Page 2 of Wild Hearts

Thirty minutes pass before a garage covered in peeling paint appears in front of us. The name matches the one on my phone, but that’s the only point in its favor.

“Do you think they’re open?”

Vehicles litter the front gravel area, but I don’t see any people or an OPEN sign. However, this is the first glimpse of civilization we’ve seen, so I cross my fingers and approach the front entrance.

“The lights are on. That’s promising,” I say as I push the door open.

A little bell rings overhead, alerting whoever is working that someone entered. The pounding of loud bass reverberates from the back of the rundown waiting room. How anyone is supposed to hear that bell is a mystery to me, but I wait at the front counter anyway while Shadow explores the small space.

Looking for danger, I suppose. Or just being a curious dog. But I prefer to think the latter.

Shadow is a naturally protective German Shepherd, but he was also military-trained, though it’s been years since he was in service. It took forever for me to get approved as his owner, but the mountain of paperwork and interviews were worth it. He makes me feel safe, which calms my anxious heart and mind.

Dust floats in the air, and a light film of it coats everything in the room. It’s clear no one has cleaned in a while.

Who owns this place?

Some old man who’s had it in his family for generations?

Someone too focused on cars to care about upkeep?

It was probably a super cute shop back in its prime, too. The decorations and furniture look to be original, just needing some TLC to bring them back to life again.

I bet his wife took care of that before she died.

As my mind starts spinning a tragic tale of poor Dusty’s life, a younger man emerges from a back door. He’s definitely not the sweet old-timer I was expecting.

“Shadow.” Immediately, he comes to stand by my side, attuned to the wariness in my voice. I know it’s not right to judge a book by its cover, but I’m a woman alone with a man who looks like he stepped out of a Sons of Anarchy episode, and a girl can never be too careful.

The stranger studies Shadow before spearing me with his dark gaze.

“Can I help you?” His gravelly voice perfectly matches my idea of him smoking and drinking on a daily basis. Habits I normally wouldn't find attractive in a man, but paired with his voice and rugged appearance, they suddenly seem extremely sexy.

What the hell? First, you’re worried he might be dangerous, and now you think he’s hot?

“Um… one of my car’s tires exploded a little ways up the road. I was hoping someone could tow it and replace the tire.” At least my voice doesn’t reveal my inner turmoil. I sound completely normal.

“Did you walk here?” His brown eyes study me from head to toe until a grim line forms on his mouth.

Instinctively, my shoulders curl forward, and I cross my arms as if to protect myself from his unfavorable assessment. Does he think I’m too fat to walk a freaking mile? The burgeoning attraction in my belly dampens at the possibility. Of course, he’d judge me.

You judged him first.

However true that may be, it still stings to learn parts of my past might follow me here, too. Like men not giving me a second glance.

Oh, sure, I wasn’t in a place to accept a date back in Kansas, but the truth is no one ever asked. No one ever tested my resolve to stay single amid the drama of my family.

Guess my outfit isn’t as cute as I thought.

“Yeah, but it wasn’t too bad. It’s pretty nice out for fall.” I shrug, determined to remain composed, despite the insecurity threatening to take over. “Are you Dusty?”

The man clips a sheet of paper to a clipboard and snickers. “No, definitely not. Dusty owned this place long before it came into my possession, but his name stuck. I’m Wes.” He hands the clipboard to me, and I note his finger tattoos—random symbols interspersed with black oil stains.

“Grace, and this is Shadow.” I point the tip of the pen downward. Shadow must have deemed Wes safe enough, since he’s sitting patiently by my side without a raised hackle in sight.

Wes nods and waits for me to finish completing the form before taking my car key. “Sit tight, and we’ll get you fixed up. It shouldn’t take too long.”

“Thanks!” He doesn’t return my smile, so it falters as he disappears back into the garage. Taking a seat by the window, I sigh. “Sorry about the minor freak out, boy.” Shadow rests his head on my knee for pets, which I gladly give him.

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