Page 7 of Working for Her Heart

My shoulders slump with relief when she says, “I’m never gonna turn down Steel Belly.”

I flick on the radio, needing a distraction and a reason not to talk until I cool off a bit. I have to admit I was having a hard time believing it was really all that bad for Jessa. After having experienced it firsthand, I’m beyond fucking outraged that this is the shit she’s been dealing with for God knows how long.

Not any more though.

Not if I have anything to do with it, and I most certainly will, because I’m making it my business to make sure this entrancing woman is treated with the respect and courtesy she deserves.

Chapter Six

Jessa

A groan tears from me as I haul my plump behind into the cab of the service truck. It’s been a long ass day. The dozer we’ve been working on needed some extensive repairs to get it running again.

“That piece of shit is on its last legs. It seems like they’d be better off getting a new machine. I know they cost an arm and a leg, but for the amount they’re sinking into this one to run slower than molasses I’m pretty sure they’d come out ahead in time and repairs saved,” Lane quips, dropping into the passenger seat with a sigh, but then he grins before continuing. “Then again, it’s more money in our pockets getting called out here to take care of it, so I can’t complain too much.”

Working with Lane has been nothing like I expected. After our initial clashes, which were really more my fault for jumping to conclusions, it’s actually been pretty pleasant working with the man. I shouldn’t have lumped him in with the rest of the assholes I’m used to dealing with.

His Pollyanna way of looking at things has been quite different from what I’m used to as well. “I don’t know if I’ve ever met anyone, let alone a male, who always has a way of putting a positive spin on things. Is there anything you don’t find the best in?”

“Not usually. Why waste what precious time we have here being perpetually pissed off?”

I scoff as I start the truck and maneuver the big rig onto the road, heading back to Masterson’s yard. “I’m not perpetually pissed off.”

He smirks. “Never said you were, but you are one of the most guarded women I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. Don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing wrong with it. To each his own, and I certainly understand why you might be that way.”

I’m taken aback by his words. Never has someone so readily given me grace for being who I am, especially without telling me I’d catch more flies with honey. Whatever the hell that’s supposed to mean, because why the fuck would I want to catch flies anyway?

If it’s men they’re referring to, then I certainly don’t care about catching any. Unless it’s one like Lane. Most men I don’t give a flying fig about, but this man with his devilishly handsome smile and chiseled thick body has me lighting up in the best of ways.

He’s quick to sing my praises on the job. And the smoldering looks he’s been casting my way when he doesn’t think I see him watching me have me twitterpated like a high school girl with her first crush.

As much as the attention is flattering though, warning bells continue to clang when he gets me wound up like only he can. I’ve been down this road before. I know better than to let a mischievous grin and good looks blind me to the carnage that can come from them.

I shake my head. “Well, I have met too many people who wouldn’t agree with you. I appreciate the sentiment though.”

Out of the corner of my eye, Lane opens his mouth to reply, but my stomach rumbles audibly, echoing embarrassingly in the cab, interrupting whatever he was going to say. He chuckles instead.

My cheeks heat. “Whelp I guess it’s dinnertime.” A groan follows when I think about the state of my refrigerator. “Or not. I’m not sure if I’ve got anything that doesn’t require major prep. Definitely do not have the energy for that.”

“How about I take you out? You haven’t been to The Foundry yet, have you?”

My head whips in his direction, eyes narrowed as I slow to pull into the yard. “You’re not trying to make this a date, are you? Because if so, I’m out.”

He holds both hands up, giving me what I’m sure he thinks is a look of innocence. “I promise it’s not a date. I’d never ask a woman to go on a date with me when I’m this dirty,” he pauses, doing a show of sniffing his armpit and making a sour face, “or smelly.”

Pressing my lips together to keep from smiling, I consider his offer. My head and my gut are at odds with each other. My head’s telling me I need to not spend so much time with him. He’s already chipping away at the walls, which are there for a very good reason, and I should put a stop to it before it’s too late.

My gut, on the other hand, is in cahoots with my stupid, stuttering heart. They’re telling me he’s different from all the rest and maybe could just be the one who isn’t a complete ass.

Parking the truck, I sigh as my stomach rumbles again. It, too, must be scheming with my traitorous heart. “Fine, let’s go, but I’m paying since you bought me lunch the first time we went to the Steel Belly.”

Lane’s lips twitch, and I wait for him to argue about me paying. But I’m surprised when he nods. “Alright.”

My eyebrow arches. “Just like that? No argument?”

“Nope.”

“Huh, well, good.”