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“Kind of like how Berta does for you?” I asked her absentmindedly as I circled it, my excitement growing as I realized what good condition it was in. Sure, the tires needed to be replaced, and probably a few other things, but otherwise, it was perfect.
“My grandmother always talked about the first time they met. How he’d pulled up to the local hangout—a soda fountain shop—with this crazy gold sports car. Everyone thought it was over the top, but she thought it was perfect. She was immediately drawn to him but worried he’d be cocky. He told her he won it in a contest at a shoe store.”
I swung my head in her direction. “You’re kidding me.”
She laughed. “That was the story. It’s so crazy, isn’t it? Who wins a car in a contest?”
“At a shoe store no less.”
“Anyway, she said he wasn’t cocky at all. He’d grown up on a farm, and he was as humble as they got. She loved him immediately.”
“That’s a good story.” I didn’t even know how my grandparents met.
Lily shook her head. “What do you think I should do with it?”
I stopped and looked at her. “Do with it?”
“Yeah, it can’t stay here. Zoe and Max want to hold their wedding reception in this space.”
For the first time, I looked around at the large space. It was a newer barn that had clearly never been used for any farm-related activities. The floor was wood, everything in good condition, if not dusty. There were boxes and things with tarps thrown over them, but otherwise, it would be a good space.
“You want me to tow it for you? Get it running again?” I asked carefully.
“That would be amazing, Jake. Do you think someone would buy it? Maybe you could get the word out, or I could post flyers. What do you think it would go for?”
I moved closer to her, knowing the going rate on the top of my head. I’d seen them for sale for a hundred thousand dollars. Should I tell her that when I wanted it for myself?
She was fiddling with the skirt of her dress like she was nervous or unsure.
Her face fell. “You don’t think it’s worth anything, do you? God. I was so hopeful when I saw your face.”
I stepped closer to her. “She’s gorgeous.”
I wasn’t exactly talking about the car. Lily was too. Her hair was braided and curled over one shoulder. Her dress was sweet, yet a little see-through. I could see the lace cups of her bra, and I wondered if she wore panties underneath.
Her brow raised.
I decided to show her my cards. She was worth more than my dream car. “Anyone who knows anything about cars would love an opportunity to own this one.”
Outside, the rain had begun to fall. But inside, we were warm and dry.
She let out a breath. “Oh good. I wasn’t sure.”
“Are you sure you want to sell it?” She’d been so adamant about keeping Berta.
“I just don’t know what I’d do with it. I wouldn’t drive it. I don’t need it for the business, and I have nowhere to store it.”
My fingers itched to touch the tip of her braid. Was her hair soft like her skin would be? “Yeah, you wouldn’t want to keep it outside in the elements.”
“What other choice do I have?” Her gaze flicked from the car behind me to my face.
I wanted to say I’d take it, but I wasn’t sure I could get together the cash I’d need for it. Everything was wrapped up in the garage or in investment accounts. I hated touching my savings. Growing up poor, I was very cautious about what I spent my money on. The GTO would be an impulse purchase.
But it wasn’t the car that was drawing my attention as Lily tucked an errant strand of hair behind her ear.
I wanted to unravel her hair from the braid to see what it would feel like in my fingers. I wanted to touch her, kiss her. I wanted everything, but I didn’t deserve it. I’d screwed things up so royally already, and what did I have to offer her? One night in the barn?
“Jake?” Lily asked, but I was too far gone. The thread of conscience that kept me in check snapped. I knew it would come back at me like a rubber band, but I’d take my chances.
