Page 5 of Rowdy St. Nick

“Really, text me if you need a mechanic.”

“I will.”

I get out and squint against the sun making its way down to the horizon. It’s hot as balls out here and it’s fucking October. I pop the latch on the hood by the steering wheel and head over to the front of the car. When I open it, white smoke billows out. I cough and wave it away, stepping back away from the cloud.

The smoke keeps coming and I smell something burning. Shit! I should've paid more attention to the coolant levels! It’s a vintage car, I should know better. Ugh, my older brother Jordan is going to completely bust my chops when he hears about this. He’s always ragging on me about basic maintenance.

“Shit! Shit! Shit!” I yell into the sky at no one.

I don’t see any other cars coming past and I’m at least twenty minutes away from civilization. I snap a photo and send it to Lucas.

Me:Jordan is going to have a field day with this.

Lucas:lol okay I’m calling a mechanic.

Me:It’s fine. I’ll figure it out.

Lucas:I’m calling.

Me:I can’t afford it.

Lucas:What are you going to do, walk to work?

Me:I’ll call my boss, and she’ll send someone.

Lucas:And what about your car.

Me:Idk!

Lucas:Don’t yell at me.

Me:Just go have dinner. I got this.

Lucas:Are you sure?

Me:Yes. I’m serious. Go. Have fun.

Lucas:Keep me posted

Me:I will

I run my hands through my hair, gripping the ends and pulling slightly. I’m already late and now I have no idea what to do withthis. I’m really hoping this isn’t going to cause lasting damage. I love my mustang, and I don’t want to deal with buying a new car.

Then the worst happens. My service suddenly goes out. This happens around here sometimes and it’s just my luck. I’m in my work shoes, which are thigh high patent leather platform boots, a pixie skirt that barely covers my ass, and a floral lace shirt with one of my fancier corsets laced over it.

I don’t have a choice, though. I’m not sure if Lucas actually called a mechanic after I insisted he go have fun and I don’t know if my boss is going to send someone to get me. Even if they do, they’ll probably find me walking along this road. Might as well head back home where I have a landline and clothes that are better suited for the dropping temperature.

Tits up, Tess,I tell myself,let’s get moving.

Chapter 3

Parker

One of the many things I love about these wide-open country roads is that you can see everything for miles around. As Daisy and I make our way down the dusty two-lane highway that runs along the side of the ranch, I check the fences and look up every few moments to see if there’s trouble on the horizon. There usually isn’t.

That’s why, when I see a car in the distance with smoke spilling from the hood, I put some pressure on Daisy’s flanks and spur her into a canter. If there’s someone with that car, they probably need help. There isn’t anyone close by and who knows how long it’ll take for a car to drive down here and see them.

Approaching the smoke cloud, I see a woman walking away from the car. She must be from the city because she isn’t remotelyclose to dressed for a hike out here in the sticks. That short skirt is gonna have her legs bit to hell at this time of day. Oh, it would be a crying shame to see mosquitos mar those legs. Fuck.

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