Page 35 of Oz Wisdom

Oz grinned. “That would be entertaining.” He bent forward and settled onto the bench seat with no problem. "Drive it a few blocks down and come back through the side roads. Make sure you're comfortable in it.”

As she did, he knew Mac had tuned into the engine noise and he quickly researched on his phone what he could find on the car in the short amount of time they were gone.

"What do you think?” he asked when they returned.

"I love it. But I don't think I can afford this one."

He gave her wink. "Trust me."

"Are you ready to make a deal?" the salesman asked as they stepped from the car.

"Possibly. Let's see the numbers."

Five minutes later they were gathered around a desk tucked into the corner of the small building. Chatter and discussion went back and forth for a few minutes. Oz shifted to the edge of his seat and slid the paper from in front of the salesman. "This is what I know you paid for the car.” He jotted a number down. "This is the normal commission.” He jotted another number. "Plus, five percent. That's our top dollar.” He shoved the paper back across the desk. "Do we sign papers or walk out?"

Oz watched the debate play out in the man's eyes. Also fear. That’s right. He should be concerned if we’ll publicize his less-than-honest tactics of purchasing vehicles.

Eventually the salesman stood and extended his arm. "We have a deal."

Chapter 16

Taylor sat in the center of her bed cross-legged and unfolded a newspaper. She had been working for more than three months now and saving every penny. At least every cent that she didn’t give Oz for rent. And that was minimal. She occasionally bought groceries, but he kept everything so well-stocked while she was working that there was little she could find to contribute.

She scanned the paper for affordable apartments. Price first. Then location. Then details. If she budgeted correctly, she could find something small and Oz could have his privacy back. How good would it feel to be on her own again? The letters blurred before her eyes and she closed them. The freedom to do what she wanted when she wanted. No one breathing down her neck if she sang in the shower or if she just needed a quiet moment.

Taylor’s eyes popped. She had that now. She jumped and twisted toward the sharp rap at her door. "Come in."

A tingle radiated through her as Oz eased onto the edge of the mattress.

"Apartment hunting?"

Taylor nodded.

"I'll most likely be gone when you wake in the morning. I have to be gone for a few days. I want you to know I'm proud of all you’ve accomplished. You did it all yourself. And I have complete confidence that you'll make it on your own.” He slid an envelope onto the nightstand. "This is every dollar you have given me for rent. Take it for your security deposit or whatever you need. If you would like for me to help you find something I can do that as soon as I return.”

He leaned forward to press his lips to her forehead. “You can also stay here, instead. With me.”

Her heart. He just invited her to live with him? She jerked her head toward where he paused at the door.

"I fully back your decision. No questions asked.”

She stared at the closed door. Could he mean that? Oz never said anything he didn't mean. He would welcome her to stay here. But she had worked hard to be on her own. She liked being independent. She always had.

She folded the newspaper and placed it next to the envelope of money. Her finger slid across the filled envelope as she moved to settle under the covers. A switch of the lamp next to her and she closed her eyes. Why did she feel like a teenager again trying to figure out life? She liked being independent. She had been dreaming of having freedom to make her own choices and here she was with decisions to make. Instead of being happy, she was stressing over the possible outcomes.

This living arrangement was a sweet gesture to help her get her life back together. She had learned to budget her money for the cost of rent. Now Oz returned her money and offered her the option to stay. Was his offer temporary? Was it permanent? Did she want it to be permanent? She had sworn she’d never fall for another club member. That club or any other. She did once and her life turned into shambles. Maybe that wasn’t a fair statement. She had trusted her sister and parents, too. And neither of those turned out well, either. Maybe she was the problem.

A tear slid down her cheek.

No. She wasn't the problem. Oz had not betrayed her. He had been her rock. How many times had he told her she was better than she imagined?

Oz’s voice filled her mind. “You’re a beautiful intelligent being with a heart too large for your own good.”

She brushed away the tear. Like he always said, take one day at a time. Tomorrow would be a new day with a new outlook. She could decide then.

***

Taylor batted her hair from her face as she unlocked her car door. She settled behind the wheel and tossed her purse onto the passenger seat. Normally, she would drive straight home. Well, straight to Oz's home. But today the idea didn't appeal to her. She stared ahead debating what to do. She glanced at the folded paper peaking from the top of her purse. Her lips twisted as she stared at the red circles.

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