Page 61 of Hunted, Season Three

“First time here?”a smooth voice unexpectedly coos from over my shoulder.The instant I turn my head, I’m greeted by a grinning, brown eyed, browned skinned, bearded guy that I’d bet the title to our minivan is about my age.“You’ve got that classic car dude at a vintage show look goin’ on.”

It’s impossible not to chuckle.“Do I?”

“Yeah,” he coyly beams back, “but it’s cute.”There isn’t time to respond to the compliment.“I’m Mark.”

“Kipp.”

“Well,Kipp,” the ease at which he says my name is surprising, “might I suggest this brand,” a gesture is made to the far left at the same time he moves to be beside me, “if you’re looking for interior lighting.The transition of color flow is way more natural plus it possesses numerous customizable features such as specific light location and duration, meaning you can be business in the front and party in the back.”

Additional laughs mindlessly escape.“Isn’t that the shit they say for mullets?”

“Couldn’t tell ya,” Mark snickers.“But Icantell you, it doesn’t come with a remote.Everything is from your app, so if your app fucks up or your phone fucks up or you’re phone illit, you’re fucked.”

“You work for the company or something?”

“Nah.”The brush off is attached to a small shrug.“Just know my shit.”Another point is made to the bottom row.“Like I know that there’s no better fucking brand for under glow than that one.”

My head tilts in a silent request for more information.

“Easy to install.Comes with a remote as well as an app.And most importantly…” he dramatically leans a little closer, “it isactuallywater resistance unlike its competitors that claim to be yet malfunction the second they go through a basic bitch carwash.”

“Maybe that’s their punishment for being willing to spend their money on accessories but cuttin’ the wheel when it comes to the real cost of upkeeping a beauty.”

“Is it wrong I think the same shit?”

Once more, I can’t resist the urge to laugh.

Huh.

Guess over the past couple of months I’ve forgotten how much fun it is to talk car shit with someoneotherthan Nolan.

First it was that long call with Butler about why the vehicle he was working on really needed high performance brake fluid.

Then it was talking interior designs with Boat while stripping down Big Bessie.

And now this.

Proper care whichdoesn’tget discussed enough in my daily life.

Especially not with my fiancés.

“It’s like come on, man, if you’re gonna shell out the cash for the top of the line high-flow catalytic converters, performance headers, and an aftermarket exhaust system, don’t cheap out on the sauce.Give your girl what she deserves.”His grin matches my own.“Wine her-”

“Top leveldetailing.”

“Dine her-”

“Best fuel for optimal performance.”

“And 69 her.”

“Top her out.Not bottom.”

“Exactly.” Another round of snickers is shared prior to him asking.“So, mind if I ask if this shopping trip is for business or pleasure?”

“Pleasure.”Adjusting my frame to better face his occurs next.“Though I do car shit for work too.”

“Performance installer?”

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