She tossed her hip against the desk in annoyance. “Yeah, yeah. How long do we have before the air is up and running?”
“Twenty minutes,” said the technician as he came into the room, wiping his hands. “I need to install a replacement part that I have in my truck.”
“Hello,” Sean said, sticking his hand out for a shake. “I’m the owner. Once you’re finished, please shout. I’ll get you taken care of. Do you need a drink?”
“No. I got mine in the car as well.” He walked back out and I sat on the reception desk, rocking my leg while keeping my eyes on the back of the guy.
Sean furrowed his brow. “What’s up?”
I nodded toward the direction of the HVAC guy and said, “I got a strange vibe from him.”
“Me too, but not everyone is a criminal,” he whispered, clapping my shoulder. “He could just be a douchebag.” Maybe it was the law enforcement in us that gave us that feeling, but I had another inkling. I better check the back exit.
“So how is the setting up going?” Macy interrupted my train of thought.
“Great. I’m technically done setting up all the computers, but I don’t want to start setting up the networks until I know the servers are good to go.”
“Call it a night, then. Come back in the morning and get these fuckers banged out. The HR manager will be meeting with Macy and I in three days, and I want her software programs up and running.”
“Great. I’ll need to get licenses for the software you plan to use.”
“I brought the corporate card.” Macy handed me a credit card. “I had to order the break room furniture.”
“Thanks. Are you both not in tomorrow?”
“We’re going to have a late start. I have a doctor’s appointment.” I cocked my brow, but then smiled and walked back behind the lobby desk to get my things. They’d just found out Macy was pregnant.
“I’ll see you both tomorrow.” Walking out, I put on my sunglasses and headed to my truck in the heat. As I waited for traffic to pass, my head replayed my encounter with Blake. I’d never had that reaction to a woman so quickly before. I knew it was lust, but why did she have to work with me? Lust could lead to trouble—trouble neither of us needed. Although, for some reason, I had to learn more about this stalker of hers.
Needing a clear head to drive, I turned up the music. Every damn song reminded me of her in some way. First it was America’s Sister Golden Hair, and then it was ZZ Top’s Legs. I had to shut it off. My dick throbbed painfully in my pants, and the blood drained from my brain. The second I parked in my garage and lowered the fucking door, I turned off the engine and rushed into my empty house with a raging hard-on.
I hopped in the shower, taking care of my needs before my blue balls set in. Shit was going to get unbearable very soon.
Chapter 2
Blake
I could barely breathe as he stared at me with pure, visceral lust. He stood there with his broad chest in a plain white tee that clung to him from his sweat. His dark black hair matched his scruff, looking dirty and delectable, especially with the way his muscles bulged from his shirt. My reaction to him had been nearly the same as his to me. The room was burning hot, and it wasn’t from the lack of air conditioning. The way his eyes roamed over me or the way I stole a glance at his well-endowed package, we could have fucked right on that desk, That would have been a quick way to not land the job, which I needed, so I let the past rear its ugly head and I turned my attraction to ire.
Our short moment of tension didn’t last long because Sean Cavanaugh, the owner of the company, came in, helping me fight the attraction. I followed him into his office and avoided the hot tech guy, refusing to turn around even though I knew his eyes were on me. “Please take a seat, Ms. Avery. I have your file in front of me. You’re a model candidate, but at this point, I do have several who would fit the bill just as well. Can you give me a reason why you’re better than the others?”
“I don’t know the others or their qualifications; however, I know mine. If you’re looking for someone to maintain your payroll and HR with high standards, I’m more than qualified. My organizational skills are impeccable.”
“Good answer. If given the job, do you see yourself moving here as soon as possible?” he asked. My heart sped up a little quicker, thinking I might have gotten the job, but I remained calm and answered the question.
“Yes, I’m already packed and living with some family in Houston for now.” My aunt and uncle had been wonderful enough to let me live with them until I could find my way. With my parents long gone, I needed someone who lived far away to depend on, and I didn’t expect my stalker would have known them. Or at least that was my hope.
“I understand.” A knock on the door stopped our conversation briefly.
“Come in.” Ah fuck, it was him again. It’s as if my body knew it. Although considering I didn’t see anyone else in the building, maybe that was the reason I knew it was him. He came and went, but I didn’t hear a word of it. My mind focused on the movement of his throat column. The man turned me on more than I’d ever been aroused before.
Mr. Cavanaugh coughed, getting my attention. “Ms. Avery, I pulled your background, and everything comes back clean, almost empty…except that’s not the only one I ran. As a security company, I need to make sure every single one of my employees is an upstanding citizen.” He knew.
I’d let out a sigh, but he raised his hand to stop me from speaking and continued. “I understand why you’re here. The job is yours. I just ask that you let me handle any security matters for you if you should need it.”
“Well, I can’t afford that.” They were going to offer expensive services for their clients, so I knew I couldn’t pay for a bodyguard.
“I know, but it’s a part of the job. I wouldn’t let any of my employees suffer or risk the lives of the staff.”
“Thank you, Mr. Cavanaugh. Thank you so much.” I extended my hand, giddy with excitement.
“Thank you. Welcome aboard. Now, when will you be able to start?”
“Tomorrow if needed. I need to find an apartment, though. If not, I’ll have to commute for a few weeks.”
“Great. On Thursday is when you’ll start. My wife and I have some things to attend to before we set up the rest of the interviews, and I want your computer and programs running before we get you in here.”
“Thank you. I can’t thank you enough.” My grin was more than likely embarrassingly wide. I couldn’t believe my good luck after the past year.
“Just do your best, and that will be all I need.” He smiled at me and stuck out his hand. “Now, I know it’s painfully hot in here, so let me get you out of here before you pass out.”
“Sounds great.” He walked me to the front door and told me to be at work at eight. I tried to hold in my excitement, but it was the best news I’d had in a long time. I jumped into my car, turning on the AC as soon as the engine turned over. I lowered the windows until the air kicked in, driving off to look for an apartment in the area.
It took the rest of the day to find a place. I’m so grateful someone was there to show me the small, clean apartment. We went through the paperwork, and thankfully the background check wasn’t as deep as Mr. Cavanaugh’s.