Page 13 of Vex

Vex is slowly becoming as much a friend to me as Suki. While I adore Freddy and a lot of the other employees at Dreams, it’s Vex I seek out the most. That should worry me, but it doesn’t. I know that he’d never give me bad advice, and I’m comfortable being alone with him. I trust him more at this point than I do myself. I’m the one having a difficult time keeping us as friends because I think I’d like more than that, but I don’t want to mess up our friendship for one night.

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As usual for me, I’m rushing out the door so I’m not late for work. Doesn’t seem to matter how early I start getting ready for work, I’m always rushing at the end. I fly out the door, jump into my car and hear a clicking sound when I turn the key. What I don’t hear is my car starting up. Damn it all to hell! I get out and jog to the backdoor. Opening it, I shout, “Tessie! My car won’t start!”

Tessie’s head appears over the back of the couch. I swear I see a small smile on her face. Damn kid loves tinkering on cars and is pretty damn good at it for someone who’s self-taught. But the glee in her eyes is not making me happy at the moment.

“Call Suki for a ride and I’ll see what’s up with your car,” Tessie says as she brushes past me on her way outside.

I hit dial on Suki’s contact and wait for her to answer.

“Hey, girlfriend. What’s up?” she answers.

“Car won’t start. Can you pick me up?”

“Sorry, babes. I came in an hour early today to cover for Angie. Hang tight. I’ll get one of the guys to come get you.”

“Okay, thanks Suki. I’ll wait. Can you tell Freddy I’m so sorry about this?”

“Will do. He’s cool about these things. See you when you get here,” Suki responds before blowing a kiss in my ear and disconnecting.

“Your starter’s shot. I’ll call around and see if I can find one so I can get it fixed,” Tessie says as she wipes her hands on her jean shorts.

“Is that going to be expensive?” I ask nervously.

“Not too bad since we won’t need to pay someone labor. I can fix it. I just need to buy the parts. Don’t you get a discount on auto parts from the club’s garage?”

“Yeah, Vex mentioned that once. That might save us a lot.”

As I’m looking up the phone number to the Devil’s garage, I hear a Harley coming down our street. As I’m saying a quick prayer that it’s not Rooster, I recognize Vex as he makes the turn into our driveway and stops behind my car. He removes his helmet, steps off the bike and walks toward Tessie and me.

“Please tell me he has a brother that’s my age,” I hear Tessie whisper to me.

I look down at my sister in shock. I’ve never heard her make a comment about any male like that. I can’t help but choke out a laugh at her expression and comment.

“Suki called. Said you needed a ride. What’s up with your car?” Vex asks.

“He’s walking, talking porn. Damn,” Tessie continues to whisper and stare openmouthed at Vex.

“Tessie! Oh my God, girl. Behave!” I whisper back.

“Starter’s shot,” Tessie answers Vex as he comes to a stop in front of us.

“You sure? Want me to take a look?” he questions.

“Yes. No need. I’m Tessie. You got a younger brother?”

My mouth falls open in shock at the same time Vex grins at Tessie. It’s a killer look on him, and I feel it everywhere when it gets aimed at me next.

“Nice to meet you, Tessie. I’m Vex. Yes, I have a younger brother, but he doesn’t live here. Sorry,” he replies to her.

“Figures. Okay, so I need to pick up a starter, so I can get the car fixed for Taja. Does your club’s garage carry the parts I’ll need?”

“I’ll have Chubs come and tow the car to the shop. If they don’t have the parts there, Petey will get them ordered right away. Then I’ll get you to work, Taja,” Vex says.

“Thanks, Vex. Appreciate the ride,” I answer. “But we just need the parts. Tessie’s pretty handy with fixing things, and I trust her with our car. If you could give her the number, she can call and order what’s needed.”

I watch Tessie grin and stand a little straighter as Vex’s eyes swing back to her.

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