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Collins
The way the thick tires hug the asphalt as she follows the curves of the road. Gentle rumbling of the engine, purring with approval, feeling free along the winding path she drives. The way the grill sucks up the warm fresh air, breathing the relief as if it were flying in the sky. Passing the mountains on one side and gently teasing the ocean with her looks on the other side. The way the leather interior smells against the salt breeze.
The way his shoulder muscles move while paddling through the water. Wet droplets fall down his defined back all the way to his swim shorts. His gaze captures the sun and shines through my soul.
Shit! “Nope, nope… nope. Crap.” I drop my wrench on the ground as I’m lying under my girl. Doing everything I can do to keep my mind off of him, but he is slowly being burned into my brain. He’s popping up everywhere I go.
“Hey, Collins. You good?” Leland pokes his head from the front.
“Yeah,” I sternly say, as my voice echoes off the metal frame.
A large hand grasps my ankle and drags me from under my car. Leland stands over me with a worried look. More of a “dad” look to be fair. His extra-large frame casts a gigantic shadow, blocking out the fluorescent lights from the ceiling. His arms cross around his chest, cocking an eyebrow at me. He tied his long hair up on the top of his head. Little flyaway hairs curl away from the mop on his head.
“Come on. Out with it,” he says.
I scrunch my nose up at the thought of trying to talk to him about what’s been going on in my head. “What do you mean?” Maybe he can let this go.
“You’ve been dropping tools; pinched your finger when fixing the car. You are not this clumsy or distracted.”
I bite the inside of my cheek. I’m not particularly eager to talk to Leland about this, about any of this stuff, or anyone, if I’m completely honest. Victor’s words still hold a weight over my head.
Huffing like a petulant child, I finally cave. “Leland, am I someone worth dating?”
“What?” He takes a step back. Clearly, it was not something he expected.
This was a mistake. I need to backtrack. Change the subject—something, anything other than this line of conversation.
“I mean… um… do you know anyone who can do a professional paint job on my girl? I’d like her to look perfect.” I’m still lying on my back and I just look up and reach for the bottom of the frame to drag myself back under the car. Nice save, Collins.
“Collins.” Leland’s comforting voice pauses me. So does his boot on the creeper. This rickety undercard roller has seen better days. If Leland presses harder, then it’ll break for sure.
“Damn it. Just forget I said anything.” I roll off the creeper and quickly stand. My feet are eager to get away.
Leland grabs me by my upper arms and drags me backward. “No, no. Sit.” Leland shoves me down in the tire pile. “Where is this coming from?”
The dad voice has me pursing my lips. “Um…”
“Collins. Don’t lie or change the subject. We are talking about this.” He points to the ground. His voice remains calm and composed.
“This stays between us? And you aren’t going to lose your shit?”
“Always and no promises,” he reassures me.
I take a large gulp of air before continuing on. Arching my eyebrow, I decide to be honest. “So, guys don’t usually stay around.”
“I’ve noticed.” He nods. If there is anyone who can understand that statement, it’s him.
“Well, one person recently said to me, ‘Who would date you?’ and it got me thinking.” I can see him clench his jaw and his fist tighten into a firm ball to where you can see the white of his knuckles. “No! Don’t do that. You want to talk then we talk, but don’t go big brother crazy.”
He shakes his head and groans. “I need a fucking beer if we are going to have girl talk.”
“Oh, grab me one!” I say, a little more excited than I probably should be.
He grabs a couple and throws one toward me. He pops his beer, quickly chugging it, then tossing the can into the recycle. Dragging another beer from the fridge, he walks back over and drops next to me on the rubber tires.
“Get it out. Spill your beans.”
“Why doesn’t anyone stay? Am I that bad?”
