Energy crackles between us. My heart pounds. I don’t know this man, which is not lost on me. Still, I don’t move or feel compelled to put distance between us.
“Stop giving your time to unworthy men,” he says, his voice softer. “Don’t entertain clowns, and you won’t have to go to the circus.”
I rock back on my heels.
What did he say?
Is a man being logical?
Did I just fall in love?
“Car repair, romance, and inspiration? You could charge big money for this,” I say, smiling.
He dips his chin and turns away, heading back to my car. As soon as he’s a step away, my entire body sags.Oof.
My palms sweat around my brush and phone. He runs his tongue around the inside of his cheek as I approach him at my car door.
“So you’re headed into Peachwood Falls,” he says, redirecting the conversation. “What for?”
“I’m staying at The Ridges tonight. I start a new job this weekend, and I’m making a pit stop before I go on tomorrow.”
“I hope you get directions from someone besides Chris.”
Laughter topples from my lips. I think he wants to laugh, too—but he doesn’t.
“Peachwood has a bar that moonlights as a restaurant when the sun is up,” he says. “It’s across the street from The Ridges. So if you’re hungry, make sure you get a sandwich before it closes because there aren’t any other options until dawn.”
Is he serious right now?
His grin grows a smidgen at what must be the shock on my face.
“Relax,” he says. “There are big box stores on the highway a little ways out of town. They have everything.” He pauses. “Grab some pepper spray while you’re there.”
“Pepper spray?”
“Someone will take that hairbrush from you before you even swing it,” he says, nodding at my hand.
How did he know I was going to use this as a weapon?
My heart flutters at his consideration. “Be careful. That almost sounds like you care.”
“I don’t.” He nods toward my car. “Now go ahead and give it a try. Let’s see if it starts up.”
I climb into the car and press the brake. My finger touches the ignition button, and my car comes to life.No steam.
“So you do know what you’re doing,” I tease.
He flashes me the tiniest of smiles.
“Get the hell out of here,” he says, swatting a lightning bug as it flies in front of his face. “I’ll wait and make sure you get turned around. Then call the rental company and force them to figure out your car. I can’t believe they let you drive it off the lot like that.”
I slip off his jacket. “Got it. But one more thing. I don’t know how to get back to Peachwood Falls. I can ask Chris, but he’ll tell me to go straight, and that’s apparently not the way.”
“Go back out the way you came,” he says, taking his jacket and ensuring our fingers don’t touch. “Take a right onto the highway and go about eight, ten miles. You’ll see the exit.”
“Then why did Chris have me come down here?”
He shrugs. “He’s your friend. You tell me.”
