Wrench

5 - I need to see her again

Wrench

I whistle out loud while working on the engine of the red Mercedes that was brought into the garage this morning. I’ve had a dumb smile on my face all day, thanks to my night with Elie. Talking to her was easy. I don’t recall ever being as open so quickly with a woman before.

Elie laughed at my jokes, and she seemed to genuinely enjoy herself. I know I liked spending time with her. She’s utterly beautiful and smart. Meeting Draven and Marnie Vidal was a shock to her. I should have explained who they were before we arrived at the restaurant they owned. But it slipped my mind.

I could see that Elie was nervous in their presence. But that didn’t surprise me because everyone who meets them is. I mean, it’s not like you meet a Mafia Don and his wife every day.

However, Elie held in the nervousness and smiled in all the right places. She was polite, and Marnie seemed to like Elie instantly. Marnie is a lovely woman, and she tends to like everyone. But it made me feel proud of the woman standing beside me.

We talked over dinner, and though she couldn’t drink alcohol, Elie didn’t care. She was radiant and stunning, and I was in awe of her beauty.

What the hell is the deal with me right now?

I feel like I’ve been bewitched!

We didn’t end up in Elie’s bed, however. I got the feeling Elie was trying to prove something to herself as well as me. I usually tire of the hard-to-get act very quickly; it bores me. I’m not a man who chases any woman. I wouldn’t force a woman to be with me either; that’s not me, but most give it up on the first night.

The fact Elie didn’t want se.x on the first night made me want her even more. It made me want to prove I’m worthy of her. I really like her. She’s cheeky and bright, and she makes me laugh — a good quality for any woman.

I like that Elie didn’t jump into bed with me on the first night. Of course, I had to put it out there, just in case. But knowing she has class and pride in herself makes her all that more attractive to me.

Damn, but I could do such bad things to that girl if she would only let me. She will let me, eventually. But I will not force the issue. If Elie isn’t ready for months to come, I will wait for her. I don’t know what it is about Elie, but she is something special. She is something I can see myself losing myself to and not even caring.

Fuc.k!

Something is seriously wrong with me!

Since when do I let a woman I have known but a few hours get to me like this?

But fuc.k if I don’t want to call her just so I can hear her voice. Elie has the sweetest voice I have ever heard. The way her laughter sounds, and the twinkle in her eye have me tied up in knots!

I move past Hawk and turn up the radio. The music is blaring, and I cannot stop smiling. I dance my way over to the tool bench to grab a wheel brace, all the while singing along to Metallica.

Who doesn’t like Metallica?

My brother and cousin are helping me in the garage today. It isn’t often we’re all together like this. It’s nice.

“What’s gotten into you? You’re way too happy today.”

I shrug at Roman, not even trying to hide the smile on my face.

“I think the question is, who put that smile on his face? Who did you get into last night, little brother?”

I roll my eyes at Hawk, fuckin.g jerk. “I didn’t get into anyone. I had a date with a woman.”

“And she didn’t put out?” Roman’s jaw drops when I shake my head. “You’re losing your touch, man.”

“I’m not losing my touch; the girl just had respect for herself.”

“Good for her, but that’s not your type.”

I grit my teeth at Roman.

It shouldn’t piss me off the things he says; I should be used to it by now. However, right now, he’s annoying this shi.t out of me.

I don’t have a type. But I guess I can see why everyone else would think otherwise.

“Aww. Look at him. What’s wrong, Wrench, are you in love?” Hawk mocks.

I take a deep breath. I don’t want to punch my brother out, but I will! I stare at them with my arms folded across my chest while they crack jokes and make fun of me. It’s hilarious to them that I had a date and went home alone. It’s never happened to me before, that’s true. In the past, it may have irked me for a moment that the girl wanted to take it slow, but not this time. There is something special about Elie, and I intend to find out what.

“Are you assholes done?”

“Wrench Anderson couldn’t close the deal with one little girl.” Hawk roars with laughter, both of them falling about each other.

“I’m not biting.” They’re winding me up on purpose because they’d usually get a rise out of me. However, it won’t work today.

“Come on, Wrench, we’re just pulling your chain.”

I say nothing in response to Hawk; I merely raise my eyebrow.

“Oh, no!” Roman’s expression darkens. “He’s falling in love.”

“Fuc.k off,” I laugh while shaking my head. I’m not falling in love. I just met the girl.

“No one is safe! Get away from me with them love germs!”

I roll my eyes and smile. Roman is beyond ridiculous; he always has been.

Ignoring the two of them, I turn and get on with my work.

Three hours pass before I get the opportunity to send Elie a text. Thank God I had the brains to ask for her number.

Wrench: Hey, gorgeous. Just wondered if you’re free tonight?

Elie: I have plans tonight. Sorry.

I scratch my jaw with my thumbnail. I can’t say I’m not disappointed. I hoped I’d get to see Elie tonight. That, in itself, is strange to me; I’ve never wanted to see a woman the night after a date as badly as I want to see Elie. I’d be a liar if I said I didn’t want to sleep with her, but that’s not the only reason I want to see her again. I liked her company, and I liked that she was open and could make me laugh.

Wrench: Okay, no worries. Some other time?

Elie: Sure. Unless you want to come with me?

I smile to myself.

Wrench: Depends on where you’re going and what you’re doing.

Elie: I’m volunteering at the homeless shelter in town.

That was not what I expected, but it’s a course that is close to my family’s heart. Stryker was once homeless, and Mom and Dad taught Hawk and me to be thankful for what we have. They also taught us to give to those less fortunate when and where we can with an open heart.

Wrench: Sure. I’ll come with you.

Elie: Great! Meet me there at 6 PM.

I smile while slipping my phone into my pocket. Looks like I have a date tonight.