Table of Contents
Epilogue
About the Author
Copyright
Between the Covers
Three’s Company
Reel Love
Read Between the Lines
Pole Position
Wounded Hearts
Total Package
Rock Hard
Constructing Love
Naked Canvas
Ready for a Quickie?
American Bad Boy
Lauren
Mack
Present Day
Quickies
Eddie Cleveland
Contents
About the Author
Copyright
1. Between the Covers
2. Three’s Company
3. Reel Love
4. Read Between the Lines
5. Pole Position
6. Wounded Hearts
7. Total Package
8. Rock Hard
9. Constructing Love
10. Naked Canvas
Ready for a Quickie?
American Bad Boy
1. Lauren
2. Lauren
3. Lauren
4. Lauren
5. Mack
6. Mack
7. Mack
8. Lauren
9. Mack
10. Lauren
11. Lauren
12. Lauren
13. Mack
14. Lauren
15. Lauren
16. Mack
17. Lauren
18. Mack
19. Lauren
20. Mack
21. Lauren
22. Lauren
23. Mack
24. Lauren
25. Mack
26. Mack
27. Lauren
28. Mack
29. Lauren
30. Lauren
31. Mack
32. Lauren
33. Lauren
34. Mack
35. Lauren
36. Mack
37. Lauren
38. Mack
39. Mack
40. Lauren
41. Lauren
42. Epilogue
43. Present Day
About the Author
Eddie Cleveland was born and raised on the Canadian East Coast. He spent most of his twenties having reckless adventures before going back to school for pottery and graphic arts. With his travel itch still not fully scratched, he joined the Royal Canadian Navy, serving for 12 years with multiple deployments to South America and the Middle East. He recently released from the Canadian Armed Forces to pursue his passion of writing full-time.
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Copyright © 2017 by Eddie Cleveland
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
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1
Between the Covers
Chapter 1 - Ryker
I still have an hour to kill before my shift starts at the Oregon library. I rip down the coast in my convertible with the top down, soaking up a rare day of sunshine in the normally rainy months of winter.
It isn’t often that I get to enjoy this car the way it was meant to be. The electric blue, 1967 Mustang convertible isn’t the kind of car you go run errands in. It’s the kind of car you live on the edge of life. Speeding down the twisting highway, I breathe in the ocean air and let the world, the responsibilities, the endless politics and bullshit all drift away.
All that matters is this time.
Ka-chunk! A cloud of steam billows up from my hood as my gauges all flatline and my car slows to a crawl.
“Damn it!”
I steer over to the side of road as the Mustang rolls to a dead stop. I throw it in park and jump out pulling up the hot hood and burn my hand.
“Fuck!”
So much for the moment, expensive mechanic bills for a vintage vehicle flash dollar signs in my eyes. There’s no point in me taking a look at the engine anyway. I wouldn’t have the first clue of what I was looking at under there.
I pluck my Samsung from my pocket and sigh. I guess I need to call a tow truck, not to mention the library so they know I’m going to be late.
I stare out into the glistening waves of the ocean as the phone rings. Disappointment crashes over my body like each one of those little white-capped breakers out there. That’s what I get for living outside the box for once, the thought buzzes around in my head like an insect.
“Hello?” a gruff voice answers me.
“Hi, yes, I need a tow.”
* * *
Chapter 2 - Ryker
“Yep, there ain’t a lot that can be done here,” the short, stocky man who introduced himself as just Hank looks down at my car sadly. “It would be a shame if the damage was bad. This is a beaut,” his eyes flicker over the blue steel and long body like he’s checking out a leggy blonde at the bar.
“Yeah, I bet it’ll cost a fortune too,” I sigh and run my tattooed hand through my hair. “Do you know a good mechanic that won’t rip me off?” I glance into his ruddy face and watch as he blows up his cheeks and twists them from side to side like he’s swishing mouthwash around.
“A-ya, I think I know the place. Frankie is who I would trust with a car as special as that,” he nods his capped head at the car.
“Sounds good enough,” I shrug. “Can you take me there now? I’m already going to be late for work. What a day!” I say more to myself than him.
“Sure thing, I gotcha covered,” he smiles up at me and his red cheeks turn to little crab apples as his face pulls up into a broad, friendly smile.
“Thanks,” I stick my hand out to him and shake his firm grip. “I appreciate it, man.”
Hank quickly sets the car up with his truck and before long we head out for Frankie’s Garage.
I gaze out at the water, it’s not exactly like the moment I was having in the convertible, but it’s still an interesting story. If nothing else. And as a librarian, there’s nothing I love more than a great read.
* * *
Chapter 3 - Ryker
Hank talks to a couple of guys in the work area of Frankie’s Garage as I go into the front office. At the desk is a stunning woman with a messy bun of long, brown hair and soulful brown eyes. Her white tank top hugs her full breasts that are heaving as she reads the book splayed out on the counter in front of her. A rosy hue flushes over her high cheekbones and her full lips are parted slightly as her eyes flicker over the page. Whatever she’s reading, she seems pretty engrossed in it since she doesn’t even look up at me as I walk in. Not even the little bell chiming on the door like an old-fashioned ice cream truck is enough to drag her from the world she’s engaged in within the pages of her book.
I clear my throat and study her youthful glow radiating from her creamy skin. Her features are undeniably stunning. She’s a natural beauty without makeup or long fake nails taking away from her pure look. Even down to the cute cluster of light freckles kissing the bridge of her nose. I hate to interrupt her, I know better than anyone how reading just one more page becomes an addiction. One that there is never any harm in indulging. However, I’ve got my own job to get to.
“Excuse me,” I intrude on her moment. I can’t help but wonder what she’s reading? I step closer to the counter and peer down at the pages.
The woman doesn’t look up, she only acknowledges my existence by lifting her finger in the air as a way of telling me to wait a second. It’s rude, but effective. I close my mouth and wait. Besides, I really can’t think of anythin
g sexier than a beautiful woman who’s so lost in her book that she makes the world pause while she finishes.
She turns the page and throws and old receipt between the pages, letting the tattered cover flip closed.
I see the title now, she’s reading John Cleland’s Fanny Hill.. Crimson licks at my cheeks as I realize she’s been reading an ancient erotica novel and from the looks of her, she was getting pretty hot and bothered by it too.
“How can I help you?” She smiles sweetly. Too sweet and innocent for someone reading those words. I know just from how engrossed she was that she has a deep, dirty streak just beneath the surface of her doe-eyed gaze.
“I’ve got to drop my car off,” I begin to explain.
“What’s wrong with it?” She furrows her brows like she’s studying for an exam.
“I, well, I was hoping one of your guys could figure that out. I’m not exactly a car guy,” I rub my hand down the sleeve of my cardigan as she smiles.
“You don’t say,” she muses. “Well, how about I go take a look and give you an idea then?”
She steps out from behind the counter and has a mechanic onesie covering her lower body and the arms tied off around her thick hips. “I’m Frankie,” she holds out her hand and I see some dirt around her nails.
“I’m Ryker,” I shake her hand and blink with astonishment that this beautiful woman is the mechanic. “Sorry, I, uh, I thought,” I stammer.
“You thought I was the secretary?” Her soft brown eyes twinkle as she tilts her head.
“Yeah, sorry about that,” I cringe.
“No harm done,” she laughs and gives me a slap on the shoulder. “Let’s go see what the problem is and if we can get it fixed up today,” she leads the way to the garage and I follow her.
Don’t judge a book by its cover, isn’t that the expression. Never has that been more obvious than right now.
* * *
Chapter 4 - Frankie
I walk out into the garage where my brothers are drooling over the Mustang in the pit. “Wheeew,” I whistle low. “Is that your ride? For a guy that’s not into cars, it’s a pretty sweet Mustang you’re driving,” I look over my shoulder at the tall, dark, smoulderingly sexy man behind me.
“It was my grandfather’s,” Ryker answers, his green eyes flicker with the memory. “He was all about fast cars and beautiful women,” he laughs.
“Sounds like my kind of man,” I purr, hoping some of his grandfather’s good sense rubbed off on him. It isn’t often I see a man who could be a character from my erotica book grace the garage. I let my eyes drift over his body and bite my lip. The bulge of his biceps is obvious under his navy sweater. Just like the bulge in his faded denim jeans is equally obvious. My cheeks flush hot as I flicker my eyes back to his. Did he notice me checking out his package? I can’t be sure.
Ryker stands a little taller and his lips twitch into a half smile. It looks good on him, since he walked in, he’s been so serious.
“He gave it to me because he said it was good luck. I guess he found my grandmother in this car, and he figured I could use the same magic to find a girl,” he clears his throat and then looks over my shoulder at the vehicle. “Although, it doesn’t look like it’s gonna find me anything but my way into the poor house now.”
“Well, don’t get your dick tied in a knot,” I laugh as Ryker lifts his thick eyebrows with surprise. “Hey Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum,” I call out to my brothers, “get out of there, I’m gonna take a look.”
Rick and Nathan roll their eyes at me exaggeratedly but they back off from the car, giving me the space I need to check it out.
“How about you two go take five,” I jerk my head at the open garage door not-so-subtly. I don’t need my big brothers giving me a hard time about the way I’ve been looking at this guy. We all bust each other’s chops good naturedly, but there’s a line.
“Fine, I’m going for a smoke,” Nathan agrees. Rick gives me a pointed look but doesn’t disagree, wordlessly following Nathan out the door.
I take a look under the hood and bend over at the waist, hoping Ryker will take notice of my firm, plump ass. I can feel the heat of his body behind me as he looks cluelessly over my shoulder. In my mind, I turn to him and we crash into a passionate kiss. The fantasy only lives in my head though, as soon as I look up at him, I can see Ryker is eager to leave.
My heart sinks in my chest. I guess it’s not a two-way street. “What’s up?” I ask.
“It’s just that I’m late for work. I need to get going,” he looks at his cell with worry.
“Awww that’s too bad,” I purr, looking up at him from under my lashes.
He looks over my curves and I can see a twinkle of desire flicker over his green eyes. So, I’m not crazy, there is something here.
“Trust me, I’d rather stick around too. However, I can’t just not show up for work. They’d have to shut down the library if I didn’t go,” he explains.
“Library, huh?” I stand up and size him up again. A sexy man who reads. Did I die and go to heaven? Or is it just my lucky day. My gaze licks his body all the way down to his ring finger, just to make sure. It’s empty, the thought crashes relief over me.
“Well, from what I can tell, it’s just a simple job. Not even that pricey,” I reassure him and his face relaxes. There’s that sexy smile again. Damn, he hot.
“I’ll tell ya what, you get your ass to work and, if you want, I’ll drop it off for you by the end of the day. I live pretty close to the library, so I don’t mind bringing you the car as long as you drive me home. How’s that for a deal?”
Ryker breathes in deeply, like someone who was drowning and was finally tossed a lifeline. “Thank you,” his voice is thick and rough. I hope he’s thick because I want it deep. Damn, I need a cold shower.
“No problem,” I smile back. I watch him as he walks away, his firm, sculpted ass like something from my book.
You just never know what your day is going to bring. I look back down at the car. A hot guy in a slick Mustang was not what I expected when I woke up this morning. And now, all I want to do is climb back into bed.
With him.
* * *
Chapter 5 - Ryker
After a quiet cab ride to work and a slow afternoon at the library, I’ve had too much time to think. Too much time to wish I had said the perfect thing. To run all of my conversation with Frankie through my mind over and over, sifting through the details like a miner looking at gold flecks of sand, and hoping I wasn’t the only one who felt what I did.
I know there was something between us. Something more than a concerned mechanic and a client. The way she bit her lip when she looked at me. The way her eyes traveled down, down, down and hovered. She was more than interested.
And I did nothing.
I didn’t ask her out. I didn’t even ask for her number. I rub my hand down the side of my face and shake my head. Why do I let my tongue get tied up in knots? I know the most beautiful words. I can tell you about books I read years ago that touched my soul. Yet, when it’s time for me to express myself, the words evaporate from my tongue like a tear drop in the desert.
I watch the minute hand on the old-fashioned clock hanging on the wall. I’ve got to close this place down in five minutes, and there’s still no sign of Frankie. I pull my phone out of my pocket and check for any missed calls. Still none. I would think that if she won’t be able to make it, she’d give me a ring.
If she does show up, I’m doing it. I’m going to talk to her. Ask her on a date. I’ll force the words to spring forth and tell her how I feel.
But how?
The idea drifts over my mind like the seeds of dandelion fuzz billowing out over a meadow. I’ve got it.
I might not always have all the right words. In fact, I rarely have any. Being a shy guy is harder than you’d think. But, that changes today. When she shows up here, I’m going to let myself act out my inner thoughts and feelings. I’ll just pretend that we’re a couple of c
haracters in a love story I’m reading. Or, even better, like a couple of characters in one of the classic erotica books Frankie seems to love so much. The front door of the library opens and I watch with my mouth hanging open as Frankie steps through. Her hair is hanging down over her shoulders now and she’s wearing tight jeans that reveal every soft curve of her body where the mechanic uniform once hung.
She’s stunning. Somehow, there doesn’t seem to be a perfect combination of the twenty-six letters in our limited language to describe her beauty. However, I don’t need a single word. I’m going to show her exactly how I feel, with body language.
* * *
Chapter 6 - Frankie
“There you are,” I smile at Ryker and hold his keys up in my hand as I approach his desk. “I’ve got her all fixed up for you and ready to go,” I jingle the keys and he gingerly takes them from me.
Ryker looks at me with a flickering flame of passion in his eyes that’s unmistakable. I’m no wilting flower, I’m always one to speak my mind, often worrying about the consequences after the fact. But there’s something about him, about that hungry look in his eyes that makes me feel a little shy. I like that. I’ve never met a man that can leave me at a loss for words. My heart beats a little harder as I imagine other ways he could help keep me quiet.
“Did you want to get going?” I look down at my shoes, squirming under his gaze. Ryker walks across the floor, for a second I imagine him grabbing me by the arms and kissing me, but he walks right past me.
I watch over my shoulder as he locks the front door. “Closing time,” he nods to the clock on the wall. “I don’t want any stragglers showing up when I’m shutting the place down,” he explains.
“Oh, do you still have a lot to do?” I wonder if I should just take a cab home. I don’t want to bother him if he still has a bunch of work to get through.
Quickies Page 1