AllFreeNovel
Share Us
18
MATT
Her smile is uninhibited, and it makes my heart thump. Trying to keep the moment light, I say, “Did that count as my question, or do I still get to ask one now?”
Still smiling, she says, “The first one didn’t count, but I don’t know. That's two now.”
I try for a stern tone. “Lenore.”
Her grin widens, and her eyes dance. “Fire away.”
When she winks, I’m totally distracted by the hint of sass. “Well, now I’ve lost my train of thought.”
Our easy banter and flirting continue until I hear the chimes over the shop door. She must hear it too and slides off her stool with innate grace and hurries back to the shop.
The garage feels too big and empty as soon as she leaves, so I continue working on replacing the first sensor. I’ve got the old one out with the new one ready to put in. There’s a solid hour before my next appointment, so I should at least be able to get this one done. The second one that needs replacing is harder to get to. I planned on working on it tomorrow on my day off so she could get it back sooner, but I’m happy about the change of plans.
“You look lost in thought.” My best friend’s voice disrupts my concentration.
I jump and bang my head against the hood of the car.
“Jesus Christ, Steve, you’re way too stealthy for a guy your size.” I rub at the spot and don’t feel anything but a bruised ego.
“Naw, you just weren’t paying attention.”
“How are ya, man?” I haven’t seen him as much as I’d like these last couple of months because I’ve been overwhelmed with taking care of everything alone. I know if I would have asked, Mom would have helped, but I didn’t want her to cancel her trip.
He comes to stand beside me and looks down at the car. “Not bad. Not bad. What are you working on?” He waves to the parts and tools I’ve set out.
“Lenore’s car has some bad sensors I’m trying to replace.”
He nods. “She seems really nice.”
“Yep.”
I’m suspicious of where this conversation is heading. He clearly picked up that I’m interested in her, or at least I thought he did when he was his incredibly nosy self at the restaurant.
“Annie says she’s really sweet.”
We’ve both known Annie and Al since we were little. I rub my head again, trying to keep my cool. “You talked to Annie about her?” I definitely sound territorial.
“I couldn’t help myself,” he says with a shit-eating grin. “You bring a pretty girl in but don’t say anything, and I get all these possessive vibes. Now she’s working for you, and you’re fixing her car.”
I shake my head. “With me. Working with me.” ‘For me’ gives me creepy vibes that put me too much in the boss category. “You’re as bad a gossip as Al.”
“I thought my suspicions would be unfounded because Matty boy doesn’t date. Ever. But then I stopped by your house last night. You know, Friday night, when you’re always home lately. Only you weren’t there. So, I thought to myself, maybe Matty has a date. Maybe he’s getting out of his comfort zone.”
Trying to ignore the trap he’s laying, I turn back to the car. “You’re ridiculous.”
“So, I can ask her out?”
I whip upward and bang my head harder this time. “Ow! Dammit! No. You cannot ask her out.”
I glare and realize he’s laughing at me.
“You’re an asshole, Stevie.” I emphasize the name Annie has for him when he’s being exasperating.
Now the laughing is clearly audible. The chimes ring again, so either a customer has left, and Lenore will be coming back soon, or we’re going to be busier than usual for a Saturday.
