. My brother is living proof. And so are his friends.” She rolled her eyes. “I dated too many losers for my own good.”
“Yeah, but—” Taneka began, but Kelly cut her off.
“I know, I know... He’s nice to look at! That’s no use when it comes to paying the mortgage or making sure the bills are covered. I saw my mom suffer through that for years with my drunken dad before he ditched us. Him leaving was the best thing that could have happened to her. Even though she ended up taking so much strain looking after us kids. I’m sure it’s why her health issues started.” Kelly grimaced, trying to keep the edge out of her voice. She got along well with Taneka, but their friendship was too new for her to feel comfortable unloading a lifetime of bitterness over lunch.
“Hon, I’m just trying to say—” Taneka started, and again was interrupted when a voice broke into their conversation.
“Hello, ladies,” Carrick said. He had an uncanny way of moving without sound. Kelly hadn’t even noticed that he’d left the site outside to arrive at the table.
She studiously avoided looking at him, too aware of the fact that he was still almost shirtless. A smudge of grey dust was streaked across his tank top, where the fabric pulled tautly across the muscles of his chest. She took a bite of her salad and chewed intently, as if this was the last mouthful of food she’d ever get.
“Why hello, sir,” Taneka replied, dimpling prettily. Kelly gave a nod in greeting.
“Mind if I join you?” he asked.
“Course not!” Taneka answered, wincing as Kelly kicked her under the table. She scooted over on the bench to make room for him beside her. Carrick slid in and settled comfortably, stretching his arms over his head.
‘Not looking, not looking, not looking,’ Kelly thought to herself. Annnd she was looking. There was no way she could ignore the hard lines of his shoulders and arms. ‘Stop it! Stop looking!’ she told herself and took another bite of chicken.
“So, how has your first week been?” Carrick asked her, before catching the eye of one of the ladies at the food counter. He pointed at Taneka’s burger and then at himself, before miming drinking out of a bottle. The woman nodded and headed into the kitchen to get his order. Kelly found herself irrationally annoyed at how easily he’d done that.
“All good,” she answered, her voice abrupt.
“Kelly’s been amazing!” Taneka added. “She’s got that office running like a well-oiled machine.” Kelly felt her cheeks warming again, aware of Carrick’s scrutiny.
“That’s great news,” he said. “I’m pleased you’re settling in well.” She nodded, tempted to ask why it was any concern of his, but knew that would be crossing the lines of rudeness.
“No big deal, really,” she said, shrugging. “I’ve dealt with worse.” She hadn’t. “Frankly, I expected things to be tougher.” No, she really hadn’t. “If it keeps up like this, I may end up getting bored.” That was a lie. She knew she was overplaying the bravado angle but couldn’t help herself. He needed to know she was o
ut of his league. As if! This guy could date flipping Beyoncé if he wanted!
Carrick raised his eyebrows, then nodded. “Well, I’m glad you enjoy a challenge.” His hairline was a little damp from his exertion outside, and his hair clung to his forehead where his hardhat had pressed against his skin. He brushed the back of his hand across his face, then looked up as the attendant from the canteen arrived at their table with his lunch.
“Here you go, sir, enjoy!” she smiled warmly, setting his plate down.
“Thanks, Molly,” he smiled back. Kelly was pretty sure the woman would have wriggled with delight if she’d been a poodle.
“No trouble at all...you let me know if there’s anything else you need,” Molly answered before heading back to her post. Really? Let it go, girl!
“So, what’ve you got planned for the rest of the day?” Carrick asked. “You know we knock off early on a Friday?” Kelly nodded in response, still determined to avoid talking by keeping her mouth full.
“I’m meeting Jay for an early dinner later,” said Taneka, then glanced down at her burger and chuckled ruefully. “Guess I shoulda thought of that before I ordered this big boy!”
Carrick chuckled along with her, then turned his attention back to Kelly. “How ‘bout you, Kelly? You got plans? Me and some of the team are heading to The Roost for a brew later. Feel like joining us?”
Kelly stopped chewing for a second, then abruptly swallowed.
‘And… Bam! There you go,’ she thought. ‘Cut straight to the chase.’
“No thanks,” she replied, setting her knife and fork together primly, leaving half her salad untouched. “I prefer not to socialize in the workplace.” With that, she pushed her plate away and stood. “Taneka, I’ll see you in the office later?” She nodded at Carrick, then turned and left the table.
Taneka glanced at Carrick and shrugged.
∞∞∞
The mood at The Roost that night was almost too jovial. Carrick glanced around the group of workers he’d joined for the evening and reined in his concern. Their relief at the arrival of the girders that afternoon was palpable, but he knew they weren’t out of the woods yet. There were going to be some long hours and plenty of overtime in the coming weeks to catch up.
“Carrick,” one of the guys, Steve, called from across the bar, “how ‘bout a game of pool? Winner gets to pick the prize.” Several of his colleagues had gathered around the table, and he sauntered over to join them, beer in hand. Some of the other ladies from the site were heading over to watch.
“Sounds good,” he agreed. “Who wants to team up with me?”
Miguel gave a nod and raised his beer. “I’m in,” he said as he reached for a pool cue.
Steve was racking up the balls and looked around the table. “Molly? You gonna help me take on the big guns?” She grinned and stepped to his side.
“Any day, Steve!” she winked at Miguel, who gave her a grin. “Let them start first – they’re going to need all the help they can get.”
“In your dreams, little girl,” Miguel quipped back – Molly was barely 5’2”. “Give them hell, bud,” he said to Carrick as he lined up a shot. Carrick paused before answering, his eye on the ball in front of him. He breathed out and tapped the cue smartly against the smooth sphere, aiming towards the triangle of colored balls. A sharp clack rang through the air, and the balls scattered. A solid ball rolled obediently into a side pocket, as if on command.
“Don’t worry, Migs, I brought my A-Game today.” He stood and moved around the table, assessing the setup, then leaned down, lined up another shot, and delivered another ball into a corner pocket. Steve groaned.
“Dang, you jinxed us, Molly!” he called to his partner as Carrick strolled to the other side of the table. Molly reached over and swatted Carrick on the rump as he was about to take his shot. The ball went wide.
“Hey! That’s cheating! I’m phoning HR and citing assault,” he grumbled as she scampered out of reach, giggling.
“We’ll do whatever it takes!” Molly quipped back, lining up her own shot and sinking a striped ball. Steve reached over and gave her a high-five. She looked around the table to pick another shot. This time her ball glanced off the edge of the table and trailed to the center. She pulled a face, and Miguel stepped to the table, setting his beer down on the edge. As he leaned forward to take his shot, Molly grabbed his drink and cheekily took a swig. Miguel missed the cueball altogether as he looked sideways abruptly. The gathered onlookers gave a collective groan.
“Sheesh!” Miguel chuckled. “She really does play dirty! You’re gonna get cooties, girl!” Steve was moving into position now, and he sank the ball Molly had missed, then took a shot at another. “I think we’re looking at our first ‘volunteers’ for overtime next week, what do you say, bud?” Miguel turned to Carrick, who nodded. Steve glanced over his shoulder and missed his shot.
“Oh, man,” Steve laughed. “Now, who’s not playing fair?”
“We’ll win by any means,” Carrick laughed back as he brandished his cue. “But I’m not prepared to slap your ass, so we’ll need to pull rank at work.”
“Speaking of work, how’s the new admin manager settling in?” Miguel asked as Carrick lined up another shot.
Carrick sank another ball and gave a quick fist-pump, pulling a face at Molly, who poked her tongue out at him. “Seems like she’s gonna fit in well. Got that hellhole sorted out and even looks like she might save us a bit of time with her new systems,” he finally answered, walking to the other side of the table and looking over at Miguel. “I have high hopes.” His mind went back to the files he’d seen neatly reorganized in the office, and to Taneka’s praise about the new systems. Head Office had given some great feedback too. He leaned forward to take his shot.
“I bet she has some ‘high hopes’, too,” Molly chirped from behind him. “You shoulda seen how she was checking you out today!” Carrick’s finger slipped on his pool cue, and it flipped under the ball, shooting it off the edge of the table. Steve and Molly broke out into delighted laughter.
“Oh, buddy, rookie mistake!” someone in the crowd called out.
“Looks like someone has a teeny tiny crush,” Molly added, winking at Carrick and leaning forward over the table. Miguel tiptoed up behind her and quickly dropped an ice-cube into the collar of her shirt. She shrieked and dropped her pool cue, scrabbling at the back of her shirt to extract it. A wave of laughter rippled through the group. “Oh, you asked for that, Molls!” someone shouted to her. She scowled and took aim again. Her next two shots sank easily and she grinned smugly at Carrick and Miguel, who were standing together, trying to give her the evil eye.
“So, maybe we should be bracing for a little work fling, huh?” Molly prodded Carrick, who shook his head.
“No chance, Moll,” he replied bluntly. “That wouldn’t be professional.” She nudged him with her elbow and winked.
“Oh, go on, it wouldn’t be the first time,” she teased.
“It would for me,” Carrick said. “I’m not wired that way. Besides, I have to set an example.”
“Oh yeah?” she shot back. “Watch this example!” She turned to the table, dropped the 8-ball into the pocket, then put down her cue and threw her arms into the air. Steve joined her, and the pair did a clownish victory dance.
“Damn hustler!” Miguel gave a good-natured grumble. “Okay, what’s the damage?” He glanced at Steve, who nudged Molly.
“Drinks all round!” she answered promptly, holding up an empty bottle.
“This one’s yours, man,” Miguel laughed at Carrick. “You’re the one who dropped the ball…all of them!”
“Yeah, yeah,” Carrick sighed. “I guess I’m good for it.”
“And you’d probably be good for the new girl too,” Molly continued, not willing to let him off the hook. “Go on, you can’t say you haven’t noticed her. And I bet she’d be keen for a bit of one-on-one time with the boss, ya know what I mean?” She bobbed her eyebrows.
“Molly, quit it!” Carrick tried to be firm. “Anyhow, she doesn’t know I’m the boss.” Steve snorted so hard he choked on his beer.
“No way! Are you serious?” Steve asked once he’d stopped spluttering. “How could she not know?” The rest of the team stared at Carrick with a mixture of amusement and disbelief.
“I’m not quite sure,” Carrick answered, taking a swig of beer. “Seems we got off on the wrong foot, and she’s made up her mind I’m a bum.” Now the others were openly laughing.
“Oh, my God, that’s priceless,” laughed Molly. “So what you gonna do about it?”
Carrick tried not to smirk. “Nothing,” he said, finally. “I’m going to let her figure it out for herself.” He glanced around the group. “And don’t you lot spoil the surprise, okay?” A chorus of chuckles and nods made it clear he’d just turned them into accomplices, with Molly as the ringleader.
“Carrick, you’re a dog,” laughed Miguel. Carrick winked and shrugged. The huffy Miss Hanson was cute, but maybe she needed to be taken down a notch.
∞∞∞
“So, did you enjoy your first week?” Bonnie asked Kelly as they prepared dinner that evening. Her question was an uncanny echo of Carrick’s words. Bonnie bent to scratch Chloé, who had settled into her favorite spot under the kitchen table. It was safe enough to keep out of passing traffic, but close enough to nab stray snacks.
“Yes, I did,” Kelly replied. “It’s not at all what I expected, but I’m loving it!” She found herself beaming as she thought of the satisfaction she’d felt in making sense of the chaos.
“I knew you’d do it, darling,” her mother smiled, sneaking Chloé a piece of bacon. “You’re so talented. There’s not a thing you can’t do when you turn your hand to it.” Kelly turned to Bonnie and gave her a quick hug.
“You know, you’re the best mom in the world. Have I told you that lately?” she said, trying to keep her eyes from misting up.
“Only a hundred times a day!” Bonnie laughed and returned the embrace.