by Rye Hart
“Who’s looking after the shop?” I hoped she hadn’t run over thinking she’d only be a minute.
“My sister is in today giving me a bit of help.” She placed the pink box on my work bench.
I kneeled down and picked up my tools that I’d been using before Nancy showed and put them where they went. “That’s good. I know it helps. I was about to come over and see if you needed me to grab you something for lunch. One of us usually makes a run if you’re ever interested. I wanted to talk about the things that need fixed. We should make a list.”
She picked up a tool and handed it to me.
“How about we do that this evening at closing and work out the details of the marriage?” She stood close, looking up at me with those bright blue eyes as she ran her hands across my abs and down to the hem of my shirt.
I gave her a peck on the lips. “That sounds like a plan.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN - SARAH
My nerves were shot after the confrontation with Nancy, but I could tell by Hunter’s body language and tone that if Monk hadn’t been between them to hold him back, Hunter might have done something he regretted. I didn’t think he had any kind of violence in him, but when a man is pushed and the drama includes his child, there’s no telling what kind of emotions might come over him.
I couldn’t believe the looks of his ex. She’s done some hard living for sure and her resting bitch face would put Cruella’s to shame.
Angie finished up with a customer as I returned. After they took their donuts and left, she gave me a knowing glance. “You seem a bit flushed and your lipstick is half gone. Did you kiss him?”
“Maybe.”
I hadn’t told her the real reason he’d wanted me to come by and told her instead that he’d used the proposition as a ploy to get me over for a date after all. I had to listen to her ‘I told you so’, but it was better than her freaking out over a fake marriage.
“Mhm, I knew you taking those pastries were an excuse to see him.” She nudged me with a teasing smile as I stepped around to go into the kitchen. “You likeee him.”
“So what if I do, I’m not getting my hopes up.” I was going to have to take whatever we had a day at a time because it was based on an arrangement and what boiled down to lust. I didn’t want to fool myself into thinking it was more.
“Please, the man is coming around and fixing things. Then he invited you to dinner. He likes you.”
I thought about his impressive erection and clenched my thighs together to relieve the ache. He had liked me for sure. My face began to burn and I didn’t want Angie to read my expression and continue her bout of teasing. I went into the kitchen to decorate a cake for an order and left her to the front to deal with customers.
After work, Hunter walked over as soon as Angie was getting ready to head out. I gave them a quick introduction and she held her thumb up behind his back and hurried out to her car.
“Does she know about the arrangement?” He watched out the window as she backed out and drove away.
“No. I told her you had a proposition, but I lied about it after I heard what it was. She’d flip out. Have you told anyone?” I wondered if he’d told his Mother.
“Monk knows. Mom knows I’m seeing someone. I didn’t want it to be weird.” He narrowed his eyes as if thinking of how to say what he meant.
“You didn’t want her to think you’re marrying a stranger, so if she thinks you’ve got a girlfriend and you up and marry her on a whim, at least she’d know you dated a little while first.” I gave him a sideways look. “That wouldn’t be weird?” We shared a laugh and he leaned against the counter looking worn out from the day.
“I’m tired. Someone kept me up way past my bedtime.” He stretched his arms and back and then went to sit down at a table.
“Poor baby. I’ll remember not to do that next time we have dinner.” I took the box I’d put aside for him earlier in the day out of the case, and brought it to him.
He grabbed my hand as I placed it on the table. “I’m not complaining and does this mean you want to do it again?”
“Maybe.” I pulled away and he peeked inside the box.
“What’s this?” He leaned down and smelled the apple pie I’d baked special for him.
“That’s for you and Tani.” I walked around to close out my register for the day as he closed it back up.
“You’re going to spoil us. Thank you. Tani is going to love it. We planted an apple tree, but it doesn’t get cold enough for them around here. It’s pretty, but doesn’t produce.”
“That’s a shame.” I liked the idea that he did things with his daughter like plant trees and build her tree houses. From the looks of their home they had lots of fun together. I wondered what it was going to be like moving in and if she’d like me. “I’m looking forward to meeting her – though I’m nervous as hell.”
I felt him behind me and then his arms came up to my sides and his mouth found my neck as I tallied up and put the money in my bank tote. I giggled and walked back to the kitchen slowly, letting him kiss my neck and knead my breasts as he followed. I tossed the bag on the counter near my purse and hopped up to sit beside it. He settled between my legs and slipped his hands around my waist.
“I like that you want to meet my little girl.”
“Well, I figure if I’m going to be around, it makes sense.” My head fell back as he kissed his way down my jaw and to my breasts until I lost my train of thought.
His mouth found mine again while his thick fingers rubbed my mound through my jeans and I ground my hips against them.
“I thought about you today.” He continued to caress me like I was clay in his hands molding to his every touch.
“I thought about you too. It made me tingle.” I hoped my confession turned him on.
“Right here?” He pressed harder on my mound sending pleasure aching through my clit.
“Yes.” The word hissed out as I shuddered with need.
“I thought about how sexy you were last night when you came for me. And how you edged it like a greedy girl. It was hot, Sarah.”
“It feels so good.” I pulled him closer wrapping my arms around his head and running my fingers through his hair.
“I’m going to make you feel good over and over again.” He dipped his head down to where his fingers had been working and bit softly through my jeans, his breath warming the spot and making me moan.
“We can’t do this here.” I knew I shouldn’t have sex in my kitchen for obvious reasons, but he sure made me want it.
He chortled and grinned as he stood straight to meet my eyes. “I know. It would be so good though wouldn’t it? I’m giving you something to think about while you’re in here baking me pies.”
“You’re teasing me and I’m soaked.”
“Mm, then my work here is done.” He wagged his brows and stepped back but I locked my legs around him and pulled him close.
He kissed me nice and slow but I pulled away. “We need to make that list, remember?”
He glanced around the kitchen and shrugged. “You make the list. We’ll fix anything you want.”
“Now who’s spoiling who?” I had hoped he’d help with the list because I didn’t want him to think I was taking advantage of the situation.
“I figure it’s the least I can do for you. You’re agreeing to marry me. That’s kind of hard to repay.”
I put my finger to my chin and thought a moment. “You’re right. I’m so getting the raw end of this deal.” Then I gave him a nudge and giggled. “I’m kidding. I don’t want to overdo it though, so you tell me if it’s all too much.”
“Honestly I have the money to fix this up. I was going to expand the shop but that fell through so I might as well use the money for this.” He kissed my hand. “You and Tani are worth it.”
“Why aren’t you expanding?” I didn’t want him to put anything on hold to try and help me.
“It’s nothing, forget I mentioned it. How about you come over tomorro
w night and Tani and I will take you out to dinner? That’ll give you a chance to meet her.” He kissed my forehead and pulled my legs from around him.
“I’d like that.” He took my hand and I hopped down from the counter to walk him out.
I couldn’t help but wonder about his business expansion and decided I’d ask him about it another time. Until then, I’d be happy in the moment and not try to worry too much. My stomach tightened in knots knowing I was a day away from meeting Tani.
CHAPTER TWELVE- HUNTER
Monk and I were finishing up lunch when he decided to tell me he was ducking out early. “There isn’t anything left for me to around here. I’ve already finished my job and we’re all caught up. I even swept the shop.”
“No problem, man. Enjoy the nice weather.” I crumbled up the paper my barbeque sandwich had been wrapped in and tossed it in the trash.
“You should do the same, man. What do you have going on?” He picked up the other trash from our takeout meal and then took a last sip of his drink. The gurgling sound and rattling ice was his cue to throw it all in the trash.
“Sarah is going to meet Tani tonight. We’re taking her to dinner. Mom’s dropping her off at the shop after school, so she’s going to be sorry she missed you.”
“Tell her I’ll stop by the house. I found her some mermaid dolls at the flea market, never been opened.”
“She’ll love that.” Monk could always outdo me when it came to buying gifts for Tani.
“See ya, man.” He grabbed his keys and left, and a minute later I heard his bike crank and the sound of it fading in the distance.
I sat in the shop going over some invoices and ordering a few parts to get a jump start on the next week. About an hour had passed and I was in the back when I heard footsteps.
I glanced up to see Heather had showed up and I should have known that she’d be around sooner or later. She strutted into the back near the bench she’d cleared on her last visit.
“Hello, Sexy. You’re not still mad at me are you?” She twisted her finger in her hair and stopped across the room from me turning one leg in to look sexy while instead reminding me of an afflicted flamingo in her tight pink dress.
“I’m not mad, I’m busy and you can’t come here anymore.” I wanted to be nice, but I needed to make sure she got the point. That last little stunt she’d pulled chapped my ass, but I didn’t want her knowing that.
She came closer, stepping up within arm’s reach. “I’m really sorry. I thought I could show you how sorry I am.” She licked her lips and rubbed the top of her breasts letting her fingers slip into the fabric of her shirt. Then she rested a hand on my chest.
“I’m sure you’re very sorry but—”
Her lips fell against mine and I grabbed her arms to push her back. That wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be but I finally pushed the woman off.
“I’m seeing someone, so you can’t come around here anymore.” I wiped off my mouth and walked her to the door.
“You’ll want me back again, you always do.” I opened the door and pushed her through it, but Sarah was standing on the other side, about to walk in.
Heather cut her gaze to Sarah and then looked back and gave me a wink. “Mm, that was a hot time, baby. I’ll see you tomorrow night.”
“Don’t come back here.” I held the door for Sarah who stopped and crossed her arms, once Heather was out of site she stepped inside the front lobby.
“Every time I come here you’re with a different woman.” Her temper told me she wasn’t impressed and as much as I’d longed to see her, I didn’t want to see her angry with me.
“She’s nobody. She came wanting to flirt and I told her I’m not interested.” She stared through me until I felt like I was shrinking.
“Oh? So nothing happened then?” She gave me a sideways glance and waited for my answer.
“Nothing happened. I’m only interested in you, Sarah.” She walked me over to the wall where I had a decorative mirror hanging in the shape of a diamond. I glanced at my face and by the time I saw the smear of Heather’s lipstick, Sarah was leaving. I rushed to stop her and pulled her arm, not wanting her to go.
“Okay, she kissed me. But I swear I pushed her away. We used to sleep together but the last time I spent time with her was before you and I met. I asked her to leave tonight, and then she saw you and was only trying to piss you off. She wanted us to fight.”
“There’s no fight. What you do is your business. It wasn’t part of the deal but neither was us.” I held her tight in my grip and my eyes bore into hers. I wasn’t letting her get away so easily.
“Come with me.” I tugged her arm and she followed me into the back office. I slammed the door behind up and stepped toward her until she backed against the desk. Her eyes were wild and her defiant glare had the blood rushing to my cock. My jacket was slung over my chair and I reached into it and found the small box I’d put there that morning.
“What’s that?” Her expression was unreadable but then her eyes widened when I opened the box revealing the diamond ring.
“I was going to give you this tonight after you met Tani.” I pushed it into her hand and then she looked at it closer.
“It’s a beautiful prop.” She glared at me with a gleam in her eye.
“Put it on.” My tone was harsh, and I was done playing. Her jealousy was cute, and even though I knew it looked bad with Heather, she needed to learn one thing; I was not a cheater and she could trust me.
“Well wasn’t that romantic?” she said sarcastically She slipped the ring on her finger and then held it out to admire it.
I took her hand and placed it on my cock and before she could protest, I crushed my lips against hers. My kiss was slow and nipping, my lips not quite flush against hers as I tugged her forward by the front of her jeans. I popped the button and tugged the zipper down so I could slide my hand inside her panties. Her breathing hitched, but she didn’t say a word to protest.
“This wasn’t part of our bargain, but it means something to me. And when I tell you that I only want you, you better know I’m not lying to you.” I found her soft mound, the trimmed tuft of hair she kept there and rubbed it, parting her silky folds which were already wet with her desire.
“I can’t expect you to be faithful.”
I kissed her mouth to shut her up and she gasped as I slipped two fingers deep into her.
“As long as you wear this ring of mine, I’ll only be yours.” I pumped my fingers into her channel and she moaned. “You’ll only be with me too, won’t you Sarah?” It wasn’t a question, I expected it. Even though I hadn’t really thought about it before, I didn’t want anyone else to have her. “Tell me.” I worked her tender spot and she squirmed, bucking against my hand for pleasure. “Say it, Sarah.”
“Yes, please.” She rubbed the front of my jeans and then her hand started fumbling for my zipper.
“You want it? Tell me.”
“I want it.” Her lips crushed to mine as her warm hand gripped my bare shaft and stroked it, my cock throbbing in her hand.
“Good girl. Come for me.” I curved my fingers and pressed them firm against her g spot until she cried out with release, soaking my fingers which I pumped until the last wave of passion rolled through her.
I leaned down close to her ear. “I mean it Sarah, I’ll be faithful as part of the bargain. But don’t you ever doubt me. I’m not going anywhere, and neither are you.”
“I know. I just didn’t know how to feel about it. It’s not really a normal relationship we have going on.”
“I understand. But I want you. Don’t forget that.” I kissed her again and we took turns washing up.
When I came out of the bathroom she was behind my desk and I had her hop up and sit in my lap. She laid her head on my shoulder and admired her ring. “Do I get to keep it?”
I chuckled. “Of course, it’s yours.”
We sat there until moments later when the phone rang. Tani showed up with my Mothe
r.
“Daddy?” Tani’s little footsteps pattered across the floor as she rounded the counter and came back to my office. She stopped in her tracks when she saw Sarah standing beside me. She smiled and her little cheeks reddened but she walked right up to Sarah and took her hand. “I’m Tani.”
“I’m Sarah. It’s nice to meet you.”
My Mother walked in behind her and extended her hand after seeing I was on the phone, but I put my lawyer on hold. “Mom, this is Sarah.”
“Nice to meet you, I’m Lana.” Mom walked around and put the heavy bag into the chair across from my desk as Tani climbed up into my lap and gave me a kiss.
“How was my girl today?” I kissed her cheek and mussed up her curly hair.
“Good, Daddy. I have a paper for you to sign.”
My mother was already handing it to me and Tani laid her head on my shoulder hiding her face in the crook of my neck. She always did the same thing when she’d get a sad face at school. I glanced up at Sarah who gave me a look like my daughter was the cutest kid ever. I wondered if she had gotten in trouble for punching that Danny kid, but instead it had a smiley face sticker and said they had a field trip planned.
“You tricked me. I thought you got in trouble.” Tani giggled and ran around to give my Mom a high five. “I need to talk to grandma, so you go with Sarah to the bakery and I’ll walk over as soon as we’re done.”
“You have a real bakery?” Tani took Sarah by the hand and left me to talk to my mom about my new relationship.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN - SARAH
Tani and I walked hand in hand to the bakery and the whole way there she had me list all the sweets I had. When we walked in, my sister Angie was chomping at the bit to leave.
“Tani, this is my sister, Angie. Angie, this is Hunter’s daughter, Tani.” Tani smiled and offered her hand which Angie took.
Angie’s eyes were wide but then she looked at me and mouthed: she’s so cute. And she wasn’t exaggerating at all. Tani was the prettiest little girl with her big blue eyes that were far more inquisitive than most children’s her age and her curly, pale blond hair that was a mess from a hard day on the playground.