Page 43 of Finding Storm

A hot stranger.

But still …

Ewww!

And now, what the heck am I going to do with it?

I turn around and march back to the truck, knowing full well there is something in there I can put it in. My brother is a slob.

I yank open the driver’s door, and yep, in the pocket of the door is an empty bag of chips.

Gross, Beck.

I deposit the butt in the empty chip bag and fold it over to contain the smell, tucking it back in the pocket. I’ll get rid of it in the trash when I get back to the garage.

I grab the small bottle of sanitizer we keep in the truck and lather my hands and arms with it.

Marginally better.

When I turn back to Hottie, he’s still standing there, looking at me with amusement and something else that I can’t quite place. If I didn’t know better, I’d say interest.

I walk back over to him. “Right, let’s get this show on the road. Or car on the truck …” I trail off, wanting to slap myself in the face.

Why can’t I be cool, just once?

“You need me to do anything?” Hottie asks.

“Nah, I’ve got it. But thanks.” I’ve done this a hundred times. I’m a pro.

I go back to the truck, fire her up, and set to getting his car on the truck, so I can get it back to the garage while Hottie watches on.

I’m totally aware of his eyes on me the whole time.

It’s disconcerting to say the least.

“You can wait in the truck if you want,” I offer.

He gives me an easy smile. “I’m good here.”

You might be good. I’m not.

I force myself to pay attention to the task at hand before I lose focus and possibly a finger.

When Hottie’s supercar is secured up on the bed of the truck, we both climb in the cab.

I pull my seat belt on and start the engine. While I wait for him to secure his seat belt, I switch over to the radio, putting on my favorite eighties station.

The B-52s’ “Love Shack” comes on, loud and proud.

I do a little jig in my seat. This is my and Penny’s party anthem. I don’t care who you are. You can’t not dance to this song. It’s awesome.

I hear a low chuckle from beside me.

“You like this song?” Hottie asks.

Negative connotation I’m getting there.

Oh no.