Page 55 of Mustang Summer

“Bill around?”he asked in a voice that was vaguely familiar, but she couldn’t place it.

Her grip tightened around her wooden spoon.It wasn’t much of a weapon, but if this man tried anything, she’d plant every last splinter in him.The way his gaze tracked her, strayed down her body and up again curdled her empty stomach.“You know he’s not.It’s why you’re here, isn’t it?”

His eyes lightened with amusement.“He and I have business.”

“Then go find him.”She’d threaten to call the cops, but what would she say?A man came into my home, though the door my dad probably left unlocked, and did nothing but be creepy.

“I think I’ll wait here.”He pushed off the door and sauntered to the old metal table shoved against the wall of the square kitchen.“Smells good, whatever you’re making.”

She swiveled where she stood so her back was never to him.“I haven’t cooked anything yet.I got interrupted.”

He chuckled.Not a sinister laugh, but like they were sharing drinks at the country club.“You do the books for Alvarez Automotive?”

“I do.”

“Then I imagine you’re concerned for your dad.”

“Bill can take care of himself.”

The man reclined in the chair and it squeaked from the weight.He crossed one leg over the other.“Can Bill take care of everyone else, though?”

Wow.That was a veiled threat if she’d ever heard one.

“I didn’t catch your name.”Her knuckles were white around the spoon and she edged to the side to conceal the block of knives on the counter.Half of them were in the dishwasher from last night’s pork chops, but all she’d need was one blade to do damage—to him.

“I didn’t give you my name.But it’s Don Milton.Just wanted to say hi and introduce myself.Your dad and I are going to be working closely together.He borrowed quite a bit of money from me.”

Oh…shit.The gleam in Don’s eye sent shivers coursing over her skin.

Bill, you stupid man.

“You’ve really grown.”The man’s eyes narrowed and swept her from head to toe.

She’d have to cook the pancakes and freeze them.Her mouth went dry, any bite she took would taste like dust.

“I haven’t seen you since you were…much younger.I remember the day.You were working on a Dodge Charger and covered in grime.”

His oily gaze was lost in the memory, as if he enjoyed the younger version of her more than what he saw now.

Wait.The Charger?She’d been so damn excited to get officially hired on.Then Bill had changed her job duties to cleaning the fucking office and balancing their accounts.

Go to college and do our books, but you ain’t working as a mechanic no more.

She’d been so damn angry.Bill had refused to let her work at another garage and would only pay for school if she went for accounting.

“You’ve grown into a lovely woman.Still working for your dad?”

The front door slammed.Bill was home, she heard him grumbling to himself.Josie stayed where she was, facing off with Don Milton.

Bill turned the corner.“Mr.Milton.”His face went ashen.“W-what are you doing here?”

Dread turned into restrained terror on her father’s face when he glanced from the man relaxing at their table to where she stood, pressed against the counter.

“Your daughter invited me over for breakfast.”

Josie’s temper snapped.He was manipulating them and yes, he obviously had Bill by the balls, but she didn’t have to roll over and take it.“No, I didn’t.Get out.”

“Now, Josie.If Mr.Milton wants to stay and eat—”

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