Page 18 of Loving You

“You’re trying to picture it, aren’t you?”

“No,” I defend myself. “No.”

I totally was. I mean, come on, he’s a mechanic. Forget his listening skills; one would have to assume he’s good with his hands, right?

He chuckles, and the sound practically tickles my skin, causing goose bumps to cover my body.

“Too bad. Sounds like something you’d like to see. Anyway, like I said, I’ll take my chances doing something else.”

I don’t have that same mindset, and even though I’m confused on how to feel about everything he just said, I’m not willing to take the chance of him saying no. I need this right now, and if I can get it without having to tell him all the details of why I need him to agree, I’m taking it.

“Looks like that’s been working out super well for you,” I snap, changing the subject “Do most mechanics sit on the floor when they work?”

“As a matter of fact, we do spend time down here.”

“Hiding?”

“I’m not hiding.”

“You’re definitely hiding.”

“No, I’m not.”

“Fine. Then stop whispering.”

“Hell, you’re annoying.”

“And you’re infuriating, but we must move on.”

“I’m not fake dating you, Quinn.”

“If I can get her to leave in less than five minutes, we will fake a date and you’ll rent to me.”

“Holy fuck, you’re relentless.”

“I’m desperate, Miles.” In so, so many ways. “I’m physically sitting on the floor of an office, asking the man who despises me more than anything in the world to pretend to date me just so I can rent an apartment. Please, Miles.”

I swear his face wrinkles in pain.

“Please.”

“Five minutes, but that’s it.”

I barely let him finish before I scoot back and head back out the way I came in.

I’m not messing up this chance by waiting a moment longer. I need this more than he does.

Shit, maybe I am a little selfish.

I step outside, take a glance to my right at the door that leads to the apartment, and then I round the building to the front. I adjust my purse, then I step into Cherry’s view.

“Oh, hi,” I say and stop. “Can I help you?”

She shakes her head.

“Nope. I’m just waiting for Miles to get back.”

“Oh, let me go find him for you.”

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