Page 22 of Devoted Enough

She chewed on her lower lip. “How much is it for a new tire?”

“I can get you a quote when I return to the shop.”

“I can pay for it.”

Haven’s head snapped to the left as she looked at me. “Thank you, Nate, but not necessary.” She focused back on Hank. “Just do what you need to do to get it fixed. I need my car to get home.”

“I can give you a ride home,” Hank said with a smile. “Once I fix the tire, I’ll put it back on your car and bring it to you.”

I was sure my mouth was hanging open as I watched Hank blush and fiddle with his baseball cap while waiting for Haven to agree.

Finding my voice, I said, “I’ll give Haven a ride home. Probably best that you just take her car with you then, Hank. I’m sorry to make you come this way for nothing.”

“No problem at all.” He turned to Haven. “What would you like for me to do, Haven?”

“If you wouldn’t mind towing the car to the shop. I, um, well…if you think it needs a new tire, go ahead and put one on. That would be great, and if you could be mindful of the cost.”

Hank looked at me, then back to Haven. “Truth be told, Haven, all the tires need replacing.”

With a lift of her chin just a bit higher, she smiled. “Okay, just give me the best deal you can.”

He tipped his head. “Will do, Haven. I’ll let you know when I’ll bring the car back to you.”

Haven smiled and walked to the door, opening it for Hank. He stepped outside, grabbed his umbrella, and headed outside. The car was still on the flatbed of his truck, so at least that was good.

Shutting the door, Haven paused for a minute. She looked like she was in deep thought.

“Haven?”

Jumping, she turned and looked at me. “Would you mind giving me a ride home now, please? Since you sent Hank away.”

She walked past me, slightly bumping into my arm.

I followed after her. “I didn’t send Hank away. I figured it would be easier to take you home while he took your car back to the shop.”

Spinning around, she pointed her finger at me. “What gives you the right to try and pay for my tire?”

Taken aback, I stared at her. “What?”

Flipping her hand toward the door. “That whole knight in shining armor bullshit. I don’t need you to pay for my tire, Nate.”

“No one has ever claimed I was a knight in shining armor, Haven. I was just trying to help you out.”

“Well, I don’t need your help, Nate. I can take care of myself.”

I folded my arms over my chest. “You certainly did a few hours ago when you were standing on the side of the road with a flat tire, which I might add is the second time I’ve found you that way in the last month! Why in the hell are you driving around on bald tires, Haven? It’s dangerous.”

Her fists balled up. “Not all of us can afford to drive around in brand-new trucks and live in beautiful houses. Some of us are paycheck to paycheck kind of people, Nate. Every ounce of money I have goes into my business and the upcoming dog park. Excuse me if I let my tires go, but it is not your concern.”

I dropped my arms to my sides. “You’re right.”

She opened her mouth to say something, then quickly shut it and swallowed. “I’m right?”

Nodding, I held up my hands. “It is none of my business.”

“That’s right. It’s not. And I’m not irresponsible.”

“I never said you were.”

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