Page 4 of Mr. Fix-It

I shake off the wretched heat pooled in my gut. There’s no way he’d want me. That’s all there is to it. I step into the shower and wait for Calder to?—

I scream. A steady, pulsing stream of cold water hits my face. I can’t breathe. When the shock wears off I reach for the knob, eyes closed, fumbling to turn it off. A pair of warm, strong hands brush mine, and before I can think twice, I’m frozen to the spot, panting.

“Oh shit.” Calder shakes the water from his hands, his face a mask of concern. “Are you okay?”

My mouth agape, I try to form words but all I can do is laugh. “I guess it’s working.” I finally manage to eke out between giggles. Calder joins in, laughing along with me.

“Here.” He takes my hand and helps me out of the tub. The first step is fine, but on the second step, my sneaker slips against the linoleum. A near squeal escapes my mouth, but for the second time today, I find myself saved by the mountainous handyman. This time, his arms are around my waist. The strength of his grip reignites the fire inside me, one so hot that even the ice-cold water that just doused me can’t compete with it.

“Are you always this accident-prone?” His lips, full enough to make a Kardashian envious, are so close to mine.

“I think it’s you,” I say, water dripping down my cheek. Again, we’re in the right position for a very sexy and semi-forbidden moment. I close my eyes, just in case.

“Good thing I’m here then.” Calder grunts, and balances me back on both feet. I try not to visibly groan, wanting—no needing this man’s touch like I’ve never craved any before. I’m about to agree that, yes, it’s a fucking great thing that he’s here when I notice he’s staring at my chest.

I look down. My nipples are rock hard, poking against the fabric of both my bra and my baby blue t-shirt. I feel myselfturning red and instinctively go to cover myself, but think better of it at the last minute.

I want him to see me.

He tears his eyes away, but now it’s my turn to see the rock-hard outline through his jeans. I gasp at the size but quickly recover. “I should go get a mop.” I exit the bathroom and head down the hall toward the storage closet. It doesn’t even occur to me that I don’t own a mop until I get there. I shut myself in the tiny room and close my eyes for a moment, begging my breathing to steady.

This is crazy. I’m practically throwing myself at Calder. I pluck my soaking wet hair off the nape of my neck. But what’s even crazier? Something tells me that Calder wants me, too.

Chapter Four

Calder

It’s been two weeks, and I can’t get Juno out of my mind. It’s not just her perfect curves, either. It’s her laugh, the way she sucks on her lower lip when she’s afraid to admit she doesn’t know what something is, and her quiet confidence that turns me on so much I have to jerk off in the shower every time I leave her place. It’s a damn shame I had to meet her now. If I were twenty years younger, I’d have saved myself a lot of years playing the field only to end up a bachelor at forty-five. No woman I’ve ever dated could hold a candle to her.

Truth is, I’ve gotten so comfortable with her that it feels like I’m working on my own place, that the two of us are playing house. Stupid as it sounds, there’s something calming about making believe that when all is said and done, I’ll be sleeping in her bed with her. The coffee she makes for us will be from our kitchen instead of just hers. Being around Juno has only made me realize how lonely I’ve been without someone to share my life with.

Before I head to Juno’s for the day, I swing by the bakery for a dozen donuts. I’m hoping that by satisfying my sugar craving, it can help ease the need I have for my sweet Juno. Something tells me it won’t, but at least we’ll have baked goods.

When I pull into her driveway, I’m surprised to see there’s already a car there. I turn off the ignition, eyeing the red pickup truck. My heart starts racing. It’s probably nothing, but what if she has company?Thatkind of company.

My body moves without my brain’s permission. I don’t even grab my tools, gripping the box of donuts as I hulk toward the front door and give three hard knocks, not waiting for her to answer before poking my head in and announcing my presence. I’m greeted with laughter coming from the kitchen.

Nervous energy draws me forward as I round the corner and see Juno, still in her robe, at the table with another man. Every drop of liquid in my body turns to lava. Who the fuck is this joker?

“Calder.” Juno stands, wrapping her robe tighter around herself. Her eyes move toward the box in my hands. “Aw, you brought donuts.”

I notice another box of donuts already on the table. You’ve got to be kidding me. “Not such an original idea, after all.”

“Who’s this?” I can’t hide the irritation in my tone.

“Logan.” The buff, visibly younger guy stands and extends his hand. I grip it a little too tightly. “I’ve heard about you.”

“Is that right?” I say, sizing up this motherfucker having breakfast withmywoman.

“I hear you’re quite the handyman.”

“Logan!” Juno hisses, making big eyes at him.

“What? Look at this place. It’s looking so much better than when I first saw it.” Logan raises his eyes toward the kitchen ceiling, freshly patched, still drying.

So he’s been here before? I can’t form any words that don’t amount to telling this guy to get the fuck out of here. But I don’t have the right, and it seems like Juno’s enjoying his company. If she’s not asking him to leave, there’s only one other option.

“Maybe I should go.” Unjustified anger zips through me.

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