“Me too.”
ChapterSix
Nate
I refuseto give Jackie any encouragement for sticking her nose into my business, but she did have some good ideas about how I can get into the brunette’s pants.
Those were my words, not Jackie’s. Her word for what I needed to do was more like “woo”, but I prefer the pants idea. I meant what I said before, I do not need or want to be in a relationship. Especially not with a high-maintenance priss like Prudence.
After Jackie left, my mind wouldn’t stop thinking abouther,so I jumped on my bike and went on a long ride out to the lake. Riding clears my head, usually. Unfortunately, I felt lonely. I kept wondering if Prudence had ever been out this way. How she’d feel about camping and fishing. “No.” I shook my head. I can’t see Prudence trying to put a worm on a hook.
That’s okay. I could do that for her.
That’s what I donotneed. A woman who requires me to do shit like puttin’ a worm on a hook for her because she’s too precious to do it herself. Shit. I’d probably have to carry her purse when we went out too.
Jesus.I’m so screwed. Because I don’t think I’d mind any of it. Not even the purse shit.Fuck.I’ve got it bad.
“Yo, boss.”
I’m in my office working on payroll when my second-in-command here at the shop and my best friend, Brett strolls into my office. “What’s up?”
“You’ve got visitors.”
I swivel in my seat and blink. “What are they doing here?” It’s her. Prudence looking particularly smokin’ hot in a little summer dress and her friend, the shop owner.
“No idea.” Brett snickers. “But that blonde is fucking hot as hell.”
“She––” he snickers again. “The curvy one asked for ‘the older jerkface’.”
Older jerkface?“What the fuck are you laughing at? I’m not that much older than you.”
“Ten years, boss. That’s quite a bit.”
“Fuck off, asshole.” I’m grumbling now because, sure, I’ve got a few years on Brett, but it doesn’t mean I want to be reminded of it. Especially by the little spitfire out in my shop. I sigh and run a hand through my hair. “Send ‘em back, would ya?”
“Sure thing.”
Just as he’s about to step out of my office, he turns. “Don’t get your panties in a twist over what she said. You still look good even if you are an old motherfucker.”
I growl, which makes Brett laugh harder. Asshole.
I hear the click-clack of lady’s shoes and look up from my computer. The second Prudence appears in my doorway. I smile. I can’t help it. She’s something, this woman. Still, I decide to be a bit gruff. I can’t give everything away. “What?” I grunt.
Stepping into my office, the blonde with Prudence follows behind, holding out her hand for a shake. “I’m Laura.” She gestures to Prudence. “I’m this one’s best friend.”
“Nice to meet ya.”
Looking around my office, Laura keeps talkin’. “Do you own this place or something?”
“Why do you ask?”
“That kid called you ‘boss’.”
With a smug smile, I lean back in my chair and put my arms behind my head.What?I’m proud. “Yeah. Vicious Cycle is all mine.”
“Oh.” Prudence frowns. “Well. Good for you. I guess.”
She guesses? “Ithink so.”
