Page 39 of The Relationship Mechanic

“You really should try to go,” Jessica insisted. “My dad was stationed in Germany for a couple years, and my mom and I would always take train trips to the surrounding countries. I’m excited to see Italy again.”

“I wish I could go with you,” Vini said before snapping her mouth shut. She hadn’t meant to say that. Making plans together that didn’t consist of lunch or maybe a drive-in movie was not something they did. It went over the line of what they did. Peach Blossom was it for Vini, but for Jessica the world was wide-open.

Jessica opened her mouth, but before she could speak, their waitress returned with a platter of their food. Vini blinked away, pushing down the pain of realizing this thing between them was going nowhere. They were too different—too different to have a relationship work. Vini should have seen that from the start, but she was seeing it now. She had painted herself into a corner, and now she didn’t know how to find her way out again.

Twenty-One

Jessica sighed and leaned back to relieve the pressure on her stomach. Vini hadn’t been lying when she said the food at this place was delicious. The burrito she had ordered looked intimidating until Jessica’s enchiladas were set down. With the miles of food between them, conversation took a back seat. Occasionally Vini would look up and smile between bites, but overall, they both ate in relative silence. She didn’t know what Vini was thinking about, but Jessica’s mind was on the fact that in three short days she would be away from all this, and the thought did not fill her with excitement. On the contrary. She was regretting not having chosen to stay longer.

Across from her, Vini looked just as sated, and Jessica whistled softly. “Damn, girl. You cleaned that plate good. Where the hell do you store all that?”

Vini chuckled. “It all goes to my hair, I guess.” The waitress returned with the check, but before Jessica could reach for it, Vini snatched it up. “Don’t even think about it. I asked you out, I pay.”

A tiny thrill ran over Jessica at Vini’s words. This wasn’t a date, but if she ignored reason, she could pretend it was. If she ignored everything outside of the two of them and the circumstances they found themselves in, she could pretend that they were two people who just met and decided to actually try a relationship.

She could pretend she was what Vini needed.

“I don’t remember seeing that rule printed anywhere,” Jessica replied.

Vini pulled out her wallet. “Tough shit. You should have looked closer at the paperwork I had you sign.”

“That was paperwork for my car.”

“Was it?” The little smirk Vini sported did things to Jessica’s insides that were unnecessary. She rolled her eyes to cover up just how ready she was to grab Vini and book it to a dark corner so she could taste that smug grin on her lips.

“You play dirty.” When Vini’s smirk only deepened, Jessica knew it was time to go. She had to get her hands on Vini right here and right now. “Where is the waitress? We need to go.”

Vini cocked her head to the side. “Why are you so eager to leave?”

Jessica glanced around to make sure they couldn’t be overheard before she pasted a sharp smile on her own face and leaned over the table. “Because dessert is needed, and you are on the menu.”

She saw Vini’s throat move as she swallowed. “I thought you were staying at Grace’s until you leave?”

Jessica sat back down and leaned back. She crossed her arms but kept her gaze focused on Vini. “Are you telling me there are no motels anywhere from here to Peach Blossom?”

Vini blinked slowly as if savoring those words before she abruptly sat up and called out to a passing waiter. Jessica had to hide her grin behind her hand. She hadn’t expected that reaction, but it was well worth it. Vini paid quickly, her hand moving swiftly as she signed the receipt before herding Jessica up from the booth and out of the restaurant. They were in the car faster than Jessica could make a sound, and as soon as her seat belt was on, she found her mouth taken in an ardent kiss.

Vini’s lips moved like they hadn’t just eaten, and Jessica loved it. She brought both hands up clutching Vini’s cheeks, making sure she couldn’t get away. They were in the parking lot in full view of anyone who happened to walk by the truck, but Jessica didn’t care. The softly burning desire in her had cracked open, sending waves of molten arousal through her. She craved Vini’s taste and touch, not being able to stop herself from pushing for more until Vini was almost crouched over her lap.

“Fuck,” Vini gritted out, her hands gripping the loose strands of Jessica’s hair. Jessica groaned as that hold tightened, pulling her head back as teeth closed over a sensitive spot on her neck. The air in the car was sticky, and when she slitted her eyes open, she could see her window was fogged over. She opened her mouth, attempting to say something, but all that came out was a tortured moan.

She couldn’t give this up. Jessica had to find a way to keep Vini like this, but even as she thought that she wondered if it was fair. Jessica wasn’t one to settle into a stable, everyday life, not like the one Vini had built. Vini was so secure and clearly knew who she was and what she wanted. The only thing Jessica was sure of was that she was sure of nothing at all. How could she tie Vini to her when she didn’t even know what country she would be in in a month?

“Stop thinking,” Vini breathed out against Jessica’s cheek. The warmth of her breath spread over Jessica’s skin, making it damp.

“Who said I was thinking?” Jessica asked. She wanted to protest as Vini pulled away, but she knew they shouldn’t have let things get as far as they did when they were sitting in a parking lot. “God, Vini. Can we go somewhere? I really want to have sex with you.”

Vini’s body trembled, and when she pulled back, Jessica realized she was laughing. Jessica frowned. That wasn’t the reaction she had been expecting. Then again, she hadn’t actually meant to admit that in the first place. When Vini noticed her frown, she brushed her thumb over Jessica’s lips.

“Don’t look like that. I’m flattered,” Vini said making Jessica frown harder.

“Being flattered is not what I was hoping for,” she countered. “I was hoping for a little morefuck, yesand agreement.”

“Oh, trust when I say I agree.” Vini leaned forward again brushing her lips over Jessica’s. “And I know the perfect place.”

She pulled back, leaving Jessica to chase after her lips until she was caught by her seat belt. When Vini chuckled softly, Jessica sulked and crossed her arms. She wasn’t actually upset, but it was fun to play like this. This was a playful side that she didn’t get to indulge in often. Most people who came into Jessica’s life and her bed were fun, but she always had to be on guard with them. They knew who she was, but more importantly they knew who her mom was. Vini wasn’t like that, and Jessica had not once tripped over a flag that would have made her take a step back. It was as frightening as it was refreshing.

Vini started the truck, and soon they were rolling down the road. Before Jessica could second-guess herself, she reached over and grabbed Vini’s hand. The little smile that stretched Vini’s lips was worth it even as Jessica’s heart pounded. When they pulled into another parking lot, she sat up and took notice. It was a nice-enough-looking motel, though not one she remembered seeing.

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