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A Fixer-Upper
Last Updated:
2023-12-09 01:36:28Related chapters
Jaded He's Her Only Hope
SicilyNo need to embarrass herself with hoping for something that would end in extreme rejection. Sicily’s friends badgered her nonstop about Drake, both of them misunderstanding his constant nagging for a crush. He wasn't interested in anything but her membership to his gym and the ability to tout to everyone that he had worked the town baker into shape. He was a dick most days - balking at her cooking and leaving her to feel like a walking heart attack, which she most likely was."I keep trying to get your boss to come see me." Drake moved toward the counter, tapping it as Sicily looked up."Oh yeah?" Martin moved up beside him, the wonder on the boy's face something Sicily was used to seeing. He wanted to be a chef and to own his own place. He was taken with her simply for that reason alone. She enjoyed it... it meant she was doing something right in some part of her life."I don't have time." She glanced back down, pressing a few buttons on the register to bring it to life. "Besi
Last Updated : 2023-12-09Jaded A Gorgeous Girl
SicilyIt took damn near forever to force herself out of the car when she got to the gym. The large brick building in front of her seeming far too commercialized for their sleepy town. The parking lot was half-full, which was surprising seeing that it was only three in the afternoon. Did all of the retired folks work out? Probably. Most of the people she had seen walking the streets were relatively healthy.I'm in the minority here. The door to the gym opened and Drake moved out, holding the door for an elderly couple. The smile on his face was kind, the expression reaching all the way to his eyes.Sicily let out a long sigh, her heart fluttering in her chest. There was no way he would ever see anything but a project in her, but God if she didn't want him to.He glanced toward her, a smile spreading across his mouth.She couldn't help but stiffen as he walked toward her, waving once more to the older couple before stopping outside of her door.Opening it, she stood up and looked him
Last Updated : 2023-12-09Jaded Who is This Guy?
SicilySicily waited until the pretty bombshell walked off before slipping in her ear buds and climbing up on the machine. She didn't want to look like a wuss, but flying off the back of the machine was out too. Drake might just want to be friends, but she still felt the need to look as bad-ass as she was capable of pulling off in front of him.She cranked it up and jumped onto the moving belt, her music pumping in her ears and her heart picking up speed. The first few minutes felt good, her blood pumping and energy rushing through her system. After the first lap around the electronic track, a hitch started to throb in her side and she was forced to slow down, walking quickly, and then limping until she had to stop the machine.Pressing her palm to her head, she leaned over and tried to catch her breath, not caring at all who was watching. Dying in front of everyone was out, but she might not have a choice. She jerked up as a hand touched her back."Sicily. You okay?" Drake's concern
Last Updated : 2023-12-09Jaded She Can't See It
SicilyThe last thing she wanted was to have a dinner date with Lisa and Kari, but there was no getting out of it. They had pushed her toward the shower, both of them cheering because of her going to the gym. She had agreed to go out to dinner if they chose someplace with a healthy menu and promised to shut up about Drake.What was it with the two of them? Drake wasn't interested in her and yet they both nagged non-stop about him. They were nagging the wrong half of the equation. She resigned herself to putting on a fake smile and making it through the evening. She would analyze her epic fail on the treadmill later over a shot of tequila and a good cry. Having Drake be the one to carry her off the machine had sealed the deal.She wasn't joining his gym - ever."Come on already. I'm fucking starving out here." Lisa's voice came through the bathroom door as Sicily worked to get her brush through her wet, tangled mess of hair."I'm coming. Get a snack. I just went shopping on Wednesday."
Last Updated : 2023-12-09Jaded He's Not a Villian
Sicily"So how is it having Martin Wilcox work for you?" Lisa asked as she leaned up between the front seats as they drove back home from dinner."It's good. He's a great kid." Sicily glanced back at her friend as Kari sang to the song on the radio and drove.Dinner was filling and Sicily had worked hard to keep it light. Her friends ate their usual fare of fattening meats slathered in butter and cheese with pasta and tons of bread. It took all of the willpower she could find not to dive into the sinful meal with them. The image of Drake scowling down at her at the gym caused her to keep her hands in her lap.Had he scowled? No.Why did she replace his kindness with him basically attacking her for not being able to run on the machine? Protection.She was beginning to want more than a casual bantering friendship with him and where she was a strong girl, her heart couldn't handle rejection right now."Are the guys coming over tonight?" Lisa asked, moving back, but catching Sicily's atte
Last Updated : 2023-12-09Jaded Another Man
SicilySicily had simply excused herself the night before, Lisa checking on her once as she lay in the darkness of her bedroom. She couldn't face Drake again, knowing that he either wanted something more with her, or was playing a dangerous game. She would root out the truth, but until she had the strength to push him back she needed to try and keep the private time between the two of them to a minimum. She would join the gym, but ask for Violet to be her trainer if they felt she needed one.Keeping things casual with Drake would be hard, but doable.She dressed in a pair of jeans, a t-shirt, and tennis shoes. A navy blue cardigan helped to hide everything she didn't want anyone to see. Her breasts were bigger, but they simply aided in making her look more portly rather than more feminine.She stopped by the bathroom to put her hair into a high ponytail and put on a little make-up. She was needed at the bakery that morning to work on a large wedding cake order they had for later that
Last Updated : 2023-12-09Jaded Dead To Me
Sicily"Tell me how you know Mr. Carrington?" Sicily walked outside with Drake. She glanced around the parking lot looking for his truck, but didn't see it. "Am I driving?""No. I brought the bike. That okay?" He walked to a decked out Harley and pulled a spare helmet off the back, tossing it to her.Sicily caught it as her words escaped her. She had spent a large part of her teenage years riding on the back of motorcycles, her older brother owning several as a mechanic. It had been years since she felt the thrill they provided. The fear that rushed through her was simply over being so close to Drake and nothing to do with the inherent danger of riding on the back of a bike."Yeah. It's fine," she muttered and slipped the helmet on before walking to get on behind him."Just hold on to me tightly and we'll be good. I'll tell you about me and Mike at the restaurant." He started the bike as she slid her hands around his waist.The thick muscles of his abs tensed under her fingers. She ha
Last Updated : 2023-12-09Jaded Don't Want To Be Alone Tonight
SicilyOne Week Later…The rest of the week was filled with trying to keep the shop afloat and searching high and low for someone to help fill in. It just wasn't happening. For some reason everyone in Bar Harbor was employed or too old. Drake had appeared on her doorstep a few times, offering to take her to lunch or asking her to go for a walk. She refused out of necessity to get things done at the shop, but the few times they did get together it was in the comfort of their friends.Sicily hated to watch the fire inside of him dwindle, but whatever he was fighting against, he seemed to be losing. She joined the gym during the week and asked for Violet to help train her, the girl sweet and immediately becoming a much needed force of positivity in Sicily's life.The week had ended, and with Marc coming into town that night, everyone was excited. Being around Lisa, one couldn't help but take on some of the joy that overflowed in the air around the pretty redhead.Sicily walked into the h
Last Updated : 2023-12-09
Latest chapter
Jaded Easter Proposal
Drake"You sure you don't mind stopping by my momma's house real quick? I just want to give everyone a hug before we head back to Maine." She leaned over and puckered up, looking too cute for her own damn good."I don't mind at all, plus, we're already here." He kissed her. "Tease.""You don't have to come in." She kissed him once more and got out of the truck, jogging toward the door. Her white coat fit her well, her jeans beautiful on her pert little butt.He smiled, letting his thoughts dive into the night they would have when they got back to his place.A knock right beside his head on the window had him stifling the need to jump. He turned to find Johnny standing out in the snow.Drake rolled down his window and nodded. "What's up, man?""I was thinking about what you said the other day about loving my sister." He glanced around, obviously uncomfortable. "I can't do anything about who she falls in love with, and I know I don't need to do the 'kick your ass if you hurt her' spiel,
Jaded You're My Gift
Drake"You sure you don't mind stopping by my momma's house real quick? I just want to give everyone a hug before we head back to Maine." She leaned over and puckered up, looking too cute for her own damn good."I don't mind at all, plus, we're already here." He kissed her. "Tease.""You don't have to come in." She kissed him once more and got out of the truck, jogging toward the door. Her white coat fit her well, her jeans beautiful on her pert little butt.He smiled, letting his thoughts dive into the night they would have when they got back to his place.A knock right beside his head on the window had him stifling the need to jump. He turned to find Johnny standing out in the snow.Drake rolled down his window and nodded. "What's up, man?""I was thinking about what you said the other day about loving my sister." He glanced around, obviously uncomfortable. "I can't do anything about who she falls in love with, and I know I don't need to do the 'kick your ass if you hurt her' spiel,
Jaded Perfect Christmas
DrakeDrake woke up the next morning before Sicily, realizing it was Christmas and he had everything he needed. He rolled onto his side and reached out, brushing his hand down her back as gratefulness washed over him in suffocating waves.D and Michael Carrington had gone to great lengths to help him restart his life. They'd helped fake his death in a warehouse explosion, put on the funeral and D had played the part beautifully through the event. It was horrifying to think he let his brother go through that shit, but D wouldn't have had it any other way.Drake rolled out of bed, his heart aching in his chest. He'd been wrong the night before. He and Sicily couldn't just look away from D and Izzy's bullshit situation. Where he wasn't sure he could get involved in the syndicate again, he could browbeat his brother into being a man and taking Izzy as his woman. There was no other girl for Demetri.After ordering a huge Christmas morning breakfast, Drake wrapped up in an extra blanket, sl
Jaded Kadia
Sicily"That was fun tonight." Sicily squeezed Drake's hand as they walked toward Kadia in downtown New York. The sign lit up the night, taking attention from anyone who passed by. It was magnificent, the largest club she'd seen."Yeah. I had a good time," he glanced down at her, "and I was serious about what I said. We can go back and join your family after we spend a little bit of time with D and Izzy. I doubt they’re staying long. We just wanted to see each other, and it's safer if we do it in the middle of a large crowd."The line was wrapped around the building, people huddling together and singing Christmas songs with all sorts of odd costumes for the event that night. Sicily smiled and snuggled closer to Drake as they walked to the front of the line."The line is back there, man. Go get in it." A sexy bouncer with a great smile and beautiful aqua-colored eyes barked at them. She let her eyes move down to his name tag, wondering who he was for some reason. Had she seem him befor
Jaded Tradition
DrakeDrake let his eyes run across Sicily as she stood in front of the mirror in the hotel bedroom and turned slowly, checking herself out."You look amazing."She walked toward him as he fiddled with his tie, taking over and working on it for him."My brothers never could get a tie on right. The last time I did this for someone, it was at Momma’s funeral." Her hands shook a little. "I did it multiple times that day."He reached up and ran his hands over her hips, enjoying the soft silky black material of her dress. "I'm really good at it. I just wanted you closer."She laughed as a tear ran down her nose. "I'm sorry.""Don't be sorry." He stood and pulled her into a hug, kissing the top of her head as he brushed her hair back. "You can be sensitive over your mom anytime you want, for as long as you want. I'm right here to hold you up."She nodded and pressed her face to his chest. "I just have so many memories of Christmas Eve with her. My chest hurts so bad it feels like acid is ea
Jaded Live with Me
Sicily"What did you do while I was shopping?" Sicily stood beside Drake later that afternoon as he loaded up the truck with her packages."I was taking a nap honestly." He put the last of them in the truck and gave her a look. "What in the world did you get?""Presents for all of our friends and something for you." She shrugged and walked around the truck, getting in on her side.He got in and buckled up as the scent of his cologne filled her nose. She breathed in deeper and let out an appreciative growl.Drake chuckled. "What was that for?""You smell good.""Stop diverting. You shouldn't have gotten all those gifts, baby.""Why not? We didn't fly. We'll just put them all in the back seat when we go back home, right?""It's not about where to put them on the ride home, Sis. It's about you spending your hard-earned money on gifts for us. We don't need anything, at least I don't. I have you, baby. That's more than enough." He pulled out his wallet. "Let me give you some money so you c
Jaded Just the Siblings
Sicily"You sure you don't want to come with me?" Sicily forced a pout on her face. She knew without a doubt that Drake would do anything she wanted him to, but shopping was too much. Having some time with her brother and sister for the afternoon would be fun for her, but most likely a drag of sorts. Especially seeing that the brother going was Johnny."I’m sure, beautiful girl." He pulled up to her mother's house. "I'll catch up with you this afternoon.""Will you take me out to see my momma’s grave before we have to get ready for dinner and church?" She leaned over and touched the side of his handsome face. Butterflies danced in her stomach, which seemed silly, but she hoped that he would always have such a strong pull on her."Of course I will." He leaned in and kissed her softly before deepening it a little. She opened herself up, letting him in as he rolled his tongue past her, dominating the kiss in a way that made her blood boil."Behave." She pulled back and smiled."You're th
Jaded It's Going Down
DrakeThe night was filled with him and Sicily taking turns to explore each other. By the end of it, he was weak, exhausted and completely infatuated with the beautiful woman tucked against him. Not ever being able to sleep well, he was shocked when he woke the next morning to the smell of bacon and the sound of Sicily talking.He jolted up in the bed, worried that he had missed something. "Baby?""Right here." She opened the various trays sitting on the counter by the TV. "I ordered room service because I didn't want to get dressed yet. Besides, it's snowing like crazy out there."He dropped back down and ran his hand over his chest, watching her as she moved around in a large fluffy white robe. She looked adorable. Sexy."Mine," he grumbled and pulled the covers up. "You know that? You're mine.""I know, you gorilla. You made that more than obvious last night." She nibbled on a piece of bacon and walked over to sit down on the edge of the bed. "You want some?""Of course I do." He r
Jaded A Night on the Town
Sicily"Wow. This place is...""Fancy?" Drake asked as he pulled out her chair. "I heard they have the best steaks in New York.""Something tells me that you're probably right." Sicily sat down, feeling way underdressed for the steakhouse Drake had brought her to. He had on a sports coat over his jeans and white polo, and looked like a million bucks. The best thing in her suitcase was a plain white skirt and a blue sweater with winter boots. She felt cute, but that didn't seem like enough."Evening, folks. Glad to have you in the city and here with us tonight for dinner. May I make some suggestions?" The server wore a white pressed shirt, black slacks and a tux jacket.Sicily sat quietly as Drake encouraged the guy to give his spiel. Once he was done, Drake ordered their drinks and an appetizer. He moved his seat closer to hers and draped his arm over the back of her chair. "You look amazing.""You're just being sweet." She smiled and worked to get her napkin in her lap, not wanting t
