Closing my eyes, I push aside the memories of us kissing at my front door.
Nat released me after Chris’s call. He gave me a kiss on the forehead, whispered ‘goodnight’ and told me to lock up after he left. I opened the door and stepped inside, but then I turned for one more glance at Nat’s broad shoulders.
His gait was strange, like he was favoring one leg.
My eyes widen.
Hewaslimping. I’m sure of it.
Did he hurt himself during the game? Or is it even worse? Has he been training and playing hockey this entire time while his previously-injured leg has been deteriorating?
My pulse quickens, but I force the thought away. If it were that serious, Nat would say something.
On the way out of the bathroom, I grab my phone from the nightstand and check for new messages.
There are none.
Nat must be fast asleep, which I don’t blame him for. We got in very late last night.
Focusing on the day ahead, I drive to the auto shop a little after seven-fifteen.
I’m slacking, I know. However, as I predicted, no one else is here. My mechanics are notoriously late every day, but if they think I’m going to throw my hands up and concede defeat, they have no idea.
I plan on trying several different methods to get them to work on time.
And if all else fails, they’ll show up to work when they want to and I’ll pay them what they’re owed for that. Hopefully, after the shock of their first paycheck comes in, they’ll learn that I amnotsomeone to be trifled with.
I’ve opened the last of the shutters when I hear a car rumbling up to the garage. I can tell who’s arrived by the roar of their engines alone and that vehicle doesn’t sound like Jimmy, Carlos or Blade.
It sounds like…
“Nat,” I say breathlessly as my boyfriend saunters into the mechanic shop.
He’s wearing a jacket and jeans that he probably has to get customized to fit his ridiculously tall frame. His close-cropped hair brings all the attention to his impossibly green eyes and wide mouth that’s tilting up at the corners.
“I brought donuts and coffee.” He lifts a bag in one hand.
A grin explodes on my face and I start jogging to Nat, only to slip on one of the mysterious oil splotches on the floor.
My feet lose traction and I skid like I’ve got wheels attached to my work boots. Nat drops the donuts and coffee and rushes forward, arms extended. We collide in a painful clash of arms and legs as we land hard on the ground.
“Are you okay?” I ask, pushing myself up. My hair scrubs against the buttons on his jacket.
A vein is popping in Nat’s forehead, but he laughs and wraps an arm around my waist. “I’m okay. Are you?”
“Yeah.” My eyes track to his leg as the smell of brake fluid envelops us both. “Did I hurt you?”
Nat’s fingers grip my chin and he turns my attention back to his face. His green eyes study me as if I’m a beautiful painting and he can’t get enough. “I bet this hurt less than before.”
“Before?”
“When you fell from heaven.”
I burst out laughing and smack Nat across the chest.
“Oof.” He jolts upward.
“Sorry. Did I hit you too hard?” I cover my mouth in shock and embarrassment.
