Too Hard(10)

I try to keep my distance as I walk by her, but her bare arm brushes against mine and I realize how soft she is. My tool belt is heavy on my shoulder and I focus on that weight as I go into the kitchen and set it down on the counter.

“I’ve got my materials in the truck, but I’ll need to unhook your water supply and take out the sink. If you don’t mind I’m just going to get started.” I keep my eyes on my belt as I strap it around myself and grab what I need.

“Sounds good to me.” Her voice is soft, but without realizing it she’s walked up behind me. “If you don’t mind I’m going to watch you work.”

“I think you might be bored.” When I turn around she’s right in front of me and I stare down at her bare shoulder. I wonder what it would feel like against my lips and then I remember that she’s too damn young for an old man like me. I’ve got jeans with more wear on them than she does and she doesn’t want someone used up like me.

“Maybe I’ll learn a thing or two.” She shrugs and her shirt slips down further to reveal more of her creamy skin. “You know, in case the sink decides to explode again.”

“Hey, Harlow,” Nellie calls from the back, and though I hate it when Harlow steps away from me, I need the second to take a breath.

“Fuck,” I whisper to myself when she walks out of the room. “What the hell am I doing here?”

“If you don’t know I can probably help you figure it out.” Sean’s voice makes me turn around. He’s walking into the kitchen. “But I’m thinking you were just talking to yourself.”

I grab my wrench and lean back against the counter as I wait for him to spit out whatever it is he came in here to say.

“Don’t worry, I’m on your side. You think I show up here every day because I like redecorating this place? I’m just trying to get that blonde to suck my dick, but I’m pretty sure she wants a relationship.” He rolls his eyes and crosses his arms. “I’ve put in way too many man hours to have someone else try to step in. This girl has daddy issues written all over her and I’m ready to let her use my cock as therapy if you know what I mean.”

I clench my hand around the wrench and contemplate smashing him in the face with it or just his balls. Maybe both? But I keep my mouth shut as he keeps digging his grave.

“I’m just saying, you can have her when I’m done, but I need to get my dick wet first if you know what I mean. I’d steer clear of the redhead, though. Something isn’t right with her. She’s always on her computer and not talking.”

“You know I heard of you a couple of times before today.” I smile a little as I cock my head to the side. “I have to say I’m not surprised the rumors are true.”

“What rumors?”

“The ones that say he’s a complete douchebag?” Nellie says from behind him.

She and Harlow walked in right when he started talking, but I thought it best for them to hear for themselves what a piece of shit he is.

“Yeah, that’s pretty much exactly what everyone says,” I confirm, and the two women turn their glares on Sean.

“You’re fired,” Nellie says, and though Sean looks pissed I know he’s not going to start anything with me in the room. “Get your stuff and get out of my cousin's place. I won’t be needing your services ever again and I’ll mail your final check.”

“Fine, I’m tired of this bullshit anyway.” He grabs his bag and gives Nellie one last look. “I don’t know why you keep those goddamn legs so tight. You walk around like a cat in heat but don’t let anyone near it.”

“Watch it.” My voice is low and deadly as I step forward and he holds up a hand.

“I’m leaving. This was nothing but a waste of my time.” He slams the door on the way out and there’s a brief pause before Nellie bursts into tears.

“Oh god, don’t do that,” I say, standing there in shock. “I can’t handle tears.”

“It’s okay. I’ve got her,” Harlow says, and I watch as she puts her arm around her cousin and they go to the couch.

I’m unsure of what to do, but I want to run after Sean and kick his ass, but I don’t want to leave them alone. It takes a few moments, but Harlow gets Nellie under control and then she tells me she’s going to go walk her to her car. I decide to go with them just to make sure he’s gone and grab some more supplies from my truck. I wait as Harlow tells her goodbye and Nellie leaves the parking lot to go to her mom’s place.

I’m too invested in this situation and the best thing I could do would be to say I can’t take on the job and let the property manager take care of this. But as Harlow turns around and walks towards me I know that I’ll see this job through for her.

“Thanks for not quitting,” she says as she closes the door to her apartment and I go into the kitchen.

“I don’t think you need two contractors quitting on you in one day.” I wink at her to let her know I’m teasing, and the blush on her cheeks makes her look so fucking pretty.

I have to turn around because it hurts too much to look at her when I know I shouldn’t have her. Sean is a prime example of why a man like me can’t be with a girl like her. She’s young and she’s got her whole life left to live. I’m stubborn and already set in my ways. I can’t change who I am, and I can’t give her the wild life she’s probably looking for. What if he’s right and she has daddy issues? Am I ready to be a father all over again? My cock thickens and I grit my teeth. At least I know where he stands on the decision.