We just met, and I’m already invested. Maybe too invested.
“Life happens whether you’re ready for it or not, right?” There’s resignation in her words.
Isn’t that the truth?
The door slides open, and bowls, plates, and other crap are balanced high in Erin’s arms. Tyler follows with more, but when he turns to close the door, he bumps into his mom, sending a bright orange bowl cascading toward the deck. I lunge out of my chair and snag it before it hits the boards.
“Thanks, Clark,” Erin says. She obnoxiously bats her lashes and adds, “You’re my hero.”
Yep. Saving salad with a single lunge. If only everything were that simple.
We fill our plates, and conversation swerves toward safer, lighter subjects. When Chloe’s napkin drops onto the plate in her lap, I stand, take her plate, and head into the kitchen. I throw away trash, rinse dishes, and load the dishwasher with as much as I can.
Before I start in on washing what’s left, I do a quick check of my phone and see a text from Chance. He laughed and avoided when I reminded him of dinner tonight at the Amarre’s. Said healready had plans. Evidently, new ink was preferable to dinner with friends.
Erin’s voice drifts in as the door slides open. “Yeah, I get it. But sometimes, you need to ask for help. Jake’s too young, and maybe your dad doesn’t need to be lifting stuff and climbing ladders, you know? It’s no problem to send Blake or Tyler—hell, there’s an office full of men at Fire Born. I’m sure we can find some muscle to help out when you need it,” Erin offers.
“I’ll think about it. Maybe save my phone-a-friend for when something really big happens. Thanks for dinner, the wine, all of it. This was great. I didn’t realize how much I’d missed doing things like this. A little adult conversation goes a long way.” Chloe smiles when Erin pulls her in for a hug.
“Anytime,” Erin says before turning her attention to me. “Miles, stop that. You don’t need to be in here, cleaning up.”
I drop a few more pieces of silverware into the dishwasher. “No big. You fed me, and Lover Boy helped me out with Maggie. It’s the least I can do.” I dry my hands on a towel and close the dishwasher door.
Chloe’s brows are pinched together, and her head tilts to one side when I meet her gaze. Quick as can be, she looks away and focuses on Erin.
Instead of stopping to think about what that look might have meant, I edge toward the door and add, “I’ll grab a few more things from outside and then take off.”
I want a minute with Blake, let him know how much I appreciate his help with my truck. And that if he gets a call to help out a dark-haired math teacher, I’m here for it.
“Don’t you dare,” Erin says, stopping me in my tracks. “Tyler and Blake can get the rest. Make sure Chloe gets to her car okay, and we’ll call it good.”
I raise an eyebrow at Erin’s nudge. Because by the sly smirk she’s sporting, that’s exactly what she’s doing. Giving me a pushthat I sure as hell don’t need. Hell, I’m not sure I’m even ready for it. But I’m no fool, and Erin throwing herdon’t fuck with melook is all it takes for me to concede.
“Will do. Tell Blake thanks again for me,” I say, pulling my keys from my pocket and walking to the front door.
I hold it open for Chloe, and whether I’m ready to move on or not, I can’t help but appreciate the way her skirt hugs the curve of her ass as she descends the stairs. And those calves? I don’t know how the hell she can walk in those heels, but they are doing the Lord’s work, and I send up a silent prayer of thanks.
The lights flash on her vehicle, and at the click of the locks opening, I lengthen my stride, so I’m there to open her car door.
“Thank you.” She settles her giant bag on the passenger seat, giving me another nice view of that ass.
She’s like fucking pinup art, and I have to bite back a groan and look away before I start popping wood.
Unfortunately, when I lift my gaze, I’m met with a shit-eating grin on Erin’s face. I’m busted, bigger than shit, checking out her new best friend. Yep, there’s no doubt in my mind that I’ve been set up.
The front door closes, leaving me standing in the middle of the street, watching this gorgeous woman shift into the driver’s seat. She pulls the safety belt across her, clicking it into place. I’d be lying if I said I don’t notice the way the strap hugs her body, nestling into the valley of her chest.
“You good?” I ask, stepping to the side to put the car door between us.
Chloe nods. “Thank you. It was nice meeting you again.”
“I had a good time tonight. Drive safe,” I say and shut her into the deep red SUV tapping the roof twice in quick succession.
As I step back to watch her drive away, the light of her turn signal flashes way too fast. I wonder if she knows she’s got a bulb that needs replacing. For a hot minute, I consider popping backinside and letting Erin know about the failing bulb, but I decide to just go home instead. I can tell her tomorrow at the office.
I crank my vehicle to a start and listen to the engine. Blake knows his shit when it comes to old engines and restorations, picking apart whatever issues might cause a stutter, a cough, or a hiccup. And now that he’s stroked Maggie’s ego, she’s purring in a way I’ve never been able to get her to. I shoot him a text, thanking him and letting him know about Chloe’s taillight, adding in that I’m available to lend a hand if she calls and needs anything.
I slip my truck into gear and take off toward home. Whatever the issue was, Blake worked his magic, and now, she’s sliding through her gears like she’s eager for it.
