Page 16 of Tuned To Break
“Hey, Stella?” Arden says before we hang up.
“Yeah?”
“Thank you, again.”
“You’re welcome.”
I press end on the call and get out of my car, heading inside, and replay the way Jake looked at me—those dark eyes roaming my body. Me pretending I didn’t notice his gaze was setting my skin on fire. When he stepped close, it took everything in me not to drag him closer and just kiss the fuck out of him. Because if he’s the same guy from that night, he can kiss.
Heading inside, I shower and get ready for bed. But my mind keeps repeating “Come for me, darl.” Knowing that sleep isn’t going to come easily unless I take care of the throb between my legs.
I reach into my nightstand, take out my vibrator, and I come harder than I have since he got me off, and I do it with his face flashing behind my eyelids, and his name on my lips.
CHAPTER FOUR
JAKE
I’m elbow-deep in the Chev’s engine bay when I hear an unfamiliar voice at the front of the shop.
“Delivery for Doc’s Auto Restoration. I’ve got a commercial coffee machine setup.”
I wipe my hands on a rag and walk over to see what’s going on. A bloke in a uniform is wheeling in what looks like the most expensive coffee machine I’ve ever seen—all chrome and black, with more buttons than a bloody spaceship.
“Mate, I think you’ve got the wrong address,” I say, approaching him.
“Nah, this is definitely the right place. Says here Doc’s Auto Restoration, and I’ve got instructions to set it up in the kitchen area.”
Chase walks over, looking just as confused as I am. “We didn’t order a coffee machine.”
“According to my paperwork, someone named Stella did. She’s authorised on the account.”
José and Asher have stopped what they’re doing and are now staring at this machine like it’s from another planet.
“How much does something like that cost?” Asher asks.
The delivery guy grins. “More than your car, mate. This baby’s top-of-the-line. Dual boiler, programmable settings, built-in grinder. She’s a beauty.”
“Damn,” José whistles. “Stella’s only been here one day and she’s already spending Arden’s money.”
“Yeah, but look at the coffee we’ve been drinking,” Chase says, gesturing toward our sad little instant coffee station. “Maybe it’s time for an upgrade.”
The delivery guy starts wheeling the machine toward the kitchen, and we all follow like we’re in some kind of procession. The thing is massive and takes up half the bench space we had.
“Right, I’ll get this set up and give whoever’s going to be using it a quick tutorial. Where’s this Stella?”
“She’s not supposed to be in until this afternoon,” Chase answers, checking his watch.
I’m about to say something when I hear the distinct click of heels again on concrete. My cock immediately starts to stir because I know that sound, and I’m starting to like it way too much.
“Morning, boys.” We all turn around and fuck me sideways—she looks incredible. She’s wearing a tight white tank top that shows off her perfect tits, a black skirt that hugs every curve and ends just above her knees, and those same black heels from the night at Grumpy’s. The ones I’ve fantasised about digging into my back as I fuck her senseless.
But it’s the green-framed glasses perched on her nose that really get me. She looks like every wet dream I’ve ever had about a sexy librarian.
“Stella,” Chase says, “what are you doing here so early? And what’s this?” He waves his hands toward the coffee machine.
“I called Arden last night. We discussed the dire coffee situation, and he agreed we needed an upgrade.” She walks overto the delivery guy with a confidence that makes my mouth go dry. “You must be from Biscotti Brothers. Perfect timing.”
She’s carrying bags from what looks like a specialty coffee shop, and the smell of freshly roasted beans fills the air, making my taste buds stir to life.
