‘Well, we were bound to both know someone the same. After all, I live in the bay, and you live on the outskirts of it and you probably do work on most residents' cars who live in the bay.’
Matt nodded. ‘True.’
They drove on in silence for a few minutes.
As they approached the outskirts of the city, Georgina found herself stealing glances at Matt's profile. The morning sunlight caught his dark hair, highlighting subtle auburn tones she'd never noticed before. She quickly looked away when he turned towards her, hoping he hadn't caught her staring.
‘So,’ Matt said, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them, ‘have you been to the city much?’
Georgina shook her head. ‘Not really. I've only been a handful of times for shopping trips with friends. What about you?’
Matt chuckled. ‘I come here more often than I'd like, usually for car parts. But I have to admit, it's much more enjoyable with company.’
His words sent a flutter through Georgina's stomach. She fought to keep her voice steady as she replied, ‘Well, I'm glad I could make your errand more bearable.’
They navigated through the bustling city streets, Matt expertly maneuvering through the traffic and Georgina felt likeCinderellasitting alongsidePrince Charmingin a silver carriage going to the ball. As they pulled up to a small, nondescript building, he turned to Georgina with an apologetic smile.
She smiled to herself as she thought, maybe not.
‘This shouldn't take too long. Do you want to come in, or would you prefer to wait in the car?’
‘I'll come in.’ Georgina unbuckled her seatbelt. ‘I'm curious to see what a specialist car part shop looks like.’
Inside, Georgina was surprised by the organized chaos of the shop. Shelves lined with mysterious mechanical components stretched from floor to ceiling. Matt seemed perfectly at ease, chatting with the shopkeeper as he collected his order. She caught them both glancing in her direction more than once as they chatted.
As they walked back to the car, Matt hesitated before opening the door for her. ‘Listen, Georgina,’ he began, a hint of nervousness in his voice that she'd never heard before, and she wondered if he was going to tell her what he and the shopkeeper had been talking about. ‘I was thinking...it's nearly lunchtime. How would you feel about getting some brunch before we head back?’
Georgina's heart skipped a beat. This wasn’t what she was expecting to hear. Was he asking her out? She pushed the thought away, reminding herself this was just a work outing. ‘Oh, that sounds lovely, but what about opening the garage? Won't your customers be wondering where you are?’
Matt rubbed the back of his neck, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. ‘Well, the thing is...I actually closed the garage for the day.’
‘What?!’ Georgina's eyes widened in surprise. ‘But why did you pick me up then? I thought we were working today.’
Matt took a deep breath, his dark eyes meeting hers. ‘To be honest, I...I closed it purposely because I wanted to spend time with you...outside of work.’
Georgina felt her cheeks grow warm, a mix of flattery and confusion swirling inside her. ‘You...you did?’
Matt nodded, his usual confidence seemingly shaken. ‘I hope that's okay, and don’t worry, this will be classed as one of your working days with me... I know it's a bit unorthodox, and if you'd rather just head back, I completely understand.’
Georgina's mind raced. Part of her wanted to jump at the chance to spend more time with Matt, while another part worried about the implications. Would this complicate their working relationship? But as she looked at Matt's hopeful expression, she found herself nodding. ‘No, I'd-I'd like that. Brunch sounds wonderful.’
The relief on Matt's face was palpable. ‘Great. I know a fantastic little bistro just around the corner. They apparently do the best eggs benedict in the city. I’ve also asked Bryan who owns the car parts business if I can leave the car here and he said I can park here for as long as I like.’
Georgina smiled to herself, now she realised what Matt and the man in the shop had been chatting about as they looked her way.
As they walked to the bistro, Georgina felt a nervous energy buzzing between them. The easy rapport they'd developed in the garage seemed slightly strained now, weighted with unspoken possibilities.
The bistro was a cozy, sunlit space with mismatched vintage furniture and the rich aroma of coffee in the air. They settled into a small table by the window, the bustle of the city life passing by outside.
Georgina’s smug grin lit up her face.Cinderellacame to the ball after all withPrince Charming.
After they ordered, an awkward silence fell between them. Georgina fiddled with her napkin, searching for something to say. ‘So...you closed the garage just to spend time with me, huh?’
Matt's cheeks reddened slightly. ‘I know it sounds a bit crazy. My dad would probably have a fit if he knew. But...I've really enjoyed getting to know you these past few days, Georgina. I wanted a chance to talk without the phone ringing or a car engine interrupting us.’
Georgina felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words. ‘I've enjoyed getting to know you too, Matt. But won't this make things...complicated? I mean, you're technically my boss for the next week...or so.’
Matt leaned forward, his expression serious. ‘I know. And if you're uncomfortable with this, we can go right back to a purely professional relationship. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't hope for something more—a deeper friendship or something else.’
