"I had no one else to call," I say when he climbs out of his monster. He stands with most of his weight on his right leg while he leans and pulls his crutches out of the passenger seat. His gait has shifted. He's no longer using the crutches to carry him, but rather to keep himself steady.
"I didn't ask," he says. "You called, I came."
As if it's that simple. But how can it be?
"You want to ask," I say through gritted teeth
"Would it really be that bad if I did?" he asks. His scruff has grown even longer in the last few days, and I want to tell him to get a haircut, but the curl sticking out from his backward hat is effortlessly sexy.
When I don't answer him, he holds his hand out. "Keys?"
I raise a brow, but hand him my keys anyway.
"What's wrong with it?" he asks.
"Won't start."
With hesitant steps, he reaches my car and opens the door, lowering himself into the driver's seat, his left leg hanging out the door. I hold back a giggle. He looks ridiculous, like the car could tip if he leans the right way.
"Does anything happen when you turn the key?" he asks.
"It acts as if it wants to start, but only the lights turn on."
I blow on my hands to warm them. It feels like winter is coming early to Tennessee.
"If lights come on, it's not the battery," he says, turning the key. The car makes a noise but doesn't turn over.
He climbs out and hands me the keys. "Gonna have to get it towed to a shop. It's likely the starter." He pulls his lips to one side. "Or maybe the alternator."
I groan and climb into the passenger seat of his car.
"Where to?" he asks, tossing his crutches into the backseat.
"I need to pick up Coop from my mom's. Then if you could drop us off at my apartment, I'd appreciate it."
He buckles his seatbelt and gestures to the map display. I add my mom's address, and Mateo pulls out of the lot.
"Shit." I grit my teeth.
"What?"
"I promised Coop we'd go out for breakfast tomorrow. A bribe for going to my mom's tonight."
"I could have watched him," Mateo says. "I like hanging out with him. He reminds me a lot of myself, actually. Except a hellof a lot smarter." He presses the screen to end the route and makes a U-turn.
"What the fuck? My mom's is that way." I point, but he ignores it.
"I'm going home, and then you're going to take this."
"Fuck no, I'm not."
"Yes, Jade, you are."
I think that's the first time he's said my name, and I shouldn't like it as much as I do. I cross my arms and narrow my eyes at him.
"Take this and do what you've gotta do. Take Coop to breakfast and pick me up at eleven. I booked an appointment with your cousin."
"Adding some ants? Or perhaps a grasshopper?" I ask. He's invading my life outside of work, outside of him, and I don't like it. Not one fucking bit.
