“What is it?”
“Twins.” Her lower lip trembles and this time I lean in and wrap my arms around her.
“Oh girl.” I laugh because I can’t stop myself. “You really need to talk to your guy.”
It’stwenty after seven and I am still sitting at the shop. I keep looking at the clock, knowing I should go but my head keeps telling me it’s a bad idea.
“Why do you keep staring at the clock?” Leo says as he walks down the stairs and steps into the shop. He’s shirtless, since he never seems to wear a shirt.
“I’m not,” I say, grabbing the wrench and sliding back under the truck.
“Got a hot date?” I ignore him, then hear the roar of an engine just outside the doors.
I hear his shoes slapping against the concrete floor as he walks closer. Leaning over the side of the truck he looks down through the compartment at me and smiles. “Or are you hanging around here because you are starving for a little attention?”
“When have I ever struck you as someone that waits around hoping anyone will pay attention to me?” I ask him and he shrugs.
“First time for everything, sweetheart.”
“Don’t call me sweetheart,” I state as I slide out, almost taking out his legs with my cart in the process.
“You are a little sweet at times.” Leo chuckles. “But that is right before you,” he pauses when we hear someone clear their throat.
I glance over to find Aaron standing in the open doorway with his hands on his hips.
“We’re closed, buddy,” Leo greets him first and I cringe at his choice of wording.
“Kendall, you have a minute?”
“Shit, my bad.” Leo chuckles.
The scowl on Aaron’s face deepens and I hurry to stand brushing the dust off my hands. I ignore the cocky arrogance of both men as they continue to stare the other one down. Instead I usher Aaron outside gaining a safe distance before pausing to look back. Leo disappears upstairs again and I am thankful.
“Seems like I may have interrupted something,” Aaron says and I turn back around looking at him.
“What?” I kind of laugh because he has to be joking.
When he holds my stare saying nothing more I know he’s being serious. “I don’t need you showing up here telling me where I need to be or what I need to be doing and with who.”
Instantly I grow defensive and I realize too late how harsh my word must sound.
“You’re right.” He steps back holding his hands up. “Do want you want, and if you decide you want to see me, you know where to find me. If not, fine too, whatever the hell you want, Kendall.” He spins around walking back to his truck, climbing up inside. The roar of the engine makes my body jerk in surprise and I stand there watching as he speeds away.
The longer I stare after his truck, the more irritated I become.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Aaron
I walkinto the bar to find Marshall, Bennett, and Finn playing a game of darts. I pause at the bar and order two shots and a beer. Downing both quickly I chase them with a swig of beer and turn around to face the guys. All three of them are staring at me without saying a word.
I’m not normally the guy that loses his shit.
I’ve learned over the years that losing control never works out in my benefit. Not when I am dealing with subcontractors, banks, suppliers, and a long line of guys that rely on me to know what’s going on.
I have to keep a level head.
But right now, I’ll admit I am hanging from a cliff by a flimsy branch attached to a dying tree.
