“Is he okay? He looks tired and stressed,” I mumble.
“Uh-uh, he’s fine, just being a stubborn ass. He made himself like this,” he tells me. “Conan, eh?”
I grin and duck my head, and he nudges at me, demanding to know everything, when a whistle cuts through the air. “Goddamn, what did I do to deserve a present?” one of the mechanics yells, and we both turn to see what they are cheering at.
“Who is that?” Skylar asks curiously, echoing my thoughts. She’s not our usual visitor, that’s for sure. For starters, she’s in five-inch, red-bottom heels, a short black mini dress, and a sports jacket with a designer bag slung over her arm. She’s wearing a ton of jewels, her nails are perfectly manicured, and her hair shines brightly under the garage lights. She tosses it over her shoulder with a practiced shake of her head, and her bright red lips tilt up in a smile as she strides through the garage, ignoring everyone and everything.
“Not a clue. Maybe she’s a new sales rep?” I murmur.
“Or a pit lizard?” Skylar scoffs.
I nod, but then she stops. “No!” she calls cheerfully, and Noah turns from where he was talking to a mechanic. His eyes land on her as she rushes over to him.
My heart goes cold as she smiles brightly and knowingly at Noah.
She knows him.
She’s here for him.
She’s beautiful.
The worst part? He smiles back, and when she reaches him and grabs his arm, he doesn’t stop her . . . not like when he shakes off my touch.
I glance between them. It’s obvious they are familiar as she leans into him, laughing at something he said. He doesn’t look uncomfortable. If anything, he looks . . . happy.
Is she his girlfriend or about to be?
Has he wanted to be with her all this time?
I eye her again, instantly hating her. Is it because she’s beautiful and rich, or is it because she’s a woman?
Not wanting to see anymore, I turn away, grab a fork, angrily rip open one of the cake lids, and stab into it, ruining the perfect icing. I shovel it into my mouth to stop myself from going over there, yet I can still hear her laughter from here, and my back stiffens as I shove another big bite into my mouth.
“Why are you eating so much cake?” Sky frowns at me, concern in his eyes.
“Because murder is frowned upon,” I mutter as I stab my fork again, my eyes on her and Noah despite my intention.
“Um, murder is illegal,” Skylar says helpfully.
My eyes flit to him, and a mean smile curls my lips. “Only if you get caught.”
“Okay, I’m just going to take this away.” His hand slides over, taking the knife from the cutlery tray, and he wisely moves it away. When the woman and Noah head our way, I fist my fork harder, so he grabs that as well. “And this, and you know what? This too.” He takes my cup and spins away, putting everything out of reach.
“Who said I was talking about her? Maybe I meant you,” I tell Skylar angrily.
His eyes widen, and he covers his junk protectively. “I have too much to live for. I still need to see my boy dressed as a maid.”
My anger dissipates, and I gawk. “What?”
He nods, looking pathetic. “Until then, I can’t die happy, okay? So why don’t you take up yoga or meditation or some shit?”
“Why a maid?” I ask despite my burning hot jealousy.
“You never had a dream, Mackie? A desire so strong in life? Mine is to see Bones dressed as a maid.” He sighs wistfully, propping his head on his hand. “I’ve begged and bribed, but nothing. One day, I will achieve my dream, so until then, no murder.”
Sitting back, I wipe my mouth as Noah and the woman stop at my side. “Back to work,” Noah growls at us, and I glance from him to the woman, who smiles brightly at us.
“These must be our drivers. You talked a lot about them. Skylar and . . . Mackie, correct?” she asks kindly, and I hate it.
