Page 8 of The Traitor

“What do you mean, you don’t have time? You’ve got plenty of time now you’re working here instead of those other jobs.” Josie refused to answer, and tried to ignore the cunning woman before her but Georgia managed to put it together anyway. “No, you didn’t! Girl, that’s insane! You can’t keep the job at the inn! You’re going to exhaust yourself until you fall sick.”

With that reaction, she wasn’t about to tell her that she’d also kept her job at the bakery too. That would mean even less sleep with the time it took to walk to and from town, but it also meant she would be free of her obligations even sooner. Getting her freedom back was worth any loss of sleep. “Can you let it go, Georgia, for my sake? I know it’s insane, but I don’t have any choice. Please don’t make it harder than it is.”

It was obvious Georgia was a long way from agreeing with her, but Josie also knew how kind-hearted and understanding she was. “I understand, dear. But I’m worried about you. Always am. We’ve all made bad choices. I just don’t want yours to haunt your life forever. I want you to live too.”

Josie didn’t move when Georgia gave her a hug. In fact, she needed it like she needed oxygen at that moment. Even if she’d shut down everything else, she missed human contact, along with genuine warmth and concern.

What Georgia offered her would have to suffice for the time being, and Josie prayed she’d have the strength to carry on and fulfill the promise she’d made to herself.

Chapter 5

The next coupleof weeks were the busiest Knox had seen by far. Maybe it was because the temperature had dropped drastically, making it harder on cars, or it was Gage’s sudden arrival, but the little town was detouring to his shop like never before.

Not that he was complaining. On the contrary, with business picking up like it was, he was way ahead of where he should be according to his business plan. Another surprise was how easily Josie had taken over Georgia’s duties, to the point where if he’d hadn’t known another woman was in charge of the garage, he would have thought Georgia had never left.

Josie manned the schedule with skill and even made sure to leave a little leeway for Marvin and Tom, so they didn’t fall behind too much. The washing was done, the salaries were paid, the front of the shop was gleaming, and from what he could see, the spreadsheets were in tip-top order.

Everything was perfect. Almost too perfect. Knox was the type of man that believed under a smooth surface lay hidden problems, and if that made him cynical then so be it.

Grabbing a bottle of water, he let himself fall into his desk chair, his right shoulder screamed from trying to work out a rusted part from Mr.Holmes’ truck. It was his nightmare car, as soon as he fixed one thing on it, something else fell apart. He was dreading calling the old man with more bad news. Maybe he could find a refurbished part somewhere that would do.

He jotted down the part number and as he went to drop it at the front desk for Josie to research, her laughter sounded in his ears. The woman rarely laughed, but when she did, it came from the heart and Gage was inevitably the cause of it.

Before he could stop it, his jaw was set, and he was making his way to the front of the shop. As he’d expected, the cage fighter was leaning against the counter as Josie was typing on the computer. “Don’t you have anything better to do other than distracting her and eating donuts?”

He saw Josie jump at his comment, and Georgia’s words came back to mind. He hated seeing her reaction and hated being the cause of it even more.

Gage turned to look at him and deliberately took his time pushing himself upright. “I just finished the second coat and was taking a break while it sets. I don’t want to move around it while it dries. I don’t know what’s got into you, but I’m ahead of schedule, and I can eat as many donuts as I want, it’s not your fucking problem. However, if you need me for something, I’m glad to help, there’s no need to bite my head off, old man. Just ask.”

With that, Gage turned and headed back into the main part of the shop, taking his annoying smile with him.

When Knox turned to Josie, he silently cursed as she carried on with the work at hand.Why is she so jumpy all of a sudden? She wasn’t jumpy around Gage or the other guys. Not only that, but as he studied her, he saw how pale she looked, with bags under her eyes that could swallow her whole. It was even more extreme when she turned her head to look at him.

“Do you need anything?”

Gone was the smile and laughing eyes, and all because of him. “If you have time, I need you to search for a particular part.”

Knox handed her the piece of paper, and Josie was careful not to touch his fingers when she took it. “From your earlier comment, I must have time. I was having a quick chat with a coworker so that must mean I wasn’t working.”

He held back a snarl but knew she was right. He had come on strong. This wasn’t the military, it was a small shop in a small town. “I’m sorry, Josie. That was uncalled for. I wasn’t targeting you, but Gage. He tends to be easily sidetracked and to take others along with him.”

Josie sighed but continued to type on her computer. “Don’t worry, I have no intention of being sidetracked. I don’t have time for that. I promised Georgia I’d be on top of things here until she returned, and I keep my promises.”

“You’re on top of things. I’m not worried about that. This place is running like clockwork and it’s because of you.”

Josie didn’t answer but the way her shoulders relaxed made him feel better. “I’ve found a few possible sellers for the part you want, but none are refurbished.”

Knox rounded the counter to look at the screen over Josie’s shoulder, and he knew at the exact moment his nose filled with the smell of her hair it had been the worst move ever. His entire body reacted, tensing as his cock pulsed in his pants, going rock hard in a matter of seconds. He saw Josie tense, but didn’t move away. He knew he should step back, but it was impossible. He hadn’t been this aroused in such a long time, his body demanded he indulge in the woman before him, even if a few inches prevented him from touching her. Images of her bent over the counter, her pants around her ankles as he buried himself deep inside her almost made him lose control. Instead, he clenched his teeth and looked at the screen. “They’re all too expensive. Are there any others?”

Josie shook her head, her dark hair tickling his nose. “No. It seems it’s not a current one. Or maybe it just breaks easily.”

Knox cursed low under his breath, which made her swivel her head. Her face was so close now, it was a sin not to kiss her mouth, but it wasn’t as if he didn’t have a thorough list of sins to start with. He forced himself to look up from her mouth and return to the task at hand, but his body rebelled against the idea. He kept repeating to himself that she was too young and he was too damaged even as he turned her chair so she faced him fully and his mouth descended to hers.

It should have been slow and easy, a mere taste before letting her go. Instead, when Josie’s mouth opened to him, the silent invitation turned the kiss incendiary. His tongue traced her lips before delving inside her mouth.

Knox fought himself, but it wasn’t a battle he could win. His body only wanted to possess and explore her. Then he realized his hands were grabbing her hips, pulling her against his undeniable erection. Josie’s breathing was harsh, her eyes half-closed, her hands circling his waist. She wasn’t trying to pull away but wasn’t pulling him closer either.

He was about to find the good sense to break off the kiss when her tongue swirled against his and a sigh escaped her lips. It turned him into a hungry wolf. He pushed her back and trapped her bottom against the counter. One of his hands went to her hair and slid into the silky strands before fisting it so he could better angle her head and control the kiss.

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