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He rips the hat off his head and flips it backward. Between that agitated motion and the thick veins snaking along his forearms, I’m likely to launch myself at him. Or walk out before I do something stupid.
Syd is suddenly beside me, stalling any attempt I had to flee. “Daddy wanted to meet your boyfriend. I did too, but I didn’t say it all grouchy like Oscar.”
Well, that’s certainly an intriguing development. “What did you think of him?”
She wrinkles her nose. “My dad is way better.”
I cough to cover my surprise. Her blunt honesty is a trait to admire. It’s not like I’m offended by her remark. Daniel isn’t my anything to defend. In fact, I’ll be surprised if he bothers to call me again. Jake saw to that with a ferocity I don’t appreciate. Which is precisely why I’m not eager to reveal the success of his efforts. The gloating smirk he’s wearing isn’t helping his case.
“Your dad is all yours.” That explanation is reasonable enough.
“But I can share. I’m super good at it.”
“That’s very generous, but I… already have a boyfriend?” It’s not a total lie. There’s a battery-operated version in my nightstand drawer. Bob is very reliable.
“Isn’t my dad your friend?” She’s already put me on the spot with this question.
I falter with the answer just the same. “Um…”
“You said he was,” Syd reminds me. “That’s why you’re having dinner with us.”
A hot sting blooms on my cheeks. Regret is a sticky substance I can’t escape from. I’m not going to get saved by a well-timed knock this round.
My gaze lifts to Jake, as if he’s going to provide me with a rescue raft. The smolder I find directed at me is unexpected. A shiver races over my skin, but there’s no drafty chill to blame. It prompts me to take a breath and inspect the shop.
With the roller doors sealed shut, the heat is trapped and creates a toasty environment. Organized shelves and cabinets frame the outer edge. Three spacious stalls occupy the middle. Syd has an entire corner dedicated to her. I smile at the pink frills making a loud statement in the otherwise standard industrial building. Motor oil and rubber cling to the open space, but the scents aren’t oppressive. I fill my lungs with another long inhale. “It smells… clean.”
Jake scrubs over his mouth with stained fingers in an attempt to hide a smirk. “Our filtration system is solid. It sucks breathing dirty air all day. Plus, I don’t want Syd fussing at me.”
“I don’t like when it’s stinky.” She waves a hand in front of her nose.
“Wrapped around her pinky,” I murmur.
He shrugs while hitching his thumbs into his belt loops. “Won’t deny it.”
I shift my focus off him to track Syd twirling around neatly stacked tires. There’s an underlying sense of comfort emanating from the walls. Every item has a home and belongs right where it rests. The owner has taken great care to create an atmosphere people want to enter. I imagine Kade and Penn treat the garage as more than a job. It’s the respect of the trade.
“This is different from what I envisioned,” I choose to admit.
“What do you visualize while dreaming of my shop?”
My eyes roll at his salacious tone. I won’t feed his ego more than necessary. “Grime and grease.”
Jake clutches his chest like it’s wounded. “My reputation is important to me.”
I snort, but it lacks conviction. “Yeah, okay. I’m sure your customer service is award-winning.”
“Have you heard any complaints?”
“No, but that’s beside the point.”
“And what’s the point?” It might be my imagination, but I think he’s moved closer.
I stare into his eyes that reveal too much. “You’re—”
“Daddy, I’m hungry. We can’t eat plastic food. It was a joke.” Sydney has impeccable timing. I could’ve used this interruption during her earlier interrogation.
Acceptance squares Jake’s shoulders. He slides a stoic glance my way. “You like pizza?”
