Page 5 of Falling for the Mechanic
Returning to her car, she pulls out a suitcase and stares at her phone. Tapping the screen a few times, I catch the first hint of a smile on her face as she looks rather relieved.
“To think a place like this has transportation.” She sighs and tilts her head back, looking up toward the sky like she’s thanking the clouds. Then, she sets her gaze on me. “Is there any way I can linger until I can get a ride?”
I want to tell her that we don’t offer comfort around here. Instead, I’m thinking about the way the cool temperature easily went right through her, leaving her shivering on the road.
Jerking my chin toward the desktop in the corner of the garage, there’s a chair tucked in front of it. “There’s fine, but don’t touch anything. Seriously.”
My uncle will ring my neck if he finds out I let a customer hang out in the garage, where they could accidentally get hurt.
Who am I kidding? Nash would give me a fucking gold star for showing compassion.
I huff under my breath just thinking about it. As irritating as the thought is, the anger melts away when a bigger smile forms on her lips.
She’s got two dimples, her freckles surrounding the small dips in her cheeks.
“Even though you’re definitely rough around the edges…” She drags her luggage past me, heading toward the computer. “I really appreciate it, Cameron.”
Haven’t told her my name, but I don’t need to. My shirt has it sewn right in.
The way it curls on her tongue is dangerous. No, it’s fucking lethal.
Moving toward the radio, I turn it back on to drown out the echo of her voice playing on repeat in my head.
I don’t know what in the hell is happening, but I don’t like it. Not one bit.
Thankfully, Chelsea doesn’t test my patience by touching Nash’s belongings. Instead, I hear the creak of the chair as she digs a hole into my back with her eyes.
Never had an audience working on a car. Not unless my sister decides to stop by for a visit. Ever since Alina got married off, she’s spent less time with me and has hung out more with my buddy from high school up on the mountain.
I enjoyed Alina’s company. Right now, I don’t know what I’m feeling. Should be agitation or annoyance. I’m not sure it’s either.
“You’re the only one here?” Calling out to me, she disrupts my thoughts.
“Can’t afford anyone else until winter hits.” Once everyone needs maintenance to fight off icy roads, business will have to be booming. Ithasto. Can’t afford to let this business fold. Not after how much effort we’ve put in since Dad passed.
The thought leaves a bitter taste in my mouth, and my scowl is back.
Squeaks continue filling the room, hardly drowned out by my favorite band.
“You’re the only autoshop in town.” Stating the obvious words, she hums. “Should I check out your reviews online?”
Okay. Yeah, maybe she does agitate me a bit.
I don’t respond, but I don’t need to. She’s already doing it, scoffing under her breath.
“You’ve been mentioned in here a few times, you know?” She proceeds to tell me the same things Nash has scolded me for.
I’m unwelcoming. I’m an asshole. I lack empathy.
I get it.
When the hell is this ride coming for her?
“Do you enjoy your job?”
Her next question throws me off, and I’m left staring into the engine bay like it’ll have the answer to her question. All I see are the same parts and pieces I stare at every single day.
When I grunt, she sighs.
