Page 27 of Tuned To Break
The observation makes something warm spread through my chest. I hadn’t really noticed, but now that he mentions it, my coffee is always exactly right when Stella makes it.
“And she always knows where you are in the workshop,” José adds, towelling off his hair. “Even when she’s focused on paperwork, she’s aware of you. I’ve seen her look up the moment you walk into a room.”
“Plus, the way she looked at you when you called her ‘darl’ that first day?” Asher shakes his head with a knowing grin. “I thought she was going to either slap you or jump you. Wasn’t sure which.”
“Probably both,” Yasmin laughs, and the sound is warm and knowing.
“Listen, the point is,” Arden smiles at Ella, then turns back to flipping the steaks with practised precision, “if something’s going to happen between you two, make sure it’s worth it. Don’tjust mess around with her because you’re bored or horny. She’s not that kind of woman.”
No, she’s not. Stella isn’t some casual hook-up or weekend distraction. She’s... more. She’s the kind of woman who deserves everything—commitment, respect, a future. The kind of woman I never thought I’d find, never thought I deserved.
“And if you do pursue this,” Ella adds, her voice carrying the authority of someone who’s navigated her own complicated relationship, “be prepared for the fact that she’s not going to change who she is for you. She’s strong, independent, and opinionated. If that intimidates you, walk away now.”
“It doesn’t intimidate me.” It doesn’t. Stella’s personality is part of who she is, and I wouldn’t change her for anything. Not one single thing. “It’s...”
“It’s what?” Chase prompts gently.
“It’s fucking sexy,” I admit, and the guys all burst out laughing.
The honesty feels good, like admitting something I’ve been trying to deny. Stella’s strength, her competence, the way she doesn’t back down from anything—it all turns me on in ways I can’t fully explain.
“There we go,” José grins, raising his beer in a mock toast. “Finally, some honesty.”
“So then, are you admitting there’s something there?” Arden asks, his tone more serious now.
I look around the group, these guys who’ve become more like brothers than friends over the years. They’re all looking at me expectantly, and I realise there’s no point in denying it anymore. They can see through me anyway.
“Yeah,” I say quietly. “There’s something there.”
“And?” Yasmin prompts gently.
“And I don’t know what to do about it.”
The admission hangs in the air between us, raw and honest in a way that makes me feel exposed.
“Why not?” Ella asks, her voice kind but direct.
“Because she said it can’t happen again.” The words slip out before I can stop them, revealing the very thing I was trying to keep private.
“Again?” Chase raises a brow, his detective instincts clearly kicking in.
“I mean—” I pause when suddenly everyone leans forward with interest, like I’ve just confessed to a crime.
“Oh, this is good,” José rubs his hands together with obvious glee. “What happened? When? Where? Details, mate.”
“Nothing happened,” I lie, but it’s too late. The cat’s out of the bag now.
“Bullshit,” Asher says with conviction. “Something definitely happened. I can see it written all over your face. When?”
I drain my beer, wishing I’d kept my mouth shut. But there’s no going back now. “Last night.”
“At work?” Arden asks, and I can hear the concern in his voice—the business owner wondering about liability and workplace policies.
“In her office.”
“And?” several voices prompt at once, like a chorus of nosy brothers and sisters.
The silence stretches as they wait for details I’m not sure I should share. “And nothing. She said it was unprofessional, and it can’t happen again.”
