His Curvy Candy Cane (F*** Under The Mistletoe)

Chapter 2

CHAPTER TWO

Ethan

Well, ain’t she a peach?

I went back to shoveling my driveway, the tedious task only halfway done before I heard a car die and a woman have a tantrum. I couldn’t not investigate, especially when the sound of a struggling engine caught my attention.

What I found was a gorgeous, curvy woman who I’d guess had a bit of a hot streak, considering she wanted nothing to do with my offer to help. Elise. Beautiful smile and curves for days…

I’d heard a woman recently moved in but had yet to catch sight of her. Now I knew I’d never get the image of her out of my head.

The attraction was instant, but it didn’t matter. I didn’t have room in my life for love. Been there, done that. I focused on myself, my cars, and my mechanic business, and that was all I needed. Because in the end, the only person you had was yourself. That proved true time and again.

After I shoveled, I took a hot shower, slid on a pair of flannel pj pants and a T-shirt, and settled in front of the TV with a beer. I admired my Christmas decorations and the large tree beside my fireplace. I secretly loved Christmas, and while I played the part of not seeming to care about the holidays, my house was a different story. I enjoyed decorating, and it brought me some comfort in my lonely cottage.

The town’s Christmas party was in a couple of days, and that was one event I wouldn’t miss. Not only was the food delicious but there were also endless cookies and treats, hot cocoa with all the toppings, and raffles. One year I won free gas for a year, and honestly, what a damn good gift to win.

As I sipped my beer and channel surfed, my mind drifted to Elise’s car. I ran over some ideas of what could be wrong with it when suddenly, I heard a loud clank sound outside and then a very loud fuck!

I scrambled to my feet, and when I peeked out my front window, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Outside in the falling snow, Elise was underneath her car hood. What the hell is she doing?

I grabbed my jacket and hat, slid on my boots, and walked over to her. “Um, did you ever think it might not be a good idea to do that while it’s snowing?”

“AH!” Elise jumped back and clutched at her chest. “Holy shit! You scared me!”

I held my hands up. “Sorry. I heard a loud noise and thought you might need some?—”

“You thought wrong. I don’t need any help. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” Elise held my gaze, her expression stony. Maybe she was more stubborn than I thought.

“But it’s freezing out here, and the snow really shouldn’t get under the hood. I’ll help you tomorrow. I’ll tow it to my shop and?—”

“What part of no don’t you understand?” Elise interrupted me for a second time.

Well, then. A sour, rotten peach is more like it.

But fuck, I still wanted to throw her down on the snowy ground and have my way with her.

“Fine. Your choice. Good luck,” I grumbled before storming away. I knew when I wasn’t wanted or needed, and I wasn’t about to let another woman make me feel that way again.

Why was she so damn stubborn? Did she have to give me so much attitude? All I did was try to help, but she wanted no part of it.

As I climbed into bed an hour later, I saw from my bedroom window that Elise was still out there bent over with her head under the hood.

So damn stubborn. She’s gonna catch a damn cold out here.

Wow, I sounded like my mother. She made little sense to me. And what pissed me off even more was the desire I felt for her.

Like hot lava in my veins, it made me want to explode, and I knew I wouldn’t be getting much sleep tonight. Not with the way my mind spun like an out-of-control Ferris wheel.

Elise finally gave up and went inside a little after midnight. She tried several times to turn the engine over but nothing. A part of me wondered if it was her starter or maybe an alternator, but I wouldn’t know for sure without looking at it.

One thing I knew was that Camille hired Elise to work at her diner and also found her the cottage next door. She had to know a thing or two about Elise, but how could I find out without looking suspicious?

Everything you did in this town got around, and there wasn’t a single place to hide. Believe me, I’d tried.

Growing up here and becoming the town mechanic, everyone knew who I was. There was no way I’d be able to ask questions without someone overhearing, never mind Camille’s own suspicions.

Shit, it wouldn’t work. I nixed that idea. I’d figure something out.

After I stared at the ceiling for another hour, I rubbed one out to the thought of Elise before finally falling asleep.

Yet when I woke up the following morning, my desire for her wasn’t any better.

If anything, it was worse.

And when I looked out my window as I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, there she was again, back at it.

Against my better judgment, I quickly dressed, and without even having coffee first, I bundled up, slid my boots on, and made my way over to her.

“How’s it going?” I chewed on the inside of my cheek to keep my smirk at bay. I couldn’t help it around her. Honestly, I only wanted to assist her with her car as I no longer wanted to see her struggle.

Her head snapped up, and her eyes immediately narrowed. “Oh, it’s you again. It’s going fine. Everything’s fine. She’ll be up and running in no time.” There wasn’t a hint of confidence in her voice, but I admired her stubbornness and how she didn’t give up easily.

In the morning daylight, I drank in her features—her long, wavy brown hair cascaded down her back from underneath her sparkly purple beanie hat and the long lashes surrounding her deep blue eyes. My dick twitched in my boxers, and I pushed the urge to take her inside and ravage every inch of her body.

I knew she could take it like a good girl. I knew she’d love a little ass slapping and hair pulling.

“Uh, hello, earth to Ethan?” She waved a hand in front of my face, snapping me back to reality.

Shit. What was I, fifteen again and fantasizing about sex? Get a grip.

I stood there like an idiot, and I could only imagine the blank look on my face. The bulge in my jeans strained at the zipper, and I moved so the car hid my hips. “Uh, yeah, sorry. Haven’t had any coffee yet. I noticed you working hard out here again this morning and wanted to see if I could help.”

“I already told you I don’t need your help.” Elise pressed her lips together, and I wondered what they tasted like.

“Maybe you don’t want my help, but it sure looks like you need it.”

She clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth. “That’s definitely something you would say, isn’t it?”

Her attitude only turned me on more. But as much as I wanted to reach across and pull her in for a kiss, memories flooded my mind like a sad movie reel.

“Okay, don’t say I didn’t try. Should I let Camille know you won’t make it to your shift today? Or would you possibly accept a ride from your lowly neighbor?” I asked as I took a step back toward my cottage.

“Mind your own business. How about that?”

I chuckled. Fuck, she was sexy.

“You got it.” I winked.

“Oh, and Ethan?”

“Yeah?”

“I wouldn’t ever trust anyone who likes candy canes.”