Page 5 of His Reward
Malcolm
“You quoted me ninety.That still right?You’re not hourly?”
My last client of the day eyes my mower, his grey bushy eyebrows pulled together.I read his mind because I would think the same thing too.Hell, I’m thinking it right now.Only an idiot or a masochist will mow over an acre with just a push mower.
“Yep, that’s still the price,” I say while I reapply suntan lotion.
“Gonna be night by the time you’re done, son.”
He shakes his head and goes back inside his house.I take the lotion back to my truck and toss it onto the backseat, then return to my mower.
Yeah, with the grass at that height and the cedar trees dotted about the property, it’ll take me a while to get this one done.I knew that before I accepted the job because I like a challenge.
The human brain avoids discomfort, but completing difficult tasks are the best things for personal growth and satisfaction.Before I joined the army, I drifted through life, mediocre and fucking miserable.I never want to go back to that version of myself.
While the extra money is nice, I got into this side hustle to fill time.My weekday carpentry job leaves me restless on the weekends, so I started picking up some landscaping gigs.I like it.It’s hard work that keeps my body moving but relaxes my mind.
The sky is pinkish-blue by the time I’m heaving my mower and tools back into my truck bed.My shirt is damp with sweat, a dull ache in my arms and legs.I take out my phone and open the camera app.I recently found out clients are more likely to tip if I send a picture of the finished work with the invoice.
Email sent, I shove my phone into my pocket, then survey my handiwork.The even spread of cut grass and neatly trimmed edges around the house fills me with pride.I’ve been saving up for this kind of property.It’s the perfect size for the family I’m planning to have.
I’m going to buy a house like this, find a good woman and put her inside it, then I’ll put my babies insideher.It doesn’t really matter in what order I meet my goals, as long as I get them done.Although, I guess I have to find the good woman first for the baby-making to happen.
My mind drifts to June and my good mood is ruined.What the fuck is wrong with me?Right after thinking about making babies with a good woman, the first woman that pops into my head is one who’s like a niece to me.What’s worse, it’s not the first time I had inappropriate thoughts about her today.
I’ve been in trouble ever since she showed up yesterday.I couldn’t stop sneaking glances at her during dinner last night, drinking in her beauty in three second moments before I looked away.
Ten years ago, I left behind a girl who played with dolls and who wore colourful beads at the ends of her hair.That girl grew up into a gorgeous young woman whose smile is like the sunshine I’ve been missing while living years in darkness.
I went to bed last night hoping distance and sleep would stop this ridiculous crush from fully setting in.It didn’t.As soon as I saw June step out of Daphne’s room this morning, I couldn’t focus on anything else but her.Which is why I ran right into her.
I want you to come.
Five innocent words that sounded so goddamn filthy in her sweet voice.Especially while I was still thinking about the way her hard nipples poked through her top, begging for a suck.
Just like this morning, disgust washes over me.Stop thinking about her.I focus intently on the yard until the green expanse resets my mind, then turn and stride to my truck.I climb in and consider my plans for the rest of the evening.
It would be nice to enjoy having the house to myself for once, but maybe I should go to Daphne’s engagement party.I haven’t had sex in so long, I barely remember the who, when, and where.
Now my mind is in the gutter, my morals not far behind.If I go to the party, I could meet someone, get laid, and my perverse feelings for my best friend’s daughter will go away.
I glance at the time on my dashboard.It’s almost seven.The mall should still be open.After sweating all day, I definitely smell like I need a shower.No respectable sales associate will allow me to try on anything.I’ll have to take whatever that looks about my size and hope it fits.
* * *
I turn into Paul’s driveway just as he’s backing out his black SUV.Paul brakes and I pull up beside him.
Nate’s in the passenger seat playing a handheld game.June’s alone in the backseat.No sign of Nicole or Daphne.My gaze lingers on June, then I snap it to Paul as he leans over to speak through the passenger window.
“You coming to the party, Mal?”When I say yes, he nods.“OK.I’ll wait so we can carpool.”
If I agree, I’ll have to ride in the backseat with June.I glance at her again and she smiles at me.Dark hunger stirs in my gut.Nope.Definitely not a good idea to be physically close to her right now.
I wave my hand.“Nah, you guys go on ahead.I might be a while.Don’t want to keep you waiting.”
Paul nods and resumes backing out of the driveway.I shut off my truck and head into the house, straight for the shower.
As I’m getting ready, I pay closer attention to the guest room.The best way to describe it ismuted.All the furniture is light beige wood, and three framed black and white pictures hang on the mint green walls.
