Page 6 of Sugarloaf Ridge Lies

“Bugger,” the man says from beside me.

My hands hook onto my hips. “God damn it. I only bought this car a few months ago. Why would someone sell a car without a spare?”

“Dodgy car salesmen do it all the time.”

“For real?” Maybe he’s right. The old guy did seem a bit shifty. He wouldn’t give me any dealer warranty due to the age of the vehicle, but it’s only five years old.

He rubs at the back of his neck, his brows pulling tight as he looks around the abandoned car park. “Have you got someone you can call? Boyfriend?”

Been a long time since I’ve had a permanent guy in my life.For good reason.

“No.”

He pulls his bottom lip between his teeth and lets out a huff. “I could give you a lift if you want?”

One brow raised, I stare into his chocolate dark eyes, framed by long lashes. He doesn’t seem too thrilled with the idea. Is there someplace he needs to be?

I cross my arms beneath my bust. “That’s nice of you to offer, but I don’t even know your name. You know... stranger danger and all that.” I’m always talking to the kids about being safe.

He tilts his head and offers a cheeky smirk. “Jericho Michael McAllister. Most people call me Jerry, although I’ve been known to be called by other names, none I’m willin’ to repeat in front of a lady.” He winks. My heart does this weird flutter in my chest.

Jericho. What a beautiful old-fashioned name.

He extends his hand.

My palm slides against his roughened one and we shake. “Olive Rosehill. Most people call me Liv, or around here—” I wave my hand to the playground. “—Miss Rosehill.”

He bites the inside of his cheek. “Nice to meet you, Olive.”

“I prefer Liv.”

“If you’re worried about gettin’ in a car with me, you needn’t be. Principal Young and I go waaay back.”

“Oh?” I feign ignorance.

“Yeah. I’m sure I was the first bloke on his list when he needed to re-do the fence.” He scoffs. “Desperate times call for desperate measures, I s’pose.”

I tilt my head to the side. “So, you’re old friends, then?”

He clucks his tongue. “You can say that.”

Jericho closes the boot of my car and motions towards his vehicle. “So, where am I dropping you?”

“Logan Falls. If it’s too far I can catch a cab.” I can’t expect him to drive that far.

He shakes his head. “It’s on my way, so save your pennies.”

“You sure?”

He shrugs. “’Course.”

When we get to his vehicle, he opens the passenger side door and curses. “Sorry, wasn’t expectin’ company. Give me a sec.” He clears away empty food wrappers from the floor and dusts off what looks like remnants of mulch on the seat. “Jump on in.”

“Thanks.”

As we pull out onto the highway, I focus straight ahead rather than on the sweaty hardworking man beside me.You got your wish. Now you’re stuck in his Ute for the next twenty or so minutes.

“I know a guy. A local tow truck driver,” he says, breaking my thoughts. “I can see if Daryl can tow your car to his tyre shop tomorrow.”

---