Four Kicks - Stephanie Brother Page 0,13

himself, is waiting for me in the lobby. In navy chinos and a bright white button-down, he’s quite a sight first thing in the morning.

He gives me a nod. “Lacy.”

“Good morning, Ash.”

I know better than to expect pleasantries from this man of hardly any words. Instead, his eyes take a slow walk from my eyes to my mouth and down to the bottom of my skirt. My flesh feels like it lights up under his gaze. He is not making things easy.

“Do you need anything from me today?” I keep my voice pleasant and professional.

“I definitely have needs, yes.” His focus is back on my mouth and I can practically see the dirty thoughts he’s thinking.

I step around him and position myself behind the reception desk, wishing it were taller. “I hope Nathan told you. I’m here to work. We need to forget about anything else.”

He leans in close enough that I can feel heat from his skin. “Have you forgotten?”

I press my lips together, not prepared to lie to him. Approaching footsteps save me, and Ash steps away just as Amy opens the front door.

“Good morning, Ash. Hi, Lacy. Sorry I’m late. There’s construction on the bridge.”

Ash gives her a nod and heads down the hall without another glance at me.

“Good morning. No problem. I just got here.”

“Let me put my stuff down and we can get started.”

I spend the next hour taking notes as Amy outlines my job duties. It turns out that she’s the bookkeeper and does payables and receivables, with some help from Nathan. It sounds like the company is growing faster than they can all keep up with.

The job will definitely keep me busy, which is good, but it doesn’t seem like anything I can’t handle. As long as I can keep my hormones in check, I should be good.

It’s no secret that the men are very tempting, and despite what I told Nathan, I’m nowhere near being in any kind of relationship with David. We’ve gone on one date, and he did ask me to go out again this weekend, but we’re not exclusive. We’re getting to know each other after years apart. I have high hopes for us, but I’m not his girlfriend.

Though if I were considering enjoying another night of fun with Nathan and Ash, or all four of them, some words of warning from Amy as she’s wrapping up my training strengthen my resolve.

“I have a piece of advice for you. This is off the record, woman-to-woman. The guys – all four of them – are great to work for, and they don’t bother me because I’m an old married woman, but I want to warn you, since you’re young and single: they have reputations.”

Nothing she’s saying surprises me but I’m fascinated nonetheless. Before she continues, she looks behind her as if making sure the coast is clear, though we both know we’re alone. Ash left fifteen minutes ago and the other three are at the job sites.

“I’ve seen them in action, or rather I’ve seen the results of their actions. Angry women have called here multiple times. One even came to the office, yelling, then crying. The men are playboys. Love ‘em and leave ‘em.” She leans in close and lowers her voice. “And from what I hear, they work in a pack, if you know what I mean.”

I raise an inquiring eyebrow and she shrugs.

“I’ve seen things and I’ve heard things, and I don’t want you to get hurt. Worse yet, I don’t want you to quit! I need your help here.”

Her warnings would’ve intrigued me a few weeks ago, before I caught baby fever. Now, I’m more determined than ever that I need to steer clear of the four. I’m not looking for fuckboys, not even a gorgeous pack of them.

9

It’s torture

My parents seemed pleased that I found a new job, but they still need my help at the shop in my off-hours. That’s why I’m with Bianca, unpacking boxes late at night after returning home from my second date with David. Since it’s a Friday night, we’re sharing a bottle of wine to make our work more fun.

My sister was out with friends earlier but each time I ask her about her night, she changes the subject, usually turning the conversation back to me.

“How’s David?” she asks as she cuts open a new box of merchandise.

“He’s fine.”

“Are you guys back together?”

I take a long drink of wine, wishing it were something stronger. “No, we’re just dating.”

“Are you