Chapter 8
Olivia
When Brad gave me that offer, I didn’t know what to think. He was essentially offering to trade sex for repairs. It was illegal. It wasn’t right. Morally, it was reprehensible and yet I couldn’t help but consider it.
As our eyes met, I lost myself in the blue depths. It didn’t take long for desire to pool between my legs. I remembered what it felt like to be with him, to let him take control of my body and slam into me with wild, passionate force. Just the memory was enough to send shock waves shooting down my spine. The orgasms Brad gave me were more intense than any I’d felt before. He knew things about my body that men I’d been with for months couldn’t figure out. It was crazy to even consider his offer but there I was, doing it.
My arousal was undeniable. Besides, I would find a way to pay him back eventually. I’d get a job to at least cover the cost of parts. What harm would it do to have some fun in the meantime? If Brad was willing to work for nothing more than a few nights of fun, was I really going to turn him down?
A voice in my head screamed at me to walk away, to leave the garage and never look back. But a louder voice took over. My eyes found Brad’s face again, and I felt myself tremble. I wanted him. God, I wanted him. If he grabbed me right then and threw me against my Jeep, I would have gladly participated in yet another round of mind-blowing sex.
I could already feel his fingers hiking up my skirt and tearing my panties from my body. His cock would feel so fucking amazing inside of me, of that I was sure. My face grew hot as my fantasy continued, and soon I knew I wouldn’t be able to resist my urges. If I didn’t get out of there soon, I would never leave.
“So,” Brad said. “What do you think? I won’t be offended either way.”
“Yes,” I said. “Yes.”
“Really?” Brad asked, his eyebrows raising and surprise crossing his face. I could tell he never imagined I would say yes.
“Why not?” I asked. “We’re obviously attracted to each other…”
“That we are,” Brad said, his eyes trailing down my body.
“So, why fight it?” I asked.
“Exactly.” Brad grinned, and I found myself grinning back. “Well, I have to get to work but…”
“Tonight?” I asked. “Come by the hotel?”
“Sure.” Brad nodded.
With one last hungry look, I spun around to leave. I could feel Brad’s eyes on me as I disappeared around the corner. I didn’t know where I would go, but I knew I couldn’t hang around the shop all day. Brad had to work, and if I stayed, I’d be a distraction. I could tell he was already itching to take me.
As I walked toward my hotel, I took deep breaths. My desire for Brad was out of control. I’d never felt so physically drawn to someone before. It wasn’t just about his body. It was everything. The way he looked at me, the way he touched me, the sound of his voice. Just being near him was an erotic experience that left me craving more.
It took me a few minutes to calm down. I didn’t agree to Brad’s offer because of my Jeep. I agreed because I wanted him. God, I wanted him. I would have given almost anything to feel that kind of pleasure again. The closer I got to the hotel, the wider my smile became. Tonight, in just a few hours, I would have Brad all to myself again. That thought was enough to make my skin flush.
I was almost to the hotel when I decided to keep walking. Moving was good for me. It kept my mind focused on something other than my fantasies. As I walked, I slowly came back to myself. I thought about what I would do with my time now that I was stuck in town for a while. There wasn’t much to do, from what I’d seen, but I hoped I could find a job. I thought about the diner where I ate breakfast on Saturday morning. Were they hiring? Would they let me pick up a few waitressing shifts?
The idea seemed like a good one, so I decided to stop by the diner and check it out. On my way, I saw a shop that made me freeze. I hadn’t seen it before, and when I did, I thought for sure I was hallucinating. There was a small art gallery tucked away just off the road. I blinked and slowly made my way toward the front door.
I was shocked to see an art gallery in this town. We weren’t far from Santa Fe, but still, I never imagined finding something like this anywhere around here. When I pushed open the front door, a bell chimed loudly above my head. I jumped but quickly recovered as I took in the art all around me.
The walls were covered with painting and platforms stood in the middle of the room, each supporting a different sculpture. The art itself was magnificent. In the far corner were photographs that were so beautiful, I felt tears rise behind my eyes. Not only was I surprised to find this place, I was shocked by how talented the artists were.
“Can I help you find something?” a voice said from behind me. I spun around to see an older woman smiling at me. She had dark hair that was streaked with gray. Her eyes were kind as she took in my appearance. “Not from around here, I see.”
“No,” I said, shaking my head. “Just passing through.”
“From?” the woman asked.
“New York,” I said. “My car broke down.”
“Where you headed?” she asked.
“Not sure,” I said. “Kind of anywhere. For now, I’ll be hanging around here.”
She nodded and looked me up and down. Her eyes fell on my bag, which I was thrown over my shoulder. It was full of my art supplies and sketchbook. I brought it along today in case I found something worth sketching.
“I’m surprised to see an art gallery around here,” I said. “Do you get many people?”
“People come in from the city,” she said. “My stuff is pretty good. It draws them in.”
“Pretty good?” I asked with a soft laugh. “Are you kidding? These are amazing.”
“You an artist?” she asked.
“Kind of,” I said. “I’ve been painting for years, but it’s not a career or anything.”
“And why not?” she asked.
I shrugged. “I don’t know,” I said. “I guess I’m just…”
“Waiting to take the plunge,” she finished for me.
“Yeah, something like that.”
She eyed me closely for another second, then waved me over. She motioned toward my bag.
“Let me see,” she said.
I hesitated but pulled my sketchbook from my bag. Slowly, the woman took it from my shaking hands and flipped it open. Her eyes were narrowed as she took in each sketch. I watched her closely, trying to decipher her opinion. When she finally looked up at me, it was with a stern consideration I’d only seen from art teachers.
“You looking for work?” she asked.
“Actually, yes,” I said. “I’ll be stuck here for a while, and I was hoping to find a part-time job to cover my expenses while I’m here.”
“What’s your name?” she asked.
“Olivia Storm,” I said.
“Well, Olivia, I’m Carla Smith. Come back tomorrow morning. You’re hired,” she said.
“Really?” I asked, my eyes flying wide.
Carla nodded. “Bring the rest of your portfolio. I want to take a look. Maybe we can show some of your stuff. If you’re interested, that is.”
“Of course!” I said, excitement flooding my veins. “That would be incredible!”
“Great,” Carla said. “I’ll see you tomorrow, then.”
“I’ll be here.” I smiled and bounced toward the door.
My body felt light as I hurried back to my hotel. When I thought about getting a part-time job, I never imagined I would find an art gallery. My luck was beginning to turn around. I was grinning from ear to ear as I hurried up the stairs and threw open the door to my room.
Hurling myself inside, I gathered my portfolio together so it would be ready for tomorrow. Then I jumped in the shower to get ready for my night with Brad. Not only did I have a sexy guy to spend time with but I now had a job at an art gallery where, if I was lucky, my work would be shown.
When my Jeep broke down, I thought my road trip was over. I felt hopeless and lost, but after meeting Carla, I felt like I’d finally done something right. Maybe this small town on the outskirts of Santa Fe was exactly where I was meant to be.