Page 19 of Brew
“I wouldn’t want to dent it or anything, it’s a bit of a beast.”
So am I, sweetheart.
“It’s not that hard to handle, just put it in drive and accelerate.”
She bites her lip, clearly conflicted about taking my vehicle. I don’t know why. It’s a nice truck, but my motorcycle is my baby. It’s not like I’m lending her my Fat Boy.
“Thanks, Brew, that’s generous. It’s just a huge truck. I’m used to driving a tiny minivan.”
“It’ll be fine. You’re overthinkin’ it. There’s plenty of room in the back for the stuff.”
“I appreciate it. I can probably grab the battery on the way back from sch?—”
“There’s really no need. I’m headin’ that way anyway before I head out for a few days,” I lie. “In the meantime I’ll get all the shit out of the van.”
“As long as it’s not too much trouble.”
I level her with a gaze. Is it just me, or do her cheeks pinken slightly? “You gotta learn to accept help, Erica.”
She opens her mouth, then swiftly closes it again. “Thank you.” Then, before she can stop herself, she squeezes my forearm. “It’s very kind of you to help me out.”
Jesus Christ.
My dick hardens in an instant at her lightest touch. I imagine her squeezing my cock with that small palm and refrain from groaning. I nod once, moving past her to the side door. I need to get this shit moved and on my way before I do something I’ll regret.
CHAPTER
SIX
Erica
All through the kids’ play, all I can think about is Brew.
Why in God’s name did I touch him? It’s like I’m not even in control of my body when I’m around him. It hums to his tune, and then I do stupid things like reach out and squeeze his very muscular arm for no apparent reason. Don’t I know the simple rules as an employee?Never touch your bossis up there with the best of them.
It wasn’t like he seemed to mind, not that that’s any excuse. In fact, the way his jaw steeled when my fingers touched him had our eyes locking for a few terrifying moments.
What did I see when I looked into those steely blues that hide so much?
Even though I know I should run a mile from this man, something inside me draws my body closer like a magnet. He’s broody, there’s no denying that, but there’s a chemistry between us. Darkness swirls all around him, it follows him like a cloak, but again, I’m not afraid. I know with a hundred percent certainty he would never hurt me.
If he didn’t care, he wouldn’t have offered to go and get a new battery for my van. It’s not like he has to do it. I just work for him. I would’ve had to borrow his truck regardless, because I still had to get to school on time, and with all of the costumes, so it was nice of him to step in.
Me
Hey Brew. Thanks for the loan of your truck. I’ll switch back to my van after the play finishes tonight
Of course, Brew doesn’t read his message right away. He’s not good with technology. He may have a computer at his desk, but he’s rarely on it. He also despises phones with a vengeance. So, it’s half an hour later before he replies.
Brew
Keep it tonight. Just switch over tomorrow. Too late to be at the shop at night
I stare at the message. He’s probably right. I’m heading to work first thing after dropping Olive at school.
“Mom?” Olive says when we’re driving home. “I like Brew’s truck.”
“Really?” I laugh. “It’s kinda big.”
