Mz Mechanic by Ambrielle Kirk Read Free Book Online

of my parent’s death just passed and I haven’t felt myself lately. Connecting the day I lost my parents with the day that I officially met you…well, it was just too much. I’ve also put in a boat load of hours this week to prep for the expansion.”
    He visibly swallowed. “Enough said. In an attempt to try to help relieve some stress, I created an even bigger burden by bothering you.”
    “No.” Alexia shook her head. “You have helped me. In more ways than one. I just have never had someone …pursue me as much as you have.”
    He looked at her skeptically. “I beg to differ. You’re a business savvy person. An extremely attractive woman. Smart as hell. Sexy as hell. I could go on, but I can’t imagine that I’ve been the very first man to pursue you.”
    Heat rose to her neck in an involuntary blush. “I’m not quite sure that I’m worth all the trouble. After a while, they take the hint and leave me alone.”
    “How long will you make me wait?”
    “Excuse me.”
    “I work relentless for everything I have, Alexia.”
    She bit the corner of her lip and glanced at him from under her lashes. What would possess him to want anything to do with her?
    “And don’t look at me like you don’t know what I’m talking about.”
    “I haven’t decided yet.”
    “You haven’t decided what?”
    “How long I will make you wait.” She picked up her straw hat and stood. “Would you like to come inside for lunch?”
    Alexia turned around just as he stood, and it only took one grin from him to know his answer.
    ***
    “I didn’t think that you’d be the type to take that type of risk,” Shawn said, as he flipped over the burgers on the built-in grill on the stove.
    He turned to watch as she fumbled around in the bottom drawer of the refrigerator for something. Her long, toned legs were in clear view as she knelt, and he reminisced on how soft they were touching his at the spa. That had been the most relaxing time he’d had in months. He remembered the soft music playing with short pauses of complete silence in between, and the brief glances shared with each other as they laid on the therapist’s table.
    “Ah! There it is.” Alexia placed the pineapple in the center of the cutting board. “No pain, no gain. Isn’t that a motto? Are stocks not a money maker?”
    “Investing in stocks is a good option. They’ll provide you income now and grow pretty steadily over the long term from what I’ve seen, but you don’t want to put all your eggs in one nest.”
    “I see.” She selected the biggest knife from the storage block, and poised it over the pineapple. “I’m terrible at balancing my portfolio. The rate of return is never what I expected.”
    Shawn removed the burgers from the grill and placed them on a serving tray. “Well, now you have some expert advice. We can’t control the market, but we can adjust the percentages so that you’re on track with your retirement goals.”
    He joined her near the sink, sneaking a glance at her just as she slipped a piece of the juicy fruit between her lips.
    “Just test tasting.” She smiled. “To make sure it’s ripe.”
    “I’m sure it is.”
    She ate another, giving him a teasing glare. “It is.”
    “Sweet tooth?”
    “Good observation.”
    He took the hand which held the knife and she laid the tool on the counter. “I observed something else. Can you guess what it is?”
    She shook her head, and glanced at their hands as he brought her fingers to his lips.
    “You are unique with a drive to be in control, but still very much a woman.” Pressing his lips to her fingers, he tasted the sweet pineapple juices. “Painted fingernails…delicate beauty…graceful, but sure movements.” He met her gaze. “Strong but guarded, exceptional black woman.”
    “When did you realize this?”
    “Observations were made from day one.” It was already warm in the kitchen with the heat from the grill, but as he stepped in closer the heat from their bodies