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I saw a few women smile, and a couple more nodded. Knowledge was power. Ryan had the right idea in offering this class. Transparency never hurt.
I watched while he showed Remi how to change the filters, but my attention was on the tone of his voice and the flex of his muscles. A man who knew his way around a car was hot.
He ended the meeting by telling us what we should have in our car: a first aid kit, a tire jack, jumper cables, a tire pressure gauge, and a lug wrench. “Find out whether your car even has a spare tire. Most new cars don’t come with them. You don’t want to be stuck on the side of the highway and find out you don’t have one.”
He handed out a tire pressure gauge to each person along with a magnet with the garage’s information on it and a laminated checklist to keep in the car, detailing how to do the things he’d gone over with us.
I walked my friends out with promises to meet up with them soon. I knew if I didn’t, Brooke would track me down to get details.
When we were alone, Ryan said, “Hopefully, that was helpful.”
“You did a great job.”
“You think they got anything out of it?” His question was surprisingly vulnerable.
“Having listened to my brother mansplain cars to me over the years, I’d say you have a better approach. You’re informative but not condescending.”
Jake came into the bay. “I’m not condescending.”
I rested my hands on my hips and tipped my head to the side. “You think I should just know this stuff. It doesn’t come easily for everyone.”
Ryan tipped his head toward me. “Yeah, fixing cars isn’t her thing.”
“So, you know what you’re doing, then?” Jake asked me.
I nodded. “Uh-huh.”
I hoped he didn’t ask questions about changing the filters because I hadn’t been listening to that. I’d been more focused on Ryan as he spoke so confidently and passionately about changing them. It had been captivating, even if none of what he’d said sank in.
“Can I teach you how to change the tire first before I lead a class?” Ryan asked me.
“I don’t know if you need to do that, do you?” I looked from Jake to Ryan.
“If you think it will help,” Jake said, seemingly unaware that there was anything simmering between us.
“That way, you’re not feeling like I’m putting you on the spot in front of everyone,” Ryan said, probably remembering how I’d blanked earlier.
“That’s not a bad idea,” I agreed, even though I suspected being alone with him was the real danger.
Jake nodded. “Yeah, okay. Whatever you need. I’m sure Hailey’s up for being your assistant.”
I smiled at them, glad Jake hadn’t picked up on the chemistry between us. He probably trusted us, though. I felt a pang of regret that I was lusting after his best friend. But I couldn’t help it, and what was the harm? It wasn’t like anything was going to come from it.
Ryan moved around the garage, cleaning up the tools from the class.
“You need any help?” I asked him.
“I’ve got it.”
The warmth from earlier was gone. Most likely because my brother was present.
“You want to go over how to work these classes when you’re done?” Jake asked.
“Sure thing.”
“Are you heading out?” Jake asked me.
“If I’m not needed,” I said, deflating slightly that I wasn’t getting more alone time with Ryan.
