Hunks, Hammers, and Happily Ever Afters (72 page)

She wasn’t used to being alone. She wasn’t used to having the freedom to do what she wanted. Johnathan had wanted her to fit in New York and when she’d lived at home, her mother had organized every moment of every day if it hadn’t already been booked.

Mica forced herself to take deep breaths. She checked her calendar again as her alarm went off.  “All right Jiggles, I’m off to feed the cats on the third floor.”  She looked outside the rain had finally subsided. “Then I have to walk the Dobie from the penthouse.” Mica looked down. “But first I think I’ll change; a swimsuit isn’t really the thing to wear.”

Her face went hot. She’d been sitting around in a swimsuit and a cover up the whole time. “Jiggles, I hope he didn’t think I was hitting on him.” The little dog didn’t spare a glance at Mica. “Yeah, he left quickly enough that I doubt it was on his mind.”

Mica changed into a dress and slipped on a pair of flats before leaving Jiggles to her own devices.

~*~

C
am tried Karen’s number again. She hadn’t answered his text and despite his decision not to pursue her anymore he still wanted to make sure that she had arrived home safely. He could be a dick, but that didn’t mean he was one on purpose.

“Stop calling me.”

He could hear voices in the background. Karen either wasn’t at home or had people over.

“I’m just making sure you got in. That’s all.” He pulled to a stop in his driveway.

“I’m not going out with you again. I meant it. We’re over.” It was obvious to him by now she had an audience and she was milking this phone call for all it was worth. Cam shook his head. “Glad you’re safe. Take care.”  He hung up and climbed out of his truck.

The automatic floodlights turned on and lit the way to his front door. The rain had done his new grass some good even if it had soaked him and caused people to drive like idiots. He unlocked the door and spotted the mud next to his walkway, reminding him that he needed to figure out what plants to put in. His mother had offered and he should have taken her up on it but some part of him wanted to do it himself or have someone to do it with.

He shut the door behind him and flipped on the light. The house was a work in progress. The first thing he’d done was rip out the kitchen and update it with granite counters, all new cabinets and stainless steel appliances. It was the only finished room in the house. He dropped his kit on the bar, grabbed a bottle of water and surveyed the house he hoped to eventually share with a family, his family.

It was never going to be Karen; he’d known that deep down inside. He’d mentioned his house and the work he was putting into it and she said something about him showing it to her when he was done. No, it was never going to be Karen.

He stared out of the sliding glass door into the night. Maybe he just needed to take a break from his quest to settle down.  It was time for him to admit he was just lonely and finding someone to settle down with would make the house feel so empty. Maybe he should just focus on the house and his job and if a girl caught his interest he’d just see where it went.

The image of Mica popped into his head. Curly haired and curvy she seemed friendly if a bit nervous. He didn’t want a party girl. Been there done that.  Mica didn’t seem like one, but she seemed almost too quiet for him. Not that he was considering pursuing the bane of his existence. That said, she looked pretty damn good in a bikini and a cover up.

CHAPTER THREE

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T
he elevators doors slid open and Mica steeped out on to her floor a silent thank you to Cam left her lips. She wouldn’t admit it to anyone but every time she climbed into the cab she thought of him. It’d been a week since Mica had her strange encounter with the Cam. She still couldn’t get his words out of her head. She bounced between being incensed on the mysterious Karen’s behalf and sad for herself. Is that what Johnathan had decided, that it was for the best?

She shook herself. Jonathan was an ass. And Cam’s sex life or lack thereof wasn’t her concern. Especially, since he’d clearly stated that Karen had ended it. She wasn’t going to admit to herself that she was even more curious about the mysterious Cam Munroe since he’d sat in her kitchen and shared a beer with her.

“Heads up chickie, it’s ice cream and champs tonight.”

A plastic bag with pints of ice cream swung beneath her nose. This was what she got for wasting her thoughts on Cam. Alexa had snuck up on her.

“Where did you come from?”

“I was waiting on you.” Alexa pushed away from the wall. Taller than Mica, she was slender but with curves. Her black curls hung in spirals down her back. Her skin was olive. Her eyes blue and tilted her lips full and natural red.

“Have I mentioned I hate you?”

“No, you’ve told me you love me. I remember it like it was yesterday. In fact, it might have been yesterday.” Alexa slung an arm around Mica’s shoulder and squeezed. “Come on, let your landlord in so she can inspect the damage you’ve done to the apartment.”

Mica gripped her keys and took a good look Alexa. Dressed in heels, a silk blouse and sleek trousers it wasn’t hard to guess that Alexa had come from work.. Judging by the Ice cream and champagne she wasn’t in a very good mood. Mica played along. “What damage would that be?”

“Well since the security guys told me you had that cute elevator tech here I figured I would take a look see.”

Mica growled as she shut the door behind Alexa.

“Oh, now don’t growl at me.”

“They are the worst those two.”

“Well, did you finally get the object of your fantasies into your bed?” Alexa wiggled her brows suggestively.

Mica turned away and grabbed two spoons from the kitchen. She traded Alexa a spoon for a pint of Dulce de Leche. “I gave him a beer because I was responsible for ruining his date. Plus, he got soaked in the rain.” The taste of the rich sweet made her close her eyes in appreciation. “And, I made his date break up with him.”

Alexa paused in the act of opening the champagne. “You are not responsible for him getting dumped.”

“I called in the elevator. Again.”

The cork popped. Alexa waved the bottle and towel housed the cork as if she’d performed some sort of magic trick. “I repeat, you are not the cause of them breaking up.”

“He said.” Mica took another spoonful of ice cream. Alexa knew her story she would understand. “He told me, she’d be happier in the long run.”

Silence from Alexa. The only sound in the condo was of champagne filling flutes and the fizz that followed.

Alexa sat next to Mica on her small couch. She handed Mica a glass and grabbed the remote. “I’m going to say this again, you are not the cause of anyone breaking up. And, maybe both Elevator man and Jonathan are right for different reasons.”

Mica’s stomach cramped as she looked at her best friend who was already channel surfing. This was the first Mica had heard from Alexa beyond the standard, you’re better off without him speech.

“Really?” She asked her voice smaller than she would have liked.

`“Really.” Alexa said shifting on the couch to face Mica. “You would have gone through the motions with Jonathan. You’d have found a way to be happy because you make the best of every situation but now you’re free to be you.”

Mica found it hard to maintain eye contact. What she saw in her friend’s face was a belief Mica was more than she seemed. Mica wasn’t ready to take that leap just yet

“As for the other guy, you don’t know who elevator man was dating.”

“Karen. Cam said.”

Alexa raised one eyebrow. “Oh, Cam is it?”

“Cam Munroe.” Mica didn’t admit she’d found out his name long before.

“So he was here long enough to tell you about her?”

“He just mentioned that she dumped him.”

“And?” Alexa kicked off her pumps as she settled into the crook of the sofa. “I know you. People automatically trust you.” Spoon hovering over her pint of ice cream she urged Mica on. “What else did he say?”

Mica took a spoonful of her ice cream to buy time. The sweet rich cream melted in her mouth while Alexa stared at her with her intense blue gaze.

“He said that I was a virtual stranger and that he was having a deeper conversation than he’d had with her.”

She shoved another spoonful of ice cream in her mouth before Alexa could ask her anything else.

“See, that’s just what I thought. She wanted out. Not. Your. Fault.” Alexa done with the conversation turned back to the TV screen.

“How can you say that?”

“Because it’s true.” Alexa chose a channel. “And you know it’s true. How often did I agree with Jonathan of all people?”

“But...”

“But nothing. You’re happier now than you were when you were with the smooth talker and you know it. Now settle in because we caught this just in time.” She grabbed a flute off champagne and took a sip before she added. “Oh, and another thing. You’re not getting out of the fundraiser tomorrow night so I hope you have your dress ready.”

~*~

C
am took another swig of his scotch. He scanned the room looking for a friendly face. His boss had long disappeared into the sea of individuals who’d come together for adult literacy. It was a worthy cause and he was all for it, but he doubted his donation would be anything significant compared to what some of the people in this room could contribute.

He held up his end of the bar while the crowd mingled around him. Men and women were dressed in their finery. For some, this was as close as they would get to high society, while for others this was a regular part of their social calendars. For him it was just another night. He fixed elevators for a living. He showed up to give to a good cause he would have given to anyway so the free plate from the company didn’t hurt.

A flash of cinnamon curls piled high caught Cam’s attention. He straightened to get a better look. What were the odds the woman who’d been haunting his dreams was at the same event? She appeared in the crowd next to a dark haired beauty dressed in scarlet. In contrast, the object of his interest was in what she must have considered a conservative black dress.

Cam gave up his position at the bar and melted into the crowd. Here was one person he knew could carry on a conversation that didn’t involve the other person trying to determine where he fit on the social strata.

It took some doing but he finally caught up with them halfway around the room. He even found his boss, whom acknowledged him with a salute of his drink

“I know you.” Cam almost dropped his drink as a slender arm snaked through his. A quick look to his left and he discovered the dark haired woman on his arm.

“You do?” He looked into the blue eyes of the woman who had a grip on his arm and wondered how he was going to get her to let go without seeming rude.

“Yes. I do.” She smiled and gently guided him in Mica’s direction, straight to his prey. “Cam isn’t it?”

Okay, he definitely hadn’t met her before. He certainly hadn’t given her his name. And there was only one other person who knew it and she looked uncomfortable sipping a glass of wine and trying not to make any eye contact.

“I know you’ve forgotten my name, it’s Alexa. I live in the Towers with Mica.”

“Alexa, I think I remember now. Nice to see you again.” He turned to Mica who was busy watching him as if he were a dangerous animal. “Mica. It’s nice to see you again.”

“Hello Cam.” Her voice was soft and he had to lean in to hear her properly. He didn’t mind at all. It did his bruised ego good when she met his eyes and promptly forgot that she was about to take a sip of her wine.

“So, Cam. I’m technically working this event even though it’s not mine. You don’t mind keeping Mica company, do you?”

Alexa didn’t even wait for his agreement. She took off and quickly disappeared into the crowd. Cam watched her go in bemusement. Cam shifted his focus back to Mica. While he’ been studying her friend she’d been studying him.

“It’s a gift.” Mica met his eyes briefly.

“I’m sorry, what?”

Mica smiled. “She has a talent for leaving people confused and exactly where she wants them.”

Cam took a sip of his drink and took in his companion. She stood with her back to the wall, watching the crowd as it ebbed and flowed past them. Mica seemed to be at home in the crowd. People waved at her as they wandered past and she returned their greetings. He wondered just who she was in this world.

A faint flush covered her cheeks as she sought to avoid his gaze.

“So tell me, what does Alexa do?”

“She manages fundraising for a local nonprofit.”

“So if this were her event, she’d be the one to put this all together.”

Mica looked down, at her glass swirling the liquid. Cam fingers itched to stroke the line of her neck.

“She would be the one.”

“And if she’s the organizer, what are you?”

Mica looked up at him, searching his face for something. “I’m her plus one tonight but sometimes I would be an invited guest.”

“An invited guest.” Cam gave in and moved closer. One of her curls had escaped her attempts to control it. Her eyes widened. Her pupil’s dilated as he reached out to test the springy curl between his thumb and index finger. Silky like her skin.

“Yes.” Mica shivered as the backs of his fingers caressed her collar bone.

“Are you from around here?” All he had to do was open his hand and he would be cupping her cheek. It wouldn’t take much more to bend his head and cover her lips with his.

“We both are. Orlando born and bred.” She licked her lips and Cam grabbed hard onto his composure. This was a public place. He was sure if he kissed her here Mica would be embarrassed. Well she would be embarrassed and he wouldn’t want to stop.

Cam didn’t know what question to ask next but he was stalled when a couple approached.

“Mica.”

Cam dropped his hand and stepped to the side. At the sound of her name, Mica became someone completely different before his eyes. Instead of bouncing between being annoyed he was talking about Alexa and being attracted to him, Mica clutched her wine glass so hard Cam was afraid she’d break it.

“Hi Mom, Dad.”