She’s not wrong. I’ve had no time for the shop lately, all of it has been taken up by MC business. Thankfully, I have a good manager who has been running the place for me, but I miss it.
Opening my door, I get out and make my way over to Nova’s door.
When I open it, she still doesn’t look at me. “Little Rabbit,” I whisper.
She closes her eyes and shakes her head. “Why are we here?” she whispers back.
“Come with me.” I hold out my hand. She looks at it but doesn’t take it. “Please.”
She must hear the desperation in my voice because her eyes flick up to mine, and I see her resolve break. Letting out a soft sigh, she places her small warm hand in mine.
My whole body lights up with her touch, as it always does. It’s a struggle not to have my hands on her all day, every day.I’m beyond jealous of Ian and the relationship he has with her, because I want that too. To be able to touch her, hold her, kiss her.
I can’t have that until she knows about my past.
Helping her out of the truck, I lace my fingers through hers, not wanting to let go.
Grabbing my keys out of my pocket, I open the doors to the shop’s office and flick on the lights.
My lips twitch with a smile as the familiar smell of motor oil hits me.
Nova looks around. “Not bad.”
I huff out a laugh. “Thanks.”
“Look, I don’t know why we’re here, but I just want to go home and shower. As much as I like cake, I don’t enjoy being covered in it.
Without a word, I tug her toward the back to where the bathroom is. It has a small shower for the employees.
“Okay. But that doesn’t help the soiled clothes part.”
“I have a change of clothes that I keep here, you can use them.”
“Of course you do,” she mutters. “Fine. I’ll shower here.”
Nodding, I hesitate letting her hand go so she can have privacy to shower. I go to step away, but stop and lean down to kiss her on the forehead. “I’ll go grab them and a towel,” I murmur against her forehead.
“Thanks,” she whispers.
Closing the bathroom door behind me, I let out a heavy sigh. “Fuck,” I growl, scrubbing my face with my hands.
I don’t like this. The idea of opening up and being vulnerable with someone makes me uneasy. I hate pity and I don’t want it.
Grabbing what Nova needs, I place everything on the counter in the bathroom and leave her to shower.
Heading into the garage, I flip on the lights and bark out a laugh. The place is empty, except for my bright red 1965 Mustang convertible.
It’s in the same state as it was when I left it, a mess. But it’s my mess.
Not wanting to get my cut dirty, I strip down until I’m only in my jeans. I grab the hair tie around my wrist and throw my curls into a messy bun before getting to work.
As soon as I slide under the car, I instantly feel at home. This is what I need to settle my nerves right now.
***
A half an hour later, I hear the sound of the garage door open. “Will? Are you here?”
Rolling myself out from under the car, I get to my feet and grab the rag from my pocket to wipe the grease from my hands.
