Once again, as if compelled, Keegan’s stunning face pops into my mind, hypnotic green eyes glittering like the rarest emeralds. Tan skin smooth enough to taunt the most stubborn soul. Fair features to match my darkest. She has me craving more…proximity. Not from just anyone, only a very certain blonde with a saucy bite to her tone will soothe the ache. Does Keegan reserve her fire just for me? Millie told me that her mother is sweet and kind. She doesn’t seem inclined to be overly friendly toward me. My abrasive personality has a lot to do with that, I’m sure.
Extinguishing the flames she feeds is necessary for my sanity. I’m in no position to pursue her, and that’s not going to change. Keegan has enough responsibility raising a daughter on her own. She doesn’t need the type of trouble I’d add to her plate. Staying away from her is the only solution, and that shouldn’t be too hard considering I’ve been avoiding people my entire life.
All of these dead-end desires are distracting me from what’s truly important. I drag over a socket set and get back to work. There’s a group of bikers from the outskirts of town who gather for monthly treks. These runs take a toll on their rides, really hardcore. I don’t complain about the influx of business. The damage they bring in is enough to pad my pockets for a season. Everything needs maintenance, from brake line to exhaust pipe, and all the parts in between.
I’m in the process of breaking down a flooded engine when the rumble of motors ripples through the woods. Another customer? I don’t have anyone on the books, and it’s not like they’re just passing by. Two vehicles roar up the drive, a familiar black and chrome Harley guides the way, followed closely by a red coupe. I wipe off my palms and stride toward the open garage entrance. This pair will provide a great distraction from my current clusterfuck.
Decker Fredric swings a leg off his bike, offering me a wave. “Hey, Ford.”
I lift my chin in greeting. “Deck.”
His fiancée steps out of her car. Delaney’s red hair sparkles in the baking sun. It’s still weird as fuck that she doesn’t remember anything prior to a year ago. But that’s none of my concern. She smiles my way. “Hi, Crawford.”
“Just Ford,” I remind her.
A ruby flush zips up her neck. “Gah, fine. Force me to be informal.”
I want to tell her we knew each other well enough once upon a time. Delaney has already heard enough of that, though. Instead, I motion them further into my oil-stained domain. “What brings you by?”
“Need an upgrade.” He signals to his custom chopper that most men would drool over.
I do my best not to recoil. “You just had it in a few weeks ago. Did I fuck something up?”
“Nah, not at all. My baby gives me nothing but smooth rides. She practically glides across the pavement.”
“Not this again,” Delaney huffs.
Decker leans into her. “Don’t be jealous, Dell. I love you most.”
She frowns, but there’s a twitch in her lips. “Sure about that?”
His arms band around her waist, hauling her into him. Their mouths clash into a seamless fusion of passion. Her hands claw at his hair. Decker’s palm splays across Delaney’s ass. And I feel like a fucking creeper for still standing here.
The heel of my boot slides on a puddle of oil, alerting the entangled couple of my attempted getaway. Decker clears this throat, and Delaney turns an even deeper shade of red.
“Sorry about that,” he mutters. “Can’t seem to help myself.”
I wouldn’t know the first thing about that feeling. “No problem.”
Decker scratches at his beard. “Speaking of, I heard you’ve been playing the hero lately. Good for you, man.”
Delaney gets a interested sparkle in her eye. “What’s going on?”
“Nothing,” I mutter.
“Not sure about that. Our buddy came to the rescue for a woman and her daughter. Twice.” He holds up two fingers to avoid confusion, waggling his brows.
If we were friends, I’d laugh off his assumption. As it stands, I let a glower shadow my expression. “It was no big deal.”
Delaney’s eyes ping-pong between us, eventually settling on Decker. “Why are you keeping juicy gossip to yourself? Who’s the lucky damsel?”
“Keegan Daniels,” he supplies.
“Oh my goodness, Keke is the sweetest. And her daughter is such a doll. Too bad she’s so quiet. Although, I’m such a chatterbox…maybe we level each other out. I won’t rest until Millie talks to me, at least once.” Her wide smile proves the strength behind those words.
Decker tugs on her belt loop. “Dell, she’s shy. Leave that little girl alone.”
“But she’s so cute. I want to braid her hair and make all the crafts together.”
I’m stunned silent, more than normal. A storm is rapidly thrashing in my chest. Millie mentioned not talking to people at school, but Delaney is probably a family friend, at least somewhat. I can’t keep the question from spilling out. “Do you know her well?”
Delaney tips her hand side to side. “Keegan? Eh, sorta. She designed a few covers for an author Sutton works with. Her graphics always stand out on social media. She’s really talented.”
Huh. Maybe we have something in common. Drawing freehand is one of my hobbies, when I get a chance. A portfolio comes in handy when customers request custom art on their bikes. But it’s mostly just for fun.
“Why do you ask? Digging for dirt, Ford?” Delaney wags her
