Page 80 of Tuned To Break
“Ah,” he says, amused, “this explains the delay.”
Stella jumps away like I’m on fire, cheeks burning. “Arden! We were just?—”
“Getting very distracted by each other and traumatising the mashed potatoes,” he finishes with a grin. “Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.” He slants his gaze toward the kitchen bench that I have no doubt he has done unspeakable things with Ella on.
“We were getting the salads,” I say, snatching the nearest bowl.
“Sure you were. Jake, can I have a quick word? Stella, the girls are looking for you outside.”
She shoots me a look that promises we’ll continue this later, then heads for the patio with a couple of bowls. Arden waits until she’s out of earshot, his expression shifting.
“Everything all right?” I ask.
“More than all right.” He leans on the island. “Stella’s been with us what—three months now?”
“About that, yeah.”
“In that time, she’s increased efficiency by forty per cent, improved client satisfaction across the board, and basically turned us from a chaotic workshop into a legitimate business.”
“She’s incredible at what she does.”
“She is, which is why I want to do something special. A thank-you for everything she’s accomplished.”
“What did you have in mind?”
“A car.”
I blink. “A car?”
“Her Corolla is held together by duct tape. She deserves something reliable—something that reflects her position and success.”
“Arden, that’s... that’s huge.”
“It’s a business expense. She’s my operations manager; she represents the company with clients. She should be driving something that reflects that.”
He’s clearly decided, but he’s asking for my input.
“What kind of car are we talking?”
“That’s where I need your help. I know cars, but I don’t know Stella like you do. What would she want to drive?”
I think it through. Stella’s practical, but she appreciates quality. Not flashy, but excellent taste.
“Reliable but not boring. She’ll value engineering over status. Maybe a BMW 3 Series. Or an Audi A4. Something with character but still professional.”
“Good options. Colour?”
“Red. Definitely red. Matches her personality—and her hair.”
Arden grins. “Red it is. I’ll have my guy start looking this week.”
“She’ll freak out,” I warn. “Insist it’s too much. Try to refuse.”
“That’s why I’m telling you first. You can help convince her to accept it.”
“Or I can distract her while you put the keys in her hand.”
“I like the way you think.”
