"The battery is dead," I mutter.
"I can see that."
He moves closer, leaning over to examine the engine. I inhale his woodsy cologne and his scent.
"When was the last time you had it serviced?" he asks.
"I don't know... Six months. A year?"
He straightens, eyebrows raised. "A year?"
It costs a lot of money to service a beatdown car regularly.I try to square my shoulders but end up looking down at my shoes.
"I've been busy."
"Clearly." He closes the hood with gentle finality. "Come on. I'll drive you home."
"That's not necessary."
"Your alternatives are calling a tow truck and waiting or accepting a ride from someone who is offering." His lips curve into a smirk.
I hate that he's right about my needing help. That it's him offering with that infuriatingly handsome smirk and those eyes that see too much.
"Fine. But just a ride. Nothing else."
"Wouldn't dream of it, Doc."
An unwelcome flutter goes through my chest.
I gather my bag and equipment and follow him to his car, hyper-aware of how he walks slightly ahead but keeps glancing back to make sure I'm following. Like he thinks I might bolt.
The moment I enter his car, I realize how different it is from mine. It smells like leather and money. The interior is pristine: black leather, beautiful dashboard, not a single item out of place.
It's the car of someone who has his life together.
Unlike me, who doesn’t service her vehicle.
Declan slides into the driver's seat with easy grace, his presence filling the car. If I move a few inches, I can trace the tattoo on his arm with my fingers. He starts the engine and pulls out of the parking lot.
"Where to?"
I tell him my address, then stare out the window, trying to ignore the way his hand looks on the gear shift. Strong, capable palms that cupped my jaw and pulled me into that kiss.
"You okay?" he asks after several minutes of silence.
"Fine."
"You're gripping the door handle like I kidnapped you."
I pry my fingers away from the handle.
"Just tired. It's been a long day."
"Want to talk about it?"
"Not particularly."
"Suit yourself."
