Page 27 of Burn Point

He lifted his brows higher, and I caught a hint of teasing grin. “You’re awful defensive there.”

I relaxed and swatted at him. “I’m asking if you’ll help me find one, and maybe help me fix it up.”

Somewhere in the house, his cell phone rang, and he left to go get it. His voice grew agitated, so I turned my attention away to give him some privacy.

I’d been nervous about voicing my ideas. But now that I’d spoken it out loud, excitement crept in.

All I had to do was figure out my funds, find the right van, and then I could take off.

Nate returned and plopped down in his chair. “Sorry, that was one of the guys calling about this photo shoot thing we have to do.”

“You don’t want to do it?”

“It’s not that. It’s just not the right theme. I’m holding out until they change the direction of the project.”

I patted his arm. “Good for you for standing up for your values.”

He blushed and avoided my gaze. He was so freaking cute. He could be the hero, saving the day, and also blush at the slightest compliment.

I had to be careful, because Nate was quickly becoming more than a roommate, and I couldn’t afford to let feelings get involved.

“So, would you help me find a van? And would you help me convert it?”

He pondered my question for so long I grew uncomfortable, wondering if my timing had been super crappy with all the emotions he’d been dealing with. Finally, he said, “What makes you think I have the skill to do that?”

That made me pause. Could he? Assuming he’d have the experience, time, and inclination to do this with me when he already had a more than full-time job made me the worst kind of friend.

“I’m sorry. I guess I just assumed that you’d have the skills. And I know I shouldn’t ask you to do anything more. You’ve already done so much for me. It’s just that…” I gathered my nerve, “I feel like you are my only friend right now, and I need your help.”

Nate looked back out over the yard while he finished his coffee, expression unreadable. “Give me an idea of what you’re looking for and I’ll see what I can do to help.” I laid it all out, all that we’d need to do, every step feeling harder than the next.

I beamed and jumped up, leaning over to plop a kiss on his cheek. “Thanks, Nate!”

I grabbed my empty cup and practically skipped to the kitchen to grab my laptop and start my search. Now I had a mission. And the sooner I could get that mission accomplished and put a little distance between me and this place, all the better. And maybe my enthusiasm would help break the spell his tough shift had cast over him and give him a distraction.

Chapter 6

Nate

“How about this one?” Jordan turned her laptop toward me a week after that terrible call with the teenager. A rusty old conversion van filled the screen.

She was busy online van shopping while I grilled dinner. It’d been a nice day. I’d done all the yard work while Jordan had done some work online. She’d worked to clear her schedule, concentrating on her next plans and getting herself sorted.

I enjoyed having someone around to spend time with, even if we hadn’t seen much of each other. It’d caught me off guard when she’d first mentioned her plans, and over the course of the week I’d decided I really didn’t like the thought of her moving out.

“I know you want a fixer-upper, but that’s more than we can handle.” I faced the grill to hide my frown and slid my spatula under a burger, flipping it. Then, I glanced back at her over my shoulder. It was increasingly hard to keep my eyes off her.

She’d spun the laptop back around and slumped with an adorable pout. “But it’s the only one in my price range that I’ve found.” She snapped the lid of the computer closed. “It’s Saturday. I figured you’d be going out with the guys or something tonight. Don’t let me being here cramp your plans.”

If she only knew. I’d rather be here with her, grilling burgers, than hanging out with them.

I flipped the other burgers and took a swig of my beer. “No, you’re stuck with me tonight.” I gave her a jaunty wink, and she rolled her eyes. “Plus, after the week I’ve had, it’s just nice to be home.”

I’d been running for days on end. Being able to be home and relax was a nice change of pace.

“So, what did the insurance guy tell you?” I asked, dropping into the chair beside hers.

Jordan turned in her chair and kicked her feet up on the rail. It was warm enough that she was back in those distractingly short shorts and a t-shirt. “He told me they’d be sending me a check for my car since it was obviously totaled. And they’d send me a check for my renters’ insurance once I send an itemized list in.”

---