Page 18 of Invincible
Dex grinned at the mention of the old-fashioned name for an FBI agent, usually he was called a feeb or fed instead.
“I’m not really sure, probably too many movies.”He grinned again at her laughter.For a man that managed to maintain strict control of his emotions, he was quickly turning into someone else around her.This could quickly become her favorite Dex.
“I studied criminal justice and psychology in college, not sure what I wanted to do after graduation.The FBI was conducting interviews on campus so I went on a whim.They wound up offering me a place at the academy that fall.Why welding?”
“At first I just wanted to work with my hands while being outside.In high school, I took a welding class and never looked back.
“When I first moved here, I had just been certified in underwater welding but I had a hard time getting any work because women are still passed over in this field.Then I slowly built a reputation of being as good as or better than most of the men in this business, which meant the jobs started rolling in.It also meant I got a lot of flak from the men.
“It’s worked itself out now, but it was rough going the first couple of years.”
Their waitress arrived at their table with the plates full of pancakes and bacon.After refilling their coffee, she returned to the kitchen, leaving them to eat.
Tyler stole glances at Dex through her eyelashes occasionally as she worked on her pancakes.More often than not, she caught him watching her with a look of concentration and something else she couldn’t quite decipher.
When they had finished, Dex pulled out a wad of cash, handing it to Jill when she brought the check.“I’ll just write it off as part of my expenses,” he said.She questioned that, but he wouldn’t even entertain an argument.She made a mental note to pick up the check next time.
Driving to her shop, Tyler went over everything Dex would have to know to appear to be her helper.
“Basically you lift things, carry things, put supplies away and make sure I have what I need to do my job.”Tyler outfitted him with gloves, goggles and a helmet before they loaded up in her welding truck to head to her first job.
She kept her truck and her supplies in two bays of an automotive shop.Her area had been caged off to keep everyone out of her stuff.
“Some day, I’ll finally have enough saved for my own shop,” she explained.“I’d like to expand to include several more women welders on staff.”
“Are you always this impressive?”Dex asked, hitting her with those silky brown eyes.“I mean, not only are you talking about building the business you own and making it a place to give other women welders a place to work, but I’m pretty sure you just lifted twice the amount of iron I can.”
“Oh,” was all she could think to say.Well, so much for that chance at slapping uglies, as Greer had so eloquently put it last night.
“Looks like I’m going to have to man up if I hope to keep up with you.I really do like to be on top.”With a smirk, Dex climbed in the passenger seat.Had he just lobbed another sexual shot at her?Maybe slapping uglies was back on.
