Page 24 of Gang of Roses: Rebel

“Exactly.”

For the next half hour, we fell into an easy rhythm. Crow called out what he needed, and I handed him the right tools before he even had to ask. Every now and then I’d tighten a bolt or reconnect a hose while he handled the heavier work. A couple of the mechanics walked by, throwing us curious looks. Before I could say anything smart, Crow slid out from under the bike and made them bounce.

“You got something on your face.”

“Huh?”

Before I could wipe it away myself, Crow reached up with his thumb and gently brushed a streak of black grease from my cheek. For a second, neither of us moved as our eyes met, and the sounds of air tools and engines faded into the background. I cleared my throat and took a step away from Crow, suddenly feeling a little too aware of how close we had been.

“Ugh... so, the engine looks good?”

Crow leaned against the workbench and grinned. “Yeah. She’s running like she should. Couple more things tomorrow, and she’ll be ready for the customer.”

“Good.” I nodded. “I knew we’d get it done.”

He looked me over, still smiling.

“What?”

“You know... you clean up nice.”

I frowned. “Crow, I still got grease all over me.”

“Nah.” He shook his head. “I got the important part.”

I couldn’t stop the laugh that escaped.

“You swear you got game.”

“I don’t swear.” He shrugged. “I know.”

“Oh, Lord.”

“What? You can’t tell me I ain’t smooth.”

“You want the truth?”

“Always.”

“You corny as hell.”

Crow clutched his chest like I’d wounded him.

“Damn, Trouble. After I saved your face from walking around with that big-ass streak of oil on it?”

“I would’ve survived.”

“Nah.” He smiled. “Would’ve been a tragedy. Pretty faces deserve better.”

I rolled my eyes, but the warmth creeping into my cheeks betrayed me.

“You flirt with everybody?”

“Nah.”

“No?”

He held my gaze a second longer than usual.