Finding You

Chapter 2

After Carter moved his SUV, he helped the tow truck driver load Darcy’s Lexus. She pulled out her phone and snapped a photo

of the portly, middle-aged man with the bushy gray beard as he pulled her car onto the flatbed.

Then she sent the photo to her best friend, along with a text: How’s your Monday going so far?

As if on cue, her phone rang with a call from Haven. “What in the world happened? Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. The Lexus isn’t.” Darcy frowned. “Aren’t you working today?”

“I have a few minutes before my next meeting. Guidance counselors do get breaks every once in a while. Do you need a ride?”

Her best friend sounded concerned. “Tell me where you are, and I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

Darcy moved over to the Suburban. “I’m fine, but thank you.” She explained how Carter had approached her and not only offered

to have her car towed to his shop to fix it but also insisted on giving her a ride to her office. She moved to the back of

his SUV and read his license plate to Haven, then asked her to write it down since she had accepted a ride from a stranger.

“Carter, huh?” She could hear Haven’s grin through the phone. “How old is he?”

Darcy glanced at him while he helped Fred secure the car with chains. When his eyes met hers, his lips lifted. And that man had one gorgeous smile. “Late twenties, maybe?”

“Cute?”

Extremely! But if Darcy admitted just how handsome he was, Haven would nag Darcy incessantly about trying to date this stranger. “He’s

all right.”

“Single?”

“How should I know?”

“Is he wearing a ring?”

“My dad never wears his when he works on cars.”

Haven expelled an impatient breath. “Then you’ll just have to ask him.”

Darcy lowered her voice. She’d pass out from embarrassment if Carter overheard their conversation. “I really don’t have time

to talk about this—”

“And if he’s unattached, get his number. Girl, we’re both twenty-seven, and we should be enjoying life. Maybe Carter will

be your new boyfriend.”

Darcy rolled her eyes and swallowed a groan, recalling the disastrous blind dates her best friend had set up for her. Haven

was determined to get Darcy to date again. She knew Haven meant well, but Darcy just wasn’t ready to move on and probably

never would be.

“You need to start living again,” Haven insisted. “Stop blaming yourself for what happened to Jace. It wasn’t your fault.”

She paused. “So is Carter nice?”

Darcy’s cheeks warmed as Carter started toward her. “I have to go.”

“I want details. Call me later.”

She hung up and put her phone in her purse. “Ready to go?” Darcy asked him.

“Yup,” he said, and she was once again drawn into those dark eyes. He opened the passenger-side door for her as the tow truck exited the lot with her car sitting on the flatbed.

She set her purse and bag on the floor. Then she wondered how she was going to climb into the tall SUV without falling and

embarrassing herself.

“Need some help?” He held his hand out toward her.

“Thanks.” Grasping his strong hand, she hoisted herself up with the help of a handle and the running board. “That wasn’t so

bad.”

His expression was sheepish. “My sister always complains about having to climb up in this thing, especially in heels.”

She laughed. “No problem.” Then she glanced down at her high-heeled shoes. While she enjoyed dressing up for work, she rarely

wore pumps. Today, though, she’d chosen heels in order to look her best for the presentation.

Darcy settled in the passenger seat and inhaled the lingering woodsy scent that she assumed was Carter’s cologne. He appeared

beside her and folded his long frame into the driver’s side. Soon they were on their way, with another country music song

singing softly through the speakers. She gave him directions before a comfortable silence settled over them.

She snuck a glance his way as he slowed to a stop at a light. “I really appreciate this.”

“I don’t mind. I would hope someone would do the same for my sister.” He drummed his fingers on the steering wheel in time

with the song.

Darcy looked down at her watch. It was almost ten. She was running out of time...

As if reading her mind, he said, “I’ll do my best to get you there in time.”

She smiled. Not only was he handsome, but he also seemed so kind and thoughtful. Surely he had a girlfriend.

Not that it’s any of my business. But Haven would be so disappointed in her for not asking him if he was single.

“Does your dad work in a shop nearby?”

Darcy felt her brow furrow.

He chuckled. “You said your dad was the only mechanic you knew.”

“Oh. No, he’s not a mechanic by trade. It’s more of a hobby.”

Carter clicked on the blinker. “Does he have any project cars?”

“He has a 1958 Dodge truck that took years to restore.” She adjusted herself in the seat and let her tense muscles loosen.

“It’s a Power Wagon.”

“What color?”

“Red.”

“Wow.” Carter shook his head, grinning. “Those trucks are so cool.”

“Yes, they are,” she agreed. “It took him a while to find it. He said he was looking for the perfect truck. He hired someone

to handle the bodywork and paint, but he did most of the engine work himself.”

“Impressive.”

“Do you have a project car?”

“I do.”

“Well, don’t leave me hanging here,” she said, and he laughed again. “What is it?”

“A 1970 Plymouth Road Runner. My grandfather’s pride and joy.”

She gasped. “Those cars are gorgeous. Is it close to being finished?”

He adjusted his hat on his head. “It’s on hold right now. You know how sometimes life just happens.”

“I can relate to that.” She turned toward him. “What color is it?”

“Orange.”

“That’s the best color for a Road Runner.”

His eyes crinkled at the corners as he studied her.

“Why are you looking at me like that? Did I say something wrong?”

“Not at all. You just seem to know a lot about cars.”

“And that surprises you,” she finished.

“Well, I mean...” He shrugged. “Kinda.”

She rested her hands on her hips and pretended to be offended. “So women can’t know anything about cars, huh?”

“I wasn’t saying that.”

“Yeah, you were,” she joked. “You think that just because I’m wearing heels and a suit, I don’t know how to check my oil and

tire pressure.”

A smile broke out on his face. “I would never accuse a woman of not knowing her way around a car.”

“And I’ll have you know that when I was younger, I hung out with my dad in his garage and learned a little bit. I can’t rebuild

an engine, but I can carry on an intelligent conversation about a car.”

“That’s actually very cool.” He stopped at another red light and glanced over at her, his eyes dancing with what looked like

amusement.

“Thanks. It was how I bonded with him. My mom and I watched movies, and my dad and I hung out in his garage.”

“I bet you have some nice memories.” He tapped the steering wheel. “You mentioned your parents are on vacation. Where’d they

go?”

“Coral Cove.”

“My grandparents took my sister and me there once, and we had a blast.” He looked over at Darcy. “Where do they stay?”

Darcy fiddled with her suit jacket as another wave of embarrassment hit her. “They have a house there, and since they’ve both

retired, they go down there frequently to enjoy it.” She wondered if he thought she was spoiled, but his expression showed

no evidence of shock. She almost felt compelled to tell him that her parents were retired orthodontists who had run their

own practice and invested in real estate before they retired, but she decided to keep that information to herself. “Did you

always want to be a mechanic?”

“Yes. I started handing my grandfather tools when I was four. I inherited my love of cars from him.” He merged into the left

lane to pass a slow-moving vehicle, then motored through an intersection, heading into Uptown Charlotte.

“So you’re close to your grandparents?” she asked.

He moved his hands over the steering wheel. “I was. They’re both gone now, but they pretty much raised my sister and me after

my mom passed away when I was ten. My dad had already skipped out by then.”

She grimaced. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be nosy.”

“It’s okay. I mean, I don’t normally talk about my family. But I guess you’re easy to talk to, huh?” When he smiled at her,

it seemed sincere. “How about you? Any siblings?”

“No, I’m an only child, and since my parents are older, I never got to know my grandparents.” Darcy didn’t want to pry more

about Carter’s family, so she changed course. “How long have you worked at the shop in Flowering Grove?” she asked.

“Eleven years. I started there right after I graduated from high school. The Bartons are like family to me.”

He steered through Uptown Charlotte toward her building. When he came to it, he parked at the curb.

She angled her body toward his. “I appreciate your help today. I’ll find a ride out to Flowering Grove.”

“Wait.” He held up his phone. “Can I get your number?”

“Oh. Uh, well, I...” Darcy stammered. “I think you’re really cute, Carter, and I really appreciate the ride.” She held

a hand up. “I really, really do, but I’m not really dating right now.”

A strange expression flitted over his face. “Oh, I meant that I need to text you about the car.” He grinned. “But I think

you’re cute too.”

Heat traveled up Darcy’s neck, and she was certain she might pass out from embarrassment. “Right.” She took his phone and

then created a new contact, adding her first and last name along with her number before handing it back to him. “Here you

go.”

He sent a quick text, causing her phone to chime. She glanced at her screen and read: This is Carter Donovan.

“I hope your presentation goes well,” he said.

“Thank you.” She gathered up her laptop bag and purse before climbing from the SUV.

“You’re welcome. I’ll be in touch.”

As the SUV motored away from the curb, Darcy hurried into the building. Time to change gears and focus on her presentation.

***

Whistling along with a Brad Paisley song, Carter parked at the back of the lot behind Barton Automotive. He unloaded a large

box from his trunk, then started across the lot toward the building. The sound of meows caught his attention, and he spun

as Smoky—a large gray tabby and the shop’s unofficial mascot and greeter—trotted toward him.

“Hey, buddy,” Carter called as the cat approached. Smoky walked in circles while rubbing against Carter’s shins.

Carter set the box on the ground, and when the cat lifted his head, Carter rubbed his chin. Smoky purred his approval. “How are you this fine Monday?”

“Look who decided to finally show up at work today,” Gage teased from the open bay door.

Carter snickered while he continued to pet the cat. He was so thankful that Shauna and Gage had gotten together. Not only

had Shauna gained a thoughtful and supportive husband, but Carter had gotten an older brother. He enjoyed his easy banter

with Gage. “I had nothing else to do today, so I figured I’d see if you needed any help,” he joked.

“Fred said you rescued a damsel in distress and convinced her to have her car towed here.” Gage pushed his hand through his

thick, curly dark hair as he walked toward Carter and Smoky. He pointed toward Darcy’s royal-blue Lexus parked near the shop.

Carter stood up to his full height. “All true.”

Gage gave a low whistle. “Nice car.” Then he grinned. “Fred mentioned the damsel was pretty too.”

“Yes, she was.” Carter couldn’t deny it. Darcy was pretty— really pretty—with long blonde hair falling past her slight shoulders and the greenest eyes he’d ever seen. They reminded him of

the bright-green grass in Flowering Grove Park, where his mother and grandmother used to take him and Shauna to play on swings

every Sunday afternoon. And then there was Darcy’s lovely smile, which lit up her beautiful face.

She’d looked embarrassed when she explained that she had purchased the car from her mom, and she seemed sheepish when she

mentioned her parents’ vacation home at Coral Cove. He wondered what her parents did for a living that enabled them to afford

a beach home—not to mention her father’s Porsche Cayenne and brand-new Corvette Stingray.

Carter also noticed that she wasn’t wearing any jewelry on her left hand, which meant she wasn’t married and possibly was single.

He shook himself. What was his problem? Considering his financial situation, the last thing he needed right now was a relationship.

Besides, Darcy was clearly out of Carter’s league. With her looks, her corporate job, and her money, what could a mechanic

with grease-stained nails and no 401(k) really offer outside a few dates? He could never be good enough for her.

“Car wouldn’t start, huh?” His brother-in-law’s question yanked him from his thoughts of Darcy. The cat tapped Gage’s shin

with his paw to gain his attention, and Gage kneeled to take a turn rubbing Smoky’s chin.

“I was on my way to my truck when I heard the clicking. I tried to jump it for her but didn’t have any luck. I figured I’d

test the battery first and then go from there.”

“Sounds good.”

“I picked up shop towels, disposable gloves, soap, brake parts cleaner, and carburetor cleaner.” Carter lifted the box and

started toward the open bay doors. “I guess I’d better get to work before my boss starts yelling at me.”

Gage walked beside him with Smoky at his heels, the cat still meowing as if sharing a list of jobs they had to complete today.

“Hang on. How’d your appointment go?”

“Fine.”

“So your kidney levels are still good?”

“Yup. They’re perfect.” Carter tried to shove down the familiar regret and frustration that gripped him when he thought about

the years he had struggled with kidney disease.

Gage patted Carter’s shoulder and nearly knocked him off-balance. At six feet four, his brother-in-law was two inches taller than Carter and looked as if he’d spent every spare minute at the gym. “That’s awesome, brother. What a blessing.”

It was now. When he went on dialysis three years ago, he had despised the burden he’d been on his family. The kidney disease

wasn’t hereditary, and while doctors insisted it could have been environmental, the reason his kidneys had failed remained

a mystery. His illness and medical bills forced him to leave his apartment and full-time job and move in with Shauna and Gage.

But he didn’t want a handout from them or anyone else. He paid them a fair price for rent, including his portion of utilities,

and he also chipped in for food. Shauna suggested they ask their church to hold a fundraiser for Carter, but he insisted there

were other people in their community who needed help more than he did.

He’d finally undergone a transplant two years ago. Shauna insisted on donating her kidney as a paired donor for Carter so

he wouldn’t have to wait on the transplant list. He had been against Shauna’s donating, worrying the risk was too great—but

since she was his nurturing older sister, she wouldn’t take no for an answer.

And now, two years later, Carter cherished his good health but longed to climb out of his debt and move to a place of his

own. If only he could pay off his consolidation loan early so he wouldn’t be so reliant on Shauna and Gage. He could never

repay their generosity though. That reality gnawed away at his insides.

“It is a blessing,” Carter agreed as he crossed to the side of the bay where he worked. The familiar smells of tires, brake dust,

oil, and cleaning solution hovered over him, along with the sound of country music playing from a nearby radio. He shucked

his work jacket and plain black t-shirt before changing into a dark blue shirt emblazoned with the Barton Automotive logo.

The door that led to the office and showroom opened, and Glenda, Gage’s mother, shuffled out with a wide smile on her face. Although she was petite, it was easy to see that Gage had inherited his dark, curly hair and honey-brown eyes from her. The curls were threaded with gray—“sparkles,” she called them—and her eyes were lined with wrinkles, but she was still young at heart.

“There you are!” Glenda sang as she hurried over to him. “I thought I heard your truck pull into the parking lot.”

“That behemoth is hard to miss, Mom,” Gage called from his side of the large bay.

Carter shook his head and finger-combed his short hair. “You’re just jealous that it sits taller than your pickup.”

Gage snorted before opening the box of supplies and pulling out the disposable gloves.

Glenda rested her hand on his bicep. “Did your appointment go well?”

“It did. My kidney numbers are going strong.”

She gave his arm a gentle squeeze. “Well, son, you need to embrace your good health! It’s time you started dating again. You’re

going to be thirty in June, and you’ll have no trouble finding the right woman. You’re a great catch.”

Carter fixed a smile on his lips as memories of his ex-girlfriend filled his mind. He’d been certain that Gabrielle would

be the one with whom he’d share a home and a family, but she’d bailed on him when his health had deteriorated and he started

home dialysis. Three years later, he still hadn’t recovered from that heartbreak.

Besides, what woman in her right mind would want to get involved with a man in debt up to his eyeballs and who lived with his sister and her husband? Gabrielle dumped him not only because he was ill, but also because he wasn’t “living up to his potential.” Or so she insisted. More than once she told him that he needed to find a higher-paying job, and she tried to talk him into working for her father’s race team. She couldn’t understand that he liked working for Ernie. And even after he finally agreed to work for her father, she still dumped him.

Darcy’s beautiful smile flashed in his mind, and he remembered their fun conversation about his project car. But then he shook

his head.

No, he wasn’t a catch at all.

Glenda patted his cheek. “Carter Donovan, you’re too handsome to spend your life alone.”

Gage hooted from the other side of the garage.

“You hush over there, Gage,” Glenda called with a grin.

“Enough talk about my nonexistent love life. I’ll go pull the battery from the Lexus and test it.” With a resigned sigh, Carter

got to work.