I hung up the phone and cursed to myself, as I checked my bank balance online. The mechanic had just informed me that I needed to have 500 pounds worth of work done on my car to get it through the MOT. Like I could afford that, what with university fees, on top of my general living expenses. But it had to be done. I couldn't get by without that car; it got me to classes, to work and then home to my family in the summer.
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So the next day I found myself going back to the garage, with the little money I had left of my savings and hoping that the mechanic would agree to letting me pay the rest at the end of the month, once I'd been paid.
"Hi, my name's Ellie, you have my Volkswagen in the garage."
"Oh yes! Hi, I'm Carlos, the mechanic doing the work on your car. It should be ready by next Wednesday and here's a copy of the bill, detailing all the parts we'll fit and the price of labour."
I thanked him, but then went on to explain my situation and ask whether I could pay a small deposit now and the outstanding payment at the end of the month.
He smiled at me, that crooked smirk people give you when they know you're powerless. Deep down my anger bubbled, but I made sure to control my facial expression, after all I needed this guy's help.
"Sure, that's no problem", he grinned, "there is one condition though ... you go on a date with me this Friday night." He paused, while I gaped at him in shock. I was surprised that he was so forward with me, especially as we were at his work, where he was expected to be professional, but thinking it over, it wasn't the worst proposition. He was doing me a favour and in return I was asked to let him wine and dine me for an evening. Not so bad.
"Okay, but that's it. A date, nothing more", I clarified.
He laughed openly, "I have no hidden agenda, I just think you're sweet and didn't know how to ask you out!"
I couldn't help but smile at this last comment and found I relaxed and agreed that he could pick me up on Friday at 8. I then paid 200 of the 600 pound bill, signed a form to say I would pay the outstanding payment within 30 days and left, waving goodbye as I went.
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The next few days were spent wandering around in a daze. I don't know what it was about Carlos, but I couldn't take my mind off of him. Maybe it was the Spanish accent, or the confidence, but whatever it was, he was never far from my thoughts. Without realising it, I found myself excited and expectant of Friday's date and figured I would probably enjoy myself, perhaps even agree to a second date, if it got that far.
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When Friday evening finally arrived, I showered, taking the time to wash my hair thoroughly, shaved and dressed myself in a cute summery dress, that made me look very innocent and sweet. I never liked wearing makeup, but made sure to put on some lip gloss at least and curled my hair a bit at the bottom to make it bounce. All in all, I was feeling quite good about myself; although I was by no means skinny, I was considered slim, yet curvy with D cup breasts and rounded hips. When I dressed myself up a bit, the difference in my confidence was apparent.
Carlos arrived 5 minutes early and I invited him in, while I went to the bathroom and made sure all the lights were switched off. At the door I turned my back to him to switch off the living room light, plunging us into darkness, which is when I felt his hands on me. Starting on the tops of my thighs and running them over the roundness of my hips, he reached my waist and paused. Lifting one hand from its current position, he moved my hair from the nape of my neck and then lent in to nibble my shoulder. My breath caught in my throat, as I listened to his deepen. I spun around and placed my hands firmly on his chest, "bit early for that, isn't it?" I commented, "I barely know you after all".
He grinned, "just testing the goods, before I take them out for a ride is all." I wasn't sure whether he was joking or just trying his luck, but I let it slip regardless. The truth of it was I'd found those few seconds quite exhilarating and didn't want to put him off trying again later.
The rest of the evening passed without incident. We had a lovely meal, took a stroll along the river bed and then stopped for drinks at a nearby bar. We laughed, talking about ourselves as children and the mischief we got up to, and then moved on to the present and what we were like and enjoyed doing nowadays. I was starting to like Carlos more and more. He was confident and easy to be with, filling any awkward silences with light jokes and easy conversation.
When it was time to go home, I invited him inside for another drink, so we could continue the evening. Sitting on the sofa, with Carlos leaning in slightly, my heart started to pound in my chest and I couldn't deny the excitement I was experiencing. I enjoyed his company and didn't want him to leave, but pointing out the late hour I knew it was time for him to go. He glanced at the clock, seeming to contemplate something, before turning back to me and kissing me full on the lips. My body responded the way it usually does and I lifted my hands to his neck to show my appreciation. What I wasn't expecting was his reaction to such a simple gesture. Grabbing my wrists, he pulled them back down to my lap, fastening them in one hand and then, using his spare hand to hold firm the hair at the back of my head, he pulled me in closer. I thought this was a bit rough, but didn't make a fuss. Eventually though I had to tell him to leave, placating him with the promise of another date.
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Over the next few days, Carlos rang me several times to tell me he was thinking of me and that he was looking forward to our next date, so when I received another phone call from him four days later I assumed it would be much of the same. To my surprise, it was actually to tell me that my car was ready a day early and I could pick it up that night.
