Page 28 of The Mechanic's Virgin

Bill Sinclair, in a tailored navy blazer, a pressed white dress shirt, and designer leather loafers that have never seen a speck of dirt until today. Emily glances at me, her eyes wary.

He walks straight at me, two of his bodyguards behind him in step. His face is stiff with the same look he always has when he looks at me: disapproval. He stops in front of me and glances around the garage, his nose twitching like he’s found himself suddenly in a landfill.

“I heard the rumors but I didn’t believe them.Thisis where you’ve been hiding?”

“Not hiding,” I reply. “Living my life.”

He sighs, putting a hand to his brow. “This has gone on long enough, Grace. You’ve had your fun playing house with the riff-raff. It’s time for you to come home where you belong.”

“Where I belong?” I scoff. “You mean living under your thumb? Being just another pretty little rich girl at one of your business galas, smiling for men who just want me so they can get to you?”

“Grace, be reasonable. You have no idea how privileged you are.”

“Privileged?” I laugh. “I’ll gladly give up all that ‘privilege’ for a life that truly makes me happy.”

My father’s eyes narrow, accentuating his sharp, stern features. “Where is thisman?” He growls. “This…mechanic who has tricked my daughter? He’ll ruin you, Grace–”

“She’s happier than I’ve ever seen her,” Emily says protectively, stepping forward.

“She’s a child! And she has no idea what she’s doing.” He glares at me with fiery anger in his eyes. “Grace, if you remain here, you’ll lose your grandmother’s cottage. It’s in my name. I can sell it tomorrow.”

“Fine.” I glare back at him. “If you want to be that petty and get rid of Grandma’s cottage, so be it. But you won’t control me anymore. I’ve made a choice for my life, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

My dad looks stunned. He was definitely not expecting that response from me.

“AndNashis his name, Dad. This mechanic you disapprove of. We’re in love, and we’re getting married. I don’t want your money. I don’t want any part of your world. I have everything I need right here.”

My dad stares for a moment. I see Nick and Craig looking over at me out of the corner of my eye. Just like Nash, they’re ready to defend me if need be. I’m sure he told them to watch out for me in his absence.

My dad sees them, mutters something under his breath, then turns away. “Fine, Grace. Do what you want. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

I watch him as he walks back to his SUV, climbs in, and pulls away. Only after he’s out of the lot do I finally relax. Emily exhales slowly beside me. “Jeez, talk about intense.”

I close my eyes and take a deep breath and realize just how tense I am. Slowly, I try to relax as Emily places a hand on my shoulder.

“He’s always been that way,” I say. “Cold, controlling. His way or the highway. I should have said all that to him years ago.”

“Oh, years ago when you were a minor with nowhere to go?” Emily replies. “No, I think now was the perfect time.”

The sound of tires outside makes my stomach flip.

He didn’t come back, did he?

I open my eyes, and my heart nearly explodes as I see Nash step out of his truck, a broad smile on his face. He walks in with a swagger that I can only interpret as pride. Is he proud to have me? It’s almost too much to think about, but I rush to him and leap into his arms.

“Hey,” he says, catching me and pressing a kiss to my cheek. “You all right?”

I nod. “My father was just here. He tried to–he tried to ruin everything. To take me from you. But I told him to get lost.”

“I’m so sorry,” he replies, squeezing me tight. “I should have been here.”

“It’s okay.” I shake my head as he lets me down. “I need to be able to stand up for myselfsometimes, right?”

Nash smiles, brushes my hair back, then reaches into his pocket and pulls out an envelope. He hands it to me.

“What’s this?”

“Open it.” He grins.

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