I hop out and head over. An older man with a sour face and double chin asks if he can help me.
I pull out my phone and flash him my standardHello, my name is Annie, and I’m deafnote.
“Deaf?” He must have shouted it because Blake rolls from under the car he’s working on, and his face breaks out in an affectionate grin just for me. He’s wearing a blue jumper covered in greasy patches, and it makes him that much more attractive.
Sorry to interrupt.I flash my phone.
His eyes dart straight to my sling. “What happened?” His face fills with concern as he ushers me away from his boss.
I’m fine. I’m a klutz, that’s all. I just thought I’d stop by and see when you get off. I should have called. I don’t know what I was thinking.
Blake nods to the older man. “When can I take off, Joe?”
“Go home.” He waves us away as he heads back into the garage.
We head to Tristan’s truck together, and I collect my things. Tristan eyes Blake with a weary look. I’m not sure why, but he’s not a fan of Blake’s. It seems to be a theme with the men in my life.
Tristan signs to me.He’s asking what really happened to your arm.
I turn to Blake and sigh before texting.I was in a hurry, and one of the girls thought it would be fun to watch me fly. I would have had it down if it weren’t for that whole gravity thing.
Blake’s mouth opens then closes. The distinct look of hurt crosses his features.
“What kind of a person—girl—would do that?”
The kind that can’t have you, I want to say but don’t.
We wave Tristan off, and Blake gives me a quick tour of the shop.
“I’m working on this puppy.” He kicks the bumper of the red Toyota I found him tucked under. His eyes weigh heavy on a motorcycle to his right.
Is it hard for you to be around the bike?
He swallows hard, answering the question with a bob of his Adam’s apple. “Damn hard.”
Do you ride?
“Used to. Loved it, too.”
Maybe when my arm is better you can take me. I’ve always wanted to try. Of course my mother will kill me. :)
He pulls his cheeks back. “I don’t know.” Blake presses out a smile all for me. His arms find my waist as he tucks a kiss high on my cheek. “I would never in a million years do anything to put you in harm’s way.” He says it slow, deliberate.
You think it’s too dangerous?
“No—it’s just”—he shakes his head—“I haven’t been on one since Ben died.”
Then we’ll do it together.
“You sure?” His beautiful eyes squint into mine, and, for the first time, I see a thread of fear in them.
Are you afraid?
His lips twist to the side before he gives a sheepish grin. Blake gently takes the phone from me and types into it.I’m a guy. I’ll be the last person to admit to my girlfriend that I’m afraid of anything.
A fire rips from my feet to my temples. “Girlfriend,” I mouth looking up into his beaming beautiful face. Hell, I wanted to say it.
Blake spins me around and lands a feathery kiss over my lips. “Is that okay?”
