by Kacey Shea
Their eyes focus on me, calculating, judging, and probably searching for weak spots in my character. I would’ve done the same.
My stomach flip-flops. No doubt, these kids will test my patience and willpower, but I’m determined to start off with a good first impression. It’s why I made one crucial stop on my way over. “Hey.” I wave my hand. “I’m really excited to be here. I was thinking we could start off by getting to know each other. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the program. Laura said many of you are returning students from last year. I’d also like to know what you’d like to see more of this summer.”
A few kids groan, others tap on their phones, completely ignoring me. Some meet my stare. I guess that’s better than nothing.
“Oh, and one more thing.” I shuffle back out the door, grabbing the pastry boxes I picked up on my way. Stepping back into the room, I hold them out to the sea of curious stares. “I brought donuts. Can’t have a meeting without snacks, right?”
A few of the hard glares soften and a couple of kids laugh.
The tall, athletic guy in the corner—the type I totally would have gone for back in high school—grins and pushes himself off the couch to saunter forward. “I like snacks.”
I hand the boxes to him, and give myself a mental high five. If I win over a few of the influencers, I’m in. I guess all those business socials I helped my mom organize over the years were good for something. High schoolers aren’t all that different from my father’s business associates. The very thought of my parents threatens to sour my mood. I push them out of my head. “Grab a donut and pull up a chair. Let’s chat.”
“Ooh, yes, let’s chat,” another boy coos from the back of the room, earning a few giggles. I immediately peg him for the class clown. Every group has at least one, and I just know he’s going to be a pain in my ass.
Taking a seat, I pull my notebook and pen out of my bag, waiting for everyone to settle in.
“I’ll leave you to it, then.” My boss nods approvingly and heads out of the room.
“Okay, so before I jump into questions, I want to let you know that this is a safe space and anything you bring up with me—any concerns, problems, or ideas—I promise to genuinely listen. I want this summer to be a great experience for all of us.”
“Oh yeah, can you hook us up with weed?” the kid with the jokes says.
It takes great strength not to roll my eyes. “No, the drug policy is still in place. If you want to get high, you won’t be doing it here.”
Just the mention of substance abuse rattles my confidence. Not that I’m one to talk. Hello, I partook in all the reckless fun activities when I was a teenager. It hits me how grossly inadequate I am as both a role model and advisor. It’s not appropriate for me to share my own struggles, but a desire to keep these fresh young faces from making the same mistakes I did confirms I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. Even if I have no clue what I’m doing. God help us all.
“How did it go?” Laura asks as I pass her office an hour later.
I pause at her open door and poke my head inside. “Good. They’re all off to their assignments for the day. I’m going to check my email, start on those grant applications we discussed, and then I’ll visit each group to make sure they are doing okay.” My morning huddle went better than I expected—marijuana request excluded—and I was really impressed by the teens’ ideas and thoughts for the center. Sure, there were a few jokesters, but the majority of them acted invested once they opened up. The summer was bright with potential, and so were these kids.
“Great. You’re a natural at this. We’re really lucky to have you.”
“I’m honored to be working here.” I smile. “Let me know if you need anything else.” I jerk my thumb toward the door two down from hers. “You know where to find me.”
“Sounds good.” The phone on her desk rings and she picks it up, cradling it to her ear with one shoulder. “Kitty Hawk Community Center, this is Laura.”
I make a move to step back but before I make it very far, Laura calls for me. I hustle back to the door.
She pulls the mouthpiece away from her lips and cups it with her hand. “I almost forgot, we have a new volunteer. Do you mind showing him around? I’ll be on conference calls until about two.”
“You bet.”
“Perfect. I’ll have the front reception grab you when he gets here,” she says and goes back to her phone call.
I hustle to my office and dig through my bag for one of the candy bars I stashed inside. I scarf that and the apple from my lunch, knowing my full afternoon just became busier. I’ve barely cleared my inbox when my phone vibrates with a slew of incoming texts.
Jill: How’s it going? Do they love you?
Callie: Please tell me the donuts worked.
Jill: Just don’t spoil them. They’re like rodents. You keep leaving out crumbs and they’ll clean out your entire pantry.
Callie: It scares me that you take care of Cam’s child.
Jill: Hey! I keep her alive.
I shake my head and chuckle at their banter. Jill totally jokes around but she would do anything for Kenz and we all know it. She might be a hard-ass with most people, but that little girl is wrapped around her heart
Me: Donuts were a success.
A knock at the door pulls my gaze up from my phone.
“Hey.” It’s one of the front receptionists, and crap, I can’t remember her name. “There’s a new volunteer waiting in the lobby. Laura said you could show him around.”
“Yep.” I ignore the buzzing of my phone, no doubt more texts from Callie and Jill, and slide it into the drawer of my desk.
“Great. Want me to have him come back?”
“No, I’ll meet him out there.” I log off my computer and grab the set of keys on my desk, locking my office before making my way to the open entry of the center. In my first few days of training I shadowed Laura and a few other employees, learning how much this place operates on the generosity of others. Not only do the staff make humble salaries, but the sheer number of volunteers and programs funded by donations blew me away. Sometimes, humanity can be pretty awesome.
Most of the center’s volunteers are retirees, which is why my eyes almost bug out of my head when I notice the man leaning against the wall in the empty entry with his casual, cocky confidence.
“Are you freaking kidding me?” I grumble under my breath as I take in his stupid, way-too-handsome face. While the receptionist moves back to her spot behind the desk, I march forward, irritation and annoyance boiling the blood in my veins. “You.” I point at his smiling face. “Outside.” I walk past him, grating out my final command. “Now.”
Shoving through the door, I walk to the end of the building. Away from prying eyes. Away from patrons.
He catches up to me with his long strides before I’ve stopped short.
I turn on my heel to glare. “What the hell are you doing here?”
His grin spreads wide. “Aww, you missed me.”
“Chase. Cut the shit.” I cross my arms over my chest. “What are you doing here?”
“Volunteering,” he says. “Why the fuck else would I be caught dead here?”
“Well, we don’t need you.” It takes every bit of self-control to keep from telling him to go fuck himself. The sane part of my brain reminds me that I don’t want to lose my internship for cussing out a volunteer. I need to get back inside. I have work to do. “Go home.” I move to step around him.
He blocks my path. “Oh, but I can’t.” He waits for me to lift my gaze. “I’m going to be here all summer.”
All summer. No. No. No! He must have found out, and I don’t exactly know how or who told him, but when I do they’ll have hell to pay. “No. Absolutely not.” I shake my head. “Find somewhere else to go. We don’t need your help.”
“I have an email that says you do.”
“Why?” I laugh, but it’s the laugh of a woman unhinged. My body rattles with the thrum of rage. I don’t want
to see his face now, let alone every damn day. I’m here for a clean start. A summer without ties to my past. Not a face that reminds me of bad decisions. It’s bad enough he crashed my AA meeting, but my job? Just no. “I hate you. You don’t want to be here.” I shake my head. “Find someplace else.”
His brows furrow with annoyance and he scoffs. “Look, you think I want to be here? That I’m here to spend time with you?” His words sting more than they should. “I am here to check a box. But I can’t leave until my hours are complete.” He takes the paper in his hands and shoves it at my chest.
“So what? This is part of your court-ordered repentance?” I take it from him, only because his fingers are dangerously close to my breasts. Just the thought of him touching them hardens my nipples to tight buds. Fuck me, what is wrong with my body? I will not be influenced by my traitorous and apparently delirious nipples. I don’t want any part of Chase Matthews. Zilch. Nada.
My eyes race across the printed email, looking to call his bluff. My heart falls at the words. He’s not lying. This has already been arranged, his work on-site approved by my supervisor weeks ago. Damn it. We’re stuck together, all fucking summer or for the next three hundred hours. Fuck me. My jaw falls open as I re-read the email, but no, this isn’t a bad dream. This is my bad luck.
I shove the email into his chest. “You aren’t lying.” I don’t know why I feel the need to state the obvious, other than I refuse to apologize for my outburst.
“Told you so.” He grins triumphantly, as if he’s won this round. And he has, for now. But I don’t think he’ll be smiling much longer. Not if I have anything to do about it.
“Whatever.” I turn on my heel and stomp back inside, hoping he doesn’t follow but knowing he will.
17
Chase
“Those are the restrooms that lead out to the pool deck, and around that corner brings us back to the front,” Alicia says in her no-nonsense way as she wraps up the short tour. She’s been cold but professional since we stepped back into the building.
I’m tempted to push her buttons. To ask unnecessary questions or joke around, but I don’t. As much as I’d love to rile her up, I will not fuck up this opportunity. That’s the last thing I need getting back to my dad and uncle.
“So, you still want to be here all summer?” she says, stopping at the receptionist desk to grab something from behind the counter. Does she really think I’d so easily quit? That I’m scared of a little hard work?
“Tell me what to do.”
“You’re up for anything?” She shoves a shirt and badge at my chest.
Anything. “Hell, yeah.” I don’t think her idea is the same as mine. Disappointing. I pull the center’s volunteer shirt on over my plain white tee and meet her gaze. “Hit me with your best.” I tip my chin in a silent challenge I can’t help. At her wide grin, it’s probably one I’ll regret.
“Oh, Chase. I’m going to have so much fun with you.” By her delight it sounds as if it’ll be anything but enjoyable.
“Hey, Charlie!” she calls over my shoulder.
“Alicia, what’s up?” A dude, or shit, maybe he’s a she, replies and strides over.
“I need you to make our new volunteer regret the day he was born.”
Charlie glances from me to Alicia and laughs uncomfortably. “Uh, okay.”
“He wants all the manual labor,” she clarifies and shoots me a grin. “That right?”
Like I’ll back down. “Whatever you need. Whatever you want.” Preferably naked, with my hands on her body.
“Cool,” Charlie says. “There’s a drainage issue with one of the women’s shower stalls. Once I get that fixed, I’ll get him started on sanding down the fencing around the center. It needs a refinish.”
“Chase is happy to glove up and help you with the shower drains,” she says sweetly. “Aren’t you?”
My jaw ticks. “Sure.”
“Good.” She grins, as if she’s won this round. “I’ll leave you to it!” She turns on her heel and marches off before I can get in another word.
Charlie chuckles, shaking his head. “Dude. What did you do to piss her off?”
Where do I even begin? “So many things.” I laugh and shake my head. Then realize that gives a poor first impression. “Not that I’m here to cause trouble.” I clear my throat. “I want to be here.” Not the total truth. “I mean, I need the hours.” Shit, I’m fucking this up. “Just put me to work and I promise I’ll shut up.”
Charlie nods, a grin at his lips as he pulls down his hat. “Cool. Follow me. I hope hairballs don’t gross you out.”
I hold back the urge to throw up in my mouth.
By some miracle I get through the hair drain removal process without tossing my cookies. Honestly, Charlie does most of the work, teaching me how to fish out the hair from beneath the drain covers. Now I know why my dad used to cuss up a storm each time he cleaned out the shower drains.
But that’s only the start of my fun. Charlie sets me up with a stack of sandpaper and a good sixty feet of weathered fencing. It wraps around the community center pool and once I finish the outside, I’ve got to do the inside. My arms are going to be Jell-O by the end of the day.
The morning goes by quickly, and I take a short lunch break by walking down to a sandwich shop at the corner. But when I return the sun is high in the sky, no clouds or breeze to take away the heat. Sweat drips down my back and into my eyes. I should’ve worn a hat. Normally, I’d ditch my shirt, but for the first time in my life I’m a little self-conscious about my body. On the department I spent hours of each day training and working out. We cooked meals and food prepped. But for the last month I’ve done nothing and yeah, all the drinking didn’t help.
By the time I’m done sanding down the exterior fence and head inside, it’s almost five.
“Hey.” I find Charlie near the reception desk chatting with another employee.
“You done already?”
“Just the outside.”
Charlie nods. “Solid. I’ll check it out tomorrow. If you want to drop the supplies in the workroom, I’ll sign your timesheet for today.” He tosses me a set of keys and points to a door down the hall.
“Cool,” I say, but it’s not. I feel like a child having to check in and check out. I’ve been in a supervisory role for so long now, and it sucks to not be the one in charge and giving orders. My mood is sour as I unlock the closet and shove the unused sanding materials onto the shelf. That is, until I catch the swish of raven black hair pass by. Alicia. I hastily lock up the closet so I can follow behind.
Her ass sways with each step and yeah, I stare. I don’t know how anyone in my place wouldn’t. She’s got the kind of presence that steals all the attention in a room—or a community center corridor.
Even Charlie’s gaze turns as she approaches. “You heading out?”
“Yeah, you need a ride?” Alicia pauses, pulling out a set of keys.
“Nah.” Charlie waves her off. “I’m gonna catch the taekwondo class before heading back.”
“Cool.” Alicia smiles but it falters as soon as she notices my approach. A tinge of jealously flares knowing Charlie gets her smiles and I don’t. “I’ll see you back at the house.” She waves and practically races to the doors.
Hold on. They live together? Fucking not fair.
I toss Charlie’s keys over. “See ya tomorrow.” I don’t even wait for a response, jogging until I’m outside the building and at Alicia’s side. “Hey, I could use a ride.”
She gives a disgusted grunt. “Go home, Chase. I’m not interested.”
I didn’t mean for my request to come out as a sexual invitation, but I’m not mad about it. Alicia in my bed sounds like the perfect way to end the day. Not that I’ll be able to convince her of that. No, it’s gonna take time, something I have in abundance. “Alicia. Hold up.” The fact I’m chasing after her for the second time today doesn’t escape me. Maybe I should be embarrassed, but I’m not. If anything, I’m more de
termined than ever.
18
Alicia
“Seriously, Chase. Go home.” I walk a little faster. Maybe he’ll give up. Maybe he won’t follow me. Maybe he won’t—
“Alicia.” It’s wrong that his voice sends delicious shivers up my spine.
I stop short, because we’re at my car. Hands on my hips, I brace myself for whatever he has to say. He probably wants to talk about what I said at the AA meeting. Fuck, after the day I’ve had, that’s the last thing I want to discuss.
“Hey.” He steps closer, as if he thinks I might run. His lips quirk up with the start of his grin. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were avoiding me.”
“Huh. So you aren’t stupid?”
“Tell me how you really feel.”
I heave out a sigh. “Chase, it’s been a really long day so cut the bullshit. Is there something I can help you with or are you just annoying me for your entertainment?”
His eyes crinkled with delight. “Actually, yes.”
“Seriously?” I shoot him a glare.
“I need to ask you something.”
This is it. The moment I’ve been dreading and avoiding for months. If he would just go away and stay out of my life, I could erase the entire experience from my mind and pretend it didn’t exist. Like I do with a lot of my problems. Fuck. That’s not healthy or responsible. I have hundreds of hours in counseling sessions to prove it.
My gaze darts to the community center entrance. As annoying as he is, I don’t need him also ruining my summer internship. “Okay fine, but I can’t do this right now. Not here.”
“Then when?” He cocks his head and narrows his stare. “How do I know this isn’t some attempt to evade my charm?”
“Well, I guess you’re going to have to trust me.” I smile but it’s a mean one.
“That doesn’t sound promising.” He winces and lets loose a soft chuckle. I have to give him credit. Anyone else would cower under my glare. Of course, everything’s a fucking joke to this man. “So, when can we talk?”
