Her CEO Stalker and Her Second Chance Mate Chapter 124

Briar

 I ordered extra pizzas and asked for them to be delivered around 5 pm. I entered all the jobs for the next two weeks into the calendar and made a group chat to send the links. To give me this freedom I was going to give them each a $50 phone allowance since I’d be asking them to use their devices for work purposes. I was just finishing up the list of chats in the group, inventory, high importance, requests, scheduling issues, general shop banter. They could also direct text or call me with anything one on one as needed.

A rap came at the door and I stood waving Byron in. The young man that followed him had me cross my arms under my breasts as I leaned back to narrow my eyes at him. It was the same guy that gave me the cotton candy at the fair. Carter had made sure to demasculate him by eating his pink fluffy offering while giving me the blue raspberry one I would prefer. I shook my head as he rubbed the back of his neck and had the decency to look sheepish. Byron looked between us.

“Um this is my nephew Larson, seems you’ve met?

“Ma’am, I apologize for that stunt I was only trying to get under Carter's skin.”

Oh? And how did that work for you?

“Guess he took me to school.” he said with an uncomfortable laugh.

In my mind I remembered the moment he scowled as Carter grinned at him as he ate the pink cotton candy triumphant as hell. My lips threatened to kick up into a smile. I suppressed it but relished the feel of the memory as it warmed my insides. It had just proved to me how deeply Carter had wormed his way into my heart.

“I suppose you’ve learned a valuable lesson?”

“Yes ma'am, I have,” he answered and he seemed genuine.

“So tell me a little about yourself and what your experience is with bikes and basic maintenance of them and other vehicles.

He didn’t falter as he went on and told me his experience which was more than I could hope for in a basic service tech. I dismissed him when he finished and told him to wait with the guys. The other two made an appearance and I knew right off the bat they wouldn’t make the cut. Cole was to timid and barely knew his way around a wrench and Brady couldn’t keep his eyes off my tits. I just thanked them each for coming and unfortunately informed them I had made my decision and they hadn’t made the cut.

The pizza showed up as I was seeing them out. It smelt amazing and my stomach growled but that feeling from before lingered. Food and I were becoming enemies again so it seemed. I called the guys into my office, and pointed at Byron’s nephew.

“You too,” I said, before I flipped open a few boxes while they washed up and put their tools away. I stared down a piece of pepperoni and nausea struck me instantly. The guys filled in and I waved at the boxes in offering. They dug in but I took my seat in the creaky office chair as they each found a spot to sit or lean. I set my barely eaten slice down on a paper plate after I forced another bite down.

I explained what was expected while I was gone and showed them how to work the app. None of them had challenged me about using their personal devices then I added that they would get a phone use bonus and they all perked up at that.

As they ate I explained I just needed time to get Jake’s house in order. It wasn't rocket science to know they didn’t believe me. They, however, didn’t question me and I was thankful for that. The meeting was short and I put Byron in charge of his nephew’s training on how we did things. I dismissed them by sending the boxes of pizza with them and tossed my slice into the trash as Byron took the last 3 boxes.

“You know whatever it is that's going on between you and Carter; he's a good man but all men have their faults.” I let out a breath as my shoulders sagged while I packed up my computer and a pile of paperwork to deal with tomorrow.

“I’m not without my own faults— after everything—I just need time to deal with it,” I said. It would be the closest thing to an explanation I’d give him. He nodded.

“If you need anything, anything at all the guys and I will be here. I was skeptical at first, we all were but now I know Jake knew what he was doing when he brought you here and put you in charge.”

I shrugged.

“I just wish he had a chance to explain everything else before he passed, there are just so many things I should have known before I came here.”

“Jake kept his secrets close, you were one of them. I’m sure he had his reasons.”

I glanced up at him and nodded. I really hoped so.