Page 47 of Love Collided

“That sounds vaguely threatening.”

I smiled, watching as she slammed her passenger door closed, and walked around to me.

“It wasmeant to be a little threatening,” I said, smiling.

“And where is the Audi you had?”

“Returned it. It was boring.”

“And why exactly are you showing up here to threaten me?” she asked, a hint of a smile gracing her lips.

“Because I’ve missed my little ankle-biter.”

Her hands pushed against my chest, forcing me back with a laugh.

“I told you don’t call me that anymore.”

“You didn’t call me at all, so what does it matter what I call you?” I asked. She wasn’t obligated to call me, yet here I was, pissed off that she kissed me and disappeared.

Her scowl deepened, and my heart rate picked up. The fact that I was nervous to ask this wasn’t a good sign, but I forced the question out, anyway.

“Are you back with Jesse?” I asked, thankful I didn’t sound as panicked as I felt.

“Why would you think that?”

“I assumed that’s why you haven’t responded to me, and keep canceling our time to work on the car.”

She blew out a harsh laugh and pulled the driver's door open. “And you think I was supposed to break up with Jesse and immediately fall all over you? Maybe I needed a break from men.”

I stepped closer, blocking her in. “You didn’t answer me.”

“And you need to take about five steps back before one of the guys walks out and sees you this close to me.”

“Do you really think they would be that mad if they found out we made outonce?” I asked, smirking as she looked from me to the garage before pushing me back again.

“First of all, no, I’m not back with Jesse. Second, yes, I think if you want to be invited to any more guys’ nights, then stay away from me, and don’t bring up the make out thing again. And third, I’m leaving, so have a good day. I probably won’t text youbecause I don’t even know where to begin with everything I need to say to you.”

“Where are you going?”

“To get a part for your car that I’ve spent all week trying to find. Lucky for me, Quinn found one, but they won’t ship. You drive a ridiculous, uncommon car, so now I have to drive five hours away to pick it up. Thanks. We can work on the car later this week.”

She got in, slamming the door shut before I could respond, but I ran around, jumping into the passenger seat as she shifted into gear.

Her mouth dropped open as she watched me slam the door closed.

“What are you doing?”

“Going with you. If it’s for my car, I’m obligated to assist,” I said.

“No thanks. I would rather be alone today.”

“Why? I’ll even be nice and let you choose the music.”

“You’llletme choose the music in my own car? How generous.” She rolled her eyes, turning her head away from me with a smile. “And we’re listening to true crime, not music.”

“So you are sweet and smiley to the world, but a murderous little killer underneath. I like it.”

She didn’t say anything, a range of expressions crossing her face until she was staring blankly at the road.

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