Page 8 of Maid to Desire
Snap the hell out of it, Melinda,I scolded myself then pulled my hand from Tyler’s hold.
“I hope you have a good evening, Mr. Benedict.” My words were just as quick as my actions because I opened the door and quickly scurried outside. I needed to put distance between Tyler and me before I found myself tangled in a web or worse-- his sheets.
I opened the back of my trunk and set the cleaning supplies inside my car. Without glancing back at the house, I shut the trunk and made my way to the driver’s side.
“It’s not going to start!” Tyler called out. There was amusement coating his words, which made my entire body tense.
“Damn it! What did you do?” I spun around and glared at him. My finger pointed in his direction.
He was leaning in the open doorway. His arms crossed in front of him and a smug grin on his face.
“How do you know it won’t start?” I demanded.
“Because the same idiot brother I was telling you about, is also a genius mechanic. I told him since he trashed my house, he owed me a favor.” He pointed at my car. “I had him take out your spark plugs.”
“What!” My single word came out a blood-curdling shriek. Tyler winced from the sound briefly, but the smug grin returned.
“He can put them back in while we have dinner.” His words were cool, crisp, and filled with confidence.
“Why are you so damn determined?” I crossed my arms in front of my chest then leaned against my useless car.
“Not sure,” he shrugged.
“So you don’t usually mess with maid’s cars? Just mine?”
“Yep,” he nodded as though what he had just done was a walk in the park.
“You do know this is coming across as you being a spoiled rich guy, right?” I glared at him.
“Hadn’t thought about it like that.” His cocky grin disappeared.
A look I hadn’t seen on him crossed his face. He seemed to be lost in thought. Or maybe he was taking into account what he had done. Either way, the wheels in his mind seemed to be turning.
“Earth to Mr. Benedict,” I waved my hand, attempting to gain his attention. He shook off whatever thought he had and stared at me.
“You’re right,” he sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. “Let me take you home and then I’ll have him fix your car. We’ll drop it off tonight,” he said, digging into his pocket and pulling out a set of keys.
“That’s okay,” I shook my head. “I’ll take a cab home and then--”
“No. Not an option,” he said flatly, making my blood boil. He was starting to be a real asshole. “I wouldn’t forgive myself if something happened to you.”
Now, who’s the asshole, Melinda?I groaned internally.
“Look,” I let out a heavy sigh and walked over to him. “We didn’t get started on the right foot. Agreed?”
“Agreed,” he nodded his head slightly.
“I’m Melinda Reyes. I’m filling in at the cleaning service you hired.” I stuck out my hand.
“Tyler Benedict.” He took my hand in his and lifted it to his lips. He pressed a soft kiss to the back of it then released my hand. My heart swooned at his gesture and I started to regret walking over to him. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Melinda.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you…” Tyler’s lit up like a kid on Christmas. I could tell he was anxious to hear me say his name. “Mr. Benedict,” I smirked.
“You wound me, Melinda.” He clutched at his chest dramatically.
I covered my mouth with my hand to hide my smile. The man sure knew how to make me smile and laugh. I couldn’t remember the last time I genuinely laughed or smiled because of a guy.
“So, what can I do to make it up to you?” he asked, gaining my attention. I lowered my hands down to my side. “Will you let me drive you home?”
