Page 38 of Faking it with the Bad Boy Bikers

I struggled to tighten a bolt and cursed at it. I was tired that next morning, physically worn out and dragging from lack of sleep and rough sex. Not that I could ever tell Steve why I wasn’t up to par.

He didn’t seem to need my excuses anyway. “What did that bolt ever do to you?”

I watched warily as he picked up the air hose and the drill. “That thing tries to rattle my brain out of my head when I use it.”

He hooked up the drill and inched me out of his way. The machine made light work of the task and then Steve grinned at me. “Your brain isn’t going anywhere. You might give yourself hemorrhoids if you keep struggling without the drill, though.”

I snorted out a laugh. “Will not.”

“Everything good?” He eyed me curiously. “You’d tell me if something was wrong, right? If you disappear on me again, I’ll hunt you down this time.”

I sagged against the car I’d been working on. “Everything’s good, Steve. Oddly good. I just didn’t sleep much last night.”

He wagged his brows. “Word around town is that you’ve got yourself quite the catch.”

“I don’t have a catch. I’m not fishing.” There was a knock on the metal shop door and I looked up to see Henry standing there, a knowing smirk on his face. “Henry.”

He laughed easily and strode inside, going straight to Steve to shake his hand. “Steve. Morning. I just came to see if the fisherwoman here needed caffeine.”

I had to stop myself from lunging when he brought the drink out from behind his back. My mouth watered and I nodded hurriedly. “Yes, please.”

Steve cackled. “Better give the woman her drink before she gets violent. So, Henry, are you the reason our girl is tired this morning?”

My face burned but Henry just grinned. “Nope. Think that would be Seth’s responsibility.”

“Oh, my god.” I muttered. “This town is nuts.”

“The town? Honey, this is all you.” Steve ruffled the top of my head and grinned. “I have to run to that junkyard outside of town. I can’t find a replacement part in stock anywhere for the Dodge. I’m hoping one of the junked cars has one. You okay being all alone here for about an hour?”

I nodded. “Of course.”

He raised his eyebrows at Henry. “Stay out of my office.”

I gasped. “Steve!”

He just grinned. “And close the shop doors if you need some time alone, Nellie. Last thing I need is to start hearing stories about the things going on in my shop.”

I covered my face with my hands. “This is mortifying.”

Henry grunted. “I think clear and concise instructions make messes less likely.”

“In that case—”

“No!” I covered Steve’s mouth and shook my head. “Whatever you’re about to say, don’t. Go find your part. I’ll be here,working.”

“Sure. Just remember what I said. Stay out of my office.” The older man winked at Henry and then left while whistling like he was having the best day ever.

I shook my head and turned to Henry. “Everyone in this town is nuts.”

“They all seem to be happy about you getting laid. Have you noticed that?” He took slow, intentional steps towards me. “If I didn’t know they weren’t all creeps, I’d be freaked out on your behalf.”

“You’re not actually thinking about…” I squeaked when he grabbed me and tugged me into his arms. “Henry! Steve just practically suggested we have sex in here. Ican’thave sex in here now.”

He put the drink down and walked me backwards. “I’m not sure I follow your reasoning.”

“It’s weird! Right? He’s like a parent to me.”

Henry kissed my throat. “He clearly just cares about your happiness and he knows I can make you happy. Smart man.”

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