Page 43 of Tuned To Break
Jake
Do it. Touch yourself. Think about me.
Stella
Only if you tell me. Every filthy thing you want to do to me.
Jake
Everything. Worship every inch of your body. Make you come until you forget your name.
My hand slides down as I read his words, desire spreading through every cell until I ache for more.
Stella
I’m touching myself now. Thinking about your hands on me.
Jake
That’s my good girl. Wish I could see you. Watch you fall apart for me.
Stella
I wish you were here. I need you inside me.
Jake
Soon, darl. Very soon.
As I come with his words in my head, I realise my life has completely changed in two weeks. I have a career I’m passionate about, a man who makes me feel things I’ve never felt before, and for the first time in my life, I’m not afraid of what’s next.
I’m ready for all of it.
CHAPTER TEN
JAKE
Monday morning arrives with Arden calling an all-hands meeting at eight a.m. sharp. We’re all gathered around the main workbench, including Rhys, who started part-time last week and has already proven himself invaluable with the electrical systems. The workshop feels different today, charged with anticipation and change.
“Morning, everyone,” Arden starts, looking more formal than usual in his pressed shirt and bow tie. “I’ve got some announcements that are going to change how we operate around here.”
I catch sight of Stella emerging from the office, and my breath catches. She’s wearing a crisp white dress shirt that hugs her curves perfectly. It’s tucked into a red flared skirt that ends just above her knees and those heels that drive me mental. Her red hair is pulled back in a professional bun, and she’s wearing her green-framed glasses. She looks every inch the successful businesswoman. And it’s doing things to me that are completely inappropriate for a Monday morning meeting.
Our eyes meet across the workshop. She gives me a small smile, and my cock twitches. Christ. After our text conversationthe other night, just looking at her is enough to get me worked up.
I haven’t stopped thinking about her. As much as I’ve wanted to go over there and fuck her breathless, I’ve held back, I wanted to prove I can be patient while she works through all these big changes.
“First,” Arden continues, “I’m pleased to officially announce that Stella will be taking over as our Operations Manager, effective today.”
We break into applause, and I can see the genuine pride on the guys’ faces. She’s earned their respect in two weeks—no small feat.
“What does that mean for us day-to-day?” Chase asks. He already knows—he lives with Arden. No way this decision was made without his input. He’s asking for everyone else’s benefit.
“It means Stella will be overseeing all business operations—client relations, project management, financials, staffing decisions. Basically, if it’s not directly related to turning wrenches, it goes through her.”
“So she’s our boss now?” José asks, no attitude, just curiosity.
“She’s your Operations Manager,” Arden clarifies. “Chase is still your direct supervisor for workshop activities, but yes, Stella has authority over operational decisions.”
