Page 20 of Loathe at First Sight

And I continued to do so throughout college which landed me on the dean’s list for my entire tenure there. Then, I started my own business and worked my way up to make it lucrative as hell.

Did it eventually burn down in flames?

Yes.

But that’s not the point.

The point is that I have worked my ass off. I’m not a princess in any form of the word. And even though my life is in shambles at the moment, I don’t plan on turning into some damsel in distress. That’s not who I am, and it pisses me off when people make assumptions that are entirely fictional.

The drive is so short that I don’t have nearly enough time to finish venting. If Jack is here, I’m half tempted to give him a piece of my mind about his comments. Maybe I do owe him a thank you, but I think it’s only right that I put him in his place too.

Heading inside the shop, the smell of motor oil fills my nose. At least, that’s what I think the smell is. Honestly, I can barely tell you the difference between an engine and a tailpipe.

I see a few guys working on assorted cars, but I don’t see any sign of Jack. Maybe I can avoid him altogether if I hurry it up.

Someone slides out from under a car and starts walking toward me, but it’s certainly not Jack. This guy looks like he’s in his early twenties. He has shaggy blonde hair that looks like he belongs more on a beach than in an auto shop. With this tanned skin and bright white smile, I imagine he does pretty well with the ladies.

“Hi, there,” he greets. “How can I help you today?”

I point to my car that’s in the corner of the shop and give him a small smile. “That car right over there is mine,”

His face falls a little. “Oh, I’m sorry. We haven’t gotten a chance to get to that one yet.”

The look on his face shows that he’s worried that I’m going to be upset about that information.

“Oh, no, that’s fine,” I tell him. “I just have some stuff in there that I need to grab. I’ll be in and out super quick.”

“Oh, okay.” He grins again and gestures for me to start walking toward my car. The strange thing is that he starts to walk with me.

“I’m Jamie, by the way,” he says.

“Liz,” I reply.

“Nice to meet you, Liz. I’d shake your hand, but…” He holds up his grease-covered paws.

With a small laugh, I say, “I appreciate that.”

“Are you new in town?” He asks.

“Just moving back, actually."

“You must not come home much."

“Why do you say that?"

“Because I'm sure I'd remember someone as pretty as you."

I'm not sure what to say because it's been quite a while since I've been flirted with.

Thankfully, I don’t have to say anything else because we arrive at my car.

“Do you need any help?” He asks.

And answer a bunch of questions about why all my stuff is in my car? Not a chance.

“No, that’s okay. But thanks.”

“Okay, well, I’ll be over there if you change your mind.” With another cute smile, he walks away.

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