Page 46 of The Opposite of Romance
Idoknow what she means. Matter of fact, David’s been servicing the car about as often as he serviced me, so my hood is in a desperate need of a checkup.
Jaxon tells me the car will be done by 2:30, which gives me just enough time to get in line for the school pick up. I’ll need to Uber to the shop, though, but that’s the least of my problems.
I get out of the Uber at 2:20, beyond grateful for Jaxon, gang member or not. He’s finishing up as I enter his shop, the smell of oil and fuel hitting me once again. I almost forgot how hot he is, his muscles stretching the fabric of his black t-shirt. His hands are dark with grime and grease, but I wouldn’t mind having them on me.
I pick my gaze up, in time to see him wetting his lower lip. It’s probably a regular gesture, but it feels dirty somehow. Dirty in a way I like.
“It’s done.” He washes his hands, and I imagine the feel of his calloused fingers. “I changed your spark plugs, the air and oil filters and filled up your oil. Your brakes could have gone a month or two longer, but I went ahead and changed them, too. Figured it would be easier for you.”
Relief floods me, and I almost choke up. “You were right. Thank you, so much.” I release a sharp breath. “What do I owe you?”
“Nothing. It’s cool.” He grabs a clean rag and dries his hands.
“No, I can’t let you do that. You saved me today.”
“Well, I won’t take your money. It’s not like this fix was your fault. Besides, I’d gladly help you with the other things, too.” He turns toward me, shooting me a small, almost imperceptible wink.
“Wha…” I say, before flushing all over once I remember Sandy describing me as lonely and horny.
He does his thing, putting his tools away while I’m frozen in place. This day was so fucking emotionally draining.
David has let me down so many times in the past, but today was the last fucking straw. I’m done with it. Done with expecting anything or looking for anything. I need to be touched. I need to be fucked. Fucked good enough so I can see clearly again. And the Viking in front of me looks like he can give me just that.
“Ok,” I say, apprehension lacing my voice.
“Sorry?” He shoots me a smirk as his eyebrow lifts.
“I said ok. You can help me with the other thing, too.” This time, I say it with more conviction.
He licks his lips, and there’s no mistake it wasn’t because his mouth dried up. I feel my courage slipping from me, so I peek at my phone before saying, “I need to get going. Thanks for this. You have my number.”
I get in the car while he leans on the other one, crossing his arms across his chest. The smirk on his lips is that of a lion ready to devour me whole.
And I can’t wait for it to happen.
Chapter Eighteen
Sayinggood night to Liv and Ash, I retreat to my room. I close the bedroom door and dial Sandy, dying to let her know about today.
“I did it,” I squeal.
“Wait, I need to leave the room,” she whispers, and I hear her closing a door. “What did you do?”
“Not sure, but I think I told Jaxon to call me.” I’m buzzing with excited energy.
“For a date?”
“Yes. No. I don’t know. He might have mentioned helping me with my ‘lonely and horny’ problem.” Now she’s the one to squeal. “Maybe it’s just sex. I don’t know if there will be a date before it.”
“Look at you, trying casual sex. I’m proud of you, sis.”
“Don’t be proud yet. I really don’t know what I’m doing.”
“Don’t worry. It’s not something you can forget. Besides, with all the research you do for your books, you’re a pro.”
“Thanks, I guess.”
“Oooh, I know!” I hear the ruffle of a paper. “He’s your morally gray grump.”
