Page 3 of His Curvy Candy Cane

“Fine. Your choice. Good luck,” I grumbled before storming away. I knew when I wasn’t wanted or needed, and I wasn’t about to let another woman make me feel that way again.

Why wasshe so damn stubborn? Did she have to give me so much attitude? All I did was try to help, but she wanted no part of it.

As I climbed into bed an hour later, I saw from my bedroom window that Elise was still out there bent over with her head under the hood.

So damn stubborn. She’s gonna catch a damn cold out here.

Wow, I sounded like my mother. She made little sense to me. And what pissed me off even more was the desire I felt for her.

Like hot lava in my veins, it made me want to explode, and I knew I wouldn’t be getting much sleep tonight. Not with the way my mind spun like an out-of-control Ferris wheel.

Elise finally gave up and went inside a little after midnight. She tried several times to turn the engine over but nothing. A part of me wondered if it was her starter or maybe an alternator, but I wouldn’t know for sure without looking at it.

One thing I knew was that Camille hired Elise to work at her diner and also found her the cottage next door. She had to know a thing or two about Elise, but how could I find out without looking suspicious?

Everything you did in this town got around, and there wasn’t a single place to hide. Believe me, I’d tried.

Growing up here and becoming the town mechanic, everyone knew who I was. There was no way I’d be able to ask questions withoutsomeoneoverhearing, never mind Camille’s own suspicions.

Shit, it wouldn’t work. I nixed that idea. I’d figure something out.

After I stared at the ceiling for another hour, I rubbed one out to the thought of Elise before finally falling asleep.

Yet when I woke up the following morning, my desire for her wasn’t any better.

If anything, it was worse.

And when I looked out my window as I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, there she was again, back at it.

Against my better judgment, I quickly dressed, and without even having coffee first, I bundled up, slid my boots on, and made my way over to her.

“How’s it going?” I chewed on the inside of my cheek to keep my smirk at bay. I couldn’t help it around her. Honestly, I only wanted to assist her with her car as I no longer wanted to see her struggle.

Her head snapped up, and her eyes immediately narrowed. “Oh, it’s you again. It’s going fine. Everything’s fine. She’ll be up and running in no time.” There wasn’t a hint of confidence in her voice, but I admired her stubbornness and how she didn’t give up easily.

In the morning daylight, I drank in her features—her long, wavy brown hair cascaded down her back from underneath her sparkly purple beanie hat and the long lashes surrounding her deep blue eyes. My dick twitched in my boxers, and I pushed the urge to take her inside and ravage every inch of her body.

I knew she could take it like a good girl. I knew she’d love a little ass slapping and hair pulling.

“Uh, hello, earth to Ethan?” She waved a hand in front of my face, snapping me back to reality.

Shit. What was I, fifteen again and fantasizing about sex? Get a grip.

I stood there like an idiot, and I could only imagine the blank look on my face. The bulge in my jeans strained at the zipper, and I moved so the car hid my hips. “Uh, yeah, sorry. Haven’t had any coffee yet. I noticed you working hard out here again this morning and wanted to see if I could help.”

“I already told you I don’t need your help.” Elise pressed her lips together, and I wondered what they tasted like.

“Maybe you don’twantmy help, but it sure looks like youneedit.”

She clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth. “That’s definitely something you would say, isn’t it?”

Her attitude only turned me on more. But as much as I wanted to reach across and pull her in for a kiss, memories flooded my mind like a sad movie reel.

“Okay, don’t say I didn’t try. Should I let Camille know you won’t make it to your shift today? Or would you possibly accept a ride from your lowly neighbor?” I asked as I took a step back toward my cottage.

“Mind your own business. How about that?”

I chuckled.Fuck, she was sexy.

---