Page 43 of Second Down Darling

“I don’t mind. It used to bother me in high school when my brothers made me do all the oil changes in their shop over the summer, but now?” He grunts and twists something with pliers. “I actually miss it. Working on cars is kinda zen. Takes my mind off things.” Meaning my sister’s show that premierestomorrow.

I yawn. “Does Buffy mind stayinglate?”

“She said we’re cool as long as she could switch shifts with you nextweek.”

“That’s not a problem.” I barely get the words out when he pauses to lift his t-shirt and wipe the sweat off his face, putting his washboard abs on display. His jeans hang low on his trim hips and hug his muscularrear.

And he’s—wow. So, sosexy.

It hits me again. How Jake risked his life to save mine. He literally jumped into a burning building and carried meout.

The image of him stripping off his shirt to use it as a sling to carry Duke replays in mymind.

Jake clears his throat, a playful grin on his face. “Need the light on the engine, cupcake. Not onme.”

OhGod.

I nod and shine the huge flashlight toward the car and hope he can’t see my face burn. Embarrassed, I scramble to think of something to say. “Wanna play chess this weekend? I’m rusty, so you have a decent shot ofwinning.”

He chuckles as he leans over the engine. “Are you saying the only reason I might win is because you haven’t played in awhile?”

“Maybe.”

“If you help me make flashcards when we get home, you got yourself a deal, but get ready to get your cute little ass whipped. I’ve upped my chessskills.”

It’s my turn to laugh. “We’ll see aboutthat.”

When he starts my car half an hour later, I let out an undignified squeal and jump up and down. “How’d you dothat?”

“I have my ways.” A cocky grin spreads on his face before he waves his fingers in front of me and winks. “Got magicalhands.”

My whole body heats. What I wouldn’t give to feel those hands pressed to myskin.

Stop torturing yourself, Charlotte!Behave!

After we lock up and trek across the parking lot to his apartment, I catch a whiff of motor oil and Jake’s natural masculine scent. Like a weirdo, I lean closer to sniff him again.Mm.Sexy.

Jesus, I have aproblem.

He tosses an arm over my shoulder and gives me a noogie, and I elbow him in the gut. Even though I act annoyed, I’m alsosmiling.

Because this feels just like oldtimes.

16

JAKE

We’ve barely setup the chessboard when the hard knock at the door makes Charlotteflinch.

“You expecting anyone?” I ask her. She’s sitting on the couch, looking like she might hurl. The show, which I’ve started callingThe Hell House, starts in a few minutes, and we’re both nervous wrecks. I’d been hoping a game of chess might distractus.

“No.”

When I swing open the door, I find Billy, Roxy, and Cam, who’s carrying several boxes ofpizzas.

“Thought we’d join your little watch party,” Billy says as he hands me a six-pack and waltzes in as though I invitedhim.

At my obvious look of surprise, Roxy seems embarrassed. “Sorry. I thought Billy asked if we could stopby.”

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