by Kells, India
Gage seemed to ponder his words for a minute. “What about I stay until you find a permanent employee? I know myself well enough to know I’ll never stay in one place very long.”
It wasn’t ideal, but with the lack of candidates over the last few months, he couldn’t afford to turn his back on an offer of help. “You have a place to stay?”
Gage smiled. “Does that mean I’ve got the job? Should we discuss salary and stuff?”
Knox rolled his eyes. “You’ll accept the salary I give you. And you can stay with me until you find a place of your own. You can’t deliver, and I’ll kick you out. Friend or not. And don’t you dare turn my cabin into a club. Am I clear?”
Gage’s bearded face split into a wide satisfied grin. “I knew you would go soft on me, Knox.”
“Yeah, I wouldn’t count on it. I may no longer cage fight, but I can still whip your ass. Stay in your lane, do the work, keep a low profile, and I might let you live.”
Chapter 4
“This is a bad idea, Georgia.” As usual, the older woman ignored what she was saying, and that pissed Josie off. “I know you heard me.”
“I did, honey, but you agreed to take the job. No backsies now.”
The more she thought about it, the more she realized she should have listened to her instincts and not the temptation of steady money.
Money, money … she was so tired of that word, of working from dawn ’til dusk until her body felt raw and achy, and sleep was her only respite.
When Georgia came to her and explained that she needed a replacement while she visited her daughter and new grandchild for a few weeks, Josie saw an opportunity that would allow her to get one step closer to her goal, although it still seemed miles away.
Only once she’d agreed to it, she’d realized what it would entail, or more precisely who she would have to work with. Spencer Knox.
Josie thought back to the first time she’d seen him in town. It had been about six months after her separation. She’d sold everything she’d ever possessed apart from some clothes and a few trinkets and had just finished her shift at the inn. It was getting darker outside and she was heading to the bakery when she saw him park his truck by the curb in front of the grocery store.
In the dimming light of day, the man looked formidable, and she didn’t know what to make of him. The next time she’d noticed him was later that summer. It was his low growl as he walked on the sidewalk and stepped on dog poop that caught her attention.
He had on a pair of jeans, a t-shirt, and his usual work boots. She could see tattoos adorning his muscled arms, the way his tight clothing revealed his body, and for the first time in a very long time, something stirred inside her.
Unusual and unwanted, Josie made sure to squash any trace of it so it wouldn’t rise again. That day was when she started dissociating herself from her body. What needed to be done had precedence over other futile things.
Josie had denied herself over time, to the point where it was like not having emotions or feelings at all. Apart from fleeting moments, deep-seated memories, or uncontrolled dreams, she went through the motions of living like a robot and intended to continue that way.
It was for that reason she steered clear of him and from anything that would put a kink in her carefully erected shield. On the other hand, she was a pragmatist, and knew it wasn’t a pace her body and soul would be able to sustain for long. That was the reason she’d accepted Georgia’s offer. With the money she’d promised, it gave her hope her ordeal and sacrifice would be soon over. Hope was what made her get out of bed in the morning and push past the aches and the cold. That same strength of will would be useful for dealing with Mr. Knox.
“Now, Josie, let me give you a rundown of what you’ll need to do.”
Back in the present, she started taking notes as the sun slowly rose over the horizon and illuminated the front desk of Lowe’s Shop.
Georgia was thorough at explaining her tasks, and luckily Josie was quick, especially with computer stuff. She was explaining the booking process when a cold draft of air came from behind them. They turned to see Spencer Knox, wearing his coat and hat, and a definite air of disapproval on his face, entering.
Georgia, on the other hand, didn’t seem concerned with his expression. “Well, good morning, Spencer. You’re bright and early this morning I see.”
He may have been addressing Georgia, but his blue eyes blazed over her so intently, she looked away. “It’s Gage’s first day and I wanted to make sure everything was ready for him. In the meantime, I sent him for some pastries. What is she doing here?”
Georgia now crossed her arms over her ample chest, thrown off by her boss’s attitude. “Don’t tell me you’ve already forgotten something I told you just yesterday! I’m leaving tomorrow to stay with my daughter and I’m training Josie here to make sure everything runs smoothly while I’m gone. And more importantly, so I don’t have a mess on my hands when I return. Now, act like the gentleman I know you are and welcome your new temporary employee.”
For the longest moment, the man looked as if he was about to say something, but instead only shook his head and offered his hand. “As you already know, I’m Spencer Knox. Thank you for agreeing to Georgia’s request to replace her.”
Josie swallowed hard and took his hand. “Josie Baird. Thank you for offering me this chance. You and Georgia. I won’t let you down. I can assure you I’m an honest and hard worker.”
At that moment, she closed her mouth to stop the flow of words. She always talked too much when she was nervous.
His hand was enormous and warm, calloused with all the hard work he did. It was strong and steady, and gave her a grounding sensation she hadn’t felt in a while. It was over way too soon when he stepped back and released her.
“Welcome to the team. I have things to do in my office, but if you need anything, let me know.” Cold, succinct, it seemed the man was still angry with what happened on the road two nights ago.
Georgia touched her shoulder. “Don’t worry about Spencer, he’s a grumpy bear, but he doesn’t bite. You’ll see what a sweet and lovely man he is once you get to know him.”
Josie wasn’t convinced that Spencer Knox could be sweet at all. There was a darkness in him. Something she’d experienced before, but this time, the beast within him seemed tightly leashed and contained. Nonetheless, it took a couple of silent breaths to get herself back under control. That moment of respite didn’t last long as a new voice boomed through the shop.
“If it isn’t the beautiful Georgia! Georgia, you’ve all I’ve been able to think about since yesterday!”
An unknown man waltzed in the front door, a box in his hand and a silly grin on his bearded face that she couldn’t help but respond to. He was similar in build to Knox, maybe a bit taller, and definitely younger but also extremely handsome. Taking in his handsome face, and amazing body, Josie once again squashed yet another unwanted attraction that burst to life.
Georgia seemed to lose her battle to frown and smiled at the man. “Mr. Gage! You’re a bright ray of sunshine for my last day on the job. For a little while at least.”
The man winked at Josie, put the baked goods on the counter before going to Georgia and putting a knee on the floor. “You just broke my heart, my lady. I can’t believe you’re going away when I just got here.”
His shenanigans made Josie giggle and if she wasn’t mistaken, Georgia even blushed a little. “Oh, stop that. I’m old enough to be your mother, maybe even your grandmother.”
Gage got up and towered over the older woman before leaning down to give her a peck on her cheek. “I know you mean it as a turn-off, but I’m strangely aroused.”
Georgia slapped him on his chest. “You silly boy. Josie, this reprobate is our new addition to the shop, Jonathan Gage. He’s taking over the body and paint shop. He’s from out of town and is a friend of Spencer’s.”
It was intimidating to have him zero his attention on her like that, but she squared her s
houlders and plastered what she considered a soft smile on her face.
“I’ll be Georgia’s replacement for a little while.”
Something flashed in the swirling blue of the man’s eyes, a sort of assessment and attraction. She took another deep breath before dismissing it. There was no way he would be attracted to her. She was imagining things.
Gage took her offered hand, and she was surprised how his touch was gentle, almost tentative. To her surprise, there weren’t any jokes or come-ons, but instead a softness that was uncommon for a man of his size. “A pleasure to meet you, Josie. Don’t worry, I’m a low maintenance kind of guy so you won’t need to look after me.”
Just as she was starting to relax, a deep voice from the shop’s doorway made her jump. “Don’t listen to him, he’s a spoiled brat through and through. And be extra careful if he comes bearing gifts, that means he did something wrong.”
Josie turned to see Knox, arms crossed, leaning against the doorframe. He had only pulled on the bottom half of his coverall and was wearing a white shirt. There was a hint of a grin on his handsome face as he looked at his friend. Probably sensing her eyes on him, his gaze shifted and turned darker, making her shiver.
“If you’re done wooing the ladies, get your coffee and breakfast and come in the back. You’ve got some papers to fill out and I want to introduce you to the other two members of the crew. They should be here any minute.” Knox then disappeared without another word.
Gage sighed. “I’ve just stepped into the shop and he’s already acting like a slave driver.” He grabbed a cup and a handful of pastries from the box. “Feel free to have whatever you like. I think I’ve brought enough for everybody. Just don’t leave anything for Knox, would you? He doesn’t deserve it.”
With a donut in his mouth, and a couple more in his hand, Gage left with a final wink.
Shaking her head, Josie turned and caught Georgia’s obviously gleeful expression on her face. She held up her hand in warning. “Oh, no. You aren’t playing matchmaker with me. You’re leaving tomorrow anyway. You won’t have time for that.”
“I’m leaving this afternoon in fact, and I have enough time on my hands to play whatever damn game pleases me.”
Josie decided to return to the paperwork, but Georgia was obviously not done with that particular topic. “It’s been a year since you kicked that scumbag to the curb. Don’t you think that’s long enough to be alone?”
It wasn’t an option for her right now. “I may have dumped the scumbag, as you said, but I still have to shovel a lot of his shit. And you’re assuming an awful lot. No one is interested in me and I’m not interested in anyone.”
Georgia scoffed. “My dear child, you’re either dumb or blind, but I think stubborn is more the word in your case.”
“Thank you. I love that compliment. Now, can we return to the part where you were explaining your job so I can do it and not get myself fired?”
Josie hung on to her well-honed patience with two hands when Georgia angled her head. Josie could see she had no intention of abandoning the topic. “Please, let it go, Georgia. Even if I agreed with you that someone in the world would be even remotely interested in me, I don’t have time.”
“What do you mean, you don’t have time? You’ve got plenty of time now you’re working here instead of those other jobs.” Josie refused to answer, and tried to ignore the cunning woman before her but Georgia managed to put it together anyway. “No, you didn’t! Girl, that’s insane! You can’t keep the job at the inn! You’re going to exhaust yourself until you fall sick.”
With that reaction, she wasn’t about to tell her that she’d also kept her job at the bakery too. That would mean even less sleep with the time it took to walk to and from town, but it also meant she would be free of her obligations even sooner. Getting her freedom back was worth any loss of sleep. “Can you let it go, Georgia, for my sake? I know it’s insane, but I don’t have any choice. Please don’t make it harder than it is.”
It was obvious Georgia was a long way from agreeing with her, but Josie also knew how kind-hearted and understanding she was. “I understand, dear. But I’m worried about you. Always am. We’ve all made bad choices. I just don’t want yours to haunt your life forever. I want you to live too.”
Josie didn’t move when Georgia gave her a hug. In fact, she needed it like she needed oxygen at that moment. Even if she’d shut down everything else, she missed human contact, along with genuine warmth and concern.
What Georgia offered her would have to suffice for the time being, and Josie prayed she’d have the strength to carry on and fulfill the promise she’d made to herself.
Chapter 5
The next couple of weeks were the busiest Knox had seen by far. Maybe it was because the temperature had dropped drastically, making it harder on cars, or it was Gage’s sudden arrival, but the little town was detouring to his shop like never before.
Not that he was complaining. On the contrary, with business picking up like it was, he was way ahead of where he should be according to his business plan. Another surprise was how easily Josie had taken over Georgia’s duties, to the point where if he’d hadn’t known another woman was in charge of the garage, he would have thought Georgia had never left.
Josie manned the schedule with skill and even made sure to leave a little leeway for Marvin and Tom, so they didn’t fall behind too much. The washing was done, the salaries were paid, the front of the shop was gleaming, and from what he could see, the spreadsheets were in tip-top order.
Everything was perfect. Almost too perfect. Knox was the type of man that believed under a smooth surface lay hidden problems, and if that made him cynical then so be it.
Grabbing a bottle of water, he let himself fall into his desk chair, his right shoulder screamed from trying to work out a rusted part from Mr. Holmes’ truck. It was his nightmare car, as soon as he fixed one thing on it, something else fell apart. He was dreading calling the old man with more bad news. Maybe he could find a refurbished part somewhere that would do.
He jotted down the part number and as he went to drop it at the front desk for Josie to research, her laughter sounded in his ears. The woman rarely laughed, but when she did, it came from the heart and Gage was inevitably the cause of it.
Before he could stop it, his jaw was set, and he was making his way to the front of the shop. As he’d expected, the cage fighter was leaning against the counter as Josie was typing on the computer. “Don’t you have anything better to do other than distracting her and eating donuts?”
He saw Josie jump at his comment, and Georgia’s words came back to mind. He hated seeing her reaction and hated being the cause of it even more.
Gage turned to look at him and deliberately took his time pushing himself upright. “I just finished the second coat and was taking a break while it sets. I don’t want to move around it while it dries. I don’t know what’s got into you, but I’m ahead of schedule, and I can eat as many donuts as I want, it’s not your fucking problem. However, if you need me for something, I’m glad to help, there’s no need to bite my head off, old man. Just ask.”
With that, Gage turned and headed back into the main part of the shop, taking his annoying smile with him.
When Knox turned to Josie, he silently cursed as she carried on with the work at hand. Why is she so jumpy all of a sudden? She wasn’t jumpy around Gage or the other guys. Not only that, but as he studied her, he saw how pale she looked, with bags under her eyes that could swallow her whole. It was even more extreme when she turned her head to look at him.
“Do you need anything?”
Gone was the smile and laughing eyes, and all because of him. “If you have time, I need you to search for a particular part.”
Knox handed her the piece of paper, and Josie was careful not to touch his fingers when she took it. “From your earlier comment, I must have time. I was having a quick chat with a coworker so that must mean I wasn’t working.”
He hel
d back a snarl but knew she was right. He had come on strong. This wasn’t the military, it was a small shop in a small town. “I’m sorry, Josie. That was uncalled for. I wasn’t targeting you, but Gage. He tends to be easily sidetracked and to take others along with him.”
Josie sighed but continued to type on her computer. “Don’t worry, I have no intention of being sidetracked. I don’t have time for that. I promised Georgia I’d be on top of things here until she returned, and I keep my promises.”
“You’re on top of things. I’m not worried about that. This place is running like clockwork and it’s because of you.”
Josie didn’t answer but the way her shoulders relaxed made him feel better. “I’ve found a few possible sellers for the part you want, but none are refurbished.”
Knox rounded the counter to look at the screen over Josie’s shoulder, and he knew at the exact moment his nose filled with the smell of her hair it had been the worst move ever. His entire body reacted, tensing as his cock pulsed in his pants, going rock hard in a matter of seconds. He saw Josie tense, but didn’t move away. He knew he should step back, but it was impossible. He hadn’t been this aroused in such a long time, his body demanded he indulge in the woman before him, even if a few inches prevented him from touching her. Images of her bent over the counter, her pants around her ankles as he buried himself deep inside her almost made him lose control. Instead, he clenched his teeth and looked at the screen. “They’re all too expensive. Are there any others?”
Josie shook her head, her dark hair tickling his nose. “No. It seems it’s not a current one. Or maybe it just breaks easily.”
Knox cursed low under his breath, which made her swivel her head. Her face was so close now, it was a sin not to kiss her mouth, but it wasn’t as if he didn’t have a thorough list of sins to start with. He forced himself to look up from her mouth and return to the task at hand, but his body rebelled against the idea. He kept repeating to himself that she was too young and he was too damaged even as he turned her chair so she faced him fully and his mouth descended to hers.
