𝓛𝓮𝓸𝓷 𝓚𝓮𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓭𝔂| ɪᴍᴀɢɪɴᴇꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ 4

Love and Oil Stains| Mechanic AU

The small town of Raccoon seemed like the best place to get a fresh start on life, I needed an escape from the dead weight of my old life and this sleepy, small town fitted all my dreams. The first few days went well, apart from the sudden knowledge that this small knit town had no room for outsiders such as myself. Everything ran like clockwork and I was an extra piece that didn't fit anywhere. I searched in every small shop and restaurant for a job to keep me afloat, but to no luck. It was becoming apparent that my new life would be over as quick as my last, and I'd never felt so much despair. I stumbled down the street heading back home, when I saw the lights flicker to life across the road to a run down garage. It looked good enough to be open, but something about it told me that it wasn't being maintained as well as it should've. It was my last chance, and with my last scraps of hope I rushed over to it, hoping this would save me. 

I walk into the weathered building, dodging rusted car parts and oil stains as my eyes try to track down the owner. The scent of gasoline fills the air as I urge myself deeper into the building, my boots echo around the space until from out of the main office comes the most handsome man I've ever seen. He's scruffy yet handsome, and already I can tell he's got a haunted past, it's in his turbulent blue eyes. I observe his slim form, but he looks well built, then finally when I drag my eyes up I notice he's  staring right at me with the same expression I'm wearing. Lust. Realising it's probably rude to oogle my potential future boss I peel my eyes away and hold out a hand, plastering on my sweetest smile.

"Hi, I'm Y/N and I just moved here, I'm, uh, I don't suppose you've got any jobs going? I'm kind of desperate." I let out a small laugh but it only makes me seem all that more desperate. The man continues to watch me before he steps forwards and shakes my hand, leaving a trail of grease. I ignore it as his brows draw together, I'm sure his mouth shapes into a 'no' until he sees me swallow back a gulp.

"Hey, I'm Leon, the owner of this place. Actually, yeah, there is something open. I'm in need of a receptionist, if that's any good for you?" He offers with a kind smile. My heart flips as I nod, feeling my lips tug into a giddy grin.

"Yes! Yeah that's amazing, should I send you my-"

"Can you start tomorrow, 10 AM sharp?" He interrupts with a hopeful look. I nod again, glad to finally have a job to secure my life here. "Great, I'll look forward to seeing you tomorrow Y/N." He softly says, giving me a look I can't place. I smile, walking out of the garage with a heart full of happiness and some butterflies in my stomach.

The next morning I was up and ready to go. As soon as I'd arrived Leon greeted me with a smile I suspected he didn't dish out a lot, though it's the second he's given me, then he showed me around. He got me settled into the office, apologising for the magazines and mess, then left me to it. The day went by in a breeze, as did the next, and the one after. The days rapidly turned into weeks as I settled into my new role and life, I answered phone calls and scheduled appointments with ease, but it wasn't long until I realised that there was more to my job than paperwork and customers, there was the matter of my boss. He quickly became a good and steady friend, checking in on me every few hours so I wouldn't feel alone in the office I made my own, he showed me around town after work and even helped me assemble some of the furniture I'd bought for my new home. 

At work we fell into a comfortable rhythm, sharing lunches and getting each other coffee, we bounced ideas off of each other and dealt with the customers together. One time when my car broke down in the middle of the night Leon came and picked me up, promising to fix it first thing in the morning. When I'd said he could take it out of my pay he refused, insisting that I got 'friends discount'. In return I made him cookies, which he devoured in a whole day. I had no idea what kind of workouts he did, but if he could eat the whole tub and still look like he does...phew. I began to notice the littler things too, like the smiles he'd give me when he thought I wasn't looking and the gentle touches on my arm as he passed to grab something. Over time, I found myself falling for him...

I'm manning the office alone, juggling phone calls on a busy day and trying to finish some paperwork when a rude customer comes in, red faced and frowning at me as if I've personally done something wrong. I put down the phone, already standing to deal with him when he begins to spew out some complaints about his shiny car parked out front, most of it is gibberish but I caught the snide comments about the shop and him pinning the blame on me.

"Sir, Leon's is busy right now-" I try to calmly say, but the man slams his palms on the counter, leaning over to the point where I have to step back.

"Listen you little bitch, do your fucking job and go get the bastard that broke my-" The man doesn't get to finish as Leon storms in, looking enraged and heading straight for him. I swallow nervously, noticing how Leon's fists are clenched as if he's going to punch the guy. I leap towards my boss, grabbing his arm to tug him to me as the whiny man stumbles back in fear.

"I fucking dare you to talk to her like that again." Leon growls out, "You don't speak to anyone like that, you pathetic asshole. Your car's fucking fine, I fixed it myself, but if you'd bothered to read the recommendations you'd know why that piece of shit is falling apart!" I wince as Leon shouts. The man nods, at least looking scared now, but my boss isn't done ripping him to shreds. "My girl is a fucking great receptionist, and I'd be lost without her, so for now on how about you find someone else to fix your heap of junk?" My heart flutters at his words, or more specifically the 'my girl' part. 

"T-there isn't another garage in town." The man stutters. Leon feigns concern before shrugging and crossing his arms over his chest. 

"No? Well I'd better start making friends with the next town over, pal." 

The man purses his lips, glaring at me before turning on his heel and storming out like a toddler having a tantrum. I let my shoulders slump when he's gone, then drop Leon's arm. "I'm so sorry about that, I didn't mean to cause trouble." I murmur as my voice wavers. Leon swivels around, cupping my cheeks with both hands as I gasp and look up to him.

"You didn't cause trouble, none of it is your fault. He's just an entitled rich guy with too much money and mouth. What matters is that you're okay and safe, alright?" He softly says, leaning down until our mouths are inches apart. My breath hitches as I nod, then in a moment of madness I reach onto my toes and close the distance between us. Leon groans, grinning as he kisses me back passionately, backing me up until the pen pot clatters from the desk.

"Fucking finally." He grumbles between my lips, I let out a small laugh as I embrace him, savouring his strength and admiration I now see he's watching me with.