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  I gasp for air and then tense as the last spurts of cum fall from the tip of my cock. My vision is blurry, but the ache between my legs is gone. For now. When I reach beside me for the hand towel I brought in here, I see my phone.

  I’m surprised when I notice it’s still lit up and I pick it up to look at the screen. “Oh shit,” I say when I see that instead of ending the call, I put it on speaker.

  “Genevieve?” I say, but right then the line goes dead.

  I put the phone down and try not to laugh. I should probably call her back and apologize, but I don’t think I could do it with a straight face. How does this kind of stuff keep happening to us? Is the universe trying to tell us something? Did she like what she heard?

  Looks like I’m going to find out tomorrow morning when I bring breakfast to her house.

  Chapter 9

  Genevieve

  “Oh god,” I say as I look down at my phone like it just burned me. I can’t believe what I heard. And I can’t believe that I kept on listening even though I knew what was happening. I couldn’t make myself hang up the phone.

  I should have done it right away, but the sounds had me hypnotized. I couldn’t stop myself from listening. At first, I didn’t understand, but then he said my name. I’m not completely innocent. I may not have done those things before, but I’ve got a Tumblr account and masturbate when I get the urge.

  Hearing Barrett doing that on the other end of the phone was something else. My entire body was warm and fully aware of every single sound coming through the phone. I could hear every stroke and grunt as he pleasured himself. Am I some kind of pervert because I loved it?

  I couldn't stop myself from picturing him lying down on his bed, probably surrounded by manly stuff like construction magazines and hammers. Now I have so many of questions. Was he doing that when I called, or did he start afterwards? Was he completely naked, or did he just have the front of his jeans open? Was he thinking of me? My mind races with all the different dirty ideas.

  There’s a demanding throb between my legs and I have the urge to run up the stairs and dig my old vibrator out of a box. It’s been months since I’ve done it, and maybe that’s why I’m wound so tight. And why I stayed on the phone listening to him. The idea of touching myself holds no appeal when all I can think about is having the real thing. What would it be like for Barrett to run his hands between my thighs and make that throb go away? I bet his hands are rough, and my breasts feel heavy thinking of what they’d be like against my sensitive nipples.

  I’m mortified when I think about him picking up the phone. He knew I was still on the other end. I could have made up an excuse like I didn’t realize it was on, but of course I panicked and hung up as fast as I could. I was in shock and turned on and I didn’t know how to react.

  I put my head in my hands and laugh at how I keep getting myself into these situations. Is the universe trying to tell us something? I do know one thing now. The doubts I was having about Barrett not wanting me have all vanished. I can’t imagine him masturbating and saying my name unless he wanted me. He keeps giving me all these signs and I thought I was making them up. If Barrett is fantasizing about me, then he wants me.

  I lie back on the bed and look up at the ceiling, wondering what he’s thinking right now. He doesn't seem to get embarrassed like I do. If I had to guess, I bet he’s smiling right now. He’s so confident, and seeing me tomorrow morning won’t cause him a second of missed sleep. In fact, I bet he’s laughing right now and it’s probably the one that’s deep in his chest and makes me want to press my body against his.

  One thing is for sure, breakfast tomorrow is going to be interesting.

  Chapter 10

  Barrett

  I get to her house early this morning, just like yesterday. I wonder if she’ll be better prepared this time? I kind of hope to catch her by surprise again.

  I knock lightly, but there’s no answer, so I use my key to enter. She left me the security code this time, so I enter that in and close the door behind me. I go straight to the kitchen and put the pink box of donuts on the counter, along with the bag of savory food from the diner. I wasn’t sure if she likes salty or sweet first thing, so I got both.

  I put on the coffee and then sit back, looking at the work we did yesterday. There’s still more to do, but so far, it’s coming along perfectly. I decided on the way here not to bring up the phone call unless she asks me about it. I don’t want to embarrass her, and I kinda like it being our dirty secret. Who knows, maybe one day we can do it again. But this time with her participating.

  “Good morning,” she says, as she enters the kitchen while rubbing her eyes.

  “Damn,” I mutter when I take in her beauty.

  She’s got on a dark faded T-shirt with pictures of cookies on it and pajama pants. Her hair is in a messy bun that’s hanging off to one side, and there are marks on the side of her face from the wrinkles in her sheets.

  “Don’t make fun of me. The birds aren’t even up yet,” she says with a yawn. “Do you always get up so early?”

  “When I get to spend my morning with you? Always,” I say, grabbing a mug for her and filling it up.

  “You’re trying to sweeten me up so I’m not mad at you.” She squints at me.

  “I think you’re sweet enough. Plus, I brought donuts for that,” I say, opening the box. “Or biscuits if you’re salty.”

  “Is that like Ms. Jackson if you’re nasty?” She smiles at me, and it’s like the sun just rose in the kitchen. “You have any custard filled in there?”

  “I had you pegged for a sprinkle girl, but luckily I have a Boston cream I’m willing to give up.”

  “It sounds like there’s a condition attached to letting me have it,” she says, eyeing me suspiciously.

  “You can have the donut if you let me work on your house and don’t fight me about paying for it.”

  She sets her coffee down and crosses her arms over her chest. “Are you serious right now, Barrett? Don’t you think that’s kind of ridiculous? You’re going to do work for free on my house? You don’t even know me.”

  “Not for free. For a donut. I really love Boston cream.” I shrug.

  “You’re too chipper for dawn. And I can’t take you seriously.” She picks her coffee back up and surveys the work I’ve done so far. “But you do amazing work.”

  “I know,” I reply. I think it’s the best I’ve ever done. I want this place to be exactly what she dreamed it could be. “Sit down and hear me out.”

  I bring the donuts and the coffee over to the kitchen nook and set them down. It takes her a second, but she finally goes and grumbles the whole way. I kind of like that she’s not a morning person. It just means she likes to stay in bed longer.

  “A house like this doesn't come around often, maybe never for someone like me. Everybody wants new construction, or they want their house renovated. It’s hard to find something so beautiful that needs restoration. I’m stuck in an office most days, and this is something special that I don’t want to let go of.” I stare at her, thinking that I might just be talking about her and not the house. She can read into it all she wants, but the truth is, I want to be where she is.

  “What do you get out of this?” she asks, and I can see the willingness to agree right there on the tip of her tongue.

  “Genevieve, this house is going to be a showpiece. I’ve done magazine shoots before, but this one would blow all those out of the water.”

  “Oh,” she says, and her voice is laced with disappointment.

  “The house is why I’d do it for free. It would bring me even more business and would be a project I’d really enjoy,” I say, walking over to her and leaning down close. “But that’s not what I’d get out of it,” I say, and wait for her to look me in the eyes.

  “And that would be?” she asks, looking up at me through her lashes.

  “Getting to spend as much time with you as I could. And even when you’re not here, being here in your house
, surrounded by you.”

  Her cheeks redden as she ducks her chin, but I don’t miss the smile. I lean back and then take a seat beside her and nudge the box of donuts her way.

  “Now go ahead and take my donut and let’s seal this deal.”

  “So you’re going to do what you want to the house and not charge me anything?” she asks as she looks at me and realizes how close we are.

  “No. I’m going to give you exactly what you want.” I lick my lips as I inch closer to her. “And I’m going to get exactly what I want in return.”

  I’m so close I can feel her breath against my mouth, and I reach out, cupping her jaw. When I pull her to me, I graze my lips across hers, giving her just a hint of what I desire. It’s soft and gentle as she leans into my touch, and I’ve never been more careful in my life. She’s special, and I don’t want to rush this or overwhelm her. So instead of deepening the kiss, I kiss along her jaw and cheek before I pull her into my arms.

  “This means something to me, and I’d like to see if it means something to you, too,” I whisper, as I lean back and look into her eyes.

  She bites her bottom lip and nods, but I can see the sweet desire in her eyes. God, how I’d love to lay her down across this table and kiss every inch of her. But just as the thought crosses my mind, I hear a truck pull up outside.

  “Shit.” I glance down at my watch and see what time it is. “The crew’s here.”

  “Do any of you guys sleep?” she asks, craning to look around me.

  “Only on the weekends. So tomorrow.” I wink at her and then stand up. “You better get upstairs and get dressed.”

  She looks down at her pajamas as she stands up. “I’m in the ugliest thing I could find,” she says, pointing to her clothes.

  “And yet you’re still the sexiest woman I’ve ever laid eyes on,” I retort, kissing her softly once more. I just can’t help myself.

  When there’s a knock on the door, she jumps back like we’ve been caught having sex. Then she reaches over, grabs the box of donuts and her coffee and winks at me before she leaves the kitchen.

  “She’s the one,” I say to myself as she looks back at me one more time before she goes up the steps.

  I smile to myself and walk over to let the guys in. My friend Cory comes in and looks at me funny.

  “What are you grinning about?” he asks, lugging his tool bag behind him.

  “Just a great day to work.”

  He shakes his head and gives me a knowing smile. “It sure is.” He glances up the stairs that Ginny just took and then back to the kitchen. “You ready?”

  “Absolutely.”

  A little while later Ginny comes down dressed for work. I can feel her even before she comes around the corner and into the kitchen.

  “Wow.” She looks around and her eyes are bright with excitement.

  “Do you like it?” I ask, coming down from the ladder and over to where she is.

  “I can’t believe how much bigger it is.”

  “You look beautiful,” I say, and she ducks her head to hide her smile.

  “Thank you.”

  I touch her chin and make her look up at me. “Don’t keep this from me,” I say, running my thumb across her bottom lip.

  Leaning down, I brush my lips against hers, needing just a quick kiss. There are about ten guys working behind us and I don’t want them getting an eyeful.

  “So, um. I’ll come by at lunch,” she says, and although she’s shy, it’s pretty adorable.

  “Here,” I say, pulling some cash out of my wallet. “Do you mind bringing me something to eat?”

  “Let me pay for lunch,” she offers, but I take her hand and put the bills in it.

  “My lady doesn’t pay,” I say, pulling her in my arms and hugging her.

  “Thank you,” she says, and I lean down to give her one more quick kiss.

  “Now get out of here. You’re distracting me,” I say, walking her to the front door and making sure she gets in her car safe.

  I’ve still got my eyes on her, and I already miss her.

  Chapter 11

  Genevieve

  I feel like I’m on cloud nine all morning. I wish the clock would move faster because I want to see Barrett again. I debate texting him but don’t want to bug him if he’s busy. Then just as I have the thought my phone dings. I grab it up quickly, nearly dropping it before I can swipe my finger across the screen.

  Barrett: See you soon

  I swear he’s in my mind sometimes. That man is always one step ahead of me. I keep checking the time and wondering if I should go bring him lunch at noon or maybe a little earlier. All I know is I want to see him so bad after this morning. I’ve never been this way about a man. I’m shaking with excitement and anticipation.

  When I came downstairs I expected to feel shy and embarrassed after what happened on the phone last night, but I didn’t. In fact, talking and joking with him was so easy. Maybe knowing that he’s into me helped ease my insecurities. Even coming down in my worst pajamas, he was still all in my space. When I first showed him the house I thought maybe he just stood close to everyone, but now I know he likes being close to me.

  I’m still blown away at everything he’s doing for my home. It’s almost too good to be true, and I wonder when the other shoe is going to drop. Actually, he’s too good to be true. I can only hope that he’s genuine and that what’s happening between us is the real thing.

  Even with how awkward I’ve been around him, he hasn’t made me feel like an idiot. It’s not new for me to make a fool of myself when it comes to men, but with Barrett he makes me feel like it’s okay. As long as I’m being me, then he’s happy.

  I send Barrett a quick text back with a bunch of food emojis. I smile when he sends me a thumbs up, and my face hurts from all the grinning I’ve been doing.

  A notification on my computer catches my attention and I see I have an email from the mayor. It says her meeting wrapped up early and we can meet in her office right now if I’m free. I type a response quickly and tell her I’ll be right over.

  A knot forms in my stomach, knowing what I’m going to have to do. I hate this. Why does Mark have to be such a slimy jerk? I grab my purse and drop my cell phone inside before shutting my office door behind me. I plan on taking my lunch after this meeting.

  June, the Mayor’s assistant, gives me a smile. The phone is pressed to her ear, but she waves me on to go ahead into Janet’s office. I smile back at her before knocking softly on Janet’s door. I push it since it’s already partially open and walk inside.

  “Ginny.” She stands up from her chair and comes around to give me a hug. “How’s the new house coming?”

  I take a seat in one of the chairs in front of her desk. She doesn't go back around to her side of the desk. Instead she sits in the chair next to mine, turning it a little so we are facing one another. We’ve always been close for coworkers.

  “It’s a dream, really,” I admit. I can't stop myself from beaming. It’s more than a dream now. I didn't know the house was going to come with Barrett, and I’m thinking I underpaid.

  “I can’t wait to see it when it’s all done. You’ll have to invite me over for dinner.”

  “I’ll have a big party when it’s done, but it might be a while.”

  Though now with Barrett, it might be sooner than I imagined. The man moves fast, but I hope not too fast. I might want the house done, but I like knowing he’s in my home right now. It will be bittersweet when he’s all done and he moves on to the next project. My heart drops a little at the thought. I swear I can still feel the brush of his lips against mine, and I don’t want to lose that. Not yet. Somehow kissing him there really made it feel like home, and I’m not ready to let it go.

  “No rush.” She tucks her short brown hair behind her ear. “So what was it that you wanted to talk about?” She folds her hands in her lap, studying me.

  “It’s about Mark.”

  “The inspector?”

 
I nod, then tell her everything that happened, even admitting the part about me getting my inspection passed in exchange for a date. When I joked about it with Mark, it hadn't seemed so bad, but now when I say it out loud I feel nothing but guilt. Janet hired me fresh out of college and has treated me more like a friend at times with her advice and concern. I really look up to her and value her opinion. I respect her, and what she thinks means a lot to me.

  “Barrett? As in Cooper Construction? He told you that about Mark?”

  “Yeah, do you know him?”

  “I do.” She stands up and goes over to her desk. She picks up her cell phone and pushes a few buttons, then sets it down on her desk and puts it on speaker. It rings once before the line connects.

  “Hey, Jan.” Barrett’s deep voice fills the room. I surprised he calls her by her nickname. I don’t even do that unless we’re out of the office. No matter how many times she’s tried to get me to call her that, I can’t break the habit.

  “Hey, Barrett. How are things?” she asks as she leans up against her desk.

  “Things are good. You find something else you wanted marked as a historical site?” he chuckles.

  Jealousy sparks in my chest and I drop my eyes to my hands. I shouldn't be jealous. Barrett isn't mine. Sure, we’ve flirted and kissed, but he doesn’t belong to me.

  “No, I have an employee who means a lot to me and I want to make sure the home she’s in is livable. I’m worried because I’m not sure the inspection is on the up and up and I don’t want any harm coming to her.”

  I look back up at Janet giving me a motherly smile. Some of the unease about me disappointing her evaporates.

  “I can check it out after lunch if you like. Shoot me the address.” I bite my lip that he wants to wait till after lunch so that he can see me first. The jealousy I was feeling melts away, and I hate that it so easily creeps in. If he and Janet had something before, I’m guessing it’s gone or over.