SURPRISE
Trey
THE LOW BUZZ echoes off the concrete walls as the Camaro rises before me. When the hydraulic lift jolts to a stop, the garage is silent again. I like this quiet solitude, especially today. My mood is already piss poor and the sun is barely visible over the horizon. It’s a welcome reprieve that no one is here yet. I don’t need more reminders of what used to be.
Flashes of wrapped presents and cheerful singing threaten to crack my concentration, but I force them back. Those memories belong in the past, as in ancient history. Grabbing a wrench and a ratchet, my focus locks on the job.
Just as I’m loosening the drainage plug, Jack strolls in and ruins all my intentions.
“Hey, birthday boy. What the hell are you doing?”
I roll my eyes. “What does it look like?”
“You’re not supposed to be working. I told you to do something fun to celebrate,” he says while stepping under the car with me.
“I’m having a blast. Can’t you tell?”
“Always a smartass.”
“That’s what you love most about me.”
“Well, hurry up with that oil change. I’m taking you to breakfast.”
I rub my forehead, feeling grease smear all over. “Thanks for the offer, but I’m not going. There’s plenty to do here.”
Jack tosses me a rag. “Not taking no for an answer. You can spare an hour or two. I’ll even let you pick the place.” He’s more stubborn than me so arguing is worthless. Doesn’t stop me from trying.
“Wow, thanks. Still gonna pass.”
“Too damn bad. Your grumpy ass is getting fed.”
“You’re so damn kind,” I gripe sarcastically.
“Only a few times a year, kid. Don’t waste it.”
I turn back to my tools and get going on completing the job. “Fine. We can go to Mel’s after this is done.”
Jack claps. “That’s the spirit. I appreciate your enthusiasm.”
“Your sarcasm sucks.”
He rubs his nose with his middle finger. “Meet me outside. I’ll be your personal chauffeur for the morning. Consider it part of your birthday gift.”
I laugh at that. “You never buy me anything. Don’t bother pretending.”
“If you weren’t such a shit about it, I’d get you all sorts of stuff.”
“What a crock,” I mumble.
“Aww, don’t be a spoilsport. I’ve been extra creative this year. You’ll be thanking me later, guaranteed.” Jacks wags his brows.
My gut clenches when I think of the horrible possibilities. “Please don’t tell me you planned a party or something stupid like that.”
“Ha, I know you better than that. This is something you’ll actually enjoy.”
I scratch my head absently. “It makes me nervous when you’re secretive.”
Jack backs away, giving me a thumbs-up. “That’s the entire point. Now get your ass moving. I’m hungry.”
It doesn’t take long for me to finish the Camaro and clean myself up enough to be considered presentable. I stride out to Jack’s truck and get situated in the passenger seat without a word. He pulls out of the lot with a shit-eating grin, which increases my suspicion about this entire outing. I stare out the window in an attempt to remove the boulder off my chest. It doesn’t work, at all.
“What the hell do you have planned?” I ask after several minutes of silence.
He gives me a few side-eye glances before saying, “Not sure why you’ve always gotta ruin my fun.”
“How is this fun for you?”
“Watching you squirm? It’s one of my favorite hobbies.”
I slouch deeper into the leather. “Not gonna tell me, are you?”
Jack purses his lips. “Not a chance, so stop obsessing about it.”
“I do not have the patience for this,” I say while glaring at the ceiling.
“What’s got your balls in a twist?”
“Everything. It’s just a bad day.”
He reaches over to rub my shoulder. “They’d love to be here for you. Birthdays were always special at your house.”
Fuck, how does he know me so well? I scrub down my face and curse loudly.
Jack sighs and says, “You can always talk to me, kid. I’m here for you, especially for these occasions.”
I nod, a bit of the tension easing away. “Thanks, man. I appreciate it.”
There’s no way I’m telling him the extent of what’s mixing me up. I’ve been thinking about my family more than usual since Raven told me about her dad. The shit with her mom is screwed up too. After she shared all that with me, I wasn’t sure how to act. I sure as shit didn’t handle the situation well, playing it off like we should just fuck again. It’s been almost a week, and we haven’t talked. I’m not sure what the hell to do . . . about anything.
Jack continues reading my mind when he suddenly asks, “How’s your girlfriend?”
I cough into my fist until the shock wears off. “Excuse me?” I croak.
He chuckles. “Can’t fool me, kid. You’ve been seeing that pretty blonde baker a lot.”
“Don’t know what you’re talking about.” I would hardly classify my time spent with Raven as a lot.
We’re pulling up to the diner as he says, “Heard Dylan Porter was showing interest in her but you slammed the brakes on that.”
“Ah, hell. Seriously? Where’d you hear that crap?” I question, true as it might be.
Jack shrugs before getting out of the truck. When I get around the hood, he simply tells me, “There’s some buzz in town about you two.”
I snort. “Are you a permanent member of the gossip gals now? That’s cute.”
“Jealous?” he retorts. “They’re a great group of ladies. If Marlene was thirty years younger, I’d be all over it.”
Bile rushes up my throat. “You’re gross. She’s like a pesky grandma.”
Jack’s torso shakes with a hearty cackle. “Oh, kid. Your face is priceless.”
“Such a dick,” I say.
“Gotta keep your ass in line.”
“The hell you barking about?”
“You need to lighten up. All gloom and doom. Pay attention to what’s happening around Garden Grove. It’ll improve your mood.”
“Fuck that noise. I have no desire to get involved. Plus, you’re doing a fine job filling me in for whatever dumb reason.”
“Ah, touché.”
He slaps my back as the hostess shows us to a table. After we’re seated, Jack leans back and smiles. “Does blondie know it’s your birthday?”
I open the menu while muttering, “No. And I prefer to keep it that way.”
He hums, rubbing his chin. “Interesting.”
“Why is that? I don’t like making a big deal about it.”
“What?” He laughs. “You don’t want a little something extra from her? Girls love an excuse to party.”
“It’s all good. I haven’t spoken to her in nearly a week. Not sure Raven cares about celebrating with me.”
“Couldn’t be further from the truth,” Jack mumbles under his breath while looking away.
I lean closer. “What was that?”
He faces me with a smirk as the server comes over. “Nothing. Never mind me. Whatcha getting to eat?”
After ordering, we spend the rest of our meal talking about nothing of importance. The space between us is filled with nonsense banter like usual. It’s comforting and relaxing and makes me glad we did this. I tell him as much on the drive back to Jacked Up.
“Happy to force you out. Everyone needs a good breakfast on their birthday,” he responds with a wink. “Cake too, but that’s not my department.”
It’s Raven’s, but I don’t say that. Instead I tell him, “An omelet was plenty. I don’t need anything else.” Especially when the only dessert I crave is served off a sexy princess.
A warm sensation creeps up my neck as we pass Jitters. My thoughts venture to the beautiful blonde baker, and I wonder what she’s doing. Maybe I’ll text her later.
“Any plans tonight?” Jack asks when we arrive at the garage.
I shake my head. “Nah. I’ll see if anyone wants to grab a few beers.”
He parks in front of the lobby but leaves the truck idling.
“Aren’t you coming in?” I ask.
“Negative. Got some, uh, errands to run,” he says while peering out the window, very obviously avoiding eye contact.
I scowl at him. “Don’t you have a full day of repairs?”
“Meh, I’ll get it done later.”
“You’re meeting up with a woman, aren’t you?”
Jack hoots and smacks his palms together. “Yes! That’s exactly what I’m doing.”
I stare at him silently, assessing his behavior, but decide to brush it off. “All right. Whatever, man. Guess I’ll see you whenever.”
“Yup. Shouldn’t take more than a few hours. You won’t miss me.”
I roll my eyes, done with this strange conversation. “Uh huh, sure.” When I hop out of the cab, dense moisture from the humidity soaks into my arms. The temperature is already out of control, and it’s not even noon. I salute Jack as he drives away before heading inside. I find the shop is empty, which really doesn’t make any sense. Shane and Marcus should definitely be here by now. Fucking slackers.
Whatever. I’m not their boss. Jack is off fucking around so maybe they’re on the same page.
Suits me fine.
I’m starting on the next car in my lineup when the entrance bell chimes. About damn time someone else shows up for work. I don’t step away from the engine, not planning to pay them much mind.
“Well, hello there.”
I whip around so quickly, my head almost slams into the hood. My eyes bulge when landing on Raven. “Jesus, Princess. You trying to kill me?”
She struts into the shop like a sex goddess. “Why would I want to do that?” Her voice is a seductive purr.
“I’m not sure, but you’re a damn fine sight.” And I’m not lying. Raven clearly came here with the intention of getting filthy.
I eat her up, savoring every piece like a buffet of delicacies. Raven’s long hair is piled up in a messy bun, like a sassy golden halo. Those sinful lips are coated with bright red lipstick that’s begging to be smeared off. She smiles sweetly when my eyes linger on her mouth, and I hold back a moan. Her taut stomach is exposed thanks to a tiny crop-top. And Lord have mercy, she’s wearing cut-offs so short they should be illegal. Thinking about guys catching a glimpse of her ass has my blood boiling.
“You like?” she asks while spinning in a slow circle.
“So much,” I tell her honestly.
“Mission accomplished.”
“I’m impressed, Princess. This is the best surprise I’ve ever received,” I say.
My visual foreplay ends at Raven’s feet. Her murder-provoking outfit ends with a shiny pair of black high-heels. My cock twitches while picturing the spikes digging into me while I’m pounding into her.
Talk about walking temptation.
I’m so hard, my dick could jack up this vehicle. All brain functioning is focusing on bare skin so I barely notice what she’s balancing on her hand. By sheer force, I bring my eyes to hers. Raven’s expression is straight sex shooting into me.
“Whatcha got there?” I manage to choke out while gesturing to the pink box.
“Your birthday cake.” Her tongue peeks out, and I groan.
“You baked for me?”
Raven nods. “Sure did. Jack made the order earlier this week. Told me to bring it by today.”
“Sneaky bastard,” I mutter while moving closer to her. “I’ll need to send him a thank-you card.”
“You definitely owe him. I don’t do deliveries for just anyone.”
“Glad you made an exception,” I say while creeping into her personal space. “Haven’t heard from you, Princess. Figured you were done with me.”
Raven shrugs. “My phone stayed silent too. Goes both ways, Trey.”
“I’ll make up for staying away too long. Way, way too long.”
She sets the cake down before running her palms up my chest. “I’m here now.”
“You certainly are.” My fingers dig into her hips before roaming down.
Raven tugs on my shirt, drawing me in. “You might be my favorite thing about Garden Grove,” she whispers against my lips.
I chuckle, the sound turning into a dry rasp as she presses against me. “Princess, that means you haven’t seen enough of this town. I’ll show you more when we’re done here.”
“Oooh, a private tour?”
“Very private,” I say before kissing up her throat. Raven’s intoxicating perfume calls to me, like always. The sweet flowers permeate the oil and grease, mixing together in harmony.
She bows into my touch and murmurs, “Ready for your gift?”
I grind against her. “Never been more excited in my life.”
In the next breath, I’ve got Raven hoisted up on the car’s trunk. I wedge between her spread thighs, my hands skating up the smooth skin. Grease smears with every stroke of my palms. I never thought motor oil could be sexy, but Raven makes anything possible.
“You’re filthy,” I murmur against her parted lips.
Her tongue peeks out, almost licking me. “You’ve made me this way.”
She breaks away, only to devour me with her hungry eyes. Her fingers reach for the zipper of my coveralls, pulling it down painfully slow. Raven leans in and whispers across my jaw, “Happy birthday.”