Wolf glanced at her oversized shoulder bag with a thick binder sticking up
"What do you have there?"
"My portfolio."
"You mind if I take a look?" he asked. Ella frowned but dug out her portfolio anyway. "Have a seat. I don't know how you can possibly stay upright in those shoes," Wolf commented as he flipped open her binder.
"Um, okay." The crease in her brow deepened as she sat.
"These are nice. You have a wide variety of interiors. This mural is really good. It's not over the top like most." Wolf admired the picture of a bathroom turned Zen garden.
"Thanks," Ella mumbled.
Wolf looked over, and was stunned to see the flush in her cheeks. She was embarrassed. Again, he was shocked. Ella was so put together; modesty seemed contradictory to the way she carried herself.
"It looks hand painted," he commented.
"It was."
"Well the artist is talented." Wolf studied the photograph.
"Thank you," Ella replied quietly. Wolf watched her cheeks turn an even deeper shade of red.
"You painted it, didn't you?" he asked.
Wolf almost missed her subtle nod. Ella was talented. Why did that embarrass her? With her barrier dropped, there was something erotically compelling about Ella. The primal side of him again shifted beneath his skin. The mysterious woman peaked his curiosity and incited his hunting instinct.
"Here's the deal. I have a job for you. I need work done on my clubhouse. In exchange, I will cover your rent and utilities, till your job starts and you get your first paycheck."
Ella's mouth dropped open, shocked and confused by his sudden offer.
"Are you sure?" she stammered.
Wolf was a bit stunned himself. He'd completely intended to stand his ground. He couldn't let people walk all over him, even gorgeous women. An alpha had his reputation to uphold. But then his mouth opened and out came the offer.
Well this way the clubhouse will look less like a garage sale.
If he was honest, he liked the idea of seeing Ella more often, and maybe riling the unflappable little female. Wolf couldn't resist the impulse. His mouth cocked up at the corners in a raffish smile.
"You may not want the job after I show you the clubhouse."
It wasn't so much the building as the occupants that might be an issue. Then again, exposing Little-Miss-Straight-Laced to the pack might be entertaining.
"No. I'm sure I can do the job. Thank you." Ella smiled and it transformed her face.
Ah, damn, he groaned, lost in her beauty.
Wolf almost felt bad for wanting to tarnish her polished veneer.
"You should look at it before you agree. It's probably a bit different from what you're used to. It's a motorcycle club."
"Oh, okay." Ella was still smiling but now she looked thoughtful.
Wolf ushered Ella to his car before she could change her mind. He was glad it didn't take long to get to the clubhouse on the edge of town. He had a hard time keeping his eyes on the road. His gaze was drawn to Ella's legs. Her dark skirt had ridden above her knees, giving him a peek of the lacey top of her stockings, and a scant bit of her creamy thighs.
Ah hell, you ARE a bad man. She's like a nun in the body of a stripper, he rebuked himself while clenching the steering wheel.
Wolf swung his Charger into a parking spot up front, then went around and opened Ella's door, before she beat him to it.
Ella
Ella wasn't sure what to make of Wolf as she watched the small town go by, from the passenger seat of his sports car. It was a bit of a surprise to discover he owned the apartment complex. She didn't know what she expected, but she certainly hadn't pegged the sexy biker as a real estate investor. Then again, she didn't really know Wolf.
Ella was positive Wolf was going to turn her down, and she'd have to find a new place to live, probably in an unsavory neighborhood. Wright's little stunt the night before certainly hadn't helped her cause any. She was beyond disappointed after having such an awesome day, but she refused to whine or beg. Ella prided herself as a survivor, and rarely asked anyone for help. She didn't believe others should suffer at her expense.
Wolf then flipped the script on her, getting mad that she refused to make excuses. Ella couldn't understand why he cared to know the reason she couldn't make rent.
I guess if you're going to give handouts, you want to know it's for a good reason. I'm not some addict, frittering my rent money away on drugs. But how would he know.
The next thing she knew Wolf was complimenting her portfolio, making her blush, and offering her a job.
Wolf was a hard man to read. But, there was one thing she knew for certain; he was a rogue. The way he prodded her until she talked to him, was unsettling. Wolf had a disarming effect on her, every time he drew near. What's more, her reaction seemed to amuse and rile him further.
Wolf pulled into a large parking lot at the edge of town, and Ella looked at the building he called a clubhouse. It wasn't exactly what she expected, when she thought of a biker hangout. This was a two-story Art Deco building, constructed of creamy glazed brick. There was a wood privacy fence that extended down one side, and appeared to encompass a large area out back. Beyond that was a copse of mature trees. The property was nice and looked well cared for. Ella suddenly wondered if Wolf had manufactured a reason to help her.
Wolf
"You know, you don't have to take pity on me," Ella commented as she looked at the exterior of the clubhouse.
The building was in good shape. He had work done on it last summer. The interior was a different matter. It hadn't been touched since the early seventies.
"This isn't a pity job, believe me," Wolf assured her.
Wolf had to resist the urge to place his hand at the small of her back, as he escorted Ella inside. Ella stopped when they entered the main room. Her eyes widened as she looked around.
Wolf groaned. He forgot he told Vick and Tony to start tearing the damaged drywall out. There was so much plaster dust, it looked like it snowed inside.
"Yeah, I guess you do need a little update. What happened over here?" Ella strode forward to examine the busted-out studs and pipe between the main room and the bathroom.
Wolf couldn't admit what actually happened. Human men didn't toss each other through walls.
"I think it was the earthquake," he offered.
Ella choked, instantly turning bright red. Wolf wasn't sure, but she looked embarrassed for some reason. It was an odd response, but women were strange, especially this one. Ella's expression shifted again.
"Look, Wolf, don't fib to me. This isn't earthquake damage." Ella stated, appearing peeved as she pinned him with a stern gaze. "And if it was, damage of this kind would mean other structural problems, that a little paint and tile won't fix."
Shit! Busted.
She turned and ran her hand over a broken pipe that bent inward.
"You said this is a motorcycle club. Are you sure someone didn't run a bike through this wall?" Her left eyebrow rose, challenging him to lie to her again.
Why didn't you think of the motorcycle excuse? A Mensa candidate you are not, Wolf.
"You caught me." Wolf held his hands up in resignation. "I didn't want to scare you off so soon. Things can get a little wild around here."
Emphasis on the wild part.
"Wolf, I can't design something that will work for you, if you aren't honest with me about your needs." She pointed at the giant hole.
Oh, I have needs, Princess.
"I apologize. That makes a lot of sense," he replied. A rotten inclination entered Wolf's head. "You know, the best way to see what things are like, would be to come to a party. Well it's not really a party, as much as a run of the mill Friday night."
"That would give me an idea how you use the space."
Ella looked toward the pool table, entertainment unit, and the new dumpy couches and tables, that were moved in to replace the broken ones. Wolf was a bit embarrassed by the pathetic sight.
As Ella turned, she stumbled over a crowbar. Wolf reached out lightning fast, and gripped her around the waist, before she fell flat on the floor. Ella's eyes widened as she looked up at his face, and Wolf realized he had a solid grip on her full ass.
Time stood still as Wolf looked down into Ella's hazel eyes. The flecks of green in her irises sparkled like tiny emeralds. The air seemed to vibrate as he held her. Ella licked her glossy red lips, and Wolf very much wanted a taste.
"Um," Ella squeaked.
"Sorry about that. Are you okay?"
Wolf released her, though he hated doing it. Ella's pert little behind felt right in his hands. He imagined clutching those lush globes as he made Little-Miss-Straight-Laced come unglued beneath him.