Tempting Marcus

Garland Smith:
Marcus Gray is a total jerk. My next-door neighbor makes my life hell. He plays loud rock music at all hours in his garage with the doors open so I can see his big, muscular arms all dirty and greasy. His muscle car roars in and out with stunning regularity every night after he gets home from work. If he's not playing in his car, he's leaving day and night in his big tow truck. Everything he does is big and loud. Just like him.
Whenever we come face to face, his firm lip curls and he glares at me like I kicked his dog. His very loud, annoying and adorably cute little beagle named Spud. Seriously, who names a dog Spud?
Everything about him is so different than me. I like peace and quiet. I don't like going out. He's always running around and loves a good party. I prefer my books to people.
So why do I keep having the most sinful dreams about his tall, muscular body and glittering blue eyes?
Marcus Gray:
I've spent months eyeing my neighbor like the tasty little snack she is, all sweet curves and shy smiles for everyone else but me. She wants nothing to do with me. It's become a game to get her attention.
She never smiles. I would kill to have her smile at me. Or at least maybe maim someone. But I get nothing from her.
On the 4th of July, I finally get my wish. Her car breaks down and I pull up in my tow truck, on my way home to get ready for the fireworks. I like to think I'm her knight in rusty armor.
She smiles at me and I'm a goner. I knew she was beautiful but she she smiles at me, my heart skips a beat and I know the truth. This woman was made to be mine and only mine until the end of time. Now I'm going to move heaven and earth to claim her, keep her.
Garland Smith is my woman and I intend to make sure the whole dang town knows it.

• Short Stories
• Romance