“Fuck if I know, pardon my French.”
“Not to worry, I speak it fluently myself.”
He chuckles. “I knew I liked you for a reason. Anyway, do you have time to come in tomorrow and take it for a ride? See if you like it?”
“I don’t start until noon, if the morning is okay?”
“Any time is good. See you then.”
I’m still puzzled when I put my phone down and turn back to my veggies. I would’ve sworn a week and a half ago Gray wanted nothing to do with me—it couldn’t have been clearer—but now I find out he’s been working on a car for me on his own time. It doesn’t make sense.
A few weeks ago, I’d come to the conclusion I was ready to start living again but the first time I stuck my head out in an attempt to do that, I got slapped back. By Gray. I’d half convinced myself my radar was off because I had a feeling maybe there was interest on his part, until he made it abundantly clear I’d imagined it. Now he goes and does something like this. I don’t understand what he’s getting out of it.
I try to watch some TV after I eat, but not even the new series I’ve been devouring on Netflix can hold my attention. Annoyed with myself, I end up going to bed early at ten, unfortunately my mind still won’t settle.
Gray Bennet is not only an enigma; he’s fast becoming an obsession.
“Can I help you?”
A young kid I’ve seen at the diner a couple of times before approaches me when I walk up to the bay, wiping his hands on a rag.
“Hi. Yes, Tank told me to come by for a test drive?”
“Oh, you’re the lady for the CRV? My name is Kyle. The boss is out on a tow, but let me get Gray.”
I knew the chances were good I’d run into him, but I still feel a niggle of excitement when the kid disappears into the shadows. It’s quickly followed by disappointment when Kyle comes walking out, dangling a set of keys in his hand.
“He’s in the middle of something, but he says to give it a good run. It’s right over here.”
He leads the way to a shiny black SUV, looking brand-new, opening the driver’s door for me before handing me the keys.
“Thank you.”
“The boss should be back in twenty minutes or so, to handle any paperwork. It’s a great car. Gray fixed it up nice for ya.”
Another reminder of his unexpected kindness, yet he didn’t come out to show me the vehicle himself. I shrug it off and get behind the wheel. Kyle shows me how to adjust my seat and I take a moment to familiarize myself with the interior, which looks and smells like a new car.
I start the engine and can hear right away how much quieter it is than my Tribute. Pulling out of the parking spot, I catch a glimpse of a coverall-clad figure standing inside the shop, his face hidden in shadows. The gleam of silver hair is a dead giveaway, though.
Half an hour later I pull back into the lot, completely sold on the SUV.
“I love it,” I announce when I walk in to find Tank talking to Kyle. “It’s perfect.”
“That’s great. Come into the back and we’ll get the paperwork sorted.” I follow him into the small office where I hold out the keys. “Might as well keep those,” he suggests.
“But I first have to get the rental back to Midland.”
He indicates for me to sit down and slides a bill of sale toward me, detailing the vehicle and the price tag.
“We can take care of that for you. We make that trek regularly to pick up parts. Gray is making a run tomorrow and Kyle can drive the rental down.”
“You guys have done enough. Which reminds me, how much for parts and labor? I don’t see it included here.”
Even before he says anything, I can feel his presence behind me.
“It’s taken care of.”
I twist in my seat and look up at him.
“You can’t do that,” I protest, despite those distracting eyes boring into mine.
“It’s done,” he states firmly. “Parts were nothing and the rest was just time. Got too much of that anyway.”
There’s a lot in that statement, but I’m not sure what any of it means. I’m determined to find out, though. Call me a sucker for punishment, but there has to be a reason a virtual stranger sacrifices hours on your behalf.
He may act like it’s all the same to him, but I don’t think I’m mistaking the keen interest in his eyes.
“Then, thank you.” I turn back to face Tank, who seems to be amused by the interaction. “No need to bug Kyle. I’ll be driving the rental back tomorrow myself, but I’d appreciate a ride back.”
“Done,” he says, a big grin on his face. “Gray would be happy to give you a ride.”
There’s definitely no mistaking the growl I hear behind me.
Gray
Fucker.
I don’t know why he felt he needed to throw me under the bus, but he did. With a motherfuckin’ grin on his face. I was also pissed to find out he’d told her about me working on the CRV. There was no reason for her to know that. So much for staying out of her way.
Who am I kidding? It’s my own fault for getting involved in her quest for a new vehicle, but fuck, I didn’t feel right about her driving something that wasn’t completely reliable. I don’t want her stuck on the side of the road in the dark again.
I’m not even sure there wasn’t some intent on my part.
Christ, if I’m this confused about my own motivations, I can’t even imagine how fucked up I must look to her.
I glance over to the passenger seat where she’s buckling in. Robin; the woman whose face I haven’t been able to get out of my mind since
