Page 52 of Finding Storm

“You ain’t going anywhere today,” Beck tells him. “After that, hard to say ’til I’ve looked at her.”

Nick sighs, dragging a hand through his hair again.

“I’ll check her over and give you an estimate.”

Nick waves a hand. “Whatever it costs is fine. Just fix her.”

Beck pauses and glances at me. I shrug my shoulders.

“Well, let me price her up, and you can make your mind up from there.”

Nick stares at Beck. “She needs fixing. I ain’t taking her anywhere else.” He glances at me before looking back to Nick. “You seem like trustworthy people. So, I’m happy with whatever you say.”

“Uh …” Beck looks a little stunned. Customers are never that easy. Usually, they argue about the price or even try to haggle it down. “Okay. If you’re sure.”

“I’m sure.”

Hate to say it, but Nick’s confidence is super sexy. It’s just ramped back up the points that he lost earlier.

Imagine if he’s that confident and take-charge in the bedroom. It’d definitely be an experience; that’s for sure.

I start to feel a little knock-kneed.

“Well, at least let us hook you up with a car to use in the meantime. We have a loaner here, but you can use it free of charge. Just put back in the fuel you use—but not diesel.” Beck laughs. So do I. Nick not so much.

“It’s no Maserati, but it’ll get you where you need to be,” I say.

Nick looks at me. “Not necessary. I ain’t going anywhere.”

Oh.

Are those flutters in my stomach I feel or indigestion?

Indigestion. Definitely.

The air suddenly feels thick. I want to look away from him, but I can’t seem to will my eyes to move.

“How’s it looking?” Dad appears, his voice breaking the moment.

Thank God.

I glance at Beck, and he’s grinning at me.

I stick my tongue out at him.

Grinning, Beck turns his head to Dad. “Wrong fuel input.”

Dad puts his hand out to Nick, introducing himself, “Bryan Cavalli.”

Nick takes his hand and shakes it. “Nick Slater.”

Dad turns to the car. “Diesel?” Dad asks Beck.

“Yep. It didn’t run through the system too long, from what Nick said. So, the damage shouldn’t be extensive. Won’t know until I get under her and have a look. I’ve offered Nick the loaner until we have a better idea of how long it’ll take to fix her.”

“Like I said, not necessary,” Nick says.

I refuse to look at Nick again, so I keep my eyes fixed on my dad.