by Kate, Jiffy
“I can fix more than computers and door knobs.” I laugh, trying to lighten this mood back to what it was before we opened the door. “I told you I’m good at fixing things. My grandfather taught me to be handy,” I assure her with a nudge of my elbow to her arm. I turn to Jules. “Does George keep tools nearby?”
“Y-yes, he does. I’ll grab them for you.” He rushes off in the direction of the kitchen.
“Are you sure about this?” Carys asks.
“Of course, I am. There’s no reason to wake George, or call anyone, when I’m perfectly capable of helping.”
She lets out an exasperated, and if I’m not mistaken, disappointed breath. Rubbing her forehead, she looks over at me. “I hate this. I don’t want to ruin your night.” Pausing, her shoulders slump. “You’re still a guest here and I just—”
Leaning over, I press my lips to hers again—a reminder and a promise—and then take her chin in my hand, forcing her to look at me. “Stop. I want to help. You know I do, right?”
Slowly, she nods her head.
“Let me help you.”
Exhaling forcefully, she relents. “Well, I’m coming with you.”
I spot Jules heading for us with a large tool box in his hands. “Come on, then.” I grab the tools and wink at her. “Lead the way.”
When we arrive at the room, we discover that Jules and Mary have already done a lot of the work. Thankfully, they were able to stop it before it flooded more than the bathroom, and it didn’t reach any of the carpeted area.
Carys starts picking up the soaked towels and placing them in the bathtub so they’re not in our way as we work. I can feel her watching me as I assess the toilet, lifting the lid off the back looking for clues. After a few seconds, I turn to her, wiping my hands on my jeans.
“I have good news and bad news. Which would you like first?”
“Good, please,” she answers. Her worried expression tugs at my heart and I hope what I’m about to tell her lessens her stress.
“I’m fairly certain this will be an easy fix. See how the entire bowl moves when I push on it?” I demonstrate, and she quickly nods her head. “I think it just needs a new wax ring, which is what attaches the bowl to the floor.”
“And the bad?”
“Well, it’s unlikely George keeps wax rings in this tool box, so it’ll have to wait until I can go to the hardware store tomorrow and buy one.”
“That’s it? It just needs a new wax ring?” She looks skeptical and tilts her head to inspect the toilet. “That sounds a little too good to be true.”
“I’m ninety-nine percent sure that’s what the problem is, but if I’m wrong, I’ll hire a plumber to fix it, I swear.” I can tell that this is one of those proverbial straws and she’s the camel’s back that’s close to breaking. I mean, just since I’ve been here, she’s dealt with computers that wouldn’t work, having to manually check guests in and out of the hotel, and using an antiquated credit card machine. She probably lost business during those first couple of days, because we live in the age of credit card fraud and some people aren’t comfortable letting a business have a carbon copy of the card. Her hotel management system had to be updated. Fortunately, Shep was able to find something that was reasonable and fit her needs. But it’s all been an expense she wasn’t expecting.
“There’s nothing more we can do tonight?” she asks, chewing on her bottom lip.
I stand in front of her and move her long hair off her shoulder. “It would be very proactive of me to go ahead and take the toilet apart and clean up in here, but I’d much rather finish our date.” Leaning forward, I place a lingering kiss just below Carys’ ear, smiling when she moans and angles her head to make more room for me.
I kiss her jaw and gently bite her earlobe before whispering, “There’s so much I want to do to you, but maybe this isn’t the best place. You ready to go?”
Carys’ eyes are hooded, and dare I say, a bit dazed as she looks up at me. “A place. Yes, yes, a different place. My place? Maybe your place. Any place, really. Yes, okay, let’s do this.”
Laughing, I grab her hand. “Come on, mess.”
She rolls her eyes at my nickname for her, but still allows me to lead her out of the room and back into the lobby. Jules is still at the desk, looking genuinely worried, chewing on his fingernails. His painted fingernails.
Whatever floats your boat, man.
“What’s the verdict?” he asks, and it makes me happy to see how concerned he is. Being a brand-new employee, he could’ve used this opportunity to bail on Carys, but he didn’t. So, Jules has officially earned my respect, not that he needed to, but I appreciate loyalty when I see it.
“I’ll have to go to the store tomorrow before I can fix it, but it’s nothing I can’t handle,” I assure him.
“Halle-loo, that’s a relief!” He raises his hands like he’s in church and then hops out of his chair. “Carys, I hate to leave like this, but I’m already late for my other job. I can call in sick, if you need me to stay, though.”
Carys lets out a gasp then turns to me. “I’m so sorry. I forgot that I told Jules I’d work the overnight shift tonight.”
Disappointment, my old familiar friend settles like a rock on my chest. And my dick mourns that our time together has been cut short. I had plans, damn it.
Then I realize just because Carys has to work, it doesn’t mean our time together has to be over. “That’s cool. I’ll just hang down here with you.”
There she goes again, giving me that wide-eyed Bambi look. “You want to stay here in the lobby? With me?”
Her questions make it sound like it’s an absurd idea and she wouldn’t know why I’d want to do such a thing. She obviously doesn’t realize how addictive she is and how I’m already a junkie for her presence. “Sure. Why not?”
“Well...”
Before she can finish her sentence, Jules walks past us, heading for the front door. “You cuties have fun! And be sure to clean up after you do...whatever you two plan on doing,” he says with a wave of his hands. “George will be here bright and early tomorrow and we don’t want to start his day off finding y’all en flagrante delicto, if you know what I mean. Toodles!”
I’m not sure how long Carys and I stare at the now-closed doors before we both crack up laughing. “En flag—what?” I ask, with a laugh as I shake my head at Jules. The dude is a crack up.
Wiping her eyes, Carys looks at me before apologizing. Again. “Oh, God. I’m so sorry.”
“Why are you sorry?” I ask, completely entranced by her gorgeous face as it glows with amusement.
“This, me. You’re right, I am a mess and our date was ruined. But at least now you know why I never date.”
I grab her hand and kiss it. “Our date wasn’t ruined. Different? Sure. But, that doesn’t mean it was bad... in any way. I mean, that alleyway?” I quirk an eyebrow at her and she tries to hide her smile as I walk toward her. Grabbing her by the waist, I force her to look at me and listen. “Carys, you’re different and that’s one of the things I like best about you.”
“You like me?” she asks, her eyes hooded once again and the boldness from earlier back in full force.
“I like you a lot.”
She hums, placing her lips to mine. We kiss again, but it’s different from earlier. This one is slow and easy, like we’ve got all the time in the world. I breathe her in and let her take the lead, having control of every inch of my body. Her hands start at my waist and feel their way up to my chest and then my jaw, as she strokes her fingers through the scruff I’ve let grow since being here.
“Fuck,” I whisper. “I’m not usually one to throw on the brakes, but if we don’t stop I’m gonna have you laid out on this counter and everyone is gonna get more than they paid for.”
I feel her vibrating against my chest as she laughs, her teeth grazing my neck.
“Carys,” I warn.
The phone ringing behind the desk does the trick. In an instant, she removes herself fro
m me and flies behind the counter. With a fake professionalism, she answers, “Blue Bayou, how can I help you?”
The thought crosses my mind to walk around the counter and have a little fun, paying her back for the hard-on I’m sporting, but I decide to find a quiet spot over in the corner of the lobby by the large bookcases and watch her work. That’ll have to be enough. For tonight.
Chapter 10
Carys
I can honestly say my date with Maverick was the craziest one I’ve ever been on, thanks to the leak in room 201, but it’s also been the best. I’ve dated and had boyfriends before, but I’ve never experienced the same kind of chemistry I have with him. It’s thrilling, overwhelming, and downright scary at times. And I want more.
Maverick refused to leave me while I watched the front desk last night, opting to peruse the bookcase in the lobby while interrogating me about my childhood instead. Even though I felt bad about how our date turned out, I was very thankful he stayed with me and kept me from falling asleep or becoming bored out of my mind.
Working the front desk during the overnight shift is my least favorite. After locking the front doors at one in the morning, I’m usually able to work in the office or even sleep a little until a guest presses a buzzer, letting me know they need to be let in. Because of this, I’m pretty grumpy when the shift is over due to my work and sleep interruptions. I’m hopeful that, one of these days, I’ll be able to afford more staff to cover this particular shift, but until then, this is the only way I know to do it.
A deep, rumbling snore comes from the chair next to me causing me to giggle as I watch Maverick sleep. He’s so stubborn but so flipping cute. Once the front doors were locked this morning, he followed me to the office and dragged my grandpa’s old but comfy reading chair to my desk, so he’d still be close to me as I worked. I was surprised he actually let me work and didn’t put the moves on me again. Surprised and a little disappointed, I’ll admit.
I know, without a doubt, I would’ve slept with Maverick if given the opportunity—a real opportunity that didn’t involve cleaning bathrooms or checking in guests—and I’m not sure what to make of that. Never being one for a one-night stand, I find the more I’m around Maverick, the more my walls come down and morals fly out the window. And I’m okay with that. Very okay, in fact.
Maverick sleeps for a while longer before my guilt forces me to wake him. It’s almost four a.m. and there’s no reason he shouldn’t be in his bed. Even though I’ve napped off and on during my shift, I’m counting down the minutes until George comes to relieve me so I can crash in my own bed.
Leaning over him, I’m overcome with the desire to kiss him awake, but I refrain, running my thumb across his cheek and down to his chiseled jaw instead. He really is so beautiful. Beautiful, but temporary, I have to remind myself. There’s no need to develop feelings for him when he could leave at any moment. I need to let myself be free and have fun, enjoy Maverick’s company and anything else he’d like to share with me. Preferably, multiple times.
“Hey, Mav,” I murmur, wanting to wake him but not scare the shit out of him. “You need to get up and go to your room.”
His eyebrows furrow and I imagine he’s trying to figure out where he’s at before completely committing to waking up. “Wakey, wakey, eggs and bakey,” I say a bit louder, giving his shoulder a little nudge.
Maverick smiles but doesn’t open his eyes. “Does this mean you’re ready to go to a real bed?”
“Yes, I’m ready for my bed but that won’t be happening for a couple more hours. You should go to your bed, though, and get some real sleep.”
His bottom lip sticks out in a pout and I laugh to keep myself from nibbling on it. “Go on. You have work to do tomorrow and there’s no need for both of us to be cranky. Get some rest while you can.”
The bastard has the nerve to open his eyes and give me a sexy, bedroom-eye look. “Get some rest, huh? Does that mean I’ll be expending energy in ways that don’t include fixing a toilet?”
“You wish.”
“I do. Very badly.” He licks his lips before continuing. “Come to bed with me, Carys. I want to do naughty things to you.”
Tingles run up and down my spine and my mouth goes completely dry. I think I may be blushing, too. It definitely got warmer in here, that’s for sure. No one has ever been so forward with me and I’ve never wanted to follow someone so badly.
Standing up, I manage to clear my throat before sticking my hand out to him. “As much as I’d love to take you up on your offer, and believe me I do, I still have two more hours to work.”
He takes my hand and stands up, pulling me forward until our bodies are touching. He moves the hair from my face before cradling my jaw in his hands. “Thank you for tonight. I’ll see you soon.” He seals his promise with a firm kiss to my mouth and then leaves.
Even if I were in my bed right now, there’s no way I’d be able to sleep. Maverick left me good and turned on, and if I had to guess, I’d bet he did it on purpose.
It’s late in the afternoon when I make myself get out of bed. As keyed up as I still was when I got to my place, it took longer to fall asleep than I’d anticipated and when I did finally sleep, it wasn’t the deep slumber I was craving. Instead, it was restless with dreams of Maverick and his teases and promises. This is why I allow myself two cups of coffee before making my way back to the hotel.
I’m not sure what I was expecting when I walk into the lobby, but catching Maverick and Mary playing cards was not it.
“Gin!” Mary exclaims.
Maverick throws the cards in his hand down on the table. “You got me again, Miss Mary.” When he sees me watching them, his face lights up and he smiles. Can I really be the reason for that kind of reaction? He sure makes me feel like I can.
“Did you know Miss Mary here is a card shark?” he asks, pointing my way.
“I sure did. How much did she get you for?”
“Enough to treat myself to a manicure,” Mary answers for him. “And a pedicure, I believe.”
“More like, an entire spa day,” Maverick corrects her before winking at me.
“Well, she certainly deserves it.” I lean over and kiss Mary’s cheek. “Thanks for holding down the fort while I slept.”
“Of course, dear. I’m going to put my winnings away, but I’ll be back shortly so you two can fix the toilet in 201.”
Maverick waits for Mary to be out of earshot before asking, “Did you sleep well?”
“Well enough, I suppose,” I say with a shrug. “How about you?”
“Slept like a baby.” He stretches his arms above his head, giving me a view of his tight triceps, as well as his defined chest muscles, thanks to his shirt pulling tight with his movement.
“Braggart,” I mutter, referring to both his physique and his sleeping prowess.
“I mean, I didn’t fall asleep immediately; there was...business to tend to first. But, after that, it was snooze city.”
Is he saying what I think he’s saying?
I’m equal parts turned on at his words and irritated with myself for not thinking to do the same thing earlier.
When I don’t respond, he laughs and grabs a plastic bag off the floor. “Come on, boss lady. I bought what we need to fix the leak already. I was just waiting for you because you said you wanted to learn how to do it.”
“Yes, I do...want to learn how to do it. The toilet. Fix it.” I close my eyes and take a deep breath. Damn him for turning me into a blubbering, horny idiot. Once I’ve calmed down some, I look him in the eyes. “Yes, I would like to learn how to fix the toilet. Thank you.”
I can tell he’s trying not to laugh, which I appreciate. Instead, he holds up a room key and motions for me to step into the small elevator.
I’m beyond pleased to see the leak is as easy to fix as Maverick said last night. I’m even more pleased to be able to watch him work with his hands again. If I didn’t know better, I never would’ve guessed he works in an office for a
living. He’s such a natural with tools and he’s very confident in his knowledge and skills. My mind goes straight to the gutter with my last thought and I don’t even feel bad. The man simply oozes sex appeal.
Cold water seeping through my t-shirt quickly brings me out of my thoughts. Stunned, I look down and see that my shirt is, in fact, soaked through and sticking to my skin. It’s not until I hear Maverick’s laughter and the water running in the sink, that I realize he’s responsible for this.
“You looked like you were either deep in thought or about to fall asleep, so I thought I’d wake you up,” he says, still laughing.
When I stand up and place my hands on my hips, bringing his focus to my now wet breasts, his laughter comes to an abrupt stop. The atmosphere around us is no longer relaxed or light; it’s charged with excitement and desire. Maverick’s eyes are hooded, and he licks his lips like he wants to devour me. And for the love of all that’s good and holy, I want him to.
“Come here.” His voice is gentle and calm as he takes my hand and pulls me to him. I am anything but calm as I allow my body to follow his lead. He picks me up and sets me on the bathroom counter, spreading my legs so he can fit between them. I’m the opposite of calm; I’m more like a fuse on a firecracker, just waiting for his touch to ignite me, causing me to explode.
I expect him to go straight for my chest. It’s right there on display, thanks to my now see through shirt. Instead, his eyes move over my face as if he’s cataloging every feature, every freckle. He whispers that I’m beautiful—so beautiful—before his lips finally touch mine.
Our kiss quickly escalates, my mouth greedily accepting his tongue and loving the feel of it tangling with mine. Maverick kisses me like I’m his lifeline and I let him consume me. I’m wound so tightly I’m sure I’ll die if he doesn’t touch me soon. I take his hand and place it over my breast, even though I really want it to be lower, and his response is a deep groan that I feel in my mouth and between my legs. He pulls his lips from mine and watches as my breast responds to his touch. He squeezes and rubs his thumb across my nipple, making it even harder than it already was. I try to pull my shirt over my head, needing to feel his skin on mine, but he shakes his head, denying me.
