Page 13 of Sometimes You Fall

“Thanks for coming out tonight.”

“Yeah, who knew the night would turn in a completely random direction.” With my hand on the small of her back, I lead her outside, the frigid air hitting us the second we walk through the door. “Jesus, it’s cold,” she murmurs, pulling her coat tighter around her body.

I wrap my arms around her, pulling her into my chest to help keep her warm while we wait for our ride. “It’s almost Christmas, Scottie. Don’t you remember how brutal the winter air can be?”

She laughs, her breath forming a visible cloud. “I guess I forgot. Back in Georgia, I’m more inland, so the air isn’t as frigid…”

Her voice trails off as we stand there in the silence, nothing but the sound of the wind whipping around us and her eyes twinkling in the dim lighting outside. But I don’t want to let her go. I don’t want this night to end yet. Hanging out with her tonight has woken up a part of me that feels like it’s been dormant for far too long, and the most irrational part of me that woke up is my fucking dick.

He’s been ready to go since the first time Scottie touched my leg earlier.

I know I can’t be the only one that wants to cross that line. I’ve felt it from her all night. And hell, we’re adults now, right? I have no ideawhen I might see her again, and I think we owe it to each other to see where the rest of this night could lead.

“Don’t go home tonight, Scottie,” I say, breaking the silence, waiting on pins and needles for her response. If she turns me down, then at least I know where we stand. But if she’s feeling what I’m feeling, then trying to pace myself will be my next obstacle.

Please tell me you want this, Scottie.

“Give me a reason not to, Reynolds.”

A breath of relief leaves my lips as I press my cock into her stomach, backing her up against the building we were just in, showing her what the night can hold if she gives me permission. “How’s that?”

She hums and reaches down between us, rubbing her hand over my erection straining against my jeans. “That feels like a pretty strong reason, but I might have to take a closer look to be sure.”

“Oh, it’ll deliver. I fucking promise that.”

She licks her lips and says, “I hope you’re ready to prove it.”

Chapter three

Grady

I help Scottie out of the car, thank our driver, then walk her up to the garage.

“God, this place hasn’t changed,” Scottie murmurs as I unlock the office door and pull her inside, locking it behind us. The only light in the space comes from the moon and street lamps outside the windows. Scottie wanted to see everything about my new life, so I carefully guide us through the office and into the garage.

“Oh, come on. The outside has a new coat of paint and the name is different. You’ve got to give me credit for that.” I flip the lights on just as the smell of rubber and oil hits our noses, followed by the sound of the lights buzzing to life.

Scottie’s eyes scour the space. There are several cars in the bays still, customers who needed more than just routine maintenance. The Camaro that was giving us trouble last week is ready to be picked up on Monday, and in the far corner, under the sheet that keeps her safe, is my ’73 Nova—my own project that I’ll get to someday.

“This is a big change from swinging a bat and wearing a glove.” She meets my eyes.

“Yeah, it is. But working on cars is the only other thing I really liked besides baseball.”

She reaches out her hand to me and I take it. “Show me around.”

I give her the tour, showing her the tire balancing machine, the welding station, and how to use the vehicle lift before we end at the tool shelf.

“It’s a lot cleaner than I expected.” She wrinkles her nose at me. “But this stands out like a sore thumb.” She strides over to the Nova. “What’s under here?”

I lift the sheet and rip it off the car. “My project.”

She tilts her head at the car. “Doesn’t look like you’ve done much.”

Laughing, I reply, “Haven’t had much time.” That’s a lie. I could make time, I just haven’t. I haven’t had the motivation—for this or much of anything lately.

She runs her hand over the hood, dust collecting on her hand before she wipes it on her jeans. “She sure is sexy though.”

I wait for her gaze to meet mine again before replying. “Yeah, she sure fucking is.”

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