Page 39 of Mechanic

“Just what?” I ask, mirroring his pose.

“It’s obvious we have chemistry. I think you are a gorgeous woman and would like to date you…get to know you.”

After several moments of staring at each other, Rod straightens, nodding his head once as he mutters “right” under his breath. Straightening up, he moves to the door.

Halfway to the door, I call out to him.

“Wait!”

Rod stops but doesn’t turn around.

“Can you please come and sit?” I ask.

Glancing over his shoulder, Rod slowly turns, moving to sit opposite me on the couch. Picking at my fingernails, I don’t make eye contact.

“I have been in town for a few days, transferring here for work.” Rod starts to speak, but I hold my hand up to stop him. “Please, let me get this out. I was being stalked at, or at least followed, by a coworker. The company I work for has a division nearby and I was able to transfer, making a lateral move.

“It’s not that I don’t not want to date you. Last night was out of character for me,” I speak rapidly, but Rod seems to be able to follow me so far. “If you want to date, fine, I am willing. Thank you for…this,” I tell him, waving my hand toward the kitchen.

Rod’s face breaks into such a wide grin. I squint at him, trying to figure out if my eyes are playing tricks on me. It appears that he has dimples hiding under that facial hair, causing my own smile to spread.

“Alright then,” he says, jumping to his feet. “You go freshen up, and I will start dinner,” he orders, pushing me toward the bedroom.

Wanting to get out of my uniform, I don’t fight him.

Dinner was divine. He made a Chicken Marsala that was to die for.

Our conversation has been relaxed, keeping family dynamics and history for another day.

We decide to cuddle on the couch to watch a movie. It isn’t long before I am fast asleep, using Rod as a pillow. Being up most of last night, I can’t say that I am surprised.

Chapter 23

Roderick

For just over a week, I have been dating Antonia. Every time I think about this girl, a smile scratches across my face. Her quick wit and sharp tongue keep me on my toes. It’s a refreshing change from the people who walk on eggshells around me. My vast wealth is typically an issue for most.

The night of our first date, when she found me on the stairs leading to her apartment, I had a brief moment of panic. I was ready to just say fuck it and move on when she stopped me.

My blood pressure spiked when she mentioned the stalking coworker. The fierce need to protect her became overwhelming.

When she fell asleep on my that night, during the movie, it felt right to have her in my arms.

Even though I joked with her about the family discussion we have yet to have, I know that it needs to come sooner than later.

At some point, I also need to tell her about my money and that I own the casino. I hope to put that conversation off as long as possible. Not that I think Antonia is the type, but in the past, when women found out about my wealth, they changed. Everything becomes about having the best of everything from food to clothes to their address. I snort out a laugh at how some of those gold diggers would react to seeing my current living conditions. The hotel is nice enough, but after months, it is starting to grate on my nerves. I need my own space. Maybe once the apartments are built, Antonia will consider moving in with me.

The buzzing of the intercom pulls me out of my daydream.

“Excuse me, Mr. Sereno?” Rhodee says.

“Yes, Rhodee, what is it?”

“The poker game scheduled for Saturday?” she asks hesitantly.

“What about it?” I ask, confused.

“Your scheduled dealer had a death in the family and has to leave town. He won’t be back until next week. Is there another dealer you have in mind as a replacement?” she asks.

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