CHAPTER THREE - SARAH
I stood there feeling like an idiot with my oven door handle in my hand, trying hard not to burst into tears. At least there wasn’t anything inside and I didn’t have to pry the thing open from the top.
As if things couldn’t get any worse, my hot next door neighbor was there to witness the whole thing. As if I wasn’t already sweating bullets from all the pressure of my grand opening, his deep gaze on me this whole time had my cheeks blazing. He had the
Next, I heard my damned front door bells chimed out as three new customers came piling in. I’d had no time to fix anything just yet and regretted buying third generation ovens from the used supply store.
I hurried out to tend to my customers leaving Hunter Miller standing in my kitchen and by the time I rang up the last person’s order, he was gone. I could only imagine he thought I was a complete loser. It was better this way. It wasn’t like I had time for another bad boy in my life. The minute he walked in my heart had been racing and my head had been telling me ‘no’.
He was tall with broad shoulders and the kind of muscles men get from hard work and sweat. His eyes were a piercing blue. I’d noticed them right away because they were so stunning that anyone would be captivated by them. Maybe it was the way they contrasted off his dark hair and beard which were both trimmed short.
He was just the kind I fell for, so I breathed a sigh of relief that he was gone.
A moment later, when I’d gone back into the kitchen to try and figure out my oven issues, I heard the bells chime and wondered for a moment if I should think of a better warning system. I walked out to find Hunter standing on the other side of the counter with a tool box in hand.
He shifted on his feet and held up the red metal box. “I thought I could lend a hand with that door. It should be an easy fix.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“Well, I’m already here and unless you’ve got a tool box disguised as a pie somewhere in here, what are your other options?” His smile was warm and friendly so I let out a long breath and nodded.
“Sure, I’d appreciate it, as long as it’s no trouble. I would hate to take you from your work.” Surely he had some kind project or repair he was doing next door.
“Monk can cover the shop for a minute. I told him what’s up.” He walked around the counter and then back into the kitchen where he opened the oven which had now cooled down enough to work on.
“Are you going to need anything?” I should have been doing more than standing around staring, but I didn’t want to get in his way.
“Nothing that’s not in this box.” He gestured toward it, seeming more than capable. I wondered what else he could do with his hands - and scolded myself for the thought.
As he tinkered I watched, not missing a moment of his flexing muscles or the focused expression on his face. And then he opened the box and started work as I went out to wait on my next customer.
There was a good influx of customers so it was about twenty minutes before I could check on him again. When I returned he was opening and closing the oven to see his handiwork.
“You’re already done?” The door looked good as new or at least as good as used, like I’d bought it. I was beyond impressed. Again, the thought of what else he could do with his broad hands overcame me.
Don’t be stupid, Sarah. Screw your next door neighbor and you’ll definitely screw things up for yourself.
He turned, flashing me a smile as he bent down to close his toolbox. “I told you it was an easy fix. I had to take off the front panel, but it’s all back in place, even tighter than before.”
“It’s such a relief. Every time I get one thing done, something else falls apart.” I’d made it through the weekend with the inspector and that was after the busiest Saturday of my life. Luckily I knew how to bake in bulk.
He laughed and the sound was sexy too.
Damn this man.
He was delicious.
Then he stepped forward and brushed my cheek. For a moment, my heart stopped. “You had a little powdered sugar there, sorry.”
“Oh, yeah I’m always covered in powdered sugar, batter, or something sticky.” I realized how suggestive that was and felt my cheeks flush. “It’s a messy job.”
“I bet.” He gave me a wink. “I was wondering, I have a few things to do today and tomorrow, but maybe you’d like to go out after work one day and have a drink, say. . . Wednesday?”
The invitation caught me by surprise and though my hormones where saying yes, I had to refuse. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.” I hated turning him down considering he’d fixed my oven, but if he did it on the chance I’d say yes, he wasted his own time.
“Are you in a relationship?” Apparently, he didn’t seem to think it possible someone might not want to date him for any other reason.
Sexy and that confidence. I’ll really have to keep my distance from this one.
“Well, no actually. Not for some time now and I don’t want one.” The look on his face, the way his brows turned quizzical told me that he wasn’t either and he might think I’m jumping to major conclusions.
He shrugged. “Had to try, but hey, the offer stands, if you decide otherwise.”
The sentiment was friendly and genuine so I hated to be so short with him. “I appreciate that and I’ll keep it in mind. It was nice to meet you and I appreciate your help.” He gave me another reassuring grin and then headed out; the abruptness of his leaving had me wondering if I’d been rude.
It wasn’t like he could just waltz in and fix something and earn my time, though there wasn’t anyone else wanting to spend time with me. Angie had her own life with Barney, and even if she could ditch him to make time for the two of us, her companionship wasn’t comparable.
As I watched him go I took a deep, calming breath. He’d gotten me so worked up and I knew it was time to shake him off and go back to work, but it was hard. I kept imagining what it would be like to kiss him or better yet, be beneath him or on top of him.
Geez woman. Stop it right now Sarah.
He’s a bad idea, and at one point in my life I liked bad ideas. I lived for them. I enjoyed getting into trouble and having no worries. Now, I knew where that would leave me: Heart broken and broke. Not again.
I waited on my next customer and felt good knowing that the day had seemed successful with many of my new customers happy that I was open.
I knew every time I opened that oven I was going to see those eyes of his. He seemed like a nice guy, totally my type, but that was the problem. I kept reminding myself of my promise and why I’d made it.
That type was all the same, never wanting to grow up and be responsible. They were only concerned about their toys and I’d come in second to a motorcycle once already. The damned thing had almost ruined me. I’d been so foolish to buy the bike for him, but his own credit hadn’t been good enough. Now I knew why. He’d blamed it on his ex, so I guess he figured he’d pass along the misfortune.
I had been burned enough times. I was disillusioned by what I thought was love before, and my heart couldn’t take more ache. This was a new chapter for me, and this time I wouldn’t let myself fall hard for someone until I knew who they really were.
There was one final thought that entered my mind as I whipped down the counters - could I have the best of both worlds and avoid getting into a relationship with someone and still enjoy their physical company?