“Nope, not today,” she replies, her voice muffled. “But there’s always something to do.”
That’s true enough. But today is the kind of work that lets us take our time. It’s an opportunity for Sloan to teach me everything—every little trick and skill that she’s picked up over the years.
Who would’ve thought I’d end up as a mechanic?
Not me, that’s for sure, but I love it.
She comes back into view, her hair now braided and out of her face. And just like that, I’m lost in her. It doesn’t matter what she’s wearing, though my favorite is when she’s wearing nothing at all.
For a second, I let my mind wander…her skin bare under my touch, the curve of her body arching closer. The way she looks at me then, all of her laid open for me, makes it impossible to breathe.
The vague echo of my name has my focus sharpening, and Isomehow manage to catch the energy drink headed my way. Sloan only smiles with a small shake of her head, cracking open her drink. I do the same, and for a moment, we stand in the silence of the shop before I walk over and start up the radio, the music bouncing off the walls and adding some life to the space.
“How about we work on something a little more advanced on the BMW today?” she asks, her eyes bright with excitement.
I smile at the thought. The guys and I had bought her that BMW as a gift for the opening—a wrecked version of the same one North has. Tally scowled at us, asking who the fuck buys their girlfriend a totally damaged car. But Sloan practically lost it, so thrilled to have the chance to work on it, to bring it back to life and make it her own. And now, she’s using it as my training ground, showing me the ropes.
“You really think I’m ready?” I tease, taking another sip of my drink. “I don’t wanna mess it up.”
She rolls her eyes, stepping closer until she can poke me in the chest. “You’re ready, Casper. Besides, I’ll be right here. We’re doing this together, remember?”
The way she says it, with such confidence in me, like she means more than just the car, as if she means this life, it makes something swell in my chest. I lean down, pressing a quick kiss to her lips. “All right then, Boss. Let’s do this.”
We head over to the BMW on the lift, and Sloan grabs a wrench, handing it to me. “Okay, today, we’re tackling the suspension.”
I arch an eyebrow, accepting the wrench. “Suspension, huh? Sounds… suspenseful.”
She chuckles softly, then steps under the car. “Come on, I’ll show you how it’s done.”
I move to stand beside her, watching as she explains each part. She makes everything sound almost simple, even though I know it’s anything but. Sloan points out the components, explaining what each one does, her fingers brushing against metal as she talks. I nod along, trying to absorb every word, every detail.
“See this here?” She points to a particular bolt, her face close to mine as she turns to make sure I’m following. “This one’s a bit tricky. If it’s too tight, you’ll mess up the alignment, but too loose, and it won’t do its job. It’s all about finding that sweet spot.”
I smirk, glancing at her. “Oh, I know all about that sweet spot.”
She rolls her eyes, her lips twitching into a smile. “Shut up and focus, Casper.”
I chuckle, but I do as she says, adjusting my grip on the wrench as she guides me.
She leans closer, her shoulder brushing against mine as she steadies the part I’m working on. “You’re doing good,” sheencourages softly, her voice almost drowned out by the music playing in the background.
“Yeah?” I glance at her, catching the warmth in her eyes.
“Yeah.” She nods, reaching out and tapping my nose, smearing some grease on the tip of it.
“Oh no, you did not.” I fake-growl, pulling her in and wiping my nose against her cheek, and she gasps in mock outrage.
“Oh, you’re so asking for it now!” She shoves my shoulder, her eyes glinting with mischief as she reaches out with her dirty finger again.
I grab her wrists, trying to dodge her finger as she twists in my grip. We’re both laughing as we start to play fight, her trying to get me back while I do my best to avoid her.
The opening notes of “Sweet Dreams” by Eurythmics come on over the radio, and I freeze.
“What?” Sloan asks, still trying to catch her breath.
I grin and let go of her wrists. “We still need to end that dance session, remember?”
She blinks, her expression going from confusion to understanding, and then she smiles, shaking her head slightly. “Good thing North isn’t here today.”
