Page 3 of Dirty Rumors

“Andyou’rebeautiful.” He stares straight into my eyes, as if that’s a totally normal thing to say to a stranger.

No witty comebacks pop into my shocked brain, so I simply murmur, “Um, thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He straightens up. “In fact, I think I should call James back and have you arrested for being so pretty. Honestly, it’s going to mess up the tourists. They come here for the gorgeous forests. They see a sight as breathtaking as you, they’re gonna get all confused.”

I sputter a laugh. “Are you for real?”

He shrugs those huge shoulders, barely contained in a gray t-shirt featuring a faded white emblem of a vintage Route 66 oil can. Pointing to his shirt, I ask, “So, you’re a car guy?”

“Yeah. Matter of fact, I have three of them you can choose from when I pick you up tomorrow night.”

Oh my… he’s asking me out? A rush of heat surges through my stomach. I’m shocked. It feels like…like I’ve been chosen, somehow.Come on, Nikki, hold it together.“If that’s your way of asking me out, I’m very flattered. But I don’t date. Sorry.”

He cocks his head, then sets the bag on the roof of the car. “No more cookies until you tell me why.” Gently picking up my hand, he examines my ring finger. His touch sends a rush of tingling sparks through the back of my shoulders.

“Apparently not married.” He peers intently at my face. “Looks pretty healthy, so no medical emergencies. Course, I’d need to see the teeth to be sure…”

“Stop it.” I try to glare at him but end up giggling. “There’s nothing wrong with me. I just don’t date.”

“Hmm.” His fingers drum on the roof for a minute, then he straightens up and grabs the bag. “Okay. Want a few more cookies for the road?”

I take another one. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Have a great night, Nikki.” He turns and walks away, and my gaze drags down his broad, well-muscled back. He is shockingly sexy, and so casual. It makes him even sexier.

A man that actually takes no for an answer, and is polite about it? Well, damn. For a split second, that actually makes me want to break my rule.

For a guy that stunningly gorgeous, I might consider bending it.

Just a fraction.

2

CARSON

All day long, I work harder and faster than usual so I can get ahead of the orders we have on deck. The auto shop I run with my two brothers is always steady but not too crazy, just the way we like it. Although the three of us are all involved with every aspect of the business, Griffin usually takes care of the tow truck, I run the gas bar, and Walker is the head mechanic. But we all help out anywhere we’re needed, and we’re always constantly working on the backlog of trucks, cars, and occasional tractors that need repairs. Plus maintaining the trucks for the volunteer fire department, which are pretty cool.

My oldest brother Walker shoots me a look. “What’s with you? You look like you’re up to something.”

“Who, me? Never.”

My brothers know that I like to keep some things private. My personal time and my hobbies are my own business. But this is too exciting not to share.

“To be honest, I met an incredible woman. So I have to find out where she hangs out and accidentally run into her.”

Griffin pokes his head in from the small kitchen area at the side of the shop. “Why don’t you man up and, you know, ask her on a date? It worked for me.”

“I did. She said she doesn’t date. So I’m going to have to get creative. But subtly. You know, without being pushy.”

Walker chuckles. “That’s a fine line. Good luck.”

“Thanks. That means you’ll forgive me for taking off a bit early.” Grabbing my things, I’m already heading to the door.

“Hey – I didn’t say…”

“Forgiving your brother…” I sing out as the door closes behind me. I can vaguely hear Griffin and Walker laughing.

I’ve noticed the three new girls around town the past week, but never really took a good look at any of them since they were just cruising by. I’m always neighborly enough, but I’m also busy with my own things.

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