“She’s got all her dog stuff with her.”
My throat is tight, and the thought of Gina on the side of the road with a broken car has me on my feet before I can even consider if this is a bad idea. “I’ll go.”
They both turn to me, but Mav doesn’t hesitate. “Thanks, Owen. I’ll text you the details. She’s got roadsideassistance headed her way, but she’s out there alone, the sun’s going down…”
That extra bit of news has me jerking my jeans over my hips and snatching a shirt out of my cubby. “Tell her I’m on my way.”
I grab my duffel bag, and I’m walking so fast for the exit, I’m practically jogging. I’m just hopping into my old Ford step-side truck, thinking I have no idea where Hidden Creek is or how to get there, when my phone lights up with the address.
This old truck was my mom’s that my aunt Cass helped her maintain through the years. Aunt Cass knows all about cars, and she claims it will last forever if we take care of it properly. I would never contradict her, but it’s possible the LA freeway might be its match.
Either way, I’ve got a bit of a drive ahead of me, according to my GPS. Hidden Creek is pretty far north of LA. It’s not even in the city limits.
I make good time going, but looking across the freeway at the line of cars moving the opposite direction has me worried. It’s backed up for miles.
I’m wondering if we can find an alternate route when the voice comes through the speakers telling me my turn is 800 feet away.
I exit the freeway, and it’s only a short drive before I see Gina leaning against her silver Nissan on the side of the road staring at her phone.
She looks so different in a long black blazer, black dress pants, and a white silk shirt. She’s wearing black boots, and her hair is smoothed into a sleek ponytail. She looks very professional. It’s hot.
When she sees me pulling up, she pushes off the side of the car and walks over. “What happened to Mav and Gav?”
I can’t tell if she’s teasing as I hop out, slamming the door behind me. “Maverick had a photo shoot, and Gav is at Lucy’s doctor’s appointment.”
“Oh, right.” She nods. “Haddy is so worried. It’s her first round of shots.”
“I hated those visits.” I walk over to where her car is stalled on the shoulder. “What happened?”
“I don’t know. I stopped for the red light, and when it was time to go, it just died. A guy helped me push it onto the shoulder.”
Opening the door, I slide into the driver’s side to try giving it a start. I press the button, but nothing happens. It only makes the noise like it’s trying.
“It doesn’t sound like the battery or alternator.” I lean forward, trying again. “It might be the fuel pump. Those tend to go out at the worst possible times.”
“What’s a fuel pump?” Her glossy lips twist, and I’m momentarily distracted, thinking about standing in the hall with her, looking down at those full lips, wanting to kiss her so badly…
And walking away.
“It’s the thing that pumps fuel to the engine.”
“So my car had a heart attack?”
“It’s a good analogy, but it’s more like a valve failure.”
“What can we do?”
“You can’t do anything with a busted fuel pump.” Holding out my hand, I gesture to my truck. “I’ll give you a ride home, but it’ll have to be towed to a repair shop.”
She looks down at her phone again. “I called roadside assistance. They’re coming to jump my battery, but I think I can change it to a tow.”
“See what you can do. I’ll get your stuff.” I walk to her trunk where she has a large briefcase and a bag filled withcolorful ribbons readingBest in Breedand first, second, and third place.
“I was able to change it. Should we wait til they get here?” She frowns, looking around over her shoulder.
That makes me chuckle. “I think it’ll be safe to leave it. This car isn’t going anywhere.”
She follows me slowly. “I meant to tell you, I like your truck.”
