Page 37 of Riddled Deceit (Tattooed Hearts Duet 1)

“Lenn, it’s what’sunderit.” Simon shook his head in exasperation, frustrated I didn’t appreciate his secretive game or show him proper enthusiasm.

He pulled the tarp back, and I stood staring for a second as I took in what had been hidden under it. A high-pitched squeal left me before I knew what my body was doing. Launching myself at Simon again, I threw my arms around his neck. Apparently, it had become my thing. Unfortunately, my inertia, thank you, eighth-grade physics teacher, was too much this time and the force created knocked us both down, landing in a heap on the hay-covered floor. I started to kiss him all over his face in happiness, not caring my body was spread across his. Simon’s arms wrapped around me, his hands falling to my bum as I attacked him, not even trying to stop me. He laughed, the chuckle rumbling through me, and I pulled back, a massive grin on my face as I peered down at my best friend.

“I don’t even know what to say.”

“So, you like it, Lenn?”

Pulling a face, I give Simon a look of incredulous. “Si, it’s only been the car I’ve wanted since I could drive! Of course, I love it! How did you find one?”

He leveled me with a smirk, and I swallowed, not used to seeing the cocky assurance on his face. It did things to me, and it wasn’t the best time to remember I didn’t have on underwear. My breath caught in my throat as I stared down at his beautiful face, his grey eyes sparkled in the light. The hay had fallen all around us from our fall, and suddenly, my body realized it was in the perfect position for my teen fantasy to come to life, the setting even a sweet romantic one.

Clambering back, I quickly climbed off my best friend and smoothed down the skirt of my dress, dusting off some hay. Turning swiftly, I hoped to hide my red face as I walked around the car. It was sunshine yellow, and there didn’t appear to be any dents or scratches on its finish. When I rounded the bumper, I peeked out of the corner of my eye as I watched Simon sit up. Taking a step further, I found I could see him in the side mirror. Bending down, I pretended to inspect something as I watched him. He brushed hay off, shaking it out of his hair as the silver locks fell against his face.

I was about to step back when I saw it. As he started to stand, his lower section came into view, and in his skinny jeans, I could see everything. Including the outline of hisdonkeykong. Gulping, I watched as his hand brushed over it, positioning it as he stood. When he began to lift his head, I dropped my eyes and bent further down to inspect the imaginary thing I focused on. His strangled voice had me spinning a few seconds later, almost hitting my head on the mirror.

“Lenn, are you not wearing panties?”

Smoothing my skirt down, I walked quickly to the driver’s side and opened the door. “It’s not nice to look, Si. Now, are we taking this for a test drive or what?”

I peeked over when he didn’t answer. He swallowed, a look of torture on his face. Sliding in, I tried to calm my racing heart. Something about the look had me recalling a memory, something from the morning I hit my head.

I’d spilled my cheerios, and he’d come over to help me clean it up. His face looked similar then. My heart dropped.I was losing him.It was obvious now. He was preparing to leave me too.

When he finally got into the car, I realized it was a stick shift, and I dropped my head.Shiitake mushrooms!

“Um, Si. I don’t know how to drive a stick. We’ll have to go tell— “

His hand covered mine, stopping me mid rant. “I’m going to teach you, Lenn.”

Shaking my head, I braved it and looked up. “You said never again after last time.”

Simon laughed, his thumb casually tracing over my hand and holy chocolate balls if it wasn’t sending me shivers that made me quiver below. “You’re not sixteen anymore. I think it will be different this time.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, okay. Let’s take it for a spin. Eek! I can’t believe I’m finally in my dream car.”

“Why in the world a 1975 Volkswagen Beetle is your dream car, I’ve never understood.”

“Duh, movies!”

“Movies?”

“Yeah, it’s the car of my childhood. Herbie, Footloose, even Mad Love! This car promises good times! Plus, it’s just so cute, I could pinch it!”

“Well, how about you start it up there first?” Simon laughed and motioned with his eyes toward the ignition. Turning the keys, I felt guilty for feeling relieved when I didn’t have to go through a whole routine to get her going. RIP Betty!

The car purred to life, and my heart sang out in joy at the sound. Placing my foot on the clutch, the only thing I remembered, I turned to Simon for further instruction.

“Okay, put the car in neutral, and press your foot down on the brake pedal.”

“Um, which one?” I asked, looking at three pedals.

“The center one and move the gear shift into first position once you do.”

Pushing down on the pedal, I moved the gear and looked back to Simon. He smiled, a twinkle in his eye I hadn’t noticed before. “Now, release your foot from the brake. Now comes the part you always struggled with. It’s a dance of perfect balance as you release pressure from the clutch, you press down on the acceleration. Nothing more, nothing less, just listen for the sound. Once your foot is off the clutch, you’ll move forward. Think you got it?”

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