Page 92 of Tuned To Break
“There’s nothing wrong with being whipped,” Rhys chimes in from where he’s rewiring a dash. “It’s actually kind of sweet.”
“Thank you, Rhys. At least someone around here has sense.”
“Sweet, yes,” he goes on with a grin, “but also obvious to everyone within a fifty-kilometre radius. You light up like a Christmas tree every time she walks in.”
Before I can defend myself, the subject of their amusement walks out of her office, tablet in hand and a determined set to her mouth. She’s wearing a black pencil skirt that hugs every curve and a blue blouse that makes her eyes look even greener. Even after months of seeing her every day, the sight of her still knocks the breath out of me.
“Morning, boys,” she says, soft and sweet. “I need to go over next week’s schedule. We’ve got three major deliveries, two new client consults, and the Manson’s anniversary car needs to be finished by Friday.”
“Yes, boss,” comes the chorus from around the workshop, and I can see the small smile that tugs at her lips. She still gets a kick out of the respect she commands here, and rightfully so.
“Jake,” she adds, turning those green eyes on me, “I need you to prioritise the engine rebuild on the ‘69 Mustang. The client’s flying in specifically to see it next week.”
“Already on it,” I reply, gesturing to the partially assembled engine on my workbench. “Should have it finished by Wednesday.”
“Perfect.” She makes a note on her tablet, and I find myself watching the way her fingers move across the screen—remembering those same fingers tangled in my hair last night. “Also, Arden’s called a team meeting for this arvo. Something about a special presentation.”
“What kind of presentation?” Chase asks, glancing at me before steering his gaze back to Stella. We both know exactly what it is, and excitement tightens my chest.
“He didn’t specify,” Stella says with a shrug. “Just said everyone needs to be here at four.”
She heads back to her office, and the speculation starts.
“Think it’s bonuses?” José asks hopefully.
“New equipment?” Asher suggests. “That paint booth’s been playing up.”
“Second location?” Parker offers. “Business has boomed since Stella took over.”
I keep working, pretending disinterest while counting down to four. Arden’s been planning this surprise for weeks, ever since he decided Stella deserved recognition for everything she’s accomplished. The woman has transformed not just the workshop but all our lives, and she has no idea what’s coming.
The morning passes quickly, filled with the usual banter and the satisfying rhythm of mechanical work. Around noon, Stella emerges again, this time looking slightly frazzled.
“Has anyone seen the Manson file?” she asks, scanning the workshop. “I swear I left it on my desk, but it’s not there.”
“Check Chase’s office,” I suggest. “He was reviewing the final inspection notes.”
She nods and heads towards Chase’s office, and I can’t help watching the sway of her hips as she walks. The woman moves with a confidence that wasn’t there when she first started working here, and it’s sexy as hell.
“You’re doing it again,” Robert says, amused.
“Doing what?”
“The staring. With the dopey expression.”
“I don’t have a dopey expression.”
“You absolutely do,” Asher confirms. “Like you’re seeing her for the first time—every time.”
Maybe I am. Every day I notice something new: the way she hums under her breath when she’s happy; how she bites her bottom lip when she’s thinking; the tiny victory dance when she solves a tricky problem. Three months in and she still surprises me—still makes me fall a little harder every day.
“Can you blame me?” I ask, not bothering to deny it anymore. “Look at her.”
We all turn as Stella emerges from Chase’s office, file in hand, looking triumphant. She’s gorgeous, sure, but it’s more than that. It’s how she carries herself, the sharp mind, the passion she brings to everything.
“She is pretty spectacular,” Parker admits.
“More than pretty,” I correct. “She’s brilliant. She’s increased our profit margin by thirty per cent in three months—and did it while learning a whole new industry.”
