Page 59 of Driven to Love

“So, you and Addison, huh?” Cade asked as he leaned on his tool bench.

Nash bit back a sigh and reached deeper into the engine compartment of the old Bel Air. “What are you talking about?”

“I have it on good authority that more happened than a baseball game and some vandalism.”

He dropped his chin to his chest. “Laney.”

“Guessed it in one. I’m happy for you, man. Why didn’t you mention it yesterday when we repaired her window?” Cade held out a pry bar, anticipating his need correctly.

Nash set his tools on the radiator and turned to face his friend. “It’s new.”

“And…?”

Nash shrugged. “I’m not sure where we stand. She bolted the next morning. Sure, I’ve had a thing for her for months now, but she’s been dodging my moves at every turn. And I’m not just talking about getting her into bed. It took work getting to a friend level. I’m afraid I rushed it.”

“Dude, I know you’re not the type of guy to force a woman. She had to be a willing participant.”

“She was. It was actually her idea. But what if it was the trauma of the vandalism that led to her crawling into my bed? You know what it’s like right after.” Nash had enough deployments in hot zones that he should have known better than to take her up on her offer.

“Don’t.”

“What?”

“I can see you’re beating yourself up. Talk to her, man.”

He tried yesterday, but the ice queen was back. Except this version had a polite smile that was so fake, Nash spotted it the second she walked in the door.

“If it makes you feel any better, from what I hear, she wasn’t upset about it.”

That was good news. “The part I ordered for her car came in. I’m going to finish it after work. Maybe we can talk then.”

“Good idea. Or, you can just ask her out on a real date and see if she accepts.”

“We’ll see.” Nash grabbed the pry bar from Cade’s hand and turned his attention back to the car.

“Whatever you decide, I suggest you do it soon. You know the girls will be watching you two tonight.”

“Right? The game.” Cade and Laney invited the gang over to watch the Twins game. Great. He’d have an audience while he groveled.

“Hey, don’t worry. I’ve got your back. I can distract them by weaseling bachelor party info out of Sawyer.”

“Not a chance in hell you’ll find out before the night. Besides, it’s not until next year.” Hell, Nash didn’t know what they were doing yet, and he and Sawyer were planning it. Nash had a few ideas, but knowing Laney’s brother, he’d have something great in mind.

Cade closed up his toolbox and wiped his hands on a shop rag. “Do you need any help on Addison’s car?”

“No, I’m good.”

“Okay. I’ll see you later.” Cade threw his rag in the bin and headed out.

Nash checked the time. He had about thirty more minutes on this job, then he could punch out and switch to Addison’s. His thoughts wandered to the woman. Was she still in the office? She could have gotten a ride home.

As if he had conjured her up, she walked through the shop door. He scrutinized her body language, looking for signs of hesitation.

She dropped her gaze to the ground.

Damn.

Addison fought not to run a hand down her skirt. It didn’t help that Nash’s biceps and forearms were tempting. She had run her tongue along every twisty muscle.