The Flip Side of Wait for Me Read online

  The Flip Side

  Of

  Wait for Me

  Alexia Chase

  The Flip Side

  Of

  Wait for Me

  Copyright 2019 Alexia Chase

  All Rights Reserved

  Copyright 2019 Alexia Chase

  All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part or in part in any form by electronic, mechanical, or other means, is forbidden without written permission from the publisher.

  This is a work of fiction. References to real people, events, establishments, organizations, or locations are intended only to provide a sense of authenticity and are used fictitiously. All other characters, and all incidents and dialog, are drawn from the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real.

  Please do not participate in encouraging piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Purchase only authorized editions.

  Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales are entirely coincidental.

  Contents

  Book Excerpt

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  About the Author

  Book Review

  Book Excerpt

  Nash tilted his head. “Do you mind putting it in?”

  “No, I don’t mind putting it in.” Hilary bit her bottom lip as she took the package from his outstretched hand. His fingers stroked over the back of her hand causing her to shiver.

  “Thanks.” Nash gave her a wolfish grin and stood. “I assume you were talking about my information and not my –“ He raised his eyebrows and pointed to the bulge in his crotch.

  “I can’t say that I’m opposed to either.”

  Nash laughed. Damn, she’s a feisty one. Who knew he could be so turned on by a short-haired blonde woman in a button-up top with nerdy glasses? “You’re funny. I expected a middle-aged woman with gray hair in a bun, who looked like she’d sucked on a pickle.”

  “But you got me instead.” Hilary frowned.

  “Yep, thanks again, Hilary. You’re awesome.” Nash stood. “When will I hear something?”

  Hilary looked at the screen. “The job closes in two days. You should hear something from us by Friday at the latest.”

  “Sounds great.” Nash stopped when he reached the door. “Have a great day, Hilary. It was a pleasure to meet you.”

  As Nash exited the door, he shook his head. Another time, another place. He would have loved to take Hilary out on the town and then back to his place for naked Twister and some soul-burning kisses.

  Chapter One

  Nash Carter shifted his feet as he stood outside the door of his employment recruiter’s office. The thought of begging for a job grated on his nerves, but he would do whatever it took.

  He watched as the woman slipped her reading glasses off the top of her head and settled them on her nose. Once she had her computer booted up, she glanced at her watch.

  Nash rapped on the doorframe. “Hello?”

  “Yes?” Her mouth dropped as she studied him.

  He held back a chuckle. The woman was shitty as fuck at concealing her emotions. “I’m Nash Carter. Your one o’clock appointment.”

  “Come on in, Nash.” Hilary waved to the chair in front of her. “I’m Hilary Wilson.”

  “Nice to meet you, Hilary.” He emphasized her name as he spoke. What is wrong with me? I don’t have time to flirt or mess around. But Ms. Hilary was tempting in all the right ways.

  As he took the seat across from her, Nash’s thighs touched the sides of the chair.

  She inhaled. “What can I help you with?”

  Nash’s blue eyes bore into hers. He needed to focus on the only important thing in his life. Everything else needed to wait. “I need a legit job.”

  “No under the cover work for you?” Her face flushed.

  Nash’s lip curled in a half smile. “No. Although, I’m sure I could make a decent living as an escort.”

  Hilary fanned herself. “Yeah, I’m sure you could. What are you good at?”

  “Besides sex?” Why am I tempting fate? Why? The answer was simple. Hilary was an open book, and he wanted to turn the pages.

  “Yes.”

  Nash shrugged. The fabric of his black t-shirt stretched across his broad shoulders and massive biceps. His arms were covered in tattoos. “Well, I’ve worked on construction crews.”

  “Yeah?”

  “That’s what I’m currently doing, but they don’t want to report my wages. I really need something that is above board.”

  “Okay, what else?”

  Nash paused. If she knew his past, would she be as intrigued by him? Not likely. “I’ve bartended, mucked horse shit at a stable as a teen, and cleaned the floors at the jail.”

  “I see.”

  Yeah, that’s what he thought. Good girls weren’t impressed with criminal records. Hell, he couldn’t say he blamed her. The fact that he’d gotten convicted still had him pissed as fuck, and it had been over three years before.

  Not that her lack of interest mattered. Nash didn’t have time for romancing a woman, and Hilary was the kind of girl that deserved some special treatment. Too bad he was meeting her then and not six months into the future.

  Nash crossed his arms. His employment situation was his only concern now. His future depended on it. “However, I’m prepared to do anything at this point. Even if it’s less money than I’m currently making.”

  “Why?”

  Nash’s eyelids narrowed as his shoulder’s tensed. “I just need a job where the owners report taxes.”

  “Okay.” Hilary turned her attention to the computer and clicked through some screens.

  Shit. He hadn’t meant to sound rude, but Hilary wouldn’t believe his story anyway. Not that she honestly wanted to know. She was only being polite.

  Hilary squinted. “I’ve got an opening at a stone masonry company. They need someone who can lift large amounts of building materials.” She looked him over. “I think we can check that as a yes.”

  “You think?” Nash asked as he flexed his peck muscles.

  She laughed. “Shit. You are something else.” Her hand flew to her mouth. “Sorry, don’t tell my boss I said that. I’ve been working on my dirty mouth.”

  Fuck. Nash stared at her mouth as laugh went straight down his spine to his cock.. “It’s a pretty one.”

  How long has it been? He couldn’t remember. Nash wasn’t into the women that sought out ex-cons, and he’d known all the women in his neighborhood since junior high. As a result, it had been a long time since he’d been intimate with anyone. Hilary was crossing off all his checkmarks, but it wasn’t a good time.

  “Thanks.”

  “Does the job pay over or under the counter?”

  “They should report their pay but let me see what they say.” Hilary studied the job description. “It looks above board. Do you want me to submit your information?”

  “Sure. I’ve got all my personal data in this envelope.” Nash leaned over and struggled to get the envelope out of the back pocket of his jeans. They needed to get bigger chairs. “I’ve got to get back to work.”

  Hilary watched as he retrieved his information.

  Nash saw the flash of desire flare into her eyes. He wanted to shove his hard cock into her throbbing, wet pussy. Something about Hilary was screaming at him to forget everything that he’d been w
orking for and take what he wanted. Her.

  Nash tilted his head. “Do you mind putting it in?”

  “No, I don’t mind putting it in.” Hilary bit her bottom lip as she took the package from his outstretched hand. His fingers stroked over the back of her hand causing her to shiver.

  “Thanks.” Nash gave her a wolfish grin and stood. “I assume you were talking about my information and not my –“ He raised his eyebrows and pointed to the bulge in his crotch.

  “I can’t say that I’m opposed to either.”

  Nash laughed again. Damn, she’s a feisty one. Who knew he could be so turned on by a short-haired blonde woman in a button-up top with nerdy glasses? “You’re funny. I expected a middle-aged woman with gray hair in a bun, who looked like she’d sucked on a pickle.”

  “But you got me instead.” Hilary frowned.

  “Yep, thanks again, Hilary. You’re awesome.” Nash stood. “When will I hear something?”

  Hilary looked at the screen. “The job closes in two days. You should hear something from us by Friday at the latest.”

  “Sounds great.” Nash stopped when he reached the door. “Have a great day, Hilary. It was a pleasure to meet you.”

  As Nash exited the door, he shook his head. Another time, another place. He would have loved to take Hilary out on the town and then back to his place for naked Twister and some soul-burning kisses.

  Chapter Two

  One week later, Nash glanced up to see Hilary getting out of her car. He felt a jolt of electricity shoot through his body. Damn it. She was going to make it hard as hell to do the right thing. She was adorable in her white dress pants and silk shirt. Who wore white to a dusty, dirty construction site? He closed his eyes. Get to work.

  Nash turned back to the stone fireplace he was building. There were a couple of other workers in the backyard working on the pool, but they were off to the side. When he could no longer ignore her presence, Nash stood and put his hands on his narrow hips. “What are you doing here?”

  “C-checking to see if the job is working out for you.” She walked closer to him but stopped with a few feet between them.

  “Do you do that for all your clients?”

  “No.”

  “What makes me so special?”

  Hilary licked her lips. “Well, you look pretty good in a pair of jeans.”

  “Do I?” Nash stepped forward and put a finger under her chin. Fuck. He wanted to kiss, nibble, and suck on her plump lips as he slipped inside her slick twat. He hadn’t been able to get her out of his mind since the day they’d met.

  “I don’t think you know what you’re getting into messing with me.”

  “Yeah, I do.”

  Nash frowned as he dropped his hand and stepped back. He couldn’t drag her into his chaos. “No, you don’t. I have too much baggage for a sweet girl like you.”

  “What kind of baggage?”

  “Jail. Bad guys. Sister drama. Just a bunch of shit I’m trying to work through.” Nash went back to the bricks he was laying. “You should get back to work before you get in trouble.”

  “I won’t.”

  “Does your boss know that you’re here?”

  “No.”

  “Then, how do you know you won’t get in trouble.”

  “I don’t care.” Hilary stepped toward him.

  Nash sighed. “Hilary, I’m not in a good place right now.”

  “Tell me about it. Maybe I can help.” Hilary placed a hand on Nash’s arm.

  His arm tingled at the contact. Why isn’t life simple? Years ago, he had thought that it was. Now, Nash knew that there were consequences for every action. Even those deeds that were done with the most noble of intentions.

  “No one can help me. It’s something I have to do on my own.” Nash placed a hand on her cheek and stroked his skin. “You are like a tall glass of iced tea. Refreshing and sweet.”

  “And, you’re more than just a criminal record.”

  Damn her. Hilary made him want things that he couldn’t have. At least until his past was permanently behind him, Nash didn’t have anything to offer this sexy, determined, spitfire of a woman.

  “Not right now, I’m not.”

  “Yes, you are.”

  “Damn it.” Nash’s eyes flashed with desire as Hilary’s fingers trailed along his chest. “You shouldn’t be here.”

  Hilary stood on her tiptoes to meet Nash’s mouth as his descended upon hers. His tongue slipped between her lips as he explored. She arched closer and pressed her body to his. Nash knew he should care about getting her dirty, but he couldn’t find the resolve to push her away.

  “You taste sweet,” Nash said against her lips.

  “And, you taste sweaty.” Hilary’s eyes twinkled as she stepped back.

  Nash laughed and shook his head. God, he liked being around her. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d laughed and meant it.

  “Can I see you some time?” Hilary asked.

  “I shouldn’t, but you are kind of a hard lady to get away from.”

  “I’ll take that as a compliment. When I see something I want, I plan to get it.”

  “I guess I’ll just have to enjoy the pursuit.”

  “Oh, you will.” Hilary wiggled her eyebrows.

  “Hilary?”

  Hilary jumped.

  David Corbin called her name as he walked toward Nash and Hilary.

  How does she know David? David was his boss and appeared to be a decent guy, but he wasn’t going to be pleased that there was a distraction on his construction site. Just what Nash was trying to avoid – a reason to get fired.

  “Hey, David.”

  “Hilary, you know better than to bug the help.”

  “Sorry. What are you doing working for Phillip’s Construction?”

  “Just took over as lead man for the crew.” David put his hands on his hips.

  “I see. What does Jeff think of that?” Hilary brushed a strand of her short hair behind her ear.

  Nash frowned. Who the hell is Jeff? Never mind. That was not his business. He needed to get back to work. It had been stupid to think for a second that he could have a relationship with Hilary. It was not in the cards.

  “He got me the job.” David’s eyes narrowed as he glanced at Nash. “You need to get back to work.”

  “Sure thing.” Nash turned without giving Hilary a second glance, but that didn’t stop him from wanting to eavesdrop on their conversation. God, I’m an idiot. Shaking his head, Nash returned to building the fireplace and blocked out their voices.

  When Hilary finished talking with David, she walked up to him. Nash felt his skin tingle as she neared. Where had this magnetic attraction come from? He’d fucked other women before, but Nash couldn’t say that he’d ever wanted one for more than a roll in the sheets.

  Way to go on his part for finding the one – at the totally wrong time. That was Nash’s story – wrong place at the wrong time. Not that he would change his past because he wouldn’t.

  When Nash faced her, he said, “Listen, Hilary, you’re a beautiful lady, and I’m not going to deny that I would like nothing better than to drill you six ways to Sunday.”

  “But?”

  “But, now’s not a good time. I can’t afford to get fired. There’s too much at stake right now, and you shouldn’t be hanging out on construction sites messing around with someone like me. Go find a nice accountant to play with.”

  Hilary’s eyes flared. “Screw you. I don’t want to fuck an accountant.”

  “You need to go before your friend cans my ass.”

  “Fine.” Hilary waved her hand dismissively. “But you’re going to regret turning me down.”

  “Honey, I already do, but it’s got to be done.” Nash picked up a stone and placed it on the fireplace. Why did doing the right thing always bite him in the ass?

  Chapter Three

  Several days later, Nash knocked on Hilary’s door. When she looked up from her desk, he steeled his nerves. N
ash wasn’t there to flirt with her.

  “What can I help you with?”

  “I need a different job.”

  “What’s wrong with this one?”

  Nash stepped inside her office. “Can I have a seat?”

  “Of course.”

  After Nash sat down, he said, “They want to pay me under the table.”

  “They aren’t supposed to do that. I’ll call David.”

  “Don’t worry about it. I don’t want to make waves with them. I’m sure they’re used to it not being a big deal.”

  “They shouldn’t advertise the position as legitimate if it’s not. I’ll let my boss know because he doesn’t like to list places that are shady.”

  Nash dragged a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry I’m being a pest. I’m sure most people who come in here are happy to get a job and get paid.”

  “It’s fine.”

  “You asked me the other day what the deal is, and I didn’t answer.” Would she think he was full of shit? Nash was sure that some of her other clients claimed innocence or told her their sob stories, so he wasn’t expecting much.

  “Yes?” Hilary picked up a pen off her desk and twirled it in her fingers.

  “You know I was charged with assault?”

  “Yes, it was in your packet.”

  “I’m not going to deny that I did it, but there is more to it than a simple beat down.” Although, the dude did deserve to get the crap kicked out of him, and he’d do it again. To hell with the consequences.

  “Okay.”

  Nash’s jaw clenched. “The dude was trying to rape my sister outside of a club.”

  “Shit.”

  “I saw them leave and had a weird vibe about it. When I found them, the guy had my sister pinned against the building with her skirt torn off.”

  “Oh my God, Nash, that’s awful.”

  “I saw red.” He rubbed his temple. “When I got done with him, he had a broken nose and cheekbone.”

  “Did he get time for attempted rape?”

  “No.”

  “What the fuck?”

  “He has money and comes from a prominent family. We both got arrested, but I’m the only one with a conviction. Although, the Judge said he didn’t feel I was a risk and would have probably done the same thing.”