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I shake my head. “A man can only take so much before he cuts ties and becomes numb.” My gaze falls to the cement floor.
“Maybe she’ll get her shit together and you two can try again. You were the only person she really listened to.”
No way that’s going to happen. She had multiple chances, and she fucked up every single one of them. “She liked the thrill of the chase but got bored once she got what she wanted.”
“She was always a wild one.” He pauses. “If you hear from her or she stops by, let me know.”
“Of course. Anything for you.” What I really want to tell him is that she’s an adult and is making her own decisions. He can’t be there to bail her out whenever she gets in trouble. But he’ll do anything for his daughter, and I’ll do anything for him. So, if he wants me to be on the lookout, that’s what I’ll do.
He clasps my shoulder, the hard lines on his face soften. He’s a man who’s been through a lot, especially when it comes to his daughter, but he’ll always have a soft heart for her, regardless of what kind of trouble she’s found.
“Take care, Ledger.” He gets on his bike and starts it up. I stand in the opening of the overhead garage door as he’s exiting the parking lot, the rumble of his engine growing quieter the farther away he gets.
I’ve owned my shop for over seven years and it’s all thanks to Archie. Not only did he teach me everything I know, but he also fronted me the money to buy it. It’s nothing over the top or fancy with the latest and greatest equipment, but it’s modest with four bays with two lifts. And it gets the job done. Over the years, my customer base grew, and I was able to repay him in under five years. Then I hired my friend Jay. Since then, I’ve hired a few part time mechanics, mostly to give myself a day off.
“Archie hasn’t been around for a while. What did he want?” Jay stands next to me, arms crossed. When I don’t answer him right away, he continues, “Do you smell that?”
I glance his way and he’s sniffing the air. I glare at him but say nothing.
“Smells like trouble is a brewing on the horizon.” He wiggles his eyebrows.
I shove his shoulder. “Get back to work. I’m not paying you to gossip.”
“For you, that’s free.” He points a finger at me with his signature cocky smile.
I pivot and brush past him on my way to the workbench. I’d walk through fire for Archie. Without his help, I wouldn't be where I am right now. And my heart wouldn’t be chained and locked without Stevie. My palms rest against the edge of the tool bench and I bow my head. I don’t have time to ponder this. She’s already occupied too many of my thoughts. I exhale a deep breath and push off. When I turn, Jay startles me as he stands next to me. “Jesus Christ. Now, this is just getting creepy. You’re like that guy inMr. Deeds. You just pop up out of nowhere.”
“The last time I saw you like this a certain raven-haired beauty came back to town.” He cocks an eyebrow.
“Good job CSI. Maybe you should quit your mechanic job.”
“And leave you to your own devices…never. So, I’m right, aren’t I?”
“She does what she always does. Now we all just wait and see if and when she shows up.”
He hums theJeopardytheme song with a smug smile on his face. I narrow my gaze in his direction before shouldering past him. I don’t have time for this shit. My feet pound on the cement as I make my way to the other side of the garage and down a narrow hallway. Once I reach my office, I kick the door shut with my heel. I swivel my desk chair around then throw myself down. It’s always the same shit different day with Stevie. Even when she’s not physically here, she still manages to send my life into a tailspin. This isn’t about her anymore. I’ve been over her for years, but I owe it to Archie. Hell, I owe my life, and this garage, to Archie. I’ll do anything for him. I scrub my hands down my face. Fuck. I’m going to be on edge for as long as she’s missing.
FIVE
TAKE TWO
Olivia
All week, I’ve been on edge. This is completely out of character for me. I’m not the one who pursues the guy. I bring the glass up to my lips and tip it back. The cold light beer hits my lips and I swallow down a gulp. It would be better if this could be anything but beer. I’m contemplating straight vodka at this point. Or anything else to calm my erratic heartbeat. My foot bounces a mile a minute on the bar stool footrest. I found a seat in the corner of the bar to the right of the door, so I have a clear view of anyone entering. Although it wasn’t very hard to find a table since there are only a handful of people here. Every time the door opens, I can't help but glance up at the sunlight that enters the dimly lit bar. So far, that door has opened ten times and each time I’m disappointed. Checking the clock on my phone, I noticed I’m running out of time.
I took everyone's advice to wait at The Blue Anchor hoping for him to show up. I’ve been here for thirty minutes and nothing. This is dumb. Why am I even here? It was one kiss. Surely, he can’t be the only guy in the entire world who sets my body ablaze when his lips touch mine. Instinctively, my fingertips press against my lips. He doesn’t have magical lips. Ones that cause my thighs to clench together and my nipples to pebble. Who am I kidding? He does all those things. I sigh. But what if I’ve hyped up our kiss so much that if I get a second chance, it won’t live up to the first?
Don’t get ahead of yourself. You still need the second kiss.
By the eleventh time the door opens, but who’s counting, and my sexy, bad boy doesn’t walk in, I give up. He’s not going to show. The longer I wait, the more frustrated I become. I pick up my glass and swirl the golden liquid before setting the glass down on the table deciding against the last sip of now warm beer. Rising to my feet, I toss my handbag strap over my shoulder and push in my stool.
I’m a few steps from the exit when the door opens. I glance up, and my heart stops as I come to a halt. In front of me stands a familiar chiseled jaw, dark steely eyes, and silky dark hair. I nervously scan the man in front of me, my breath held tight in my chest. Maybe if I don’t move, he won’t see me.
“Olivia? What are you doing here?” Trey side steps out of the doorway as another person enters the bar.
“Oh. Um. I came here…for a beer.” I clutch my bag closer to me as I shift back and forth in my four-inch heels.
“This place isn’t exactly known for their world class beer selection.” Trey quirks an eyebrow.
