Page 5 of Matthias's Protective Embrace
“Are you now?” He takes a few steps toward me, his breath creating a small cloud in front of him. Isn’t he cold? It’s that part of early fall when the mornings are frigid, but it still warms up to a respectable temperature by mid-morning. I’m out here in a sweatshirt and gloves, but I’mworking up a sweat. He’s got nothing but that thin top on. I know because it’s practically see-through.
“I start early.”
“And why’s that?” He moves a little closer, and I take a step back. The closer he gets to me, the less my brain seems capable of functioning, which does not bode well for my brain-to-mouth filter. Sam will kill me if I get too mouthy. This is why I’m not in a customer-facing position. Well, one of many reasons.
“None of your business.”
“My yard. My business.”
“Sam makes the schedule. If you don’t like it, talk to him.” I turn around and grab the brick I’d set down. “I need to get back to work.” It’ll be easier to defend myself later if I shut up now.
I move brick after brick from the middle of the yard to the stack I have going against the fence. It’s possible I put on a little show while doing it, making sure to stick my ass out more than strictly necessary each time I bend over. But hey, it’s good for my form and my back. I have no idea if he’s into men, but the way he watches me makes me think he’s at least curious.
Who does this guy think he is anyway? Coming out here and questioning me about my motives? If I was going to rob him, I certainly wouldn’t start with a stack of bricks. If he’s going to hire us to do a job, then he needs to let us do the damn thing. Just because he has a chiseled body and the perfect amount of stubble doesn’t mean he can come out here and start making demands.
It kills me not to turn around and look at him, especially when I can feel his eyes boring into my back. The job is slow-going, but once I finish the bricks, I move to the oversized paving stones. They’re a beautiful bluestone, butthey’re also heavy enough to be a two-person job. I’m not backing down now, not with Mr. Hot Shot watching.
Before long, my muscles burn under the strain of repeated movement. There’s no way I’m slowing down. Nope. I get through a whole four of those pavers before I’m forced to stop and catch my breath. Everything aches, which doesn’t bode well for the rest of the day. It took me a while to adjust to this level of manual labor. The first month, I could barely move in the morning, every fiber in my body screaming from the previous day’s work. After a few months, I finally got to the point where I no longer hurt every single morning.
I shuck off my sweatshirt, using the material to wipe the sweat away from my brow. It’s still chilly, but I’m overheating after that.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Matthias turn and go back inside.
Show’s over.I return to work, focusing on lighter materials until the rest of the crew arrives. They can have the big stuff; I’ve earned a break. I’m moving some of the tools around the side of the house, out of the way, but easily accessible when the sliding back door whooshes open again.
What now? Can’t I do my extra hour in peace? That’s one of the main benefits, aside from the money. Getting an hour to myself is a rarity. As much as I love the eye candy, I miss the quiet. It’s too early for anything else.
Which is exactly what I’m about to say when he thrusts a water bottle at me.
It’s a trick, right? If I take it, then he decides I’m weak. Or needy.
“Take it.” He presses it to my chest. The cool condensation on the outside of the bottle soaks through my t-shirt, overpowering the last of my restraint. I clasp the bottle,my fingers brushing up against the back of his hand. How is his skin that soft? It’s clear he’s no stranger to the weight room, but I didn’t expect him to feel so smooth. I wonder if the rest of him is that silky?
Nope, not gonna go there. I clear my throat and mumble my thanks as I remove the cap and down the bottle in one go.
“Are you showing off, or did you not bring any water?”
Can I pick both? “I forgot it.” A common occurrence. By now, I should have a system in place, but I keep forgetting to implement one. At least the other guys usually bring enough to share. Plus, Sam drops by with a cooler of water and other drinks when we have big jobs like this.
He takes the empty bottle from me and shakes his head. I’m sure he’s going to give me a lecture, but he turns and walks back into the house instead. I stand there like an idiot for a few minutes. I’m simultaneously turned-on and annoyed by this guy. First, he accuses me of stealing, then he does the sweetest thing in the world by bringing me water. Now he’s stormed off, mad at me for not bringing my own. I’m getting emotional whiplash.
I’m about to start on the next pile of materials when he comes back, carrying a big black water bottle, one of the nice metal ones that supposedly keeps things cool all day.
“When you’re done, leave it by the back door.” His voice is soft, but his tone is commanding enough to send a shiver down my spine
“I’ll be fine without it,” I say, but my hands betray me and grab his offering.Traitors.
He huffs and heads back into the house, closing the door behind him. The lock clicks before I lose sight of him. Well then, the sexy beast apparently has strong feelings about me dying of dehydration in his backyard.
Benji appears in my periphery, signaling that it’s time for the day to officially start. At least the hard work will keep my mind off the morning’s craziness.
MATTHIAS
I’m late by the time I make my way into The Flaming Unicorn to meet my friends. This queer bar has been our go-to spot since we all turned twenty-one. While Cardinal Falls has several gay bars and clubs, this one feels like home. It’s quiet enough to allow for conversation but busy enough to create a buzz in the air. About five years ago, we made Thursday nights our regular get-togethers. No matter what else is going on, we meet in our usual booth for a bit of fun. And my life can use a little fun. If it wasn’t for this, I’d still be in my office preparing for tomorrow’s meetings, reviewing client accounts, and generally working, which is what I do every other night of the week. As much as I love my job, spending that much time in the office is unhealthy. Or so I’ve heard.
At least on Thursdays, I’m here—no exceptions and no excuses. Though I admit to frequently being the last to arrive. I’m lucky enough to have a group of friends who’ve stuck together for over a decade. A rarity that I’m incredibly thankful for. These are the only people I talk to routinely who aren’t colleagues or family. We all met at Cardinal Falls University and immediately hit it off.
“There he is. Right on time.” I glance at my watch and raise an eyebrow toward Nathan. I’m fifteen minutes late, which isn’t that bad, but it’s noton time. “Pay up.” Tyler and Aarongroan.
