Page 64 of Mustang Summer

But now she knew that if she grew it out, it was becauseshewanted it long, not Gage.She couldn’t imagine Brock dictating her hairstyle.No, wait.She could imagine Brock saying the way he liked it and why, but not expect her to adhere to his wishes.

She ducked into the bathroom before greeting Brock’s parents.A quick freshen up, then she strode into the kitchen with her shoulders back.

Brock’s mom spotted her first and Josie read several emotions in the woman’s gaze.Speculation, delight, but more than a touch of suspicion.She was about Josie’s height with sharp blue eyes and rich brown hair.The man scowling at her was a little unexpected.He was an older version of Brock with brown hair graying at his temples.

“Hi, Josie.I’m Nancy.And this is Greg.”She stretched out a hand for Josie.“I’m sorry we popped in unannounced.We didn’t expect Brock to have company, but I have to say, I’d love to hear the story of how you two met.”

Josie laughed softly as she accepted the handshake.Nancy Walker was refreshingly blunt, but not obnoxious like his cousin Cash.“It’s not that interesting of a story.I just really loved his cars but was too afraid to ask to see them.You can understand why.”

“Just Mustangs, or all cars?”Brock’s dad stood with his arms crossed, and while he was gruff, his expression showed genuine interest.

Brock went back to washing dishes, leaving Josie pinned between his parents.She didn’t sense hostility from them, but Brock’s support would’ve been appreciated.At the same time, she interpreted his need to finish dishes as not only part of his routine, but his assumption that she could handle herself.And she liked that idea.

“Mustangs rank pretty high, and Brock’s worked on some beauties.But I’ll admit, I’m partial to Chargers.”

Brock paused in his task and twisted to look over his shoulder.“I didn’t know that.”

She smiled.“You don’t have any Chargers for me to gush over.”

“You drive a Mustang.”Greg pointed out.

“My dad owns a car garage and it’d been totaled.He bought it for nothing and fixed it up.”

Greg grunted.“I bet insurance wasn’t happy.”

“It would’ve been sadder seeing it go to the scrapyard when it still had a lot of life, just needed someone who knew what they were doing.”Bill did know what he was doing—it waswhyhe did everything that messed him up.

“Doesn’t take much to total them nowadays.”Greg glanced at Brock to see if he was done with dishes, then nodded to her and his wife and went outside, presumably in search of the Shelby.

Nancy had been watching them with a bemused expression, but she indicated the plate on the counter.“I think that’s for you.”

Eggs and sausage.Brock’s breakfast du jour.Josie might do her own thing for food eventually, but having been in charge of meals since her mom died, she didn’t mind being served for once.

Nancy rummaged through a cupboard and pulled out a small coffee maker.

“I bought fresh coffee a couple of weeks ago,” Brock said while putting freshly dried dishes away.

“That’s thoughtful, dear, thank you.”

Thoughtful, or practical?In Brock’s case, his practicality was his form of thoughtfulness.

Brock almost passed her before heading outside, but she snagged his arm.He gave her a questioning look before she pulled him in for a quick kiss.

“I’d like a good-bye kiss before you leave,” she whispered.

“I’m not leaving, just going outside.”

“Then first thing in the morning.”

He nodded and kissed her again before leaving.

She turned back to her food.Nancy’s gaze leaped between Josie and Brock’s departing form.

What did she say?I know we’re all special, but your son is a different type of special.

“You two seem to get along,” Nancy commented.

“I like him.”

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