Page 14 of Up In Flames
“I, uh, just need to use the restroom and then I’ll get back to work,” I say awkwardly, like I’m not allowed to have five minutes to myself.
Taylor seems to revel in my discomfort and takes a small step forward.
“Don’t mind me,” he says, leaning into my space. I think he’s about to touch me until he reaches past me for a cell phone I hadn’t noticed lying on the counter near the sink. I choose to ignore the disappointment welling in my chest at the lack of contact. “You seem tense. Is everything okay?” Taylor asks innocently, arching perfect, manicured brows at me.
God, he’s really pretty.
Not sureprettyis a word I’ve ever used to describe another guy, but it works here.
“Um, yeah. Everything’s fine,” I lie, sounding like I’m in a daze. “We’ll be on track as long as the weather holds out.” I’m aware more words leave my mouth; I’m just not entirely sure what they are. Thankfully, they must make sense because Taylor nods with a smile.
“Sounds good, just let me know if you need anything. I’m always happy to help.”
There’s no wink this time, but I still hear the offer in his words, and I’m positive the help he’s offering has nothing to do with construction.
The fact that I didn’t immediately shut Taylor down is a problem. Not only do I havezerofucking clue what I’m doing flirting with another man, his age is absolutely a problem. And if I wasn’t already putting the cart about twelve miles in front of the homosexual horse, he’s also technically a client.
Three strikes, and you’re out.
“I think we’ve got it, thanks,” I say,finallyputting an end to this.
I manage to make it two-and-a-half more hours, but eventually, I bag out early. I just can’t concentrate, and I’m creepily trying to peer in the windows every fifteen seconds. I need a reset and to get my goddamn mind right.
“Phil, Javi, I need to go make a couple calls and take care of a few quotes for other jobs. You guys okay to finish this up? Shouldn’t be more than an hour.”
“No problem,” they reply in unison, not even bothering to look up from their tasks.
They’re the best employees a guy could ask for. Reliable, dependable, respectful, and punctual. I overpay them, but I’m a firm believer in getting what you pay for. It feels more like we’re partners instead of boss and employees, which is how I like it.And they don’t balk when I add more to our already maxed-out workload. My favorites of all my employees by far; I often put myself on their jobs because they’ve been with me the longest, and I have the best relationship with them, even if I’ve strained that relationship by pulling back since my divorce.
In the driveway, I unfasten my toolbelt and throw it on the backseat of my truck before lifting the bottom of my shirt to wipe my face.
“Heading out so soon?” a familiar voice asks, startling me for the second time today.
“Jesus, kid. How do you always manage to sneak up on me?”
His eyes darken, and it doesn’t take me long to realize my mistake.
“First of all, I’m twenty-four…not a kid,” he corrects me. “And second, don’t blamemeforyourlack of awareness. I’m just over here living my life,” he waves his stack of mail in my face, “whileyouseem to have your head in the clouds.”
Well, fuck. He has a point.
“You’re right,” I begrudgingly acknowledge with a nod. “I apologize.”
His eyes travel the length of my body, leaving unmistakable heat in their wake. “I’d be willing to forgive you for another look at those abs, though,” Taylor says playfully with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
“Awfully forward, aren’t you?” I ask, crossing my arms over my chest and leaning against the side of my truck. I’m willing to admit I’m more intrigued rather than put-off by his boldness…but that’sallI’m willing to admit.
With another nonchalant shrug, Taylor answers, “I just know what I like and have never been afraid to go after it. Worst you can do is tell me no, and then it’s just as big a loss for you as it is for me. Besides, you’ve seen mine…andwe’ve already shared our first kiss. So, a little peek really couldn’t hurt anything, could it?”
What’s it like to go through life with that kind of confidence, I wonder? And truth be told, Taylor’s interest in me, no matter how superficial, is quickly becoming intoxicating. I’ve felt undesirable for so long that the fact I’ve caught Taylor’s attentiontwicemight be just the fucked-up ego boost I need.
That pathetic, paper-thin excuse is the only reason I can think of for why I indulge him by grabbing the hem of my shirt. Lifting it slowly, I watch with rapt attention as his eyes flare and his tongue darts out to wet that full bottom lip, immediately transporting me back to the night I trapped it between my own.
“Goddamn,” he says breathlessly. “Anyone ever tell you that you’re sexy as fuck?”
Not in a long-ass time,I think to myself.
The rasp of desire in his voice causes the reality of what I’m doing to slam into me, and I drop my shirt.
