WARNING: This book is not transferable. It is for your own personal use. If it is sold, shared, or given away, it is an infringement of the copyright of this work and violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

This book is for sale to ADULT AUDIENCES ONLY. It contains substantial sexually explicit scenes and graphic language which may be considered offensive by some readers. Please store your files where they cannot be accessed by minors.

All sexually active characters in this work are 18 years of age or older.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are solely the product of the author’s imagination and/or are used fictitiously, though reference may be made to actual historical events or existing locations. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

Cover Design: Valerie Tibbs

Trust © 2009 Dakota Trace

eXcessica publishing

All rights reserved

Trust

By Dakota Trace

Chapter One

“Leighann Winston?” A tall man dressed in blue jeans and t-shirt entered the outer office.

“I'm Leighann.” She clenched her hands as she stood. I can't believe how nervous and excited I am about starting this new job. Douglas is just happy I have a job, but I have a feeling about this, it may just change my life. After she'd applied for a fork lift operator position, she'd been happy when they'd called her and told that if she wanted the job, it was hers.

“Pleased to meet you, Leighann. Looking at your application here, I see you have little experience with the forklifts we use, but you've driven several other types of powered trucks?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Call me Randy. I'll be your immediate supervisor. We'll be having our morning meeting shortly. I'll be pairing you up with one of our senior guys. He'll show you the ropes. I don't know if you realize it or not, but this is primarily a male dominated department. Follow me.”

She nodded and followed him into a small break room.

As people started to trickle in, she was not overly shocked to note she was one of the few women present. Out of twenty people there are only three women. Randy wasn't kidding when he warned me about this being a man's department. I've never seen so many young and hunky men in one place. This is definitely going to be a change from my last job.

After being introduced around the department, she was paired up with Jason Adair, a senior fork lift driver. When he joined her, she was pleasantly surprised when she had to look up at him. At five ten, she was often eye level with most men. As she followed him out on the floor she couldn't help but smile. Well, at least this won't be an entire hardship. With that dark hair and blue eyes, he's a hunk!

* * * *

At the end of her shift, she exited the building in high spirits. She was a bit dusty and tired, but was pleased with her first day on the job. Jason had proven to be a patient teacher and she quickly learned the intricacies of driving the equipment. If I weren't so new, I'd fake a bit of trouble to continue having Jason work with me. I might be taken but that doesn't stop me from looking.

As she walked out to the parking lot, she saw Douglas, her current boyfriend, waiting for her. She could tell by the look on his face he was becoming impatient. When she got into the car, she saw his nose wrinkle with distaste. Looking down at herself, she noticed how dusty and dirty she’d gotten during the course of her shift.

"Sorry, Douglas. I'm a bit of a mess. I'll take a shower as soon as we get home." She fastened her seat belt as he pulled away.

"I would hope so, you look like you have been rooting with the pigs, Leighann."

She sighed and closed her eyes. Some things never change. He's only happy when I'm dressed to the nines and every hair is in place.

* * * *

Time flew by quickly for Leighann and she settled into her new job like a duck to water. She, for once, was happy to go to work. But as her joy in her new job increased, at home her relationship with Douglas was getting worse. He'd become more condescending about everything she did. From her clothes to her job, nothing was left untouched, as seemed there was no pleasing him. When she was at work she was always happy and it seemed as if everyone liked her.

Eventually she was asked to go out with the rest of the department after work for drinks. She was hesitant to accept without Douglas's permission. So she made her excuses and did the right thing by going home, but she was not rewarded. Standing in her kitchen, she listened to Douglas complain about the pot roast she'd made being overdone and rubbery. The next time they ask me , I'll go out with them. Screw what Douglas thinks, I'm white, free and over twenty one!

* * * *

To her surprise it wasn't long before she was asked again and this time she accepted. After calling Douglas and leaving a message on their machine, she accepted Jason’s offer for a lift to the bar. She rode with him in comfortable silence. Jason was fun to be around, but he didn't need excessive chatter. As the classic rock station played softly in the background she savored the quiet. He’s comfortable with himself, just sitting with me, unlike Douglas who expects stimulating conversation every time we go out.

When they arrived at the local hang out, she relaxed and enjoyed herself. She had a few cold ones with the guys and then called herself a cab to take her home, even though Jason protested and said he was more than willing to take her home. After reassuring him it was for the best, she left.

Seconds after entering her house, she came face to face with Douglas. Scowling and looking at her with scorn, he fairly spit his words at her.

“Just where the hell have you been?”

“Out.” She brushed past him hoping he would let her go, but she had no such luck.

“Out, out where?” He sniffed the air.

“You smell of smoke and beer. You’ve been to a bar you fucking tramp. Who are you hanging around bars with?”

“The people from work, if it’s any business of yours.” The beer had made her thirsty for water, so she turned to go to the kitchen for water, but he grabbed her wrist. Please Douglas, let me go; don’t screw things up with your insane jealousy.

Unfortunately, Douglas was consumed by his jealousy and he wouldn’t let go. “Don’t you just walk away from me. Who are you fucking?”

Furious at being accused of something she hadn’t even contemplated, she yanked her arm away from him, but in the process she stumbled back and lost her balance. Pain exploded in her wrist as she landed on it.

* * * *

It was a bad sprain, so Leighann missed a few days of work, but she was thrilled when Jason and the rest of the guys sent flowers. This was Jason’s idea, I just know it. He’s noticed me as more than just a co-worker.

When Leighann finally returned to work, she thanked everyone for the flowers they’d sent to her, but she was particularly interested in thanking Jason. However he acted normal toward her except by expressing concern about how she hurt herself. Over the next few weeks she found everyone seemed to be concerned about her, and why she was accumulating small injuries which always seemed to be linked to Douglas in some way. The last thing I need is questions about Douglas and me. It wasn't Douglas's fault I fell and hurt myself, I’m just clumsy, or is it? No, he'd never hurt me intentionally.

It came to a head the day Leighann came into work with a bruise on the side of her face. She had ended things with Douglas, but he had not taken it well. After he viciously slapped her, she’d called the police and they had taken him away, but she found makeup didn’t hide what he had done to her. Damn it, they’re all going to see and ask a million questions.

Unfortunately Jason was the first person to see her and she saw by his furrowed brow he was not fooled by her makeup job. She flinched unintentionally as he lifted her head to take a closer look.

“What the hell happened? This was Douglas wasn't it?” He exploded with frustration for her, and she looked down to see his clenched fists shaking.

“That bastard! At least tell me you pressed charges against him.” He placed his arms around her gently, and pressed her slightly to him.

Leighann felt sheltered, and rested her head on his shoulder. “I did more, which brought it on. I told him we were through. He’s in jail now, but he’ll be out soon.”