Grace
A ROUGH TONGUE on my cheek awakened me and I pushed the furry face away and forced my eyes open. “Ugh, Killer, what are you doing?”
“Meow.”
I sat up and glanced to my left. Flea wasn’t in bed, so I snuggled the cat for a few minutes, then climbed out of bed and stepped into the little bathroom attached to the bedroom. I had no idea what time it was, but I’d had the best night’s sleep in forever. After freshening up, I pulled on some clothes and went to find my man.
“Flea?”
“Kitchen,” he called.
I made my way into the kitchen and found Flea at the stove flipping pancakes. “You made breakfast?”
“Correction; I’m making breakfast. Hash browns and bacon are in the oven.”
“You made bacon?”
He grinned, holding his arm out to me. “Yeah, I made bacon.”
I closed the distance between us, standing on my tiptoes to kiss him. “You’re my favorite person on earth.”
“Back atya.”
“I’ll make coffee.”
“That’d be good,” he said, and I stepped into the pantry for the beans.
“What time’s your grandmother being released?”
“I’m not sure,” I said, setting up the coffee maker and grinding the beans. “My dad’s going to text me when they’re on their way.”
I’d gotten a text to say that Grams didn’t have to stay the extra day, after all, so Dad was bringing her home as soon as they released her.
“I’ll make myself scarce then, yeah?”
I wrinkled my nose. “I guess.”
“Your grandmother’s not going to want a stranger here while she’s recovering.”
“No, I know. I just don’t know how I’m going to sleep without you now that I’ve figured out how much I like it.”
He grinned. “Ditto, baby.”
“I’m really sorry about last night… or, more accurately, this morning.”
“Come here,” he said, holding his hand out to me.
I pressed myself against his strong body and wrapped my arms around him.
“Baby, you apologized last night. It was done then.”
“Then why do I still feel guilty?”
“Because you’re you.” He kissed the top of my head. “And, for the record, I really like you.”
I smiled, giving him a squeeze. “I really like you, too.”
“Need to flip the pancakes,” he said, and I released him just as my phone rang.
I grabbed it off the counter. “Hi, Mer.”
“Hey. Grams should be home in two hours. Dad wanted me to let you know.”
“Okay, thanks. Are you coming too?”
“Yeah, sis. I’ll be there.”
“See you later.”
“Okay.”
He hung up and I glanced at Flea. “We’ve got two hours.”
“You okay?”
I shook my head. “Not really, no. I mean, I am because I want to take care of her, but I’m going to miss you.”
He frowned. “You plannin’ on missin’ work tomorrow?”
“Honestly, I don’t know. It depends on my dad.” I set my phone back on the counter. “If he can’t come and stay with her, I might have to. I told Hatch it might happen, and he’s cool with it.”
Flea nodded. “Yeah, he won’t care. Family’s more important.”
I chuckled. “That’s what he said, verbatim.”
“After breakfast, I’ll change that shower head and set up the stool.”
“That’s okay, I think Dad was going to grab some tools to take care of it.”
“I already grabbed shit from the compound,” he said, piling food onto a plate and handing it to me.
“You did?”
“Yeah.”
Oh my god, he was the best human on the planet. “We don’t have time to get naked, do we?”
He laughed. “We can make time… depends on how quickly we can eat.”
“Challenge accepted.”
We ate quickly and left the dishes to soak while he took me to my room and I showed him my gratitude for everything he’d done. After redressing, he went about doing the home improvement things while I finished the dishes, then it was time for him to leave and I seriously thought I’d lose my mind.
“Call me tonight when you have a minute,” he said, kissing me on the front porch.
“I will.”
“Baby, it’s one night. We’ll survive.”
I wrinkled my nose. “Speak for yourself.”
“Gotta admit, I’m liking your obsession with me.”
“Which makes you weird,” I retorted.
He laughed, leaning down to kiss me again. “If you don’t come into work tomorrow, I’ll bring dinner up… if your grandmother feels comfortable, that is.”
“I’ll make sure she’s comfortable.”
“Okay, baby, you do that.” He stroked my cheek. “Lock up.”
“Yes, dear.”
He gave me one more kiss, then climbed into the loaner car and drove away. My grandmother arrived thirty minutes later, and she looked wrecked.
“She’s had a rough day,” Dad said.
“This fucking hurts!” Grams snapped.
“Then you need to take the Oxy.”
She scoffed at him from her place in the recliner and Dad rolled his eyes. “She’s convinced she’ll like the drugs too much, so she’s trying to wait six hours in between.”
“That’s insane.”
“Yeah, Gracie, it is. You’re the only one who can get her to do anything most of the time, so I’m deferring to you.”
“You’re her favorite son… I’m not sure I can do anything.”
“I’m her only son, but nice try.”
I grabbed one of her pain pills and her antibiotics and walked into the family room. “Here.”
“What’s this?” she asked.
“Antibiotics.”
“And the other?”
“Grams, please don’t be a pain in the butt. I plan to make sure you don’t over take your meds. I have everything written down and logged. But if you give me grief, I’ll go home and leave you with Dad.”
She gasped. “You wouldn’t.”
“I heard that,” Dad called.
I raised an eyebrow toward my grandmother. “I would.”
“Impertinent little brat.”
“Take the pills, Grams.”
She scowled, but took the pills without further argument. Ten minutes later, she was all sunshine and light.
“I’m sorry I called you an impertinent brat,” she said. “You know I love you best.”
I smiled. “I know, Grams. It’s okay. I’m going to walk Dad out, then you and I are going to watch a sappy movie.”
“Okay, sweetpea.”
Dad kissed his mother, then we walked to the front door. “I’ll be here at seven,” he said.
“So early?”
“Figured I’d bring you breakfast so you’d have time to get ready for work.”
Well, that was sweet. I internally sighed. I didn’t want him to be sweet. “Okay, sounds good.”
He smiled, and I could tell he wanted to say more… or, God forbid, hug me… but instead, he walked out the front door and climbed into his car.
I locked up and headed back to the family room to find my grandmother snoring, so I grabbed a blanket and settled it over her, then grabbed my phone and headed to my room.
Flea answered on the first ring. “Hey, baby, how’s your grandmother?”
“She’s drugged up nicely and snoring in the family room.”
“Your dad still there?”
“No. But he’s going to be back early tomorrow, so I can come to work.”
“Want me to pick you up?”
“If you want to.”
“Yeah. I want to.”
“That’d be awesome.” I smiled. “Especially, if we can find a minute for a quickie.”
“Fuck, Grace, you really puttin’ that image in my head when I can’t do anything about it?”
I bit my lip. “I’ll wear a skirt.”
He hissed, and I could stop a smile. I like that I could affect him this way.
“I’ll stop,” I said, and he groaned.
“You’re gonna pay for that,” he warned.
“Will I like it?”
“Fuck me, Grace,” he growled. “Swear to Christ, I’m about to come up there and show you if you’ll like it.”
“Grams is a really deep sleeper…”
“You serious?”
“No.” I sighed. “I mean, yes, but it’s probably not a good idea. I love that you’re willing to drive all the way up here, though.”
“Tomorrow.”
“Yes, tomorrow. I would appreciate that very much.”
“If you have a nightmare tonight, you call me.”
“I’m not waking―”
“Baby. Don’t argue with me. It won’t go well for you. Just call me if you have a nightmare.”
“So, so bossy.”
“Haven’t even scratched that surface, Grace.”
I grinned. “I have a feeling it’ll be like a scratch-off lottery ticket.”
“As long as it’s not a scratch-off smelly thing.”
I giggled. “I don’t know, you smell good to me, and you taste like heaven.”
“I’m gonna hang up if you keep sayin’ shit like that.”
“Grace!” Grams called.
“I should go. Grams needs me.”
“Okay, baby, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“See you then.”
I hung up and spent the rest of the evening tending to my grandmother.
* * *
The next morning, dad arrived with breakfast and I let him watch Grams while I took a shower. Flea had texted me to say he was running a little late, so I had a few extra precious moments.
Even though I worked in a garage, the idea of wearing a skirt for Flea excited me. I’d brought a long, chocolate-colored corduroy skirt with me, so I pulled that on with my brown boots and a black long-sleeved T-shirt. I might be slightly overdressed, but if it meant I could have a quickie with Flea in the parts room, it would be worth it.
Granted no one else was in the shop, of course. I didn’t think I was quite ready to deal with the fear of being caught.
I grabbed my purse and headed to the kitchen where I found Flea and my dad chatting it up. I frowned, but Flea’s smile put me at ease. “Mornin’.”
“Hi,” I said. “I thought you were running late.”
“So did I,” he said. “No traffic.”
“I haven’t eaten yet.”
“So, eat,” he retorted.
I rolled my eyes and poured a cup of coffee. I wanted a kiss. He didn’t offer one, so I went about making breakfast while he yucked it up with my dad. Grams was happy and pain free, having taken a pill before I headed into the shower, and she decided flirting with my man was her number one priority.
I dropped my dishes in the dishwasher and grabbed my bag. “Ready?”
Flea gave me a cheeky smile and raised an eyebrow. “We’re not late, Grace.”
“Well, you know what the traffic’s like. It could change on a dime. Don’t wanna get caught.”
He didn’t argue, setting his cup in the sink and holding his hand out. “I’ll drive.”
“Where’s your bike?”
“In the driveway. Figured we’d take your car so we can ride together.”
“Oh, okay. Cool.” I handed him my keys and then kissed my grandmother who appeared to be struggling to stay awake.
“Have a good day,” Dad said.
“Thanks.” I led Flea out the front door and found myself pushed up against my car and kissed rather thoroughly.
“Hi,” he whispered, kissing me again.
“Hi,” I said.
“I didn’t get a phone call in the middle of the night. Was that because you didn’t have a nightmare?”
“Yes. It was a dream free night,” I said. “Did you enjoy flirting with my dad and Grams?”
He chuckled. “Had a feelin’ that pissed you off a little.”
“It’s fine,” I lied.
“Your Grams is the shit, by the way.”
“Oh, I know,” I said. “She’s my favorite person on earth.”
“I thought I was.”
“Oh, you were, until you cozied up to my dad.” I was only partially joking.
He dropped his head back and laughed. “You’re fuckin’ cute, you know that?”
“Good you think so. I’m not wearing panties. Shall we go?”
His quiet hiss indicated my little bomb had hit its target and I grinned as I climbed into my car.
“You really not wearin’ panties?” he asked as we headed toward the freeway.
“No. I mean, I’m wearing them, because, gross. But I’d like you to take them off. Soon.”
“Gonna take care of that,” he promised.
I squirmed in my seat. “That’d be good.”
Flea cleared his throat and focused back on the road. We pulled up to the shop twenty minutes early and Flea dragged me through the customer service area, locking the door behind us, and leading me back to the parts room.
Once inside, Flea covered my mouth with his, his hand to my face, guiding me backwards toward a row of parts tables lined up against the back wall.
“Careful,” he said, attempting to guide me around something as we walked, continuing to kiss me. Despite his warning, I managed to bump my elbow on the corner of something very hard and sharp; not surprising, given our surroundings.
“Shit!” I cried out, breaking away from Flea’s delicious lips.
“Did you hit the cherry picker?” Flea asked, and I looked over to see a large car part of some sort, hanging by a chain on a large metal stand.
“I don’t know. Is that what that’s called?” I asked, pointing to the object. Flea burst out laughing, killing what little was left of my lady boner. I’ll give him this, he correctly read the expression on my face and stopped laughing, gently taking my elbow in his hands.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to laugh. Are you okay?” he asked, still smiling slightly.
“No, my elbow hurts, and you think I’m stupid,” I said, irritated and in pain.
“Stupid? When did I call you stupid?” he asked, but I said nothing, and pulled my arm away.
“C’mon, don’t do that,” Flea said. “I only laughed because you’ve been working here for over two weeks, and you still don’t know the difference between a V-twin motorcycle engine, and the hoist that’s holding it up.”
“See? You think I’m stupid,” I ground out.
“No, I think you’re smart, beautiful, funny, and that your sexy ass doesn’t know the difference between a spark plug and a butt plug.” He smiled.
I burst out laughing. I couldn’t help it. As much as I wanted to be mad at Flea, he was right. He took my hand and kissed it, working his way gently all the way up to my throbbing elbow where he placed one final kiss.
“Is that better?” he asked.
“Getting there,” I replied. “But I still don’t get what you boys see in all this metal junk that gets you so excited.”
“Metal junk?” Flea exclaimed. “Baby, next to you, this Harley V-twin engine is the sexiest thing on the planet. In fact, both of you in the same room is almost more than I can handle.”
“You’re comparing me to an engine?” I protested playfully.
“An engine is very sexy when you think about it.”
“How’s that?” I asked.
“Lemme show you,” he said, guiding my hands to the chrome beast hanging from the heavy chain. “Inside this dual-cylinder block are pistons. The pistons move in and out of the cylinders, driven by tiny explosions.” He leaned down and ran his lips over my neck.
“What c… causes the exp… losions?” I asked, finding it hard to form words, distracted by the heat of Flea’s mouth on my bare skin.
“When just the right spark meets the right amount of fuel, the piston thrusts into the cylinder, driving the crank shaft into motion. This is repeated, over and over. Thrusting in and out, explosion after explosion, until the V is purring.”
His hand moved down my neck, cupping my breast, then using his palm to rub my nipple into a hard bead. He guided me to the wall and removed his hand long enough to hike my skirt up over my hips, then his hand was between my legs and his breath whispered across my skin as he said, “Of course, friction can be a problem, causing things to overheat. That’s why lubrication is important.”
I heard the swish of tearing lace as my panties were instantly ruined, but when his thumb went to my clit, I didn’t care. His mouth left my neck and he knelt in front of me, running his tongue over my clit. As I stayed anchored to the wall, he guided one leg over his shoulder and pressed his face further into my pussy, his tongue lapping at my folds.
I gripped his head, trying to stay balanced as my hips moved of their own accord against his mouth. I let out a whimper. “Flea.”
He stood quickly, unbuttoning his jeans and dropping them to his ankles, then rolling on a condom. “Hold my shoulders, baby.”
I did as he directed and was rewarded with his cock pressing against my entrance. “Hold on.”
He thrust into me and I wrapped my legs around his waist. He gripped my thighs to keep me steady and slammed into me again and again as I tried not to scream his name. One orgasm then another rolled over me and I bit his shoulder to stay as quiet as I could. He buried himself deep and kissed me as I felt his cock pulse inside of me.
“God damn, you’re perfect,” he whispered, smiling as he kissed me again.
I slid my hands into his hair. “Back atya.”
“Gonna let you go now.”
I nodded, and he pulled out of me, holding me while I set my feet on the ground. He grabbed a wad of paper towels and took care of the condom while I caught my breath.
Snagging my panties off the floor, he shoved them in the pocket of his jeans, now pulled back over his hips. He pressed a paper towel gently against me and I frowned.
“I can’t believe you ruined yet another pair of my panties,” I complained.
He grinned. “Next time don’t wear any.”
“You’re funny,” I retorted. “Grab my purse, would you?”
He nodded and left me, returning quickly with my bag where I’d stashed a fresh pair.
“You little minx,” he said, as I shimmied them on.
I grinned. “You mean, genius.”
He kissed me, stroking my cheek. “Yes, definitely a genius.”
“Is sex always like this?” I asked, fixing my skirt.
“No.”
I frowned. “You mean it can be bad?”
“With us? No, it won’t be.”
“How can you be so sure?”
He slid his hand to my neck. “Are you really concerned?”
I bit my lip.
“What, baby?” he pressed.
“I overheard my mom and Maisie talking once. About sex. It kind of traumatized me,” I admitted. “I remember more the grossness I felt than the words, but now that I know more, a few things fell into place.”
“And…”
“Mom faked her orgasms.”
Flea dropped his head back and laughed. “How old were you?”
“Ten. I remember because it was the day before my birthday and Maisie had come over to help decorate the house.” I shuddered. “Maisie and my mom shared way too much about their sex lives.”
“I think we’re okay.”
“How do you know I haven’t faked my orgasms?”
He smiled, his eyes getting soft. “Because I know your body, Grace. Believe me, if you weren’t into it, I’d know.”
“What makes you so special?”
“You do,” he said. “My whole being wants to make you feel good, so I know when you’re slightly off center, emotionally, sexually, whatever.”
I looped my arms around his neck and stood on my tiptoes to kiss him gently. “I like that, honey.”
“On the flipside of that, though. If you’re not feelin’ it, you tell me. Don’t fake anything, okay?”
“I promise.”
He smiled, kissing me again, then giving me a gentle squeeze. “You ready to open the shop?”
I nodded and we went about our day.