I shake my head before getting to work. I know he’s right, but I will not give him the satisfaction of knowing he is.
“You finally tell Lucy why you left?” Colton grabs a socket wrench off the floor before attempting to take the other head off the engine block. He fumbles a few times before he realizes he doesn’t have the right size socket.
“You’re the race car driver, not the mechanic,” I grumble at him before standing and heading for the toolbox. Once I find the right socket, I shout his name before tossing the correct tool to him.
He says something under his breath before he snaps the socket on to the wrench and gets to work removing the bolts and taking the head off. Once he has the head off, he quickly inspects the inside before placing the head on the floor.
“When did you learn your way around an engine?” I ask as I place the other one on the floor. Just as I expected, one of the valve heads broke off and had a good knock around. I even noticed some damage to the cylinder beside it but nothing too serious.
“I know my way around an engine. I just hire people to do these things.” He leans his bare arms onto the top of the engine. “You going to tell me what happened last night?”
I look up at my friend and chuckle. “When did you turn into a gossip or were you sent by Rylee to get information because Lucy isn’t talking?”
He stands back up to his full height and raises both his hands in surrender. “You got me. Lucy won’t give her any details of what went on last night and it’s driving her nuts. She is determined to make sure you two live happily ever after.”
I shake my head before heading over to the sink and get started cleaning the head. I know if I don’t give him something Rylee will make both of our lives a living hell.
“I went over and hung out. We talked about the fundraiser and the bachelor auction. She even roped me into participating.”
“That’s it? You didn’t tell her about why you left?”
“I just need to find the right time. It’s not something I’m proud of.”
Colton’s voice comes closer as he leans against the work bench next to the sink. “Did you grow a pair and ask her about Colt’s dad?”
“I managed to ask her about Colt’s dad. She was cagey about it but I’m glad I finally asked. I know now I don’t have to worry about some other dude sniffing around what’s mine.”
“Lucy isn’t yours, remember? Neither of them are.” Colton grips my shoulder, pulling my attention to him. “You left her for four years without a word. I don’t know how you thought she would wait for you after only a short voicemail left on her answering machine.”
“Don’t you think I fucking know that, but I can’t help how I feel. I love that woman with every fiber of my being. If I could take the last four years and do them over again, I would in a heartbeat.”
“You need to tell her. It’s the only way she will understand why you did what you did. Only then will you two be able to put the past behind you and start over again as a family.” Colton releases my shoulder before striding toward the door.
He stops just short of the door before tossing more words of wisdom over his shoulder. “The truth will set you free.”
I watch as my friend walks out with not a care in the world. He has the woman of his dreams on his arm and everything he has ever dreamed of.
“Lucky bastard,” I growl toward the direction he went in before I remember all the things Colton had to go through to convince Rylee he was worth taking a chance on. Although my past with Lucy is an entirely different animal, the idea is the same. I need to convince Lucy that I love her with every fiber of my being, and that includes her son.
Now to decide the best way to win over a single mother, with the memory of deserting her four years ago. The task isn’t impossible, but it is far from easy. I have a Colt-sized idea up my sleeve.
I smile to myself as I pull my hand out of the sink and dry them on a nearby shop towel. With nothing but thoughts of having Lucy in my arms again, I reach into my pocket and dial Rylee, the only person in the world that can help me get the girl.
Chapter Twelve
Lucy
It’s been almost a week since I’ve seen Tyler. We’ve exchanged text messages and a few emails about the auction but nothing personal.
This is how I wanted it right?
“Earth to Lucy,” Rylee chirps next to my desk. “Having daydreams about a night with Tyler?”
My cheeks instantly pink as I wave my hand in front of my face. “No, unlike some people I have work to do,” I mumble. Rylee has been popping up around the office more and more recently. I mean she works here, but her passion is being at The House with all the boys.
“I am working. Working on getting you and Tyler back together.” She smiles before taking a seat on the edge of my desk. “I have it on good authority that you have a half day today.”
“I wonder whose authority that might be, especially since you are my boss.” I smile as I shut down my computer. If Rylee wants me to leave work early, I won’t complain. Although I have other projects that I’m working on, the auction is the biggest event at this time of year. They have passed all the other projects off to other people until I can give them my complete focus again.
“I’m glad that you see things my way. Let’s grab
