A Love for Romance

by Kahlen Aymes

  His line of work is dangerous if you aren’t at peak performance. Sleep deprivation was a surefire way to get yourself or others killed, but seeing he needed to leave, there wasn’t much he could do. High octane coffee and energy drinks would just have to do.

  He stepped out of the shower and put on the first clothes he could reach. Throwing his toiletries in the bag he rushed out the door. Breaking the speed limit the entire way allowed him to get to work on time. It didn’t do anything to improve the shit mood he’d been in for the last couple days. A mask slipped over his features as he mentally prepared himself for day one of his seven day shift.

  Time to focus on work.

  The Rig Manager called Gunnar over, “There’s a new OSHA person coming today. They’re going to be working with us on site for a while. They will be doing inspections, training, and testing on our exposure to chemicals. Please watch out for them and show them around. You know how they can be.” A stiff nod was the only replay Gunnar offered. This did nothing to improve his mood. This was the last thing he wanted to deal with today. He had all of the safety training lined up for the crew he didn’t need a new guy coming in and getting in their way.

  The sun was rising and the heat was already getting to Gunnar. Usually it didn’t faze him, but today it wasn’t helping his mood. Walking around the rig he was watching his crew closely. Making sure they were all following procedures. As he rounded the corner he spotted a bright pink dot bobbing in the distance. Making his way to the edge of the platform he took a closer look. The pink dot was actually a hard hat sitting on top of what looked like a petite blond head. He scanned down the length of the woman under the hat.

  “You have got to be fucking kidding me!”

  He found himself muttering multiple curse words as he made his way down the rig and quickly over to intercept the woman. Blocking her way, she came to an abrupt halt in those ridiculous shiny stilettos.

  “What do you think you are doing?” he growled at her.

  He watched as her eyes got wide for a second, but then she quickly squared her shoulders.

  Little did he know the rampant thoughts that were running through the woman who is currently his fury’s target.

  He was taken aback when the woman gave him a too pleasant smile, extended her hand out and greeted him, “Hi Gunnar, I’m your new OSHA Inspector.”

  What the fuck?

  His eyebrows drew together as he looked at her outstretched hand with perfectly manicured nails. He wasn’t sure how she had known his name or why her voice sounded familiar to him but he refused to focus on that.

  His larger, grease covered hand engulfed hers. The minute he touched her perfectly manicured hand all of the composure he had left crumbled. His brain wasn’t making the connection of that too familiar feeling of electricity that shot up his arm at contact.

  Dropping her hand, he laughed, “You’re kidding me right? How the fuck can you be from OSHA? What is this your first assignment? Could you get any more clueless?”

  He knew the minute his words affected her. He watched as her confidence deflated. In the tiniest voice he heard her say, “It’s my first day in the on-site position. Trust me I am fully trained on the guidelines and safety standards.”

  Stepping closer to her he got in her face growling, “You know the guidelines? So what, you just think that they don’t apply to you?”

  “Not at all.”

  “Really, you could have fooled me showing up in that outfit. There is no way I am letting you anywhere near my rig in that tiny, skin tight skirt and those sticks you call shoes. Hell, the shoes alone are enough. You’d break an ankle first thing trying to board the rig. I’m telling you we don’t wear the coveralls because we like the look.”

  He watches as her head fell and she ran her hands down her pencil skirt as if smoothing it. Even though there are no wrinkles to be found. ”Oh, I’m sorry. I thought we would have an office or classroom to work from for today and this would be okay in there. My appearance isn’t what it seems. Really it is just a misunderstanding on my part.”

  He could barely hear her over the machines working behind him.

  “You will be all over the grounds and the rig like the rest of us. Tell you what, why don’t you go home for the day and come back in some more appropriate clothes tomorrow. This is a dirty job, not a fashion show. We will start fresh in the morning.”

  With a small nod, she headed off the rig. He watched her departure, and couldn’t help but watch as her shoulders slumped in defeat.

  Gunnar couldn’t help but feel he was too rough on her. What he didn’t know, but he hoped he would be in a better mood tomorrow and the diva would follow instructions. If she can’t this is going to be a long assignment with her.

  As soon as she saw him approaching her she knew his face. It had starred in her dreams since the kiss at Candle Friday night. She had wondered if she would see him again and there he was walking towards her. She was confident and greeted him by name and confusion had set in when he growled “What do you think you’re doing?” Had he been upset to see her? Was their connection just in her mind?

  It didn’t take her long to figure out that he had no idea who she was and he was blowing her outfit way out of proportion. He didn’t have to get in her face, scream at her and insult her. He could have calmly pointed out that she didn’t have an orientation in the offices. She had thought she had missed out on her chance with the perfect man. Turns out she lucked out because he’s a jerk.

  Chloe slumped into her car trying to hold back the tears. What a disaster her first day had been. Her boss was going to hear about this and think she’s a joke. On top of that how was she supposed to work with the pompous ass daily?

  Follow me on Wattpad to get the rest of Chloe and Gunnar’s story.

  About the Author

  Hey, I'm Elison. I am the author of the Loveland Fire Series. Courage that Counts and Rebuilding Trust are available now on Amazon.

  I live in the Midwest with my husband, our sassy mini me, and a naughty dog named Murray.

  Most of my time is spent stalking cover models and blogging about amazing books that I have read. I love being emotionally gutted by a book and you can more often than not find me up late crying over one. This may be why Courage that Counts has been known to emotionally shred the reader. If you enjoy an emotional read then try my books. Warning have tissues on hand.

  Connect with Elison Grace

  WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | NEWSLETTER

  To read other titles by Elison Grace and to learn about upcoming releases, please visit her website.

  Babysitting For The Biker

  by Sammi Starlight

  Chapter One

  Savage

  Too Young.

  That’s what I kept telling myself while I stood in the driveway and watched the girl I assumed was the new babysitter talking to my mother. My cock twitched in my torn jeans when I noticed the way her too-short jean shorts hugged her ass and showed off her tan, lean legs.

  Too young.

  I had to keep telling myself that when she bent over to talk to my four-year-old daughter who was standing next to my mother, hugging her stuffed animal tightly. She didn’t like strangers much, but she awarded the babysitter a soft smile. I fought back a grown when I caught a glimpse of her cleavage down her gray v-neck t-shirt. She wore a pink lacy bra, and I found myself wondering if the panties matched.

  “Dennis!” My mother called out to me when she finally noticed me standing there. “Come here and meet Willow. She and her family go to my church. She’s Ella’s new babysitter.

  I cringed every time my mother used my birth name. She was probably the only person left that I knew who even used it. Everyone else referred to me by my club name - Savage. I was the head of one of the most notorious biker gangs in town.

  “Daddy!” My daughter Mandy cried out and ran towards me when she finally noticed I was there. My face broke out into a huge grin. I didn’t smile much, but I always
did around my little girl. She was my whole world.

  “How’s my best girl?” I easily picked her up and tossed her into my arms as I continued towards the front porch. She wrapped her tiny arms around my neck.

  “Good, Daddy. I have a new babysitter. I like her; she’s pretty.” I nodded in agreement. She sure was.

  Willow turned as I walked towards them, her blonde ponytail swinging behind her. Her eyes widened when she check me out, but if she was surprised or afraid of me, she hid it well. When I got closer, I noticed her blue eyes and plump, pink cheeks. She wore little to no makeup.

  I’d always heard the term “girl next store pretty,” but I didn’t realize what it meant until I laid eyes on Willow. I was used to the girls from the club with their heavy makeup, fake tans, and even faker tits. There was nothing fake or unnatural about Willow.

  “Hi, Mr. Smith.” She held out a tiny hand as I towered over her. “It’s nice to meet you.” I took her hand in mine and noticed as she licked her lips. My cock twitched again when I thought about running my tongue over her them. Damn.

  Too young.

  “Call me Savage,” I grumbled as I quickly released her hand. I hated when Ma called me that. She insisted she wasn’t going to call her son by what she considered a ridiculous nickname. I understood where she was coming from, but I still hated to hear her say it.

  “Willow just graduated high school last week, and she’s taking some college courses already to be a teacher,” Ma gushed. “She’s looking forward to being Mandy’s babysitter.”

  “Your daughter is such a sweetie.” She turned her attention to Mandy. “We’re going to have so much fun this summer, aren’t we?”

  “Yes!” Mandy nodded her head emphatically, her dark curls bouncing.

  “Well, I have to get home and help my mother. It was nice meeting you, Savage. I’ll be back tomorrow morning.” She reached out and tickled Mandy’s tummy, and I caught her scent. She smelled like vanilla and lavender. I took a deep breath, committing it to memory. “Be ready to play. I have a busy day planned for us.”

  Mandy squealed in delight, and I couldn’t help but smile. Mandy turned and walked out to her car parked on the road. My gaze fell on her ass, watching the way it moved as she took long strides down the driveway.

  “She’s a cute young thing, isn’t she?” Ma asked dryly, emphasizing the word young.

  Willow got into the car, and I looked at her, my face getting warm with embarrassment. Busted. There wasn’t much I could hide from her.

  “Whatever,” I mumbled. I could order around a bunch of men or kick some serious ass without blinking an eye, but the minute I was around my mother, I turned into a ten-year-old boy again.

  But that was okay. My mom raised me alone, my father dying in a motorcycle accident before I was born. She didn't love when I followed in his foot steps, joining the Devil’s Knights as soon as I could, but she supported me no matter what. The only stipulation she gave me was that I had to get my high school diploma.

  I did as she asked, hanging out with the club when I could. Right after graduation, I took my rightful place at the club and worked my way to the top.

  It felt good to finally take care of my mother. She spent the first eighteen years taking care of me; I was ready to do the same for her. The club still helped out, but I knew she struggled as a single mom.

  High school was where I met Mandy’s mom. I didn't like to think about her but seeing Willow’s fresh face reminded me of her.

  Mandy and I lived here with her. I had an apartment at the club where I spent over half my time, but this was home. It was a simple ranch house I bought Ma as soon as I could. She took care of Mandy for me, but I wanted her to be able to live her life now too, so when she mentioned a girl at church who would be a good babysitter, I agreed.

  Willow was not what I thought when Ma said a “girl.” There was nothing girly about Willow.

  “Let's go eat. I made your favorite.”

  I was thankful she didn't harass me anymore about checking out Willow and followed her inside. As we ate Ma’s famous lasagna, Mandy couldn't stop talking about Willow. I didn't say much, eating in silence. If she didn't seem to like her so much, I would tell Ma to find someone else - someone less attractive.

  I would just have to learn to deal with it.

  Too young.

  Chapter Two

  Willow

  Holy crap.

  I’d heard the rumors that Mrs. Smith’s son was the famous biker Savage from the Devil’s Knights, but seeing it in the flesh blew me away.

  When he came walking up in all of his biker glory, my thighs started to tingle. He wore torn jeans that molded to his body. Top that with his leather jacket and with his cut, and it was all I could do not to swoon right there. His piercing eyes were almost black as they checked me out. I didn’t have a lot of experience with men; I could tell when one was eyeing me up. My face got warm under his intense scrutiny. Top that off with his shaved head and five o’clock shadow, and he didn’t look like any guy I hung out with.

  His daughter Mandy was a doll. I was going to enjoy babysitting her this summer. With her curly hair and infectious giggle, it was going to be a blast. She looked like a mini version of her father, but I wondered where her mother was. Mrs. Smith had mentioned she had passed away, but from the disgusted look on her face, I didn’t want to ask any questions. Rumor had it she died of a drug overdose, but I was smart enough to know you couldn’t always believe those things.

  The next day I arrived at the Smith house around noon as Mrs. Smith, and I had planned. Her car was gone, but Savage’s motorcycle was in the driveway. I looked down at my boring t-shirt and jean shorts. He was probably used to girls dressed sexy all the time. At least I had put on a little bit of extra make up this morning.

  I never told anyone this, not even my best friend, but I secretly fantasized about being with a guy like Savage. The guys I went to school with were so lame. They didn’t know how to kiss or act around a girl. They were always so polite and afraid to even hold my hand. Don’t even get me started on the guys from church.

  I read a lot of books. A lot. My favorite books had a strong alpha male character, and that’s what I wanted. I wanted a man that would come into my life and take charge, but also love and protect me. I heard the word ‘cherished, ’ and it sounded perfect. That’s what I desired - someone to ravage me but also cherish me.

  Something about Savage told me he was that kind of guy.

  He wouldn’t give me a second look, though. I was only eighteen, and he was used to gorgeous, experienced women being around. He certainly wouldn’t be interested in a virgin like me. I didn’t intend to be eighteen and a virgin, but I had never met a guy I felt was worthy of being my first. It wasn’t even necessarily about love - it was about being with someone that turned me on enough. There were plenty of chances to lose it, but I wasn’t going to do it ‘just to get it over with.'

  I heard about the kind of women that hung out at their clubhouse, and I was the total opposite. Mrs. Smith mentioned in passing that Savage was single yesterday, but I doubted he slept alone very often - if ever.

  My nipples tightened as I walked by his bike, imagining the two of us on it, my body wrapped around his as I held on to him. I took a deep breath to try to collect myself. I was going to lose this job on the first day if I didn’t get it together. Savage probably didn’t mess around when it came to the care of his daughter.

  The front door was open, but I knocked anyway. I didn’t hear anyone, but maybe they were playing in the back yard. I knocked again, and when there was no answer, I opened the door slowly.

  “Hello?” I called out.

  My eyes widened, and I froze in place when I saw Savage standing in only a towel in the middle of the hallway. I fantasized about him the night before when I touched myself before falling asleep, but I hadn’t done him any justice.

  He looked almost like a Greek god, his muscles defined and a six pack of abs I wanted t
o lick and climb. He was covered in various tattoos, and I noticed his pierced nipples. Oh my god.

  My mouth went dry when my gaze dropped lower and noticed the outline of his cock through the small, thin towel. I had zero experience when it came to the male anatomy, but even I knew he was bigger than average.

  He grinned when he saw me but made no move to cover himself.

  “Hello, Willow.”

  “Hi, Mr. Smith, um, I mean Savage,” I mumbled. “Sorry.”

  His smile got larger. “No big deal. Ma and Mandy are out running errands, and they took a little longer than they expected. I’m supposed to behave and keep you entertained until they get back.”

  My face felt warm at the way he said that. This big, bad, sexy biker was standing half naked in front of me talking about keeping me entertained. I had a few ideas, but I wasn’t that kind of girl.

  Or was I? Maybe I hadn’t met the right guy to bring out my inner vixen. I almost laughed out loud. I had zero ideas on how to be sexy.

  “I’ll go wait in the kitchen,” I finally muttered and walked away before I did something to embarrass myself. I didn’t lack confidence in every day life, but being around Savage made me feel like a twelve-year-old girl again talking to my first crush.

  I sat down at the kitchen table and got out my phone. I scanned through my texts, but my mind kept wandering to Savage and the way he looked. I pressed my thighs together under the table, trying to relieve the pressure that had built there.