2.Clearly, He's Got It Bad

Karen Taylor hadn’t planned on entering the man’s room, but before she knew it, he had pulled her inside. 

It was her first time in a strange man’s room, and Karen Taylor was nervous.

“What are you standing there for? Come and sit down,” Brandon Rogers said, in what he thought was a gentle tone—though his natural roughness made it seem otherwise. He wasn’t used to having women around, after all.

Taking small steps, Karen adjusted her dress and sat on the sofa.

“Um, thank you so much for today.”

Brandon took a swig of water, his head tilted back. “Don’t thank me. I’d help anyone in that situation.”

Karen thought back to what had just happened, and her eyes reddened again.

Brandon had his phone in hand, but his eyes were fixed on her. She was wearing a cream-colored knee-length dress, a small brown crossbody bag slung over her waist, and her hair was tied in a neat bun, with a few loose strands brushing against her ears.

Her skin was pale, her exposed arms and legs as white and smooth as mochi. She had fine eyebrows, big, bright eyes with fluttering lashes, a delicate nose, and rosy lips. Her face was full of youthful collagen, giving her a round, pinchable look.

She was beautiful—sweet and cute in a way he’d never seen in anyone from their small town.

The more Karen thought about it, the more upset she became, and she let out a small sob.

Brandon wasn’t used to comforting women and felt a bit at a loss. “Okay, okay, stop crying.”

He grabbed a few tissues and tossed them to her. “Wipe your tears.”

“What’s there to cry about? At least you found out now, before you ended up pregnant and even more heartbroken.”

“Besides, I didn’t get the impression you were all that into him.”

Karen wiped her tears, her damp eyelashes fluttering. “Why… why do you think that?”

Why did he think she didn’t love Ryan Caldwell?

“You’ve been together for three years and never let him touch you. If you really liked him, you’d have given in within three days, let alone three years.”

Karen blushed slightly. Now that she thought about it, he had a point—she’d always felt a bit uncomfortable about being intimate with Ryan Caldwell.

Seeing her embarrassed expression, Brandon couldn’t help but smile. She seemed so well-behaved. What a great girl, wasted on that scumbag next door.

“How old are you?” he asked, catching her off guard.

Her voice was soft. “Twenty-two.”

“You look more like eighteen.”

Brandon’s heated gaze made Karen a little uneasy.

“You just graduated from college?”

“Mm-hmm.”

Brandon’s eyes darkened. Too bad his work and family were all here in the town—otherwise, he would have pursued her for sure. After all, he wasn’t interested in a long-distance relationship; when he had a woman, he wanted to keep her close and pamper her.

But then again, a city girl like her probably wouldn’t be interested in a rough guy like him.

“Here, have some water.”

He handed her a bottle of mineral water.

“I-I’m not thirsty.”

Brandon snorted. “Afraid I spiked it or something?”

“No, it’s not that,” Karen quickly took the bottle, her face flushed.

But after struggling for a while, she couldn’t open it. Her palms were turning red from the effort.

“I can’t open it.”

She didn’t dare look up at him. He was tall, around six feet two inches by her estimation, and his strong physique was evident even through his clothes. His whole body exuded power, especially his intense gaze. His features were sharp and handsome, a man radiating raw masculinity.

Brandon felt a bit helpless—opening a bottle was just a simple twist.

He took the bottle from her, muttering, “You’re as weak as a kitten.”

Karen was really thirsty, so she took a big gulp of water. She drank so quickly that a few droplets rolled down her chin.

Brandon leaned in close, bending over her as he wiped the water from her chin. “You even spill water when you drink.”

The smooth touch of her skin made him rub his fingers together involuntarily.

Karen’s heart raced. Why did he suddenly get so close? Just to wipe the water off her chin?

“I’m going to take a shower,” his deep voice came from above her.

She nearly bit her tongue. “So what?”

“You’re sitting on my underwear.”

!!!

Karen’s face turned bright red. She jumped up, her lips brushing against his shoulder. Brandon steadied her by placing a hand on her waist, helping her stand.

“Sorry, I didn’t see it…”

He chuckled, “No worries. Ignorance is bliss.”

“Thank you again, for everything.” Karen gave a small bow to express her gratitude.

Brandon gave a vague grunt in response.

“Well, I’ll be going now.”

Karen took a few steps back. Just as she was about to close the door behind her, she heard him mutter.

“Leaving already? Wanna shower together?”

Standing in the hallway, Karen’s cheeks burned as she rubbed her eyes, still swollen from crying.

---

In the bathroom, Brandon leaned against the glass door, his gaze lowered as the image of her face replayed over and over in his mind.

He regretted it. He shouldn’t have let her leave.

Why overthink it? Just go after her and deal with the rest later.

Brandon quickly pulled on the black t-shirt he had just taken off and rushed to the motel entrance. But by the time he got there, the empty street offered no sign of her.

---

A black car drove through the open garage, pulling into the wide yard behind it.

The yard was spacious, with several cars parked inside the tall garage. A few workers were busy at work.

“Hey, boss is back!”

Jason Barrett wiped the sweat off his brow and tossed the tools into a box.

Brandon glanced around. “Where’s Derek?”

“That guy complained about the heat and went to the store to buy some water and popsicles.”

“Boss, we got a few new cars today that need some complicated work. Could you take a look later?”

“Sure.”

With a click, Brandon lit a cigarette.

He had changed into a black tank top and camo cargo pants before sliding under one of the cars to work.

The garage was sweltering, especially since it was so large that even air conditioning didn’t help much.

In no time, sweat was dripping from his muscular arms.

Lunch was the usual—Brandon ordered a few takeout boxes for the crew.

They headed to the second floor of the shop, where the air conditioning was on full blast, sipping beer and chatting.

Derek Lawson and Jason Barrett exchanged glances. What was up with the boss? Ever since he got back from the city, he’d been like a lost soul, barely saying a word while working, and now he’d scarfed down his food in just a few bites.

Brandon sat with his legs spread wide, staring at his phone, lost in thought.

“Boss, how’s your grandma doing?”

Brandon looked up. “She’s fine. Why do you ask?”

Derek nudged Jason with his elbow, speaking with conviction, “Boss is clearly lovesick.”

Jason, who had a loud voice and was never one to hold back, added, “Boss, are you thinking about a woman?”

Brandon paused mid-drag on his cigarette. “You punk, can’t you keep quiet while eating?”

But Jason wasn’t about to let it go. “Boss, you wouldn’t believe it. While you were gone these past two days, the lady who owns the barbecue joint came by here several times. She’s pretty and capable. Don’t you like her?”

Brandon leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs. “Like hell I do. She doesn’t have a single thing I’m interested in.”

Suddenly, Derek jumped up. “Oh, right, boss, my mom was asking if you’re free. She wants to introduce you to someone.”

Brandon raised an eyebrow. “I want someone with fair skin, big eyes, quiet and cute. Got anyone like that?”

“Holy crap, boss, you like high school girls!”

Brandon stood up so fast that he nearly kicked Jason to the ground. “Hell no! You think I’m some kind of pervert?”

Thinking about how he’d let the girl of his dreams slip away only made Brandon more frustrated. Damn it, let the world burn.