Page 76 of Debts and Desires
Ihappened to walk out of the bathroom just as the radio at Carter’s work station announced the fair had arrived. I’d remembered him talking about it, but nothing much had come from the conversation.
I went back into the office and pulled up the website, seeing that it went on for eleven days. Excitedly, I brought up the scheduling book again and began working my magic, a plan forming in my head.
I begged for the diner’s food for lunch and waited until Carter left to pick up our order before springing into action.
Not long after, he brought our food and we ate. I gave it a little before I went out.
“Carter?”
“Yes, Em?”
“You know how you looked at my car some?” What I didn’t say was, “despite moving the schedule around,” because Carter wouldn’t leave it alone.
“Yeah?”
“I think you should check it again. There might be another problem you missed. A huge problem.” He raised a brow. “Just check.” He sighed, dusting his hands off on his coveralls before heading to where my car was parked. “I think it’s under the hood.” He looked at me for a moment before popping the lever and lifting the hood.
Carter pulled the piece of paper I’d taped carefully to my engine.
“What’s it say?” I prodded.
“‘Emmy, your car has a million problems with it that I missed, and it’s gonna take a while to fix.’”
“That sounds terrible,” I feigned with a gasp. “I thought you said you were the best mechanic here?” He looked at me over his shoulder. “Guess that means you’ll have to do a lot of free work. Unless you want to make a deal?” I wiggled my eyebrows. He turned fully to face me. “I’ve got it! What if you take me to the fair? Then I’ll ignoreaallllthe problems you missed.”
“You done?” I nodded. “Good.” He crumpled the paper with a smile and tossed it at me. I batted at it, sticking my tongue out. “C’mere.” He went to grab for me, but I dodged him, giggling as I tried to put distance between us. It didn’t work very well. Carter caught up, grabbing me around the waist, tickling my ribs.
“Okay! Okay!” I laughed. “I’m sorry!” He stopped tickling and turned me to face him.
“Iamthe best mechanic around here, Emogen. I wouldn’t miss a big problem.”
“Did I hurt your pride?” I cooed.
“Damn right you did. I want you to say I’m the best mechanic around. And then I’ll let go.”
“You’re theonlymechanic around here, so by default you’d have to be the best.”
“Emogen.” He gave me a pointed stare.
“Carter.” I gave the same pointed stare back. He started tickling in the same spots. “You’re the best! Ever! At everything!” I screamed, laughing until I cried.
Finally, he stopped tickling and placed his forehead on mine, his hat rubbing slightly against my skin. I found myself trapped between him and the wall, our breathing fast, our smiles huge.
Carter’s lips met mine, drawing a small moan from me. I placed my hands on either side of his head, pulling him closer to me. Close would never be close enough. I wanted to be consumed by him.
A throat clearing behind us had us pulling apart from one another.
“Miss Etta,” Carter said with a nod. “What can I do for ya?”
“If I was younger, I’d take one of those,” she said, pointing between Carter and me. I bit my lip, holding back a laugh.
“Youareyoung, Miss Etta,” Carter said, and a moment later, he grabbed her cheeks and planted a big kiss on her lips.
When he pulled away, Miss Etta was stunned for a moment. And then, as her face grew red, she took her purse and swatted Carter with it.
“Leviticus Carter Black!” she screeched, making him laugh. “That is it, mister!” She grabbed him by the ear and dragged him out of the bay. “You’re going straight to church to repent, teasin’ an old woman like that!” I couldn’t hold out any longer, laughing so hard my belly hurt. A thought hit me as he looked back at me and grinned.
Leviticus. His name was Leviticus.
