Page 35 of Moonlit Kisses

I hand it to him willingly. The look of awe and wonder on his face allows me to take a deep breath. I think he likes it a lot.

“It’s a cheap frame from the discount store, but it makes a world of difference to the simple sketch.”

“I wouldn’t say this is a simple sketch. It’s amazing.” He looks back up at me. “As I’ve said before, you could easily sell this.”

I wave off his comment. There’s no way my sketches are good enough to sell. “I’m torn about what to do with it. Do you think Martin will want it if he buys the car? Or perhaps you could put it up in the office, like a wall of remembrance of the cars you restore and sell.”

His eyes snap back to mine. “You’d let me keep this?”

“Of course.” I shrug. “If you want it, you can keep it.”

“I like the idea of starting a wall of sketches of the cars I restore. I mean, it’s not like I restore that many. It always takes me a while, but I’d love to keep this as a record, if you don’t mind.” He drops his eyes back to the sketch. “I’ll pay you for it.”

“You will not pay me for it. It’s not like it cost me anything to do, besides the ten-dollar frame, and I’m pretty sure that won’t break the bank.” Well, it won’t now that I have a regular job and a roof over my head to boot! I point my thumb over my shoulder toward the office. “It’s time I set up for the day. I think you have three bookings this morning. What time are Martin and his wife coming to look at the car?”

“Somewhere around two. I should be finished by then.” He hands the sketch back to me. “Can you put this in a safe place? I’ll hang it later today.”

“Sure.” I take it from him and then get everything organized, ready for our first client of the day.

* * *

It’s funny, some people drop their car off and come back to pick it up, others sit and wait for their car to be ready. Whenever I have someone sitting in the reception area waiting for their car, I feel I need to make conversation, which means I don’t get my work done. But the guy waiting on his car this afternoon is giving me the creeps. I’m glad it’s nearing on two and Max should almost be finished with his car. I’m trying my best to ignore him, but he’s not taking the hint. When I get up from my seat to file some paperwork, I catch him giving me yet another once over. He’s not discreet about it either, as his slimy eyes trail up and down my body.

“So, how tall are ya? Your legs seem like they go on forever. Wouldn’t mind having them wrapped around my waist. If ya know what I mean.” He finishes with a wink and I’m certain my face looks like I’ve chewed on a lemon.

He steps closer and I try to back away, but I’m blocked by the counter with nowhere to go. I press my body as far away from him as I possibly can, but I’m trapped.

CHAPTER17

–max–

“What the fuckis going on in here?” I snap out at the same time as Martin slams the outer door closed. His face looks like thunder as he steps forward, his fists clenched tightly by his sides. His wife, standing to the side of the doorway.

Glen steps back from Molly and her body sags in obvious relief. “Just telling your new girl here how great her legs look.” He says it like it’s no big deal that he was making my employee uncomfortable.Fucking loser.

“I don’t think I should have to tell you that my employee has a right to feel safe at work.”Yeah, good one.Let’s not mention to the room that you stood in the bathroom door and perved on said employee, while she was fucking naked. “Your car’s ready. I’ll send you the invoice,” I snap. “And you can find yourself another mechanic. You’re not welcome back here.”

“But, I didn’t do anything. You’re overreacting, man.” He folds his arms across his chest, standing to his full height.

I step forward. I still have a few inches on him and fold my own arms across my chest. “From what I saw, I don’t think I’m overreacting at all. Your type isn’t welcome in my shop. You can apologize to Molly and then you can get your sleazy ass out of my workshop.”

He spits on the floor between us, and Martin takes a step forward, but I motion for him to stay where he is. This isn’t his concern.

“I ain’t apologizing for nothing. I didn’t do anything wrong. It’s not my fault if the bitch is an ice queen.” He tips his head at Molly with an expression of distaste.

“You disrespectful little punk.” Martin steps forward and grabs Glen’s shirt, pulling his arm back, ready to lay him out.

Grabbing Martin’s arm, I stop him from doing anything stupid. “Martin, take a breath. Don’t do anything stupid. He’s not worth it.”

Glen raises his hand, knocking Martin’s grip on his shirt loose. “I’m outta this shithole. There’re better mechanics than you around.” He looks around the room, knocking into my arm as he passes on the way out.

As the door slams behind him, we all take a collective breath. When I glance across at Molly, she’s shaking and tears are filling those stunning orbs, making them appear stormy. I move into her space and wrap her in my arms, cradling the back of her head. Her hands come up to my flanks as she grasps the sides of my overalls. A heavy sob leaves her, and my heart cracks.

“I’m sorry, Dimples. He had no right to speak to you like that. He won’t be back.” Her sobs wrack her body, so I pull her in tighter to me. “Shh, shh, shh. It’s okay.” I love how her body fits against mine, how she feels in my arms.

Martin steps closer. “Is she gonna be alright?” he whispers.

Molly stiffens in my embrace, attempting to pull her head away from me, but I keep her close. “She’ll be okay. She just needs a minute. If you want to show Beth the Sprint, you can head through. I’ll be there in a few.”

---