“I don’t know…about thirty, maybe forty minutes ago? Wait, it might have been there when we got home. I’m not sure. Eitherway, it’s not that big of a deal. It could be a delivery driver or a relative.”
“For half an hour or longer?” I say, raising an eyebrow.
Jane crosses her arms over her chest. “Maybe? Are you sure you’ve never seen it before?”
“Yeah, it’s a private neighborhood. I know everyone. Let me know immediately if you see it again, okay?”
“Yeah, sure.” She chews on the corner of her lip. “Do you think…”
“No. I don’t think it has anything to do with you. I’m sure I’m just blowing it out of proportion. Hell, someone could have gotten a new car,” I lie.
Yeah, someone could have gotten new wheels, but everyone who visits this street drives something a little nicer than what that shit box was.
“Okay, if you’re sure. I should probably head inside. I told the kids I was only stepping outside for a minute, and I need to get started on dinner.”
“Have a good night. See you tomorrow,” I tell her.
“Night.” She smiles.
I watch as she walks away and fight the urge to follow her.
Turn around. Ask me to join you. Invite me over for dinner.
Much to my dismay, she doesn’t even look back over at me as she lets herself inside or invite me in. I hear the sound of the TV playing and kids laughing before she shuts the door.
Blowing out a deep breath, I force myself to walk toward my house. As soon as I step inside, the silence hits me. My place is such a contrast to hers. I can’t help but wonder what they are up to.
What is Emily watching on TV?
Has Tanner finished his homework?
Did they enjoy school today? Is anyone giving them trouble?
“It’s none of your business,” I mutter to myself.
But for some reason, I wish it were.
The bell above the door rings as someone walks in.
“Hi, welcome to Saint’s Garage. I’ll be with you in one moment,” I call out to them from my open office door.
“Take your time,” the woman says softly.
Quickly, I hit send on the email before getting up to greet her. As soon as I see her, I can’t help but suck in a deep breath. She’s gorgeous. Her hair is done in waves that hang past her shoulders, her makeup is done perfectly, and she’s dressed like she’s about to enter a board meeting and not get her car serviced. For a split second, I wonder if she’s lost.
“How can I help you?” I ask, feeling a little insecure.
“I’m just here to see my man.” She smiles.
Her man?
Before I can ask her who, Smoke walks out of the other office here. He isn’t in it much anymore, but still claims it as his own.
“Dollface, I thought I heard you out here,” he murmurs as he walks toward her.
As soon as she’s within reach, he pulls her into his arms and kisses her. For some reason, I feel like I should leave the room, like I’m witnessing something private.
Out of all the men she could have told me was hers, I never would have expected Smoke. They look like polar opposites.
