Page 10 of Montana Heat

My hands were perpetually dirty.

She reminded me of the wealthy clients I used to work for in the security business. Appearance over substance.

The woman walked toward the front door, and I steeled myself for having to play nice.

But hopefully her engine problem could be fixed quickly. I couldn’t imagine her hanging out in the plastic chairs in the waiting area for very long without throwing a fit. And there wasn’t much in Garnet Bend to keep someone like her entertained.

I opened the door as she rushed in from the cold. She’d left the car running, and I heard its low growl before the door whooshed shut. That wasn’t a good sound.

Then my attention was snatched away by the scent of her as she walked by, mumbling good morning. She smelled delicious. Like vanilla and apples.

Sorry, Mrs. Kimble. All the aftertaste of those blueberry muffins was gone.

“Hello. The police chief told me that you might be able to help me with my car.” Her tone was light and bubbly. It was almost too chipper. It felt forced.

“Yeah. Charlie called.” I held out my hand, wondering why this woman had been talking to the chief in the first place. “Jensen Chambers.”

“Nice to meet you.” She hesitated briefly before shaking my hand.

Evidently, princess didn’t like to be touched by commoners.

“I’m Kenzie Hurst.”

I ignored whatever the heck the tingle was that streaked up my arm from her touch. Bright pink-and-white manicured nails shone as she lowered her hand. Butter-soft skin. Definitely big-city.

“Pull it in, and I’ll take a look.” I pointed at the bay doors and proceeded to enter the garage. After I pressed the button for the garage door to open, I directed her inside the first bay. All the while, I resisted the urge to shake out my hand. Her touch lingered there.

Once she drove into the first bay and got out, she stood off to the side but kept her eyes on my every movement. I walked around, taking a closer look to see if I could figure out the problem by sight alone. Overall, everything looked well maintained.

“I hope it’s nothing major,” she said. “I haven’t had any problems until today. I’m keeping my fingers crossed it’s just a little hiccup and I can be on my way.”

I nodded and stepped over to the side of the engine, which allowed me to glance into the passenger area of the car. It was full of stuff, even the front seat. “Heading on a work trip?”

“Um. Well, no.” Her eyes darted around the garage as she furrowed her brow.

“Traveling for vacation?” Knowing if she planned to drive far might change the prognosis. I’d need to make sure it was roadworthy for a long drive, in that case.

“That’s none of your business.”

I looked over at her, raising my brows at her curt reply. Although, even terse, she was still beautiful.

Forget it, Chambers. She’s not your type.

“I’m sorry. That was rude.” She sighed, and it reminded me of myself before I had my coffee. “I’m just tired. This car thing is unexpected.”

“I’ll need to look it over and probably order some parts. Maymean keeping your vehicle overnight. Do you have somewhere you can stay or someone to call?”

It was too windy outside for her to be walking, especially in the fancy shoes she had on. She definitely hadn’t come prepared for the weather around here.

She stared down at the phone in her hand like she couldn’t quite remember how to use it.

“I’m staying at the Haven apartment complex for a little while.”

I knew the place on the other side of town. Wasn’t what I was expecting, but, as she’d said, it was none of my business.

“I could take you to your place.” Susanna walked over to Kenzie. She’d obviously been eavesdropping. She held up an empty coffee thermos. “I’m itching for a refill of the good stuff from Deja Brew anyway.”

I rolled my eyes. Susanna wanted to gossip with her friends just as much as she wanted coffee.

---