Falling for Carrick (Working Class Billionaires Book 1)

by Erica Breyer

  “Oh!” she muttered distractedly. “Hi…um…are you…?” For a moment, she wasn’t sure what to say.

  “I thought you might need something to eat.” He took over the conversation, striding into the office, and depositing the tray on a clear spot on her desk. A burger took up one corner of the tray while a large green salad balanced towards the other side, with a wedge of apple pie on a plate near the opposite edge. Between it all, he’d balanced a Pepsi, a carton of milk, and a bottle of water. “I…I wasn’t sure what you’d prefer,” he mumbled.

  Kelly’s eyes were wide as she took it all in, quickly getting up to take two of the plates off the tray before they fell. As she reached for the water bottle, her fingers grazed his hand, and he stopped abruptly, looking up. Kelly’s breath caught as their eyes met. She’d never truly noticed how deep they were before. Rich chocolate brown. There was nothing overly unusual about the color, but combined with the strong dark sweep of his brows, they held an intensity that left her frozen for a moment.

  He turned away and broke the spell. “See you later,” he said abruptly. Kelly stood, staring speechlessly as he left, not sure what she was going to do with all that food.

  ∞∞∞

  When Kelly stopped at the side of Carrick’s truck after he arrived to collect her that evening, he swung the door open for her smoothly. She raised her eyebrows, and he shrugged.

  “Got it fixed,” he said, closing the door behind her, then swinging around to his side of the pickup and getting into the driver’s seat beside her.

  “Thank you for lunch,” she blurted before he could say anything else. “I really appreciated that.”

  Carrick chuckled. “Gotta keep the crew fed,” he said. “You need your energy to keep pushing all that paper around.” Kelly wrinkled her nose at him.

  “Oh, haha,” she responded. “With the energy in all that food, I could get on-site and get dirty with the rest of you!”

  “Hmmm,” he said, the truck picking up speed as they headed onto the road. “I think I’d like that.” He laughed, and the rich sound filled the small cab. She was suddenly conscious of how close he was. Kelly felt her cheeks go pink, and she pressed her lips together.

  “You know what I mean,” she mumbled, acutely aware that he was laughing at her. “I…” She broke off and reached to the floor between her knees to where she’d tucked her bag for the ride. It was a move designed to break the tension. A plan that backfired when her abrupt forward motion coincided with a change of gear that had her head connecting with the dashboard.

  “Oh! Ouch! Flippit!” Kelly exclaimed, reaching for her face. The bridge of her nose had taken the brunt of the impact, and her eyes watered madly. Carrick shot an alarmed look in her direction, his eyes widening.

  “Oh, hell, are you okay?” His voice was laden with concern. He threw a look into the lane alongside them and started angling the nose of the pickup towards the emergency lane.

  “No, no, I’m fine, really...nothing to worry about,” Kelly tried to assure him, even while tears streamed down her face. She wiped at her cheek with the back of her hand, then gave a little gasp as it came back streaked with blood.

  “Shit!” Carrick burst out, parking the car and turning to face her. “You’re hurt!”

  “It’s nothing…really…” Kelly’s voice lacked conviction. She’d always been a baby when it came to the sight of blood. For a moment, her head spun. Carrick stretched down past her and reached into the glove compartment for a folded up cloth.

  “Lean back and tilt your head back,” he instructed, wiping her face with the cloth. “It’s clean, I promise,” he said needlessly. Kelly was beyond caring. Her eyes still smarted, and the taste of iron in her mouth made her feel queasy now too.

  Carrick gently cleared the blood from her lips and chin, carefully examining her face. With a fingertip beneath her jaw, he tipped her head first left and then right as he looked at her nose from both angles. Then he ran his finger down the bridge and pressed gently, squeezing either side.

  “Does that hurt?” he asked. Kelly nodded her head. Everything hurt at that moment. But somehow, a little less than before. His finger was still under her chin, and she opened her eyes, looking up into his face. The pain subsided even more suddenly, and now she was more aware of his breath on her skin than the throbbing sensation between her eyes. He continued to stare at her intently, and she licked her lips, which were suddenly strangely dry.

  “It doesn’t seem to be broken,” he murmured, then lifted his hand. “Can you focus on my finger?” he asked, circling his forefinger in front of her eyes. She nodded slowly, trying to look at his hand and not into his eyes. “Your pupils seem fine, I don’t think you have a concussion,” he continued.

  Kelly cleared her throat. “I don’t think I hit my head hard enough for that,” she reassured him. “I just caught myself at a silly angle.”

  “I’m such a dick,” he muttered, frowning. He still held her chin between his thumb and forefinger and was leaning up against her closely. “I should have seen you move and taken more care.”

  “N-No…” Kelly shook her head gently, but he didn’t release her. They were almost nose-to-nose. If she tilted her head a little more, their lips might brush. “It was my fault. I shouldn’t have dropped forward so quickly. I…” Her voice trailed off. His breath was hot against her cheek. She could feel the warmth of his body radiating through his shirt. She inhaled deeply, taking in the scent of him, and felt her eyes fluttering shut. Waiting for those lips…those lips…

  A sharp noise jerked through her fogginess, and her eyes flew open. Carrick shot back to his seat. A traffic officer was tapping against their window; behind them, his partner had just booped the siren.

  “Uhh…Sir? Ma’am?” the officer said. Carrick quickly wound down the window, looking as flustered as Kelly felt.

  “Good afternoon, Officer,” Carrick responded.

  “Sir, you are aware that the emergency lane is for emergencies only?’ the officer continued, sending a curious glance in Kelly’s direction.

  “Ahh, sure... Yes, of course, Officer. Absolutely,” Carrick seemed to be stumbling over his words. “The lady hit her face.” He held up the bloody rag as proof. “I was just trying to…assess the damage.”

  The police officer looked at the cloth and then back at Kelly, whose nose continued to trickle. “Are you alright there, ma’am?” he asked, giving Carrick a hard stare. She nodded vigorously, then regretted it when she felt drops of blood splash onto her shirt.

  “Yes! Yes, I’m fine, Officer,” she assured him, reaching for the cloth in Carrick’s hand and holding it against her face. Her voice was muffled and nasal when she continued, “It was just a silly accident. I reached for my bag, and Carrick changed gear, and the next thing I knew...wham!” She felt as if she was babbling, but it was exactly what had happened. Her expression must have conveyed sufficient sincerity because the police officer gave a nod and then grinned slightly.

  “Well, I’m glad you’re okay, ma’am,” he consented. “And it looks like you’re in good hands.” He nodded at Carrick. “Sir, you might want to get your wife to a doctor to get that checked out.” Carrick didn’t correct him, merely nodding mutely. “Well, if everything is in order, I suggest you be on your way.” The words were not a suggestion.

  “Thank you, Officer,” Carrick said, turning the key in the ignition and putting the car in gear. As the officer stepped away from the vehicle, Carrick eased the car into the traffic. For several long seconds, there was silence, and then Kelly noticed his shoulders shaking. She looked over at him, still clutching the cloth over her nose. His face was twisted strangely, his lips pinched tightly together. And then he released a snort of laughter. She matched it with a giggle of her own.

  “Oh, my gosh,” she burst out, feeling the giggles building into laughter that she couldn’t muffle with the rag.

  “Well, that went well,” Carrick bit out between chuckles. “I’m glad you’re okay, wife
!”

  “Yeah, husband, you’d better get me to a doctor to get me checked out!” Kelly chortled back, trying not to choke. Tears were streaming again, but this time, they were different.

  “I think I’d rather check you out myself,” he replied, flashing her a cheeky grin. Kelly felt her cheeks heat and quickly covered her face with the cloth again.

  They didn’t say much more for the rest of the drive, but the lightness of the moment didn’t dissipate. Somehow, Kelly knew that something had changed between them.

  Chapter 7

  Several days passed quickly, with Kelly distracted by the combination of work and taking care of Bonnie. Her drives with Carrick fell into a comfortable routine, with him making general smalltalk and keeping conversation light and entertaining. She found herself warming to him more each day. There was no denying the intelligence of the man, and she wondered how he’d ended up where he was in life. Though, if she was honest with herself, the idea of his job bothered her less and less.

  Thursday dawned fairly sunny, but by mid-afternoon, dark clouds had pulled in, and Kelly found herself regretting not dressing more warmly. She breathed on her hands and rubbed her bare arms briskly.

  “Brrrr! What a chilly day,” she said as she stood up and stretched, then wrapped her arms around her waist and hugged herself. “Want some coffee, hon?” she asked Taneka, who looked up from her screen.

  “Babe! Your lips are blue!” Taneka said in alarm. She reached down to her oversized bag and pulled out a vividly colored poncho, tossing it over towards Kelly. “Here, put this on. You’re gonna freeze your butt off!”

  “Are you sure?” Kelly asked, grabbing the woolen bundle midair. She pressed it to her chest. It was warm and smelled like incense. Taneka gave her a bright smile and pointed at her downy jacket.

  “Yip, I’m good,” she assured Kelly. “Accuweather is my friend! I came prepared.”

  “I wish I had too,” Kelly mumbled from beneath the poncho as she pulled it over her head. The technicolored layers almost reached her knees. Contrasting tassels dangled from the hem. She gave a small twirl and giggled.

  “Suits you!” Taneka giggled back. “And yeah, coffee would be great.” Kelly made a beeline for the door, pausing as Taneka added, “Grab me a doughnut too!”

  Kelly nodded. “Good idea. Though I’ll have to run an extra mile this weekend. I don’t know where you put it!” She was back fifteen minutes later, setting a coffee mug and doughnut beside Taneka’s laptop. The pair worked in companionable silence for the next hour while the weather turned from chilly to downright miserable. A light drizzle gradually turned into a steady downpour. Shortly before their 5pm knock-off, Taneka glanced out the window and scowled.

  “Oh, man! This sucks. Jay’s got the car today, and I’m planning to catch the bus home. I’m gonna have to make a dash to the bus shelter in the rain,” she grumbled.

  Kelly grimaced. “I wish I could help,” she said. “I’m still going to be another half hour while this report uploads to Head Office. I’ve already told Carrick I’ll be late – he’s got a meeting with Miguel, so it works for him. Otherwise, I’m sure he would’ve given you a lift too.” She felt terrible as she looked out at the rain battering the window.

  “Don’t sweat it, hon,” Taneka answered, “I’m not gonna melt!” Kelly was standing and tugging the poncho from her shoulders.

  “You’re going to need this back,” she said, draping it over Taneka’s shoulders.

  “No! It’s still freezing in here. I’ll be fine,” her colleague objected, but Kelly was insistent.

  “Don’t be nuts,” she replied, opening the door and feeling the icy wind blast in. “Now, make a run for it before you get soaked!” Taneka nodded and scampered down the stairs. Kelly quickly slammed the door shut behind her. She could already feel her skin prickling into gooseflesh.

  By the time Carrick knocked on the door thirty minutes later, Kelly’s teeth were chattering.

  “Are you okay,” he asked, stepping across the threshold.

  “F-fine,” she stammered, her teeth still rattling. “J-just a b-bit c-cold.” She shut her laptop and reached for her purse. Carrick was at her desk, shrugging out of his jacket.

  “Put this on,” he said firmly, passing the heavy denim to her. She didn’t object, sliding her arms into the oversized garment. It hung over her shoulders, and the sleeves dangled past her fingertips, but it was still warm from his body, and she felt her shivering ease. “Perfect fit,” he chuckled, pulling the collar up under her chin and fastening the buttons.

  She stared up at him for a moment, feeling a little like a small child being buttoned up by a parent. And yet, he was nothing like a parent. Nothing at all. Kelly swallowed hard, her throat moving against the coarse fabric. The jacket was rich with the scent of his cologne, and it wafted up, surrounding her as their eyes met. His knuckles grazed her chin as his hand hovered beside her collar for a moment. He opened his mouth as if to say something, then closed it, stepping away abruptly.

  “Better get going,” he said, clearing his throat. He held the door open for her, and she bolted down the stairs to the waiting truck. She yanked the door open and leaped in before the rain had a chance to soak through her clothes. It occurred to her that this was the first time he hadn’t opened her door for her.

  When he climbed in beside her, it seemed, for a moment as if he was deliberately keeping his distance. She’d almost grown accustomed to the occasional knee bump or brush of his arm as he drove. Today the tension felt heavy between them, and they sat in silence aside from the occasional comment about the weather. When they got to her house, he stopped her before she opened the door.

  “Wait a moment,” he said, reaching behind them into the back seat. He fumbled around for a moment and then pulled out a folder, clambering out of the front seat and pulling her door open. “Get under this,” he instructed, holding the folder over her head. She didn’t argue; the rain was pelting down by now. They ran up the path towards the front door with him keeping her covered with the folder. When she reached the door, she turned to him, and he gave her a grin, wiping a hand over his wet face. She reached up to unbutton the jacket, and he stopped her.

  “Keep it,” he said, “I’ll get it back from you tomorrow.”

  “But—” Before she could continue, he was racing back down the path to his truck, which he’d left running. Even through the blur of the rain, his butt looked amazing in those jeans. Kelly pulled the jacket closer around herself and breathed in deeply. It was like being wrapped in a warm embrace.

  ∞∞∞

  When Carrick arrived to fetch Kelly on Friday morning, she had washed and folded his jacket for him. She didn’t admit that she’d buried her face in the fragrant fabric for several moments before putting it in the machine.

  “You didn’t have to do that,” he said when she handed it to him in the truck.

  “It was soaked,” she answered, “I didn’t want it to get smelly.”

  He laughed. “It was probably already ripe after I’d worn it all day.” She smiled and didn’t say anything. She’d loved the way it smelled. And though she didn’t want to admit it, she loved the way he smelled. Warm, masculine, musky. She’d gone to bed the night before imagining burying her face in his neck and inhaling. And then nibbling her way over those impossibly broad shoulders. It was half the reason she’d washed the jacket. Part of her had been tempted to curl up with it in bed. She felt like a dizzy teenager. It was a feeling that she was determined to nip in the bud. She kept reminding herself of those first moments after meeting him when she’d told herself he’d be sweaty from working on the site and had convinced herself she’d hate it. She didn’t hate it.

  “Well…I’ve got a busy day planned,” she said as they got to her office. “I’ll see you later.” She got out of the car and left before he had a chance to get out and open her door for her. She was feeling decidedly unsettled by the way their friendship was developing.

  ∞∞∞<
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  By the end of the day, Kelly had overcome her concerns. Head Office had sent a glowing response to the report she’d sent through the previous day, and she was feeling jubilant. The weather had made another about-turn overnight, and aside from the scent of wet earth, it was as if the previous day’s miserable weather had never happened. The air felt as if it had been washed clean, and the sky was a brilliant blue. As the clock ticked round to 3pm, she felt her spirits lifting in a way that she’d grown unaccustomed to for the past few months. Between the financial pressure and Bonnie’s health, it had been difficult to stay upbeat.

  “Woohoo!” Taneka chirped as she snapped her laptop shut and stood up. “It’s Fri-Yay!” Kelly grinned back and cleared her desk. “Jay’s taking me for dinner,” Taneka said. “He feels bad that I had to get home in the rain last night, so he’s doing penance.”

  “As he should!” Carrick’s voice came in from the doorway. “Making his woman find her way home in bad weather. It’s a crime that deserves hard time!”

  “You said it, brother!” Taneka agreed, giving a small jump as a horn sounded from outside. “And there is the accused right now!” She squeezed past Carrick in the doorway, patting his shoulder as she left.

  “So I’m guessing it’s Pizza Night in the Hanson Household today?” Carrick asked Kelly as they made the trip to her home. He’d cleared his pickup since the morning, and she was impressed to see his regular jumble of files and work tools packed neatly into a couple of boxes in the back. A scented cardboard daisy swung from the rearview mirror, trailing vanilla in its wake.

  “Yip,” she replied, for a moment feeling a twinge of guilt. This was the second week he’d missed his regular Friday night at The Roost with the rest of the team. He hadn’t mentioned it, though.