Cabin Fever

by Rye Hart

  “Need some help?”

  She startled, her hand moving up to lay across her perky breasts covering most of my view. “Oh, I don’t know what’s wrong. It was fine this morning and now it won’t start.”

  “What’s it doing?” I wondered how old her battery was and wiped off some grit that had collected on it to see the date as she explained.

  “It’s making a clicking noise when I go to start it.” She let out a long breath and I wished a car starting was my only problem.

  “Do you have any power; lights or radio?” I met her eyes which seemed tired.

  She gave me a shrug and handed me her keys as if she surrendered. “You try, maybe it will start for you.”

  I got in and tried to start it, hearing the click, but seeing that the lights were all working. “I think you’re going to need a new starter.”

  “Dammit.” She leaned against the car as if all the life had been drained out of her. “When it rains it pours.”

  “I know what you mean, but hey, let’s go over to my shop. I’ll try see if I can find you the part.”

  “You work on cars too?” She gave me a sideways glance.

  “Not usually, but I know my way around one. I’ve also got a few connections so maybe I can find you the part you need. Let’s go on over and see.” I turned to lead her to the shop and she grabbed her bag out of her car and then locked her doors. I chuckled. “It’s not going anywhere.”

  She pulled her lips in tight as if she were trying hard not to laugh. “Guess not.” She let out another long breath and followed me across the lot to my shop. “I don’t think I’ll ever get ahead. At least business was good. Maybe I made enough to buy this starter thingy.”

  We went inside to see that Monk had not only finished my client’s work, but it looked like he’d gotten his done as well. Good man. She followed me to the office, stopping to admire the bikes with a slack-jawed expression. “You build bikes from scratch?”

  I waved her in and went to my desk. “Sometimes I do. Have a seat.” I grabbed my phone book and called up a friend of mine. He answered and put me on hold.

  “How much is a part like that anyway?” She had that worried look on her face again and I knew how she felt. I’d had rough times with money myself. I worked my ass off to build a reputation for my repair shop and now it was referred to as the best bike shop in town.

  My inspiration was always Tani. I never wanted to worry about providing for her. My dream was to build a home, in a peaceful neighborhood for us to make beautiful memories in - and that was exactly what I did.

  Money was now the least of my worries. Yet in this moment, I’d trade yesterday’s financial troubles for the dread of losing my baby girl, in a heartbeat.

  “I’m going to try and pull some strings for you.” I said to Sarah. Her eyes widened. “I’m good friends with this guy and he owes me a favor.”

  She shook her head. “I appreciate it, really, but you don’t have to do that.” I held up my hand as my buddy got back on the phone and we had the deal done for a new starter before she could mouth another word of protest.

  I hung up the phone. “You’re all set. The part will be here tomorrow, though, so looks like you’re at my mercy. How about a drink and then I’ll take you home?” She gave me a suspicious glance that told me she wasn’t sure. “Come on, Sarah, it’s been a rough day for me too and I don’t know about you, but I could use a drink right now.”

  She seemed surprised by my admission, her eyes widened and her faxed relaxed into a more sympathetic expression. “I’d like that, and thanks again. Maybe someday I could return the favor.”

  “No problem. I’m glad to help.” As we left the shop to head out to my truck I thought of a million ways I’d like her to help me, and wondered if she’d go for any one of them.

  CHAPTER FIVE - SARAH

  It’s just a drink.

  I hoped if I kept telling myself that I’d believe it, but truth was I was curious to see what made Hunter Miller tick. He’d been so generous with helping me with my oven door and now the free car part. He seemed too good to be true. I guess a part of me was hoping to uncover the jerk he was hiding inside, so I could prove myself right.

  He took me out near the lake area across the dam to a small bar called The Overlook Bar and Grill. “This place has great steaks, so if you’re hungry I’d like to buy you dinner.”

  So much for just a drink, but as my stomach growled daring me to refuse I nodded. “Sounds good, but we’re splitting the check.”

  We went inside and found a nice quiet table in the back and I realized why The Overlook had its name. The view from the window showed the gorgeous view of the treetops hundreds of feet below on the dry side of the dam.

  “It’s beautiful out there.” I glanced around the room and thought that the restaurant was pretty nice for something you’d find in a small lake-area town.

  “It’s Tani’s favorite, and the owners are nice people.”

  Tani? I should have known the man had someone in his life, and before I could apathetically ask who she was, the waitress came up to take our order.

  “Hey there, Hunter. You want your usual?” The waitress, who seemed like a nice enough girl was all smiles for him.

  “Yeah, I do.” Hunter turned to me. “This is my friend Sarah. She owns the new bakery up town.” The waitress gave me a polite nod as Hunter asked me how I liked my steak.

  “Well done, please.”

  I let him rattle off an order and called out my drink request, all the while still wondering who Tani was and if she wore his ring. Surely didn’t give off the married vibe.

  The waitress scribbled on her tablet. “So where’s the little one? She’s not still mad at me for running out of whipped cream is she?” Hunter’s whole face lit up as if the thought of this little one made his day brighter.

  “She’s with my mom, but I wouldn’t worry. She doesn’t hold a grudge like her Daddy here. I’m still holding out for you to put those fried pies back on the menu.”

  The waitress laughed. “I’ll tell Mama that you said so. Good to meet you, Sarah.” She hurried off as I replied in kind.

  I sat there a moment trying to sort things out in my brain as I stared into Hunter’s wild eyes. “So Tani’s your daughter?”

  “Yeah, she’s six and amazing. Best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

  “So is there a Mrs. Miller?” I kept my lips tight and held my breath waiting for the answer.

  He gave me a side grin. “There’s not. It’s only me and Tani. Though, there is an evil ex-girlfriend who is trying to ruin our lives, but I’m hoping to find a way around that.” He looked at me narrowing his eyes as if a thought were crossing his mind.

  “Why did you really turn me down the other day?” He leaned back in his chair as the waitress brought our beers. He took a sip still waiting for my reply.

  I lifted a shoulder and eased back in my chair. “No offense, but I’ve sworn off dating guys like you.”

  “Like me? You can’t mean the single father thing because you didn’t know about my kid, so what exactly is it?” He probably should have been more offended than he was, and it intrigued me that he didn’t seem fazed at all.

  “The bad boy type who rides motorcycles and cares more about their toys than their women type. Your whole persona; I’ve been with your type. I’d like to be loved more than a hunk of metal.” His brows pinched together but he smiled.

  “So you have me all figured out then.” He took a sip of his beer and then leaned in closer. “I guess it’s a good thing I know my toys well enough to make a living playing with them. You know, so I could buy your dinner, Sweetcakes.” He turned up his beer and took another hard pull as I realized what I’d done. I’d insulted his livelihood.

  I felt the sting of blush on my cheeks and a sinking feeling as he put me in my place. “I’m sorry, that was out of line.”

  “We’re all entitled to our opinions, but I don’t make assumptions of people based o
n what they do for a living, or if they make one at all. I’m more concerned about how they treat me and other people. I do have a daughter to consider.” I didn’t know what to say and then he let out a chuckle. “I suppose I’m guilty same as you. I thought because you made sweets all day. . .well you know what I mean.” He gave a hearty chuckle and I shifted in my chair, leaning closer.

  “Okay, you’ve made your point. I’m an ass. I’m sure you’re a nice guy and I’ve already eaten so much of my own foot that I’m not sure I’ll finish this steak, but—I think I should stop talking and eat my damn steak.” I picked up my fork and he chuckled as he went to work on his own.

  “It’s okay. At least you’re honest, even if you’re wrong. Besides, I’ve got bigger problems than you not liking me.”

  I cut my steak and forked a bite into my mouth. The savory flavor melted on my tongue and I closed my eyes and paused a moment to appreciate it. “I never said I didn’t like you. If I’m being honest, I’m afraid of you.”

  He swallowed a bite and washed it down with another swig. “And now we’ve established that you really don’t know me.” He shrugged, again not bothered.

  Ugh, he’s such a turn on. Why did I agree to this dinner again?

  “You’re right, I don’t. And I have to admit you’re surprising me by the minute.” He was a charmer for sure. No man had ever put me in my place and kept my temper level all at the same time before him. He gave me a smile so warm I felt it’s heat deep in my core. The attraction was there, he wasn’t a crazy person, and after seeing the bikes at his shop, the man was clearly an artist. I could appreciate that and respect the fact that he was raising his daughter on his own.

  “So, if I were to take a chance on asking you out again, would you give me a shot?”

  The fire aching inside me was screaming ‘YES’, but I couldn’t help but hesitate. “I’d strongly consider it. But. . .” I refused to give him a clear answer, but I decided there was no sense in being bitter. Now that he’d shown me he wasn’t like all the rest, I was willing to learn what kind of man he really was. Part of me felt it was better to find out before I got too deep and ended up with a broken heart, besides my only true love right now would have to be my bakery shop. “My business is my focus. So I’m afraid I’d have to still say no. I’m not ready for anything as serious as dating right now.” I hesitated, but his soft expression that was steeped with concern got the best of me.

  “Truth is Hunter, I’m barely making it. This business is my last attempt at making a living and I’ve sank everything I have into it. There have been so many setbacks that if my luck doesn’t change I won’t make it a month. I don’t know what I’m going to do. But I know I can’t drag someone else down with me.”

  “I understand.” He looked back down to his steak and cut it up into tiny pieces, which more than represented how I felt. “I suppose I should focus on my daughter anyway. I do hope we can do this again sometime though, even if it’s just as friends.” His tone was gracious and I felt lower than I thought I could.

  We finished dinner and he dropped me off at home. For a moment I thought about inviting him in, but I knew that would only lead to one thing and I’d declared too much to go back on it now.

  CHAPTER SIX - HUNTER

  After dropping Sarah off from our dinner date, I headed off to my home.

  Date? Probably not.

  Sarah was clearly a beautiful and intelligent girl that could have any guy she wanted. She made it clear that she wasn’t ready for a relationship, and I had a feeling that she could do better than me anyway - without even batting her eyelashes. However, there was something in her eyes that betrayed her. I had been around enough horny women in my life, that I could clearly pick up how much she wanted me. Dominating her in the worst way.

  Her drive to be independent, and on her own two feet made her that much more sexy and desirable. She was the first girl I really wanted to get to know – a level beyond just a physical attraction. Fuck, don’t get me wrong - the physical attraction was definitely there. If I had my way that night, I would have gladly banged her brains out and helped her forget the worries in that pretty little head of hers. In due time.

  That night I couldn’t go to sleep. I had too much on my mind and the memory of Sarah’s full lips and perky breasts were not helping. I stepped into my bathroom and started the shower water. I stepped in and straightened my body so that every inch of me would be under the chilly spray. My cock didn’t shrink at the cold. It remained awake and ready for someone that had to be mine, but here I was alone and in need of a release.

  My eyes closed in an attempt to focus my brain and find a solution to the problem. However, all I thought about was Sarah.

  Instinctively, my hand drifted down to my massive erection. Behind my closed lids, I saw Sarah’s sweet mouth wrapped around my cock. I wondered how much of me she would be able to take and how deliciously smooth it would feel. I pictured her tits bouncing and her pretty brunette hair wrapped around my hand as I worked myself in and out of her lips.

  Before I knew it, my balls were tight, and my body felt like it was dangling from a cliff. I held onto the wall in front of me and kept Sarah’s face and tits front and center in my mind as I sped up my movements, until my body finally erupted with one of the strongest orgasms I’d ever had.

  Once I was done, and she was still in my thoughts, I stood under the cold water realizing something that lingered in my mind all night. I never wanted any woman as much as I wanted Sarah and I had to find a way to taste her pie – and this time the real thing.

  ***

  Monk nudged me back to reality as he walked into my office. I’d been drifting away in my thoughts so much lately that I could barely function at work.

  “You’ve got too much on your mind, man. I can see it. It’s weighing down heavy on you.” Monk knew me better than anyone and was always there to talk to, but the mess I was in with my ex and the idea that I was losing Tani had brought me to the end of my rope.

  “I’m going to be honest, Monk, I’ve never felt so deep in shit that I can’t see a way out of it. Tani cried all weekend. Her eyes were so swollen when she got home and she even said that she asked Nancy if she could call home, but she was told no. Nancy told her not to bother me.”

  “You’ve got to come up with something man. There has to be something you can do. Cheat the system, you know Nancy is.” Monk didn’t only know me too well, he knew Nancy’s true self as well.

  “There is something I’ve thought of, but I’m not sure if it will work. I’m afraid to even entertain it.”

  “You’re afraid? Now I know it’s bad.” He sat down in the chair across from my desk and leaned forward placing his hand on my arm. “Look, man. You know I’ll shoot you straight, so I’m saying this as a friend. You’ve got to stop this zoning out bullshit and get back in the driver’s seat. Figure this shit out and whatever plan you’ve got cooking, you go for it. Tani is counting on you.” When he was right, he was right. I’d tossed the idea around in my head long enough and I knew it could work.

  I jumped up out of my chair and headed for the door. “You’re right. I’m getting nowhere sitting down. Wish me luck. If things work out I’m going to ask Sarah to marry me.” I heard him curse as I slammed the door behind me.

  I wasn’t going to walk over and blurt it out, but I had made up my mind that I had to do this for me and Tani. I walked into the bakery and could tell by the look on her face that she was glad to see me. A second later I found out why.

  Some pencil-necked asshole was giving her a hard time. “It’s not my fault that this place doesn’t deliver, but you could have warned me the cake would melt in the car. Since you didn’t the least you can do is make me another cake.”

  “I would be happy to make you another cake for the same price, but buttercream melts in 90 degree weather, and I don’t really have to explain that part to customers.” Sarah was nearly in tears, but she wasn’t backing down.

  “So now
you’re calling me stupid? You better give me my fucking money back or I’m going to let everyone I know hear about this. You won’t have a fucking business when I’m done with you.” He turned his eyes toward me finally getting a good look. His posture immediately drooped and he stepped back.

  “Is everything okay here?” I looked down my nose at the man. “You have a problem?”

  “No, no I don’t.” He hurried around me and headed to the door not pausing to look back.

  “Are you okay?” I wanted to take her in my arms and comfort her, especially when she looked so vulnerable.

  “Yeah, he’s another genius who failed science class. I don’t know why it’s hard to figure out that icing melts in extreme heat.” She let out a long breath. “He’s the second asshole today and to top it off, one of my shelves on my cooling rack collapsed ruining six dozen cupcakes and four pies. I’ve had to redo all that baking and at this rate, I’ll never be able to hire the help I need.”

  The buzzer in the kitchen sounded and she stepped back to attend to it. I stood in the doorway and watched as she took the replacement pies from the oven. The smell hit my nose becoming more distinguished from the shop’s regular delicious scent, and making my mouth water.

  “Is that apple?”

  “Yeah, and peach too. I have a lady coming to pick them up.” She placed the last one on the counter and then leaned back against it. “Could I help you with something?” Her hair was coming loose from the clip where she’d gathered it up in back and I wanted badly to run my fingers through it, or better yet, feel it against my bare flesh.

  My pulse raced knowing what I had to ask her and I decided to invite her over to do it. I didn’t want to give her another worry for the day. “I know you don’t want to date me, but I was hoping you’d come by later.”

  She drew her arms in around herself. “So I can meet Tani?

  “No, she won’t be home. My mother is going to keep her a little late for me. I thought I’d make you dinner—