Page 8 of No Rings Attached
I really, really needed this job and I hated that I might’ve made things uncomfortable between us.
He flashed me a smile that made his ruggedly handsome face even more so. “You have nothing to worry about.”
Tension bled from my shoulders, and the tightness dissipated just enough that my jaw unclenched and I was able to smile back. At least I hoped it was a smile. And not one that was overly eager and strangely manic.
The rumbling of a truck stole his gaze from me. I turned to see the tow approaching from the direction my car faced. He waved at the driver. “That’s my cousin.”
We watched as the truck executed a U-turn so that the bed was in position to swoop up my car. “That was fast.”
“His shop’s on the edge of town,” Drew explained.
I sighed. I’d had our first in-person meeting all planned out in my head. I was going to make the best first impression as the awesome, smart, and funny person Drew seemed to think I was from our conversations. Instead, I’d accused him of being a murderer.
The driver of the truck hopped out in well-worn jeans, a faded t-shirt, and work boots. When he jogged our way, I immediately saw the family resemblance. If I hadn’t known his cousin owned the repair shop, I’d have thought they were brothers.
“Drew.” They gave each other a quick bro hug before he turned to me. “I’m Adam.” His easy grin put me right at ease.
“Ellie.” I smiled in response. “Drew’s VA.”
“That’s right, I heard you were coming in. Welcome to Ruby River. What seems to be the problem?” he asked, jerking a thumb over his shoulder at my car.
“Thank you. I’m not sure. I had the battery replaced last month, so I don’t think it’s that. The lights flickered a bit, then the check engine light went on, and it just rolled to a stop.”
God, that had been scary. This unlit road was just forest running along either side of it. And I had no idea how far the actual town was since my stupid phone had died along with my car.
I’d debated walking towards town when Drew showed up. When I heard him get out of his car, I panicked and ran. My cheeks heated to fire engine red again as I remembered his first glimpse of me: partially naked after my shirt got stuck on some prickers. I ended up having to take it off to get it untangled. Then when I’d gotten free of that stupid bush of thorns I face planted.
Crap. I swiped at my nose. Had I gotten dirt on my face?
Now instead of looking polished and professional, my boss got the full hot mess that was the real me.
“Any noise when you turn the key?” Adam lifted his hat and rubbed at his forehead before placing it down on his head backwards, his hair and beard the same shade of brown as Drew.
“No.” I grimaced.
“I don’t think jumping it will make a difference. It might be your alternator, so if we restart your car, in another quarter mile we’d be doing this same thing all over.”
I wrinkled my nose. “Yeah, I’d rather not go through that again.” Next time the person might not be as nice as Drew or his cousin.
Adam stuck his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels. “I’ve got a few cars ahead of you in the shop. How long are you in town for?”
“A week or two.” We decided to leave my return date open ended with the possibility of staying on for a second week if we felt it was necessary. It was important to the Kingsleys that their employees understood the business and got a feel for the everyday operation. Especially focusing on how to keep both businesses, the fine jewelry and the luxury costume jewelry production running seamlessly.
“Can you get around without a car for a few days?”
“Do you have any loaners?” If not, the town was pretty small and the B&B was located on Main Street. I could walk.
He chuckled. “No, but if you needed a lift somewhere I’m sure one of my guys or I could help with that.”
I shrugged and glanced at Drew. His arms were crossed over his chest and his lips pressed into a thin line. I quickly looked away.
Crap on a cracker.
Was he angry with me? Did he think I was incompetent because my car broke down? That I didn’t take basic maintenance seriously? Maybe I should accept his cousin’s offer. Otherwise I’d need Drew’s help to find a way for me to get around town. And he didn’t need to deal with that.
Another thought crossed my mind … What if he was realizing that I was too much trouble? That my crazy behavior tonight was making him reconsider keeping his slightly paranoid, off-the-wall Virtual Assistant employed.
Ugh.
