“This is going to be embarrassing if this guy doesn’t like his car,” Callum says.
I gasp, slapping his arm. “Since when have I ever done a paintjob that the owner hasn’t loved, you asshole?” I growl.
Callum lets out a full belly laugh that instantly makes me want to deck him. “You’re too easy, Beau.”
“And you’re a jerk,” I huff.
“What’s so funny in here?”
I look up, a sinking feeling in my gut as Apex walks into my office.Shit.If there’s a huge black spot since I’ve started talking to Hunter, it’d be Apex. He’s a great guy and I really like him. The problem is, I don’t like him the way he wants me to.
“Beau’s got a client picking up his 57 today. She’s worried he’s not going to like the paint job she put on it.”
I give Callum the finger and he gives me a cocky smirk. Ibarelyresist the urge to chuck the stapler on my desk at his big, fat, head.
“Sweetheart, there’s not a soul around that wouldn’t love anything you paint. You have to know that. You’re a goddess in the paint booth,” Apex assures me.
I sigh and force myself to smile.See? He’s such a great guy!Why couldn’t I be attracted to him? Why is my heart and brain wrapped up in Hunter Bartholomew Davis? I know I’m probably going to end up being hurt again. I need to stop this madness, but for the life of me, I just can’t.
“Layin’ it on thick, Apex,” Callum grouses, making me giggle.
“Just telling the truth. You can’t deny that Cal.”
“That’s true,” Cal says giving me a wink. He’s smirking as if to say I told you so.
“What are you doing here this morning, Apex? Does the club have another job for me?” I ask, deciding to steer the conversation in a different direction before Callum can really piss me off.
“I wanted to see if you wanted to go grab a bite to eat,” Apex says, his deep brown eyes boring into me and guilt hits me as I read the hope in his.Shit.
“Uh … sorry,” I tell him, pointing down at what remains of my sandwich. “I’ve got a booked day so …”
I see the disappointment on his face, but he shakes it off. He hikes a hip on the corner of my desk and seems to be settling in.Shit.If he’s still here when Hunter gets here with the boys, how is that going to go? Damn it. How did my life get so complicated? I feel like I’m getting in over my head and I don’t know how to stop it.
“I think that’s my cue to leave,” Callum mutters.
“Cal, you don’t?—”
“Later, man,” Apex says, talking over me.
I shoot Callum an annoyed look. It bounces off of him—mostly because he’s enjoying my discomfort. When he leaves the room and closes the door, I let out a sigh. Looks like I’m on my own. “I’m sorry about lunch, Apex, but honestly, I really do have a lot to do today,” I state again, praying he’ll leave.
“That’s a bummer. I was looking forward to spending more time with you.”
“Apex …”
“Drew. You can call me Drew, Beau.”
“Drew,” I repeat, but in my head, I’m thinking shit, shit,shit.
“I like my name on your lips,” he asserts, making my brain repeat the same word over and over.Shit. Shit. Shit.
“Maybe we should talk …”
“Tonight,” he says. “Let me cook you dinner.”
My eyes feel like they might pop out of my head.Shit. Shit. Shit.“Um …”
“C’mon, Beau. You know me. I’m a good guy. All I’m asking is that you give me a chance.”
