Page 21 of Tempting Rowan (Trace + Olivia 3)

Trace pulled into the parking lot and I directed him to where I needed to be dropped off. Trent hopped out of the truck and reached up to give me a hand to help me down. A part of me didn’t want to accept his hand, but I didn’t have much choice if I wanted to get out of the mammoth truck without breaking an ankle. I finally placed my hand in his, after an awkward hesitation. I forced myself to ignore the tiny zings coursing through my body at his touch.

I jumped down, stumbling to the side.

“Whoa,” he grabbed my waist to steady me. “You okay?”

I nodded, embarrassment causing my cheeks to flush.

He reached inside the truck for my backpack and handed it to me. “I’ll make sure he gets it done today. Even if I have to hold a gun to his head,” he winked.

“Thanks,” I forced a smile, slinging my bag over my shoulder. “I really have to go. I’m already late.”

“Of course,” he climbed back in the truck. “See you later.”

“See you later,” I whispered, standing there and watching the truck disappear.

???

Tatum’s car was still being fixed, so luckily Jude was nice enough to be my chauffeur for the day. He pulled into the parking lot of Wentworth Wheels, and I took a deep breath as I prepared to see Trent again. This many times in only a few days was getting to be a bit much—especially since I hated how much I enjoyed seeing him. “I’m gonna head out,” Jude said, already putting the car in reverse, “if for some reason it’s not ready, just call me and I’ll come back.”

“Thanks,” I told him, slipping out of the car.

I headed into the shop through the open garage door. “Hello?” I called out, looking around. The place looked deserted. “Hello?” I ventured further into the shop.

“Hey!” Trent called from somewhere in front of me. “I’ll be there in a second!”

I stopped where I was and waited for him. I looked around and found the garage to be oddly neat and tidy. Don’t get me wrong, it was a repair shop so there were plenty of tools and the occasional grease spot on the ground, but it looked nicer than most. Trace had done a good job with the place. I remembered what a dump it had looked like before.

“Here’s your keys,” Trent grinned, appearing in front of me. He dangled them in front of my face, but when I went to grab them he lifted them too high for my reach. “Not so fast,” he wiggled a finger in front of my face.

“What do you want?” I rolled my eyes, a disgusted breath whizzing past my lips.

“Well,” he clutched my car keys in his fist, “since I was a good guy and stood over my brother all day to make sure he got this fixed for you, I think I deserve to be rewarded.”

“Rewarded, huh?” I raised a brow in disbelief.

“Mhmm,” he nodded, smiling crookedly. “Go to dinner with me.”

“Yeah, um, no. I don’t have time. I have to get home to take care of Tristan and Ivy, which means no time for dinner. Now, please, give me my keys,” I held my hand out.

“Fine. Say no. Crush my dreams,” he wiped away a pretend tear.

“I think you’ll live,” I rolled my eyes again, taking the keys from him. “How come you didn’t fix it?” I questioned.

He smirked. “I would have, but my talents are more useful elsewhere.”

“Talents?”

He shrugged. “Okay, that’s a lie. I’m not very talented, at least when it comes to cars, Trace has got me beat there. All I can do is change oil and rotate tires. I assure you, though, I’m extremely talented in many other ways and if you’d like me to show you I’d be more than happy.” He smirked, his tongue flicking out to moisten his lips.

“Uh…no thanks,” I shook my head. “I don’t need a demonstration.”

“Aw, too bad,” he bit his bottom lip.

I shook my head. I really needed to stop being distracted by Trenton. “How much do I owe you guys?”

“I already paid him,” Trent shoved his hands in his pockets.

“Why would you do that?” I asked through gritted teeth.

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