HER MECHANIC BEAR MATE
CRESCENT LAKE BEARS #3
ARIZONA TAPE
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter15
Epilogue
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HerMechanicBearMate is a work of fiction Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental Individuals depicted in the images are models and used solely for illustrative purposes.
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BLURB
BearshifterandmechanicCharlielovesherjobatthegarage.Sheneverthoughtitcouldgetanybetteruntilshemeetsher boss’sdaughter,thegorgeousEveArtos.Asifthatwasn’tenoughreasontostayawayfromher,Eveisalsoherbestfriend’s sister.Forbidden?Yes.Tempting?Evenmoreyes.
WhenestateagentEveismaderedundant,sheacceptsatemporaryjobofferfromherdadtoworkatthefamilygarage.There shemeetshandsomeCharliewhoputsallherself-controltothetest.
Thetwowomendotheirbesttostayawayfromeachotherbutfatehasanotheridea.However,whathappensnextisupto them.
Her Mechanic Bear Mate is a fated mate paranormal romance with a bear shifter and a workplace romance between her and the forbidden sister of her best friend. It's part of the Crescent Lake Bears series but can be read entirely as a standalone
CHARLIE
CHARLIE GROANED asshetightenedthelastlugnutonthewheel,themusclesinherarmprotestingslightlyfromtheeffort.When shewassatisfiedthatitwasastightasitcouldgo,shegotupfromhercrouchedpositiontoadmireherhandiwork.Changing tyresintotheirwintervarietywasabitofaboringjobbutatypicaloneasthecoldermonthscamearound.
ShewipedhergreasyhandsonapieceofragandgavetheSuzukiAltoapatonthebonnet."Andyou'realldone."
Theclatterofametaltoolhittingthegroundsoundedbehindherandsheturnedinthedirectionofthesound.
“Youfuckingpieceofshit”Jackthrewaragthroughthegarageandkickedanearbytyre Amildoverreaction "Youalrightthere?"shecalledinconcern
Hegaveherathumbs-up "Yeah,fine Myhandsarejustabitshakytoday Ithinkmybloodsugarisabitlow Ionlyhada coldburgerforbreakfastfromyesterday’stakeaway.”
“Nowonderyourbloodsugarisallovertheplacethen,”Charliesaid.“Youshouldeatapropermeal.”
“Yes, yes, spare me the lecture. Canyougive me a hand withthis cap? Idon'tknow who screwed itonbutit's wound tighterthanmymumduringtheholidays Andshegetsstressed”
Charlieleanedundertheproppedupbonnetandclampedherhandaroundthecap Itprotestedslightlybutcameoffwitha squeak.
ShehelditouttoJackwithagrin.Shedidn'tneedwords,hertriumphspokeforitself.
“Iclearlypre-looseneditforyou,”Jackgrumbledashesnatchedthecapup. “Sureyoudid.”
“Ireallydid,”Jacksaidashekickedhistoolstowardsthetoolbox,moreorlessgettingthemoutoftheway. HisreactionsurprisedCharlieandshestudiedherfriend.Heseemedworkedupbeyondjustlowbloodsugar.“Youokay there?Youseemangry”
“Yeah, I’m fine It’s just one of those days I slept badly, my back is hurting” Jack paused for a moment, his voice lowering.“AndIhavetohavedinnerwithmyparentsandEveiscoming.”
UnderstandingfilledCharlie.“Ahh,Isee.”
“It’sjustgoingtobeawholenightof‘perfectlittleEve’and‘whycan’tyoubemorelikeEve’and‘lookathowamazing Eveis’,”Jackranted,hisgazetravellingtowardstheglassofficewherehisdadwasworkingbehindthecomputer
“WanttogetsomedrinksatTheBarrelAndTheBearafterwardsthen?YoucanventallyouwantaboutyoursisterandI canseeifthatcutebartenderwillfinallygohomewithme”
“Soundsgood,Iguess”Jackstaredatthecarhewasworkingonandsighed “I’mgoingtotakemybreakandgetmyselfa snackfromthecornershop.”
“Goodidea,maybethat’llcheeryouup.Ifnot,whoknows,maybetheredheadyou’vebeenchattinguplikessadguys.”
ApropergrinbrokethroughonJack’sfaceandhetossedaragherway.“You’resuchatwat.”
“I know,” Charlie returned, glad she’d managed to make her friend smile. Over the years, she’d heard plentyabout his goldensisteranditwaseasytoseewhyhewasupset.Whenevershereturned,itwaslikehisparentsforgotabouthisexistence andhardworkentirely.
Itcertainlymadehergladtobeanonlychild.
EVE CARRIED thecasserolewithcauliflowercheesetothetableandsetitdownonthedesignatedplacematnexttothegravy.
Hermotherangledherwheelchairtowardsthekitchen.“Ismellburning!”
"Mum,relax Dadisdoingagoodjobinthere,"Evesaidasshesatdowntoo
"I'mjustworried He'sneverbeenthebestcook,"hermumsaid,hergazeflittingtothekitchenagain "Honey!Don'tforget toturnthehoboff!Andtheoven!"
HerbrotherJackcameoutwithanenameltrayinfloweryovenmittsandplaceditdownnexttothebeans."Therewego, that'stheham DadisbringingthepotatoesandYorkshirepuddings"
"Looks good," Eve commented, her stomachrumblingfromthe delicious smells She didn't cooknearlyas muchas she wantedtobutwhenshedid,itneverlookedthisgood.Oneoftheperksoffamilydinner.
Herdademergedfromthekitchenwithatriumphantgrin.Hecarriedtherestofthemealtothetablelikeavictorreturning withspoilsandsetitdownwithflair "Tadaa NowisthataproperSundayroastorwhat?Goon,digin"
Eve didn't need tellingtwice She eagerly picked a golden-brown Yorkshire pudding fromthe plate and dug a serving spoonintothecauliflowercheese.Steamroseupfromthewhitesauceandstringsofmeltedcheesefollowedthespoontoher plate
Acrossthetable,Jackhelpedhimselftoahealthyservingofham
"You'remakingamess,Jack,"hermumchided "Bringyourplatecloser" “Sorry,Mum,”hemutteredashedouseditinextrahoneybeforepassingthebottletotheirdad
Evegotherselfhamonceherbrotherwasdonewiththeforkandloadedherplatewithgoldenpotatoes Shesmotheredit allwithgravy,smilingatthelumpsinit.Ofallthethingsherdadstruggledwith.
"Thisisnice,havingthewholefamilyhere,"hermumsaidasshereachedforsomecarrots."Evie,how’swork?Yousolda lotofhousesrecently?”
Eve’sgoodmoodplummetedinstantly Sheconsideredlyingbutthatwoulddohernogood
Withasigh,sheputher cutlerydown “It’s,ummm Actually,it’s notgoingsogreat There was some reshufflingatmy firmandwell,Iwasmaderedundant.”
There.Nowthebandaidwasoff.
SheexpecteddisappointmentfromherMumandperhapsalecturefromherDad.Instead,theyexchangedacompassionate
glancewitheachother.
“That’srough,Evie,”hermumsaid.“I’msureyou’llfindanotherjobsoon.You’regreatatwhatyoudo.”
Her dadnodded.“Youshouldcomeworkatthegaragewhileyousearchfor anew job.Wecouldusetheextrahelpand thenyouwon’thaveagapinyourresumé”
Eve didn’tparticularlywantto workatthe familybusiness butwiththe loss ofher job, she didn’treallyhave a choice Rentandbillsstillneededtobepaid.
Shegaveherdadasmile.“Thanks,Dad.Thatsoundsgoodtome.”
“Great.Ithinkyou’lllikeit.Wehavesomegreatemployees.Inparticular,Charlie.She’sagoodinfluenceonyourbrother too Lastweek,shefiguredoutwhatwaswrongwiththatToyotaCamryinminutes IthadJackstumpedforhours”
Eve smiled while she cleared her plate, somewhat bemused She should’ve known it wasn’t family dinner without the conversationdivulgingtocars.
Herdadheldupthecarvingfork.“DoesanyonewantthelastpieceofthisfantastichamthatImade?Honey?Jack?Evie? Comeon,Islavedoverthis”
Jackshookhisheadashegotup “ImadeplanswithCharliesoI’mheadingout” “You’releavingalready?”theirmumsaid,clearlydisappointed
“I’llseeyounextweek,Mum”Jackgaveherakissonthecheekandleft Notwantingtodisappoint,Eveobedientlyheldherplateout “I’llhavetheham”
“Goodgirl”Herdadpiledthelastslicesonherplate “Oh,I’mexcitedthatyou’regoingtocomeworkwithme Nowit’s aproperfamilybusiness.”
“It’llonlybeuntilI’vefoundanewjob,”Evewarned.Thereweremanyreasonswhyshehadn’tjoinedthefamilybusiness before Thefirstwasthatsheknewpracticallynothingaboutcars Thesecondwasthatshewantedtoearnherwayinlife,not justbehandedthingsonasilverplatter.
HARLIE
CHARLIE ARRIVED at the garage withher hands deep inthe pockets of her coat. It was gettingcolder and colder everyday, whichmeanttheycoulddefinitelyexpectanuptickincarrepairsfromaccidents.
Shepushedintoreception,surprisedtofindanunknownwomansittingatthefrontdesk. “Umm…Hello?”Charliesaid,confused.
Thewomanlookedupandgaveherasmilethatfeltpractisedandpolite.“Goodmorning.I’mEve.”
“Oh.You’reJack’ssister,”Charlierealised,hergazetravellingupanddownthenewcomer.Overtheyears,shehadbuilt upanimageinherheadfromallthestoriesshe’dheardaboutEvebutshewasn’tsureifthatimagematchedupwiththewoman infrontofher.
Evedidn’tlooklikeamechanic’sdaughter.Shewaspretty,tooprettyactually.Herpiercinggreyeyeshadbeenhighlighted witheyelinertomakethemstandoutandherlipsweretintedwithadarkredstain Her bluesuitlookedexpensiveandnew, whichwasverydifferentfromthecasualattireeveryoneworearoundthegarage.
Shestoodoutandnotinagoodway,Charliethought.Shecouldn’thelpbutwonderwhoEvewastryingtoimpress.
Whensherealisedshe’dbeenstaring,sheclearedherthroat.“I’mCharlie,bytheway.”
“Iassumedasmuch.Dadsaidtherewasonlyonewomanworkinghere,”Evesaidwhileshegotupfromthedesk.Sheheld outherhand,herperfectlymanicuredfingernailsrevealingshe’dlivedaverycushylifethatdidn’tinvolveanymanuallabour “Nicetomeetyou.”
“Likewise,”Charliesaiddryly,onlyshakingquickly.ShehadnopersonalissueswithEvebutherloyaltiesweredefinitely withJackwho’dsufferedalotovertheyearsfrombeingtheblacksheepinhisfamily Knowingallthat,shewasn’tgoingto buddyuptohisgoldensister.
ShecontinuedontothegaragewhereJackwasangrilytidyinghisboxoftools.
“Youalright there?” Charlie asked as she joined himonthe bench. She’d anticipated findinghimina bad state but he seemedangrierthanexpected
“Couldn’tbebetter,”Jackgrumbled,hisjawtense “Doyouknowwhatmydadsaidthismorning?”
“Tellme”
“HesaidhemightchangethenamefromArtosAutoServicestoArtos&KinAutoServices”Jacktossedhiswrenchonto thepile.“Canyoubelievethat?I’veworkedheresinceIwassixteen.Evehasn’tevenbeenhereafulldayandsuddenly,he’s
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thinkingofupdatingthename?”
Charlie’sgazewenttothereceptionwhereshecouldseeEvesittingthroughthelargewindows.“Wow,that’ssomeblatant preferentialtreatment”
“Iknow WhydoIevenbotherworkinghere?Ishouldquitandfindanothergarage” “Aw,don’tdothat I’dmissyouruglymug”
“Youcould come withme,” Jackpointed out “Iknow, youand Ishould startour owngarage We could do a good job runningittogether,couldn’twe?”
“You,me,andwhatmoney?”Charlielaughed. “Fairpoint.”
Shepattedherfriendontheshoulder.“Cheerup.Yousaidshe’sonlyhereuntilshefindsanewjob,right?Soyouonlyhave toputupwithherforalittlewhile”
Jacktippedoutthedustfromhistoolbox “Yeah,whichcan’tbesoonenough”
“Well,whateverhappens,I’minyourcorner”
“Thanks,you’reagoodfriend Let’sjusthopeshefindsajobsoonandpissesoff”
CharliefoundherselflookingatEveagain Itwasalittleironic Ifthey’dmetsomewhereelse,likeabarorpubperhaps, Charlie would’ve beenall over someone like Eve.However, seeingher all made-up and elegantlike this ina grimygarage wasabigturn-off Itwaslikeshecouldn’treadtheroomorwastryingtoohard
No,CharliedecidedshefoundEveanythingbutattractive
EVE SAT behind the onlycomputer inthe reception, a deep frownhurtingher forehead. Her dad had givenher access to the schedulebutshecouldn'tmakeheadortailsofit.Everythingwaswrittendowninshorthandwithnumbersandabbreviations thatmeantnothingtoher.
She tapped her peninfrustration. She always knew her lackofknowledge aboutcars was goingto be anissue butshe didn'tthinkitwouldcausetroubleforsomethingsobasicasbookings.Ifherdadwashere,shecould’veaskedhimforhelpbut hewasoutonatowingjob.Jackwasalsointhemiddleofsomething,plusEvedidn’tthinkhe’dbetookeenonhelpingher. Eversinceshe’dstartedhernewjobatthefamilygarage,shecouldtellherbigbrotherwasn’ttoohappywithherpresence.
Ifonlyshe knew why.Theyused to be close as childrenand Eve always thoughtthey’d grow up to be the kind ofadult siblingswhohungoutvoluntarily,notjustseeeachotheratmandatoryfamilydinners.Shecouldn’thavebeenmorewrong.
AknocksoundedandEvelookeduptofindstandingCharlieontheothersideoftheglassdoor.Despitetheapproaching winter,shewasonlywearingasweateroverhercoveralls.
Evewavedtoletherknowshecouldenter,notwantingtoleavetheotherwomanoutinthecold.
Charlie came in with rosy blushes on her cheeks. Some of her long blonde hair had escaped from underneath her backwardscapandframedherface.
It was impossible for Eve not to stare She was used to women looking very different fromCharlie, especially at her previousjob.Everyonedolleduptomakethebestimpressiononclients,onsellers,oneachother.
NotCharlie.Thegarage’sonlyfemalemechanicwasdazzlinginacasual way.Shedidn'tcareaboutformfittingclothing andinsteadofmakeup,shehadstreaksofgreaseoroilonherface
Evefoundherselfthinkingaboutwipingthemawayandquicklydroppedhergaze Thiswasnotthetime,place,orperson tobelookingatlikethat.
Charlieclearedherthroatasshepausedinfrontofthedesk.“Hi.JustbringingbackthekeystotheMercedes.I’malldone withtheMOT”
“Oh,great I’llunlockthekeyboxforyou IfIcanmakesenseofthisprogram,hangon”Evewasgladshecouldfocuson thecomputer.“Okay,you’reallset.”
“Thanks.”Charlie'svoicewaspleasantlysmooth,likeitwascoatedinhoney.
Eve watched the other womanas she wentinto the adjoiningroomto putthe keyaway. She’d heard so muchaboutthe infamousCharlie,itwasnaturalthatshewasalittleintrigued Itwasn’toftenthatherdadandherbrotheragreedonsomething,
buttheyseemedtoagreeonhowamazingCharliewas.
ItmadeEvewonderexactlywhatCharliewastoherbrother.AsattractiveasshefoundCharlie,shedidn'twanttostepon anyone’stoeswhileshewashere
“AreyouandJackdating?”sheblurtedout Alittleinelegantbutatleastshewouldn'twonderforages
AdeepsnortcamefromCharlie “MeandJack?Dating?That’shilarious No,we’refriends Why?”
“Justcurious Growingup,JackneverreallyhadanyfemalefriendssoIthoughtmaybeyoutwoweremorethanthat,”Eve said,herfaceheatingupwithherlittlewhitelie.Thatwasn'twhysheaskedatall.
“Definitelynot.Besides,we’rebothbearshifterssoevenifIwasinterested,itwouldn’twork.”
ThecommentmadeEve'seyebrowsriseininterest.Shehadn'texpectedthewomaninfrontofhertobeabearshifterorfor her to be so casual aboutit Mostshifters kepttheir identitya bitmore hidden, certainlyinthe citywhere unaware humans lived.
Eveclearedherthroat.“Isee.”
Charlienodded.“PlusIwouldn'tdateatwork.Thingscangetcomplicatedifcoworkersgetinvolved.”
“That'strue,”Evesaid.“Isawalotofthatinmylastjob.”
“Ibet.Lotsofhookingupopportunitiesinemptyhouses,huh?”Charlieguessed.
“Thatdoesn’thappenasmuchasyoumightthink.ButIwalkedinmorethanoneaffairintheoffice,”Evesaid,shuddering assherecalledtheinstances Shereallywishedshecouldburnthosefromhermemories
“Well,you’resafehere Eduardoismarried,Len’sboyfriendislongdistance,Richardisoldanddecrepit,andJackandI aresingle.Iguessyoucouldwalkinonyourdadandmum,butshedoesn’tcomehereveryoften,”Charliesaid,asmirklifting onecornerofherlips “Punnotintended”
Evemockretched “Whywouldyouevenbringthatup?”
“Sorry,thatwastooeasy”
“I’mjustgoingtopretendweneverhadthisconversation.”EvelookedupintoCharlie’sblueeyes.Shedidn’tknowwhy, buttheylookedkindandinviting.Perhapsthatwaswhyshedaredtoaskforhelp.“CanIaskyousomethingelse?Something thathopefullywon’tleadtoahorrifyingimage”
“Goon.”
Eve turned the computer screenslightly. "I’mtryingto make sense ofthe schedule for todaybutIdon'tknow anyofmy father'sshorthand.Whatdoes‘WTNissan1999’mean?"
Charlieleanedforwardonthedeskandmoreofherblondehaircascadedoutfromunderneathhercap."That'swintertyres foraNissan1999."
"Oh,Isee.”Evescribbleddownthetranslation.“Whatabout‘RWMrepplusnewWS’?"
"Rightwingmirrorrepairplusnewwindscreen,"Charliesaidsmoothly.
Evescannedtherestoftheschedule,onlyslowlymakingsenseofallthelettersandabbreviations."There'salotofwing mirrorrepairsbookedinfortoday."
"Wealwaysdolotsofthoseafteracrescentmoon" "Why?"
"Because
beforeorafterthefatedmateritual,"Charliereasoned.
Eve was impressed,notjustCharlie's abilitytounderstandher father's shorthandbutather deductions too.Itmade total sensethatexternalfactorslikeeventsorweatherinfluencedthetypeofrequesttheygotatthegarage,butshehadn'tthoughtofit beforenow.Shelikeditthough.Predictabilitywasherfriend.
"Howlongwillallofthesetake?"Evewonderedoutloud.
Athoughtful lookappearedonCharlie'sroundface."Thetyres,I’dsayaboutforty-fiveminutestoanhour soweusually countanhourandahalfforthetask Awingmirrorreplacementisaboutanhour Windscreenisanhourtoobutithastostay outofthesunforhalfanhourafterwardstoo."
Eve quicklyjotted the helpful answers downinher notebook. This was the type ofinformationshe wished her dad had embeddedinthesystembutitwaslikelysuchcommonknowledge,itdidn'twarrantwritingdown
"Thankyoufor runningthroughthis withme, you've beena greathelp Does everyone use this shorthand or is itjustmy dad?”
“Justyourdad.”
“DoesJackeverdotheschedule?”Eveasked.
Themomentshementionedherbrother’sname,Charlieleanedawayfromthedesk.Whenshespokeagain,hersmilewas gone “No,hedoesn’t”
“Whynot?”
“Don’tknow,askyourdad IsthereanythingelseorcanIgetbacktowork?”
“No, that's all,” Eve said, a little confused bythe suddenshiftintone She wished she knew whatbroughtitonbutthe conversationwasclearlyover.
ShewatchedCharlieleave,evenmoreintriguedbyherthanbefore,anddeterminedtogettoknowherbetter.
HARLIE
CHARLIE STRAINED asshecarriedatowerofboxestothegarage.Ifshewasallowedtoshiftintoherbearform,thiswouldbe somucheasier.Unfortunately, a bigbusystreetpassed rightbehind the car parkwhichmeantlots ofcurious onlookers with phonesandcameras.Charliedidn'tmindtheoddpictureofherselfonlinebutshedidn'tfancygoingviralinherbearform. Thesoundofapproachingfootstepssoundedtoherright."Thatlooksheavy,letmehelpyou!"
Theboxesinstantlygotlighter assomeonesupportedtheother sideandCharliewassomewhatsurprisedthatitwasEve comingtohelpher.
"I'vegotit,"Charliesaid,tryingtopullthetowerbacktowardsher.Itwasareflexshedevelopedworkingaroundbigger, burliermenwhowerealwaysunderestimatingherstrength.
AsoftchucklecamefromEve "Alright,alright Justtryingtohelp What'sinthebox?"
"Parts"
Evefollowedher "Whatkindofparts?"
"Carparts,"Charliereplied Shecouldtellwhensomeonewastryingtobuddyuptoherandshedidn'tlikeit Besides,she hadnoreasontocosyuptoEve.
Shestaggeredtowardsthegarage.Hermuscleswereprotestingbutshewastooproudtoasktheotherwomanforhelp.The towerofboxesswayedwitheverystepandthepartsinsiderattledandclatteredtogether Sheturnedtooquicklyandtheboxon thetopofthestackslippedoff.
Withherhandsfull,Charliecouldonlywatchasittoppleddown,releasingarainofbolts.Theypitter-patteredonthestone groundandmercilesslyrolledawaytowardsthegutter
Asnortcamefromnexttoher,oneEvewastactfullytryingtomuffle "Oh,man" "Well,thatcouldn'thavegoneworse,"Charliemutteredasshesettherestoftheboxesdown Itwas goingtotakeher at leasttenminutestocollectallthelittleparts,likelymoreconsideringherfingerswerecoldandstiff.
Shecroucheddowntostartthetedioustaskofpickingeverythingup,surprisedwhenEvejoinedher.
"It's okay, Igotthis," Charlie said, a little embarrassed bythe whole situation. None ofthis would've happened ifshe'd takenlessboxes Orhadbeenabletocarrythemallasabear
"Yousaidthatearlierandnowlook"Evesmiledather,notinamockingway
"Fairpoint,"Charlieconceded Shehadn'texpectedEvetogetinvolvedinpickingupthingsfromthedirtygroundwithher
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perfect little fingernails but the newcomer didn't seem bothered by it in the slightest. If anything, she worked fast and efficiently
CharlietriednottostareatEve’scleavage EverytimeEvebentforwardtopickupabolt,herdressdippeddowneverso slightlyandeverythingjiggled.Theultimatedistraction.
IttookeveryounceofwillpowerforCharlietotearhergazeaway.Luckily,focusingontheboltsonthegroundwasagood wayto keep her mind occupied There was somethingsatisfyingaboutthe sound theymade whentheyjoined the pile inher handorhowtheyclatteredwhenshedepositedthemintothebox.
"Thisremindsmealittleofbeingatthebeach,"Evesaid.
Charliestilldidn’tdaretolookup."Howso?"
"Didyounevergotothebeachwhenyouwereachildtopickseashells?"Shedepositedahandfulintothebox."It'skindof likethat,exceptthesealllookthesameandthey'renotmakingitintoadecorativeglassjar"
"Whatdoyoumean,you don't have glass jars withbolts sittingonyour mantelpiece?"Charlie joked, managingto gloss overEve’scleavageandlookherintheface.Althoughthatwasn’tmuchbetter,shewasstriking.
"Surprisingly,Idon't,no."Eveshuffledalittletotheside."Youknowwhatweshould'vedone?Weshould'vegotabroom anddustpanforthis Ordon’tyouhavebigmagnetsinthegarage?"
Charliefeltherselfsmile "Thatwould'vebeenagreatideafiveminutesago"
"Iknow, right? No pointingettingitnow, we're almostdone" Eve dangled somethingfromher hand, a silver butterfly earring."Hey,lookwhatIfound.Isityours?"
"Nope,Idon'twearearrings.Idon'tevenhaveholes,"Charliesaid.Andifshedidwearearrings,theydefinitelywouldn't bebutterflies
Eve gave her a blank stare "I don't think I've ever met a girl who doesn't have pierced ears I got mine done for my fourteenthbirthdayintheshoppingcentre."
"Ineversawtheappeal.Itjustgetsintheway.”
Evereacheduptobrushhershortbrainhairaway,exposingherearandthegoldenhoopdanglingfromit.Itglintedinthe sun,drawingattentiontothesoftcurveofEve’sneck "Butdon'tyouthinkit'scute?"
"Umm, sure" Charlie stared, not sure why it felt like such an intimate thing to witness Perhaps it was the deliberate invitationtolookthatwasmakingherfeelthatway.
"I'vegottwoofthemontheotherside,"Evesaid,turningherheadsoshecouldshowherleftear."Look."
Charlieswallowedhard.Eventhoughshe'dneverbeeninterestedinjewelleryherself,shehadtoadmititlookedniceon Eve Andweirdlyenough,Eve'sear waskindofcutewiththebighoopandthesmall flower-shapedstudnexttoit Itwas a littleplayfulandfeltlikeshe’djustdiscoveredasecret.
"Whyaflower?"sheasked,longforgottenabouttheboltsontheground.
"Itwasagiftfrommybestfriend,shehastheotherone.Adorable,right?"Evesaid,hersmilesobright,itmadehereyes twinkle
"Yeah, it's cute," Charlie admitted slowly, still staring. She'd never been good at ignoring pretty women and Eve was undoubtedlythat.Itwas everythingabouther, the lightdustingoffreckles around her nose, the longlashes framingher grey eyes,theelegantcurveofherneck
Charlie didn't know if she was noticing all these things only now or if she'd forced herself not to notice themearlier
becauseofJack.Inanycase,heradmirationhadtogobackintotheboxbecausenomatterhow cuteEvewas,Charliecould neveractonit Shewasn'tjustherbestfriend'ssister,thiswasalsoherboss'daughter Nothinggoodcouldcomefrommaking eyesather.
Sheclearedherthroatandforcedhergazebackontheground.Almostalltheboltshadmadetheirwaybackintothebox,a smallmercy
"That'lldo,"Charlieannounced,eagertogetoutofthesituation Shepickedthetowerofboxesbackupandquicklycarried themintotheworkshopwithoutwaitingforEve.
Themoredistancesheputbetweenthem,thebetter.
Inthegarage,Jackstartledherbyappearingfrombehindacar.
Charlie almostdroppedeverythinginher hands againas guiltlashedoutather.She reallyshouldn'tbe gettingall chatty withEve
“Whattookyousolong?"Jackasked
"Ihadalittlemishap,"Charliesaidassheputherloaddown,notdaringtolookathim Jackwasn'tthemostobservantof guys,butshestillworriedhe’dbeabletolookintohereyesandseethethoughtsshejusthadaboutEve.
Unhelpfully,Eveappearedbehindherwiththeboxofbolts."Yeah,shethrewthemallovertheground.LuckilyIwasthere tohelp,wasn'tI?"
Charliecouldn'thelpbutnoticehowJack'sexpressiongotunmistakablydarkerwhenhesawhissister Itmadeevenmore guiltbubbleupinhergutandshequicklysteppedtotheside,asifputtingphysicaldistancebetweenthemwouldmakeitclear thattheyhadnothingtodowitheachother
AwkwardsilencehungbetweenthemuntilEvesettheboltsdownanddepartedwithalittlewave Sheshotatargetedsmile towardsCharlie,onethatmadethefrecklesonhercheeksdance.
ToCharlie'shorror,herstomachdidalittletraitorousflip-flop.
"Goodriddance.She'ssorudeformakingfunofyou,"Jackgrumbled.
“Idon'tthink ”CharliewasfairlysureEve'scommenthadbeenharmlessteasingbutshedidn'tthinkpointingitoutwould bewellreceived Instead,sheswallowedhardandnoddedweakly "Yeah,sorude" WhateverattractionshefelttowardsEve,ithadtobesquashed immediately
throughendlesscustomertransactions,utterlybaffledbythedisorganisedstateofthem.Itseemedlikeeveryone hadtheirownwayofconstructingitinerariesandtheywerereceivinginvoicesfromsuppliersattwodifferentemailaddresses andsomeviamail.Theworklogsandscheduleswereadisastertoo.Justlookingatitallwasgivingherasearingheadache. Nowonderherdadhadjumpedontheopportunitytohavehersortouttheiradmin.Thegaragewasasmallfamilybusiness anditcertainlyoperatedlikeone.
Sheemailedthecompanythatsentpaper invoicesfor digitalsonesinstead,createdamaster templatefor itineraries,and startedaspreadsheettokeeptrackofexpensesandincome.Ifsheworkedsteadilythroughthemess,theaccountswouldbein orderjustintimetofiletaxes.
AknockcamefromtheglassdoorandCharliepoppedherheadinthroughthecrack."AmIinterruptingsomething?"
Evepushedthekeyboardaway."No,Ineedabreak.Myheadisspinningfromall thenumbersandabbreviations.Ican't believethebusinesshasbeenrunninglikethisforyears.Anyway,notyourproblem.WhatcanIdoforyou?"
"I'mactuallylookingfor your dad It's aboutthe bodymodificationcourse Iwanted to take," Charlie said, holdingup a brochure."Hesaidhewouldputitthroughthebusinessbutthesign-upisdueandhehasn'tbroughtitupsince."
"CanIsee?"Eveasked,curiouswhatwasgoingon.
Charliehesitatedforamoment."Umm,sure.Imean,Icanpayforitmyself,it'sjustthatyourdadsaidhewould."
“Letmesee,”Eveinsistedassheheldherhandout.HergazelockedwithCharlie’sasthebrochurelandedinherhandand theystaredforamoment,lostineachothers’eyes
Shereallywasgorgeous,Evethought Charlieletgoofthebrochurelikeitburnedherandthetensionshatteredastheireyecontactlapsed Evefeltherselfsmile Ifshecouldreadtheroomright,theattractionseemedmutual Unfortunately,shereallydidbelieve inkeepingworkandpersonalseparatesoshefocusedonthecolourfulflyerinherhand.Sheknewnothingaboutthesecourses orqualifications,butinherbook,educatingemployeeswasneverabadthing
"I'll askDad to do itlater tonight Ifhe forgets, I'll bookitfor you," she said decisively Maybe itwas foolishto make promiseslikethatbutshewassureshe'dbeabletoconvinceherdad.Andifnot,itwasn'tlikehewaskeepinggoodtrackof theaccounts He'dneverevennoticeifshebookedthiscourseforCharlie Notthatshe'dgobehindhisback
Charlie'seyeswidened "Really?"
"Yes.Imean,I'massumingyou'llbeputtingwhatyoulearnatthecoursetogoodusehere?"
"Definitely.We don'treallydobodymodifications buttheycanbringina lotofmoney. Some ofthe richdragonshifters lovetuningtheircarsapparently"
Evenodded,satisfiedwiththeanswer "Great,thenI'llmakesureit'sbookedbytomorrow"
"Wow.Okay,amazing.Thankyou."Charliesoundedgenuinelygratefulandperhapsalittleshocked.
"No problem. Now that we've got that sorted, canyouhelp me withsomething?" Eve said as she picked up the yearly calendarlikeitwasfilthy."Canyouexplaintomewhywe'reusingthis tokeeptrackofworkhours?"
Charliechuckled,alovelydeeprumble."Hey,takeitupwiththeboss.Hecameupwiththat."
"It'srubbish.I'membarrassed.Thisissupposedtobeaseriousbusiness."Eveglaredatthecalendar,hernewestnemesis. Atleastithadcutepuppiesonit,notsexybabeslikeshedreaded.Thatwould'vebeeninsulttoinjury.
Thedooropenedwiththechimeofabellandherdadenteredthereception,whistlingashrilltune.
Eveheldoutthecalendartothemanresponsibleforallthisnonsense."Whyareyouusingacalendartokeeptrackofwho isworkingwhen?"
Herdadshrugged "Becauseit'salreadygotallthedateson Nifty,huh?"
"No, not nifty This is terrible bookkeeping You need the employees to clock in properly for fire safety and such A calendarisnottherightwaytodoit,"Everambled,genuinelymortifiedbyeverythingshewasdiscovering."DoesMumknow aboutthis?"
"It'sfine It'sagreatsystem,"herdadsaid,cavalieraboutthisjustlikeeverythingelseinlife
"It'snot,"Evearguedback "Youshouldbe usinga programfor it,or anapp,or atleasthave the times noteddownina spreadsheetdaily."
Heshruggedagainandranahandthroughhisgreyinghair."IputtheminaspreadsheetwhenIsortoutChristmasbonuses. It'sgoingtobegoodthisyear,especiallyformynumber-oneworker That'syou,Charlie"
SurpriseappearedonCharlie'sface,togetherwithalookthatsaidshewishedshewasanywherebuthere "Umm "
"Actually,accordingtothecalendar,Jack'sclockingthemostdays He'sheremorethaneveryone,includingyou,Dad,"Eve interrupted,onlyrealisingthatwasdismissivetowardsCharlieaftershealreadysaidit.
She gave the mechanic anapologetic smile butCharlie didn'tlookatall upset. Ifanything, she was grinning. Eve didn't know whatthatwas aboutbutshe decidedshe couldfigure thatoutanother time Rightnow,she wantedher dadtotake her seriously.Thewayhewasrunningthegaragewasnotacceptable.Maybehe'dgivenherajoboutofpity,notexpectingmuch, butEvewasn'tgoingtojustsithereandtwiddleherthumbs Especiallynotasshekeptdiscoveringhorrorafterhorror Herdadflippedthroughthecalendarandhummed "IsupposeJackhasbeenputtinginthehours Goodlad"
"Yeah, he's always beena hard worker," Eve said as she satdownbehind the deskagain "While Ihave youbothhere, you'realrightwithsendingCharlieonthatbodymodificationcourse,right?"
"Oh,yeah,Itotallyforgotaboutthat."Herdadgaveherathumbs-uponhiswayout."Keepupthegoodwork,Evie." Evedrewabigbreath,anattempttocurbthemurderousfeelingswellingupinher.Thiswasnotatallwhatsheexpected whensheagreedtocomeworkhere
ShesighedandshotCharlieanotherapologeticsmile "Sorryyouhadtowitnessthat,Ishouldn'thavedonethatinfrontof you.AndIwasn'ttryingtodismissyou,youare areallyhardworkerandyoudolotsofhours,butnotmorethanJack."
Tohersurprise,Charliesmiled."It'salright.AndI'mnotupset,I'mwellawarethatJackworksharderthananyonehere.It's justyourdadwhodoesn'tseeit"
"Ithinkthere'salothe'snotpayingattentionto,"Evemutteredassheglaredatthecalendar Assoonasshehadtransferred allthedataintoasensiblespreadsheet,shewasgoingtoburnthatthing.
Withadefeatedsigh,shesatdownagain."Thankgoodnessit'sFriday."
Charlie chuckled softly, a delightfully distracting sound. "Yeah, I know what you mean. Got any good plans for the weekend?"
"I'mmeetingafriendforadrink,butmostly,I'mlookingforwardtotwodaysofpeace."Evepinchedthebridgeofhernose as she foughtthe urge to clockoutearly. Withthe stupid calendar system, her dad would never evenknow. Of course, she wouldn'tdothateither
"I’mmeetingsomeofmyschoolfriendstoobuthonestly,peacesoundsnice,"Charlieremarked.
"Itdoes,doesn'tit?"Eve gesturedtothe computer."Ineedtogobacktosortingthis outbutI'll bookthatcourse for you first."
ThebiggestsmilebrokethroughonCharlie'sface."Thanks.I'llleaveyoutoit.Ithinkyoucouldusealittlebitofpre-peace beforetheweekend."
Eve chortled while she massaged her temples, a futile attemptto rub the stress outofthem. "Youhave no idea. See you later."
Charliewavedonherwayout,herlipsstilldonningthatlovelysmile."Later,Eve."
Atingle danced up Eve's spine fromthe wayCharlie said her name. Itsounded mischievous and playful somehow, and hearingitmadesomeofherfrustrationsslipaway.Shewatchedthemechanicsaunteraway,herhandsdeepinthepocketsof hercoveralls.
Eve shook her head as she turned her attention back on the records. There were many reasons why she shouldn't get involvedwithCharlielikethat.Thisjobwasn'tjusttemporary,datingoneofherdad'semployeessoundedlikeabigmistake, andsheonlysuspectedthatCharliewasinterestedinherlikethat.
YetnoneofthosereasonscurbedEve’sdesiretogetinvolved.
CHARLIE
CHARLIE SMILED as she listened to the happychatteringand cacklingofher secondarygrade friends. She liked havinga job withallmalecolleaguesbuteverynowandthen,sheenjoyedgoingoutwiththegirls.Itwasadifferentatmosphere,different conversation,andcocktailsatabarwasanicechangeofpacecomparedtopintsatthepub.
HeroldestfriendTashatippedherglassofwineback,drainingittothelastdrop."Ahh,that'sthestuff.It'snoteveryday Hubbyagreestowatchthekids.I'mnotgoingbackhomeuntilthisbarisdry!"
"We'redefinitelyleavingbeforethat,”Elisesaid,althoughshewas alreadyworkingoncocktail number three."Ineedto takemykidstosoccertomorrow,Ican'tshowuphungover.I'mnotgoingtobeoneofthosemums."
GeorginaheldhermartiniglassuptoCharlie."Here’stobeingchildfree.Cheers!"
Chuckling,Charlietoastedtohergoodfortune Shewasn'tagainstkids,farfromit,butshedefinitelydidn'twantthemyet She liked her freedomtoo muchand she'd rather have a partner to raise kids with. Preferablyher fated mate, butshe hadn't foundthatblessingjustyet.
While her friends chattered awayaboutinconsequential things, Charlie sipped fromher strawberrydaiquiri, the kind of girlydrinkherguyfriendsatthegaragewouldjestabout.Absentmindedly,shelethereyesdartaround,scanningtheoccupants untilhergazelatchedontoawomansittingatthebar.Evenwithherbackturned,therewasalottobeadmired.Perfectlysoft curves,atightgreydress,legsthatwentonfordays.Itwasalmostirrelevantwhatherfacelookedlike,shewashot.IfCharlie hadn'tbeenwithfriends,thatwasthekindofwomanshe'dchatup.
"Charles,settlesomethingforus,"Tashainterruptedherthoughts.
Shetorehergazeawayfromthesexybrunetteandbacktoherfriends "Yeah?"
"Classydinner or trashykebab later?"Elise listed onher fingers "Ivote trashykebab Icould demolisha whole, umm, spit-rotating-thingbymyself."
Charliechuckledattheridiculousimage."No,youcouldn't."
"IfIwasinmybearform,Icould."TheconvictioninElise'svoicewasclear.
"Goodthingforusyou'renotinyourbearformthen."Charliefinishedherdrinkandsettheemptyglassbackonthetable. "AndIdon'tmindwhatwedoforfood,I'mnotpicky"
AlightsnickercamefromhersideandGeorginanudgedherintheside "No,Charliewantstoeatsomethingelse Isawher staringatthatladyatthebar.Realsubtle."
Instantlyandembarrassinglyliketheywerestillinschool,herothertwofriendsturnedtheirheadstolook.
"Imissthedaysofcasualhook-ups,"Elisesighedwistfully."Sowhoarewelookingat?Isitthewomanintheredleather jacket?Oh,ortheblondeintheflowerydress?"
Charlierolledhereyesatherfriends "Letitgo,I'mheretohangoutwithyouall"
"Fine,butletus atleastlivevicariouslythroughyou,"Tashaencouragedwhileshepoutedover her emptywineglass "I wanttohearepiclovestoriesandconquests.I'msickandtiredofbeingsurroundedbyparentsofyoungchildrenwhocanonly talkaboutschool,diapers,anddaycare"
"I'mafraidmynon-existentlovelifewillboreyouthen I'vebeenflirtingalittlewithabartenderatalocalpubbutnothing besides that." As Charlie said that, her traitorous mind conjured an image of Eve. Beautiful, not-at-all-what-she-expected, totallyoff-limitsEve
Maybesomefunwithastrangerwouldbeagooddistraction
Charlie looked atthe womaninthe greydress againand wondered whather chances ofsuccess were ifshe wentup to someoneatrandom,pick-uplineattheready.Woulditendinafunnightorwouldshereturnwithanotherrejectionunderher belt?Shedidn'tknow
ThewomaningreyturnedtolookatthedoorandCharlie'sstomachdropped.
Ofallthepeopleintheworld,whydidithavetobeEve?Shelookedevenmorepolishedthanshedidatthegarage,with hershortbrownhairupinanelegantbunthatemphasisedherlongneckandanevenreddershadeoflipstick.Akissableshade.
BeforeCharliecouldlookaway,theireyesmetandEvewavedcasuallyliketheywerepeoplewhosocialisedoutsideof workorfriendseven.
Allherfriendsnoticedandconspiratorialgigglesfilledtheair.
"Sothat'swhoyouwerestaringat,"Elisenotedwithgleeinhervoice."She'scute." Georginachuckled."Lookslikeyou'reinluck."
Charlieshookherhead."No,notinluck.That'smyboss'daughter.Weworktogether."
Tashaonlysquealedinexcitement."Now that's thekindoflovestoryI'mafter.Tellmemore,tellmemore."
"Oh,keepitinyourpants,"Charliegrumbled,hergazeinevitablytravellingtothebaragain.Sheshouldn'tbelookingbut therewasanundeniablemagnetismtoEvethatmadeitimpossiblenottostare
"Shelookslonely Youshouldbuyheradrink,"Georginaencouraged
ThiswasexactlywhyCharliepreferredtoworkwithmen Theykepttothemselvesanddidn'tpryintoherpersonallives, unlike her cluckingfriends who couldn'tkeep their noses outofher business. And yet, itwas their encouragementthatgave CharlieanexcusetoapproachEve Shetoldherselfitwastoshutherfriendsupbutinreality,sheknewitwasmorethanthat She reachedthe bar andorderedmore drinks for the table withthe bartender,a transparentexcuse whenthere was table service.
"Girlsnightout?"Eveasked.
Charliepretendedtobesurprised."Eve?Hi,Ididn'tseeyouthere."
"Sureyoudid,youwerelookingatmeearlier.Iwaved,"Evesaid,theconfidencedrippingfromhervoice.Shegrinnedin awaythatmadeherfrecklesdanceandhereyelashesflutter
Charlieonlyhadonewordtodescribeher Beautiful
Whensherealisedshewasstaring,sheavertedhergazetotheemptychairnexttoEve "Areyouhereonyourown?"
"I'mwaitingformyfriendbutshe'srunninglate,"Evesaidwithasighandalookatherphone."She'sthekindofperson whosays'almostthere'whentheyhaven'tleftyet Idon'tknowwhyIbotheredshowingupontime"
"Aw,that'sfrustrating"
"Alittle,butnowIgettochattoyou Wanttokeepmecompanyuntilmyfriendarrives?"Eveproposed
"Oh,Ican't.Myfriendsarewaitingforme,"Charliesaid,turningtofindthemwavingexcitedlyandgivingherencouraging thumbs-up.Traitors.
Evechuckled."Lookslikeyourfriendsareokaywithit."
"These friends,"Charliemuttereddarkly.
ConfusiondancedonEve'sface."What?"
"Nothing."Charliestaredatthebeautifulwomannexttoherandfeltherresolvewaverevenmore.Whatwastheharmin stickingaroundforamoment?Itwouldbethefriendly,collegialthingtodo.
Sheignoredherscreamingconscienceassheclimbedonthebarstool.ItwasonlyuntilEve'sfriendarrivedandJackwas nevergoingtofindout.Besides,therewasnothingtofindout.Thiswasnothingmorethanachatbytheproverbialwatercooler withhersmokinghotcoworker.
Charlie’sdrinksarrivedbutbeforeshecouldpickthemup,Georginaappearedbehindherwithabigknowinggrin.
“I’vegotit.Youstayright whereyouare!”sheexclaimedwithanencouragingpat.
“This is notwhatitlooks like,” Charlie protested, her gaze flittingtowards Eve inconcern. She didn’twanther newest coworkertogetthewrongidea
Georginalaughed “Sureit’snot”
“It’s not!”Charlie denied, sighingindefeat She had plentyofexperience dealingwithher friend, there was no pointin arguing.Instead,shejustwaiteduntilGeorginawasgonebeforeturningtoEve.“Don’tmindmyfriends,they’reidiots.”
“Noted,”Evesaidwithalittlesmile.“Sowhatareyoudrinking?”
Charliehelduphercone-shapedglass.“Strawberrydaiquiris.”
“Really?Ididn’tpickyouasadaiquirisgirl.”
“Whatdoesthatmean?”
“ItmeansIrelyonoutdatedstereotypes,”Evesaidwithabemusedsmile.
"Howaboutthis?"Charliepushedherhandintoherside,anddramaticallyflickedherhairtotheotherasshechannelled herinnerTasha "Hiiiii,I'mCharlise Let'sgetdrunk,babes"
Evechokedonhersip "Thatwasuncanny Also,Charlise?”
“Iknow,awfulname”
“No,itsuitsyou It’sahot-girlname”
“Areyouflirtingwithme?”Charlieasked,mostlyjoking,andexpectingabitofembarrassedstuttering. Tohersurprise,Eveflutteredhereyelashes.“Maybe.Wouldthatbeanissue?”
ItwasCharlie’sturntochokeonherdrink.
Evesmiledinnocentlylikeshehadn’tjustdroppedabombshellandleanedonherelbow.“Ihaveaquestionforyou.”
“Youkeepsayingthat,”Charliesaid,gladtheywerejustmovingpasttheloadedtopic.
“Youkeephavinganswers,”Evepointedoutwiththatamusedsmileofhers.
Charliepickedupherdrink,genuinelycurious.“Goonthen,what’syournewquestion?”
“Asabearshifter,doyouhaveaparticularpreferenceforhoney?”
“That’syourquestion?Howrandom.”
Eve smiledover her glass.“Bothmydadandbrother lovesweetstuff.Theysayit’s because they’re bear shifters, that’s whythey’reputtinghoneyoneverything.”
“Youknow,IhavenoticedJackdoingthat.Lastweek,Isawhimputtinghoneyonhisfishandchips.Disgusting.”Charlie shudderedjustthinkingaboutit.
AdelightfulchucklecamefromEve.“Soit’snotabearshifterthingthen.”
“No,definitelynot.It’sacrazypersonthing,”Charliesaid,realisingshewasleaninginsomuch,herkneewaspractically betweenEve’s.Itwasanintimateposition,onethatverymuchsuggestedshewasopentoflirting.Astemptingastheideawas, therewereplentyofreasonswhysheshouldkeepherdistance.Thatbeingsaid,sittingacrossfromthebeautifulalluringEve withherstrikingeyesandlovelysmile,Charliehadtroublerememberingwhyshewassupposedtostayaway.
EVE
SWAYED a little as she staggered outofthe bar, her legs notworkingquite as well as theyusuallydid. She blamed her impracticalheels,thebooze,andmostlyCharliewhowasmakingherweakintheknees.
AcoldbreezepulledonherclothesandEvewishedshe'dwornathickercoat,butsheneverintendedtobeoutthislate. MorethingstoblameCharliefor,notthatEvewasactuallyupset.
"Yourfriendisprettyshite,"Charlieexclaimed,stillholdingontothedoor.
"Whatfriend?"Eveasked,entirelydistractedbyhowgoodCharlielookedwithtipsyblushesonhercheeks "Theonewhostoodyouup"
"Oh,thatone Right"Eve had barelythoughtofthe friend she was supposed to meetonce Charlie had satdown Itwas hardenoughnottostareatworkwhenCharlie'snicebodywashiddeninthebaggyoverallsbutshelookedbanginginhershirt andtie
Evelovedagoodtie,especiallyonawoman,andCharlieworethegarmentlikeitwasmadeforher
"Whataboutyourfriends?"Evewonderedasshehuggedherself "Theyjustleftwithoutyou"
"Oh,they'llgetanearfullater,"Charliemuttereddarkly "Meddlingwitches"
Evewonderedifshe shouldbe insultedbutdecidedshe wasn't Charlie could've leftatanymoment,includingwhenher friendsmadeabigshow ofleaving.Evennow,insteadofpartingways,theywerestill standinginfrontofthebarwiththeir feetpointingateachother
"Sowhatnow?"Evewonderedoutloud,herheadlightfromthealcoholandthecompany
"Depends Areyouinthemoodforacheekykebab?"Charlieasked,hereyessparkling
"Howspecific Countmein,"Evesaid,grinning Itcould'vebeensoeasytogotheirseparatewaysbutsinceCharliewas seekingoutreasonstospendmoretimetogether,Evewasgoingtoconsiderthatasasignofinterest.Itmadehergladtoo.She wasenjoyingherevening,likelymorethanifherfriendhadshownup,andshedidn'twantittoendyet
"There'sagoodplacearoundthecorner,"Charliesaidasshesetinmotion "Iwanttoeatanentirekebablog-thing Idon’t actuallyknowwhatthey’recalledbutit’sElise’sfault."
Evefoughttheunwarrantedjealousybubblingupinsideofher."Eliseisoneofyourfriends,right?"
"Yes, she talked aboutkebabs before, claimed she could eata whole logbyherself. She's always full of nonsense like that,"Charliesaid,theaffectionshiningthroughinhervoice
"Andshe’sjustafriend?"Eveinquired,realisingshehadnoideawhetherCharliewassingleornot.Shehadn'theardany rumoursorwhispersthatCharliewastakenbuttheydidworkwithmen Thelackofofficegossipwasbothablessinganda curse.
"Yeah,we'vebeenfriendssincethirdgrade.Weall hangouteveryfew months or so,whenTashandElisecangetaway fromthekids"
Evehummedastheycontinuedontothekebabshop "That'snice Sodoesthatmeanyou'resingleor ?"
Aconfidentgrinappeared onCharlie's face, one thatmade the tipsyblushes onher cheeks stand outevenmore "I am What'sittoyou?"
"JustmakingsureI'mnothittingonakeptwoman,"Evesaid.Despiteherhushedvoice,theadmissionwasloudenoughto fillthespacebetweenthem
Moreblushes appearedonCharlie's cheeks andshedidn'tsayanything,juststared.Therewas anintensityandhunger in hergaze,likeshewasn'tlookingatanythingelseintheworldbutEve.
ItmadeEvefeelwarmandfuzzyandalittlebolderthanusual.Itmadeherwanttobedaring.
ShereachedforCharlie'sarmandgaveaslighttug,bringingtheotherwomantoastandstill.Shecouldseethequestionin Charlie'seyesanddecidedtoanswerinawaythaterasedallambiguity.
Gently,shecuppedCharlie'sfaceandmovedcloser,pausingforamomentastheirfacesweremereinchesapart.Justlike whentheywereinthebar,thiswastheperfectopportunityfor Charlietobail,butsheremainedexactlywhereshewaswith justtheslightesthintofasmirkonherface.
EvenervouslywettedherlipsbeforepressingthemonCharlie's.Sparksexplodedinherstomachandtheworldaroundher becameabluruntilitdisappeared,leavingjustCharlieandherwarmmouth.Shetastedsweet,likestrawberryandlimefrom hercocktails,andeverysoslightlysaltyfromthecrispssheateearlier.
Astemptingasitwastolinger,Evemadeherselfpullback.Desiretickledherstomachandeveryatominherbodywanted more,butitwasn'tfairtooverwhelmCharliewithwhatcouldpossiblybeverynewinformation.
Eve extended one lastmomentofintimacybybrushingsome ofCharlie's loose hair backbefore she stepped away. The breezewasjustascoldasbeforebutshedidn'tfeelitanymore.Instead,therewasaheatinsideherthatwaskeepingherwarm. Shetookabreathandsmiled."So...Kebab?"
Charlieblinkedslowlybeforenodding."Yeah,soundsgood."
"Great."Evesmiledastheysetinmotionagain.Shedidn'tknowwhetheranythingwasgoingtocomefromthisbutatleast nowshe'dmadeherintentionsclear IfCharliewantedsomethingtohappen,allsheneededtodowasreciprocate
AndEvereallyhopedshewould
HARLIE
CHARLIE THOUGHT abouthow to avoid Eve the entire ride to work, onlyfor her stomachto keep churning. Notjustbecause therewasnorealwaytoescapeherbutbecauseapartofherdidn'twantto.
ShepausedinfrontofthereceptionwhereshecouldseeEvesittingbehindthedesk.Eventhoughshe'donlybeentherefor afewweeks,ithadquicklybecomeafamiliarsight.
Withher heartpracticallyhammeringoutofher chest,Charliesteppedinside.Her mouthwas drylikethedesertandher lipsstilltingledfromthememoryoftheirkiss.
"Goodmorning,"shesaid,hervoiceslightlyshakywithnerves.
Evelookedupfromhercomputerandsmiledpolitely."Goodmorning,Charlie."
Unsurewhatelsetosay,Charliejuststared.ShealwaysknewthatEvewasgoingtobeprofessionalandreservedandyet, shehadexpectedsomethingmorefromtheirfirsttimeseeingeachotheragain Morethansuchadrygreeting,maybeadifferent kindofsmile,just... more.
“It’scold,”Charlienoted.
“Itisalmostwinter.”
“Yeah,Idon’tknowwheretheyearhasgone.”
Evesmiledagain,butitwasatotallydifferenttypefromtheonesheworeinthebar.“Timesureflies.”
ThestuntedconversationmadeCharliewanttosinkthroughthefloor.Shewonderedifshe’dcompletelymisinterpretedthe eventsofSaturday MaybeEvehadbeendrunkerthansheletonandconsideredthekissamistake
Charlieshould’vebeengratefulbecausethatkissshouldneverhavehappened Itmadeherabadfriend,whichwasthelast thingshewantedtobe.Andyet,theideaofthempretendingtherehadn’tbeenakissleftheruncomfortabletohercore.
Aneternityofsilencepassed,filledbytheclickingofEve’smouseandthefainthumofmachinery.
Whenitbecamecleartheconversationwasover,Charliegesturedtothegarage."Ishouldstartworkthen." "Okay,"Evesaidsimply,almostlikeshedidn'tcare.Shedidn’tevenlookawayfromherscreen. Itmadenosense,Charliethought.ThekisshadbeenentirelyEve'sdoingandyet,nowshewastheoneactingaloofandlike itneverhappened Charlieshould'vebeengladandrelievedthateverythingcouldreturntonormal,butshewasn't CharliewaitedafewmoresecondsincaseEvewasgoingtobringupyesterday,butshedidn't Onherwayoutofreception,shecouldfeelEve'sburninggazeonherbackbutnothingelsewassaid
C
noendbutshedecidednottoletitbotherher.Shehadotherthingsonherhead,likemakingsureJackneverfoundoutabout theirkissandtheendlessslewofMOTs
Despiteher bestintentions,sheenteredthegaragefeelingfrustratedanddismissed Guiltonlyadded tothe feelingwhen shespottedJacksittingontopofapileofoldtyres.
Maybesheshould'vejustcalledinsicktoday.
Withherbestsmile,sheapproachedherfriend,desperatelyhopefulthathewouldn'tbeabletotellsomethingwasoff.Jack wasneverthemostobservantsomaybehewouldn'tnoticeanythingwasamiss
"Morning,"Jackmumbled,thedarkbagsunderhiseyesratherunflattering Hewaseatingachildsizedboxofcereal and lookedlikehehadn'tsleptinweeks.
Charliekickedatyredownsoshecouldsitinittoo."Morning.Youdon'tlooksogood."
"Oh,don'tmentionit.Ihadaterribleweekend,Ican'tbelieveI'mgladit'sMonday."Jackgaveanearbytyreamiserable kick "Howaboutyou?Didyouhavefunwithyourfriends?”
MemoriesoftheSaturdaynightfloodedCharlie'smindwiththemomentthatEvekissedherasthemostnotableone Itwas searedinherbrainvividly,likeavideoonrepeat.Justthinkingaboutitmadeherflutterandfluster.
Jacktossedacornflakeherway."Charlie?"
"Sorry.Umm,yeah,Ihadagoodtimewithmyfriends,"shesaid.Itwasnotaliealthoughthetechnicalitydidn'tmakeher feelanybetter Itwasaliebyomission,andabadoneatthat
Charlietoldherselfshedidn'thaveanotherchoicebuttohidethekisswithEve Jackalreadylookedlikehewashavinga roughtime,herconfessionwouldonlybekickinghimwhilehewasdown.
Sheclearedherthroat,eagertochangethetopic."Whywasyourweekendterrible?"
"Theneighbours'newbornkeptmeupall nightwiththeircrying,myroofstartedleaking,andI'mfairlycertainIgotfood poisoningfrommylatesttakeaway"
"Oof That'soneshittyweekend"
"Tell me about it And to add insult to injury, Dad is makingme tidyup the offices upstairs so Eve canhave her own space,"hecomplained.
"What'ssobadaboutthat?"Charlieasked.
"He'smakingmeand Eve doit.Idon'twanttoworkwithher.It'sbadenoughthatshe'shere.Ibethe’shopingthatshe’ll stayforever Ugh,he’sgoingtopassthebusinessontoher,isn’the?”
MoreguiltbubbledupinCharlie'sgut."Youdon’tknowthat.”
"No, I do know. He’s always preferred her over me. I’ve worked here for so long and he won’t even let me do the schedule.”Jack’sheadhunglow.“Idon’twanttocleanuptheoffices.”
“I’msureitwon'ttaketoolong,”Charliesaid.
“Idon'tcare,Idon'twantto.Iknow!Canyoudoitforme?”
Imagesofher andEvealoneupstairsflashedthroughCharlie'smind,includingmultipleinwhichtheywererepeatingthe kissfromSaturdayanddoingfarworse.
Shequicklyshookherhead."No,betternot."
"Please.You'ddomeasolidandI'lloweyouone.”
Charliehesitated.Sheknewsheshouldn'tgivein,foravarietyofreasons,butitwasjusttootemptingofaprospect.Andif shedidn'ttakeoverthejob,thentherewasalwaystheriskofEvetellingJackwhattranspiredinthebar
Shecouldn'tletthathappen
"Youknowwhat,sure I'lldoit,"shesaideventhoughherconsciencewasscreamingather
ThewholeofJack'sfacelitup."Youwill?Oh,you'realegend.You'rethedefinitionofafriend."
Charlieforcedasmileasherguiltgrewheavierandheavierwiththemoment."It'snothing."
"No,you'resavingmesomuchtrouble.You'rethebest."
"Don'tmentionit,"shesaid,feelingterriblybad.Andyet,shewasn'tdoinganythingtochangethesituation.Shetoldherself itwassoshecouldtalktoEveinprivateaboutthekisstomakesureitneverhappened,butevensheknewthatwasalie.
Whethershelikeditornot,shewasdeeplyattractedtoherbestfriend’ssister.
EVE COUGHED VIOLENTLY asshechasedtheolddustoutoftheoffice,genuinelyhorrifiedbythestateofthem.Theabandoned deskswerelitteredwithpapers,boxes,andthrowawaythingsthatneverfoundtheirwaytotheirrightfulplace.Itwasamess worthyofbeingcalledatip.
"Thisisgoingtotakeages,"shegrumbled,hergazeflickingtothestairs.Jackwassupposedtohelpherwiththistaskbut herbrotherwasnowheretobeseen.Somehow,Evewasn'tsurprised.Itseemedhewasdoingeverythinghecouldtoavoidher, althoughshewasn'tentirelysurewhy.
Shefilledanentirebinbagwithemptywrappers,paledreceipts,andoldoutdatedstationary.Inher estimation,itwould takeweekstoclearallthisout.
Thesoundofsomeonecomingupthestairsmadehershakeherhead."You'relate."
"Iam?"adelightfullyhoarsevoicereplied.
Eve'sheadsnappedupasheatrushedtoherface.Shehadn'texpectedtobejoinedbyCharlieandshequicklypulledher unflatteringmessybunloose
"Iwasexpectingmybrother,"Evesaidquickly,herheartbeatquickeningatthesightoftheotherwoman Shedidn'tknow how,butCharliereallymadethoseoverallslookgood.
Themechanicgaveheralopsidedsmile."Sorrytodisappoint."
"No,notatall.You'reasightforsoreeyes,butwhatareyoudoinghere?"
"I'mheretotidy."Charliesetherhandsonherhipsasshelookedaround."Whatapigsty."
“Ithoughtmybrotherwasgoingtohelp.”
“Hemademecomeinhisplace.”AfuriousblushdarkenedCharlie’scheeks.“Well,‘made’isastrongword.”
Agrinlifted Eve's lips. She’d worried she’d made Charlie uncomfortable withthe kiss but ifthe lovelymechanic was seekingherout,thenitwasreasonabletoassumetherewassomesortofmutualinterest
Astemptingasitwastoflirtandtease,Evedecidedtoreinherselfinandkeepthingslightandprofessional Thelastthing shewantedwastocauseuneasewithunwantedadvances.Especiallysincetheyworkedtogether.
Maybelater,shecouldaskCharlieoutonadateandseeiftherewasmorethanchemistry.Butfornow,shewascontinuing withcaution
