Page 49 of Waiting for Tuesday

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Ididn’t comeout of my office the rest of the afternoon, though purposefully I left the door open, just in case he wanted to kiss me again—but he didn’t. He stayed busy renovating the back room, which was exactly what Ihired himto do.

This was something I had to keep reminding myself. He was here because I’d hired him, he was here because I needed a workstation for making products, but I really, really wanted him to kiss me again.

Somehow, I was able to stay focused and get my work done for the night, but as the back room became quiet, my whole body tensed with anticipation.

He usually stayed behind to lock up with me. He or sometimes Eddie. But when he left, he always gave me a report of their progress. Every day. But today was quiet. Today I began to worry he’d left without saying goodbye.

Just as I pushed myself from my chair to go check, his large frame filled the doorway of my office. He was filthy from work, his tool belt still rested on his narrow hips. His arms stretched above his head holding onto the frame, which lifted his shirt just enough to show off his stomach. A smudge of dirt swept across his left cheek, and somehow, it made him look perfect. I don’t know why the sight of him dirty, sweaty, and exhausted was such a turn on, but it totally was.

He looked me up and down without saying a word, without a smile, but his eyes penetrated my soul, speaking a kind of language only my heart knew how to speak. It caused my chest to swell with emotion and my palms to itch with the need to touch him.

I knew he wanted me. I could see it in his eyes. I hit save on the computer then rose to my feet and walked in front of my desk, but I didn’t move closer. I didn’t fully trust my legs to get me that far.

He looked over his shoulder then grinned a little. “It’s been less than twenty-four hours, but I want you again. I’ve gone months without sex without having problem, but I sleep with you once, and I can’t stop thinking about it. Why is that?”

His admission caused me to smile. “I don’t know.”

He frowned and moved a little closer. “But I want you in my bed. I want you slow, and maybe more than once. You okay with that?”

I bit my lip and looked down to my feet. He looked so serious, as if he were negotiating a business deal. But then I frowned because maybe he was. Actually, I knew that’s what this was. A business deal. A no-strings relationship where my heart was held as collateral.

I could say no… Ishouldsay no… but I found myself looking him in the eyes and nodding in agreement in spite of my better judgment. I didn’t care what this was. I wanted it. It was reckless, but I wanted it. I’d never been reckless before in my life. I did the safe things, the well thought out things, and for once in my life, I was feeling the need to take risks. Maybe it was because I’d already put my whole savings on the line with this shop. Or maybe it was because I couldn’t bear the thought of ending it just yet. Yes, my heart was on the line, but I didn’t care.

He pushed himself from the doorway, his brows furrowed, and I realized everything I’d just thought must have run over my face.

“Or we can go to your place if you want?”

I took a deep breath and shook my head. “Yours is good.” I forced a smile and walked a little closer, worrying my lip with my teeth.

Somehow, his place seemed the safer option. Going to mine was giving him too much, and he already held a piece of the little girl heart that still hoped he’d fall for me too.

Chapter TWENTY

Tuesday

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Ifollowedhim to his condo, which was only about five miles from the shop, though in the opposite direction of my house. He directed me to guest parking thirty feet away, then pulled into his space in the garage. When he met me halfway through the parking lot, he took hold of my hand. He didn’t smile, which I was becoming used to, but his expression wasn’t angry either.

He looked as if he had as many reservations as me; he wasn’t sure he should be doing this—thatweshould be doing this. But before long he nodded, as though silently making up his mind,and turned back to the building. He led me up the concrete steps, going faster than my short legs could keep up with. I would think he was in a hurry if it wasn’t for the fact he’d led me through the zoo the very same way.

We finally stopped at the third floor, where he hesitated at the door. He turned to face me and cringed. “I have to warn you, she can be extremely jealous.”

I looked into his dark, stormy eyes and swallowed, suddenly wanting to forget the whole thing. Wondering why he’d bring me here when his roommate was inside.

He pushed the door open and a ball of golden fur immediately rushed toward us. She was wagging her tail, prancing and panting, and John fell to a squat before looking back up at me. “This is Ginger.”

I smiled and let out a breath. Both in relief his roommate was an dog, and because Ginger obviously missed him a lot. It was adorable really, something that made him even more human, more real. “Is she a golden retriever?” I asked.

He nodded, but then Ginger, who was ignoring me until this point, started to bark. She was loud and intimidating for such pretty dog, and although she looked scared at the same time, she still stood in front of John like she would protect him with her life.

I shook my head and squatted down, holding my hand out so she could smell me. “Don’t worry Ginger, I won’t hurt him.”

She came toward me, sniffing the air apprehensively, then walked closer until her nose touched my hand. She gave it a quick lick, then after a few moments, her tail began to wag and her stance softened. She licked me once more, and I reached out to scratch her behind the ears. When I finally looked over at John again, he was watching me with an unreadable expression on his face.

He stood up and grabbed her leash from the top of the banister before turning back to me. “I need to walk her or she won’t leave us alone all night. You can wait here if you’d like.”

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