Page 57 of A Little Naughty

“He’s not the worker you were. I bet if you wanted, you could get a raise, maybe some benefits. We never had any trouble when you were here.”

“Thanks, Chip.” I slide my hands down the sides of my jeans, pushing the guilt trying to rise in my chest back down. “I’m going to pass on that, but I appreciate the offer. And thanks for hooking me up. You’ve helped me score some serious brownie points.”

“Offer stands if you change your mind.”

I give him a wave and hop on the bike again. This time, when I leave, I head in the wrong direction intentionally. I follow the road creating a perimeter around the shipyard to be sure the gate is sound and nothing has changed when it comes to access.

It’s still chain link and razor wire all the way around, with no apparent breaks.

When I get back to where Chip’s standing, confused, I wave and shake my head as if to say I forgot where I was going. He waves me away, and I open the throttle, heading to the trailer to get cleaned up and change clothes.

* * *

“Where you been?”Bull is on the front porch when I get home. “The fella running things stopped by last night. He wanted to meet you.”

Taking out my phone, I glance at the face. “You didn’t message me.”

“Of course, I didn’t. You think I want somebody tracking my calls?” He shoves his hands in his back pockets as he stomps around in a circle on the porch. “Since when don’t you come home at night?”

Since I met the most beautiful girl in the world.

“Why do I need to meet the guy? All he wants is a lookout, right?” That fucking better be all he wants, because that’s all he’s getting.

Bull’s jaw clenches, and he growls like he’s holding back a punch. He’d better keep on holding, because I won’t hesitate to lay him out if he tries to start something again.

“Will you be home tonight?” he snaps.

“Probably.” I’ve got to get those cups to Jemima, and I’d like to spend some time with her.

But I know she has a little girl.

“I’ll see if he’s still in town. He’s one of those woo-woo types. Likes to get a feel for the team.”

I don’t like the sound of that bullshit. It’s more like he’s an asshole who wants to put on a show of force to be sure I’m not going to fuck up his job.

“I’m not living my life by this job.” My voice grows stronger. “I told you I’ll be there, and I will. Now get off me.”

With that, I leave him on the porch while I head inside to shower and change and get ready to see my girl again.

* * *

“You did not!”Jemima’s blue eyes widen, as I pull the bag from behind my back and hand it to her.

We’re standing on the small porch of her house, and I hear the sounds of some kids’ show coming from inside. It’s early in the afternoon, and I imagine they just got home from school.

I couldn’t wait to see her anymore. When I got out of the shower at the trailer, I shot her a text saying I had something for her. She asked if I’d meet her at the house, to which I immediately said yes.

Now she’s standing in front of me in jeans and an ivory sweater that’s falling off her shoulder. Her hair is still in a bun on top of her head, and her face is fresh and clean with no lipstick. I can’t decide which look I like best, but this one is pretty damn good.

She lets out a little squeal that makes me chuckle as she takes the bag from my hands and opens it, looking inside.

Then she pushes my shoulder. “You did! How much do I owe you?”

“Nothing. It’s a gift.”

“Raif!” She starts to protest, but I reach out to take her wrist, pulling her closer to me.

“Just say thank you.”

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