Damian~
I drive away from Mrs. Perry’s house after fixing her fish tank. She got new lights but they didn’t work. The problem was with the switch. A wire came loose and it only took a minute to fix so I didn’t charge her.
I think about the other job I have. It will take up most of my time for the next week. Mr. Taylor is wheelchair bound so they want me to add a ramp for him to the new gazebo they just got. I also have to maintain the other ramps around and inside the house, so at least it will keep me busy for a while.
I stop at the hardware store so I can order some lumber and get some other supplies. Walking in I see Joshua behind the counter.
“Hi, Joshua,” I greet as I take the measurements out of my pocket. “I just need a few things.”
“Sure,” he smiles at me.
“I’ll need these measurements in treated lumber for a wheelchair ramp over at Mr. Taylor’s place.”
Joshua takes the piece of paper I wrote all the measurements on and checks it all over. “I’d suggest you use screws. Nails will come undone.”
That makes sense. I nod at him. “Yeah, you’re right. Let’s go with screws.”
“I have some medium length boards in the back, two by four. They should work well.” He starts to walk to the back and then asks, “What are you going to use to make it non-slippery?”
“I was thinking grit tape. You have some?”
“I don’t have enough for this size ramp. I’ll have to order some.” He stops in the back of the store looking at the lumber. “You’re going to need some thinner ones for hand and guard rails.”
“Yes, you think you can get it all ready for me? Just give me a call and I’ll swing by to get it.”
“Sure thing,” he grumbles, walking back to the counter. “Just write your number here. Nina!” he yells suddenly.
I write down my new name and number and push the piece of paper back to him.
“Yes,” I hear a familiar voice behind me. I turn around and frown when I see Cara. What is she doing here?
“Go check how many packs of screws we have,” he barks at her.
Her eyes dart from Joshua to me, and then she quickly disappears into the back.
“So,” I turn back to Joshua, “she’s working for you?”
“Who?” he asks looking confused for a second. “Oh, you mean the woman? Nah, not for long. She came in here earlier asking for a job, said she could do anything a man could.” He chuckles and I don’t like the sound of it. “We’ll see how long she lasts.”
I don’t want to mess up her first day at a job, but I want to give Joshua a subtle warning. He better not mess with her.
Cara comes back. She looks nervous and she stays a safe distance from the counter. “Fourteen,” she says, trying to sound sure of herself, but the uncertain look in her eyes doesn’t escape my watchful eyes.
“Get back to work,” he barks at her again.
“Nina,” I say before she can dart to the back of the store. I walk right up to her and taking her face in my hands, I watch her eyes widen. I press a kiss to her lips and then smile at her. “What time do you get off?”
“Five,” she squeaks.
“I’ll be outside.” I give her another kiss, and then let her go. “We can eat at the diner, celebrate your job.”
“Okay,” she whispers, and her eyes dart to Joshua.
“Later,” I say to Joshua who’s gawking at us. Let him try and fuck with her now.
Cara~
It’s funny how nice people can be to you if they’re scared of your husband. Not that Damian is really my husband, but they don’t know any different.
Joshua did a total one-eighty after that stunt Damian pulled, kissing me in front of him. So at least I’m not being treated like shit anymore, which is always a good thing.
The last thirty minutes really drags out, and every time I look at the watch only a minute has crawled by.
I’m hungry and tired. I glance at the clock again and a wave of relief washes over me when I see it’s one minute to five. I watch the seconds tick by and then I walk to the front of the store.
“Bye,” I say uncomfortably, not sure if I can call him by his name.
He smiles at me but the smile doesn’t extend to his eyes. “Bye, Nina. Have a good night.”
“T-thanks,” I sputter and then I rush out of the store. Damian is parked right in front and he’s leaning against the driver’s door with his arms crossed over his chest.
He pushes his body away from the car and walks toward me. “Hey, gorgeous,” he says, sounding gruffly.
He reaches for me and then pulls me into a hug.
We’re standing in front of the hardware store.
My boss can see us!
Everyone can see us.
My eyes widen as Damian leans closer to me. I feel his breath on my cheek. His eyes flick over my shoulder at what I’m sure is my boss, and then they flick back to me, and oh my freaking word, it’s so hot.
He presses a kiss to my lips and then guides me around the car.