Page 72 of Love in Overdrive

“Is that bad?” She tried to see without moving closer.

“Depends. Come here.”

Tentatively, she stepped under the four-thousand-pound vehicle.

“It’s not going to fall.” He linked his fingers with hers and coaxed her as if she was a frightened puppy.

“I know.” At least part of her mind knew it was solid, but another part played back every disastrous video clip she’d seen where the vehicle came crashing down. Scanning the bottom of the car, she took tentative steps until she reached him.

“See. All safe. Unless you’re afraid to get a little dirty.” His eyebrows waggled.

“No.” She snorted.

“Good.” Cade framed her face with his greasy hands and kissed her.

Any thoughts of dirt or cars fled from her mind. She gripped his waist and moved in closer.

All too quickly, he broke contact and turned all-business. He swiped a finger over the bottom of her motor and came back with dark liquid on it. “Oil. Probably coming from the pan. The oil needs changing anyway, so I will check it first.”

She moved back, but Cade caught her hand. “Want to help?”

“Sure.” Memories of helping her father came to mind. But working side by side with Cade was different. He explained things as he worked. She liked that. He didn’t get frustrated if she handed him the wrong tool, just calmly walked over to the toolbox and showed her which one he needed. Laney snooped in the tool drawers while he worked. Very neat. Organized.

Impressive. She didn’t have one drawer in her entire house that looked that clean. Even the tools themselves were relatively free of grease and grime.

“Is your house this clean and organized?”

“If I say yes, does that make me a freak?”

“No. But it might make me a little jealous.”

“In the military, I had to be organized. So, it carried over to my civilian life.”

“I try, but somehow, it just jumbles up again.” She ran a finger down the row of perfectly lined up sockets.

The click of nails on the concrete sounded across the shop. Laney’s chest lit with excitement, and she dropped to her knees to greet the furry visitor. “Hey, cutie.”

“That’s Roscoe. He’s my parents’ dog. If he’s here, Dad’s in the office.”

“Hi, Roscoe. You’re a sweet boy. Got some gray around your muzzle.” She scratched his face. Such an adorable dog. “I want a dog so bad.” The words slipped out without thinking.

“Why don’t you get one?”

“Can’t afford it right now. Someday.” She watched as Roscoe trotted off in the direction of the office.

“I get that. I love dogs. Just need my own place with a yard before I get one.” A loud metal bang sounded from where Cade was working. He swore. “Can you grab me some of those towels?”

She darted to his workbench and pulled a couple of sheets from the roll of blue shop towels.

“Thanks. Almost done.” He worked a couple more minutes under the car, then stepped out and lowered the vehicle.

She watched as he poured in oil and checked the dipstick. So confident in his work. “If I didn’t know about your military career, I’d think you’ve been working on cars your whole life.”

He shrugged. “I have. My job wasn’t a mechanic, but I grew up with a wrench in my hand, following my father around the shop. Later, on leave, I’d work on my car. It’s always come naturally to me.”

“That’s like me with kids. I always wanted to be a teacher.” A melancholy mood washed over her. She loved the kids at the daycare, but it wasn’t her dream. With a little luck, she’d get back into the school system again soon.

“All done, and you didn’t even get dirty.” His lip quirked.