Page 2 of His Curvy Candy Cane

Not only was he sexy but he was a cocky one. I could tell by the way he set his shoulders back and never broke eye contact. He wasn’t used to being told no, I imagined, at least not when itcame to cars. And while offering his help was a friendly gesture, I wasn’t interested.

“No, thanks. I have it handled.”

“If you say so.” Ethan shrugged, and I wanted to wipe the cocky grin off his face. The one that screamedyou know you’ll need me.“The winter season can be pretty brutal around here. Hopefully, your car can handle it. But, remember, I’m right next door.” He finished off his candy cane and licked his lips.

I did my best to ignore the way my pussy clenched at the sight of his tongue. Instead, I held my head high and smiled big.

“How could I forget? It is a small town, after all.” I spun on my heel and disappeared inside my cottage.

Flicking on the living room lamp, I leaned back against the door and took a deep breath.

I could do this. I could figure it out on my own. I’d done it before. I’d do it again.

My shitty ex might’ve told me I’d amount to nothing, I’d never make it on my own, and I’d never be able to fix my own car. But I knew I’d overcome whatever he or anyone else doubted me on.

I was a fighter. I’d been one my whole life.

I didn’t need anyone’s help.

Especially not the cocky town mechanic who liked disgusting candy canes.

CHAPTER TWO

Ethan

Well,ain’t she a peach?

I went back to shoveling my driveway, the tedious task only halfway done before I heard a car die and a woman have a tantrum. I couldn’t not investigate, especially when the sound of a struggling engine caught my attention.

What I found was a gorgeous, curvy woman who I’d guess had a bit of a hot streak, considering she wanted nothing to do with my offer to help.Elise. Beautiful smile and curves for days…

I’d heard a woman recently moved in but had yet to catch sight of her. Now I knew I’d never get the image of her out of my head.

The attraction was instant, but it didn’t matter. I didn’t have room in my life for love. Been there, done that. I focused on myself, my cars, and my mechanic business, and that was all I needed. Because in the end, the only person you had was yourself. That proved true time and again.

After I shoveled, I took a hot shower, slid on a pair of flannel pj pants and a T-shirt, and settled in front of the TV with a beer. I admired my Christmas decorations and the large tree beside my fireplace. I secretly loved Christmas, and while I played the part of not seeming to care about the holidays, my house was a different story. I enjoyed decorating, and it brought me some comfort in my lonely cottage.

The town’s Christmas party was in a couple of days, and that was one event I wouldn’t miss. Not only was the food delicious but there were also endless cookies and treats, hot cocoa with all the toppings, and raffles. One year I won free gas for a year, and honestly, what a damn good gift to win.

As I sipped my beer and channel surfed, my mind drifted to Elise’s car. I ran over some ideas of what could be wrong with it when suddenly, I heard a loud clank sound outside and then a very loudfuck!

I scrambled to my feet, and when I peeked out my front window, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Outside in the falling snow, Elise was underneath her car hood.What the hell is she doing?

I grabbed my jacket and hat, slid on my boots, and walked over to her. “Um, did you ever think it might not be a good idea to do that while it’s snowing?”

“AH!” Elise jumped back and clutched at her chest. “Holy shit! You scared me!”

I held my hands up. “Sorry. I heard a loud noise and thought you might need some?—”

“You thought wrong. I don’t need any help. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” Elise held my gaze, her expression stony. Maybe she was more stubborn than I thought.

“But it’s freezing out here, and the snow really shouldn’t get under the hood. I’ll help you tomorrow. I’ll tow it to my shop and?—”

“What part of no don’t you understand?” Elise interrupted me for a second time.

Well, then. A sour, rotten peach is more like it.

But fuck, I still wanted to throw her down on the snowy ground and have my way with her.

---