Chapter 2
Wes stares at me, his forehead creased. “Mack, man, why”d you have to take this project for yourself? I thought you were finally going to take some time off.”
I clench my jaw. How do I explain that one look at Aimee was enough to know I’d do anything to simply talk to her? It’s also no secret among my guys that I love vintage cars, and even though Aimee’s car has seen better days, that Mustang is a glorious car. No way am I passing up the chance to restore a beauty like that.
Wes is right that I’m overdue for some time off – it’s something the guys have been harping onto me about for months. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to recognize the meaningful moments you have to grab with everything you have. Seeing Aimee was one of those moments. She’s more than a pretty face and a curvy body that begs to be explored, but one glance told me she was a woman I needed to know. The guys all know that finding a woman who loves vintage cars as much as I do is the woman I’ve been searching for my whole life. My gut told me that Aimee was that woman, and there was no way I was going to let Wes or any of my other mechanics deal with her.
Her car – like Aimee herself – is mine.
“Well?” Wes presses, his voice filled with expectant irritation.
I like Wes, but if he presses this further, he won’t like how that plays out. “I like the car. I took the job. End of story.”
I don’t feel like explaining myself, and as the boss, I don’t have to. I cross my arms over my chest and level a stern look at Wes.
Wes scoffs, leaning against the counter in reception and drumming his fingers loudly. “When did you decide I don’t know how to do my job right? Or is this to do with the woman who brought the car in?” he asks, raising his eyebrow.
“Aimee,” I say, liking the sound of her name on my lips.
Wes sighs, his skepticism apparent. “Thought so.” He shrugs. “Look, don’t let a pretty face keep you from taking care of yourself, Mack. You don’t take time off soon, you’re going to self-combust.”
My jaw tightens. The thought of Aimee”s fingers trailing down my cheek makes my skin burn with desire. “I know what I”m doing,” I say gruffly.
Wes holds my gaze for a moment longer before heading back to his car bay, shaking his head. It’s not that he’s wrong because it’s been way too long since I took time off, and I know I’ve been short-tempered lately. Yet when I saw Aimee and the Mustang, I knew she was worth postponing my vacation.
Every married man I know says that when you find the right woman, you just know. Even without knowing anything else about Aimee, I know with every cell of my body that she’s the woman I want. And if working on her car means more contact with her, of course I’m going to fucking step in and take the project.
A man has to claim what’s his.
* * *
When did sinkinginto bed alone each night become my life?
I lie in bed, exhausted but unable to drift off to sleep. How did I get to be forty and not have a wife and family?
The answer to that is easy: I’ve been taking care of other people since I was a teenager. After Dad died when I was in high school, I got a job washing dishes at the diner and became the man of the house so I could take care of Mom. I lied about my age to get the job, though I don’t think I fooled them. Jefferson is a small town, and everyone knew about my dad”s passing.
After graduating high school, I knew college wasn’t for me, so I joined the Army and served my country. That’s the best thing I’ve done with my life, and I don’t regret anything about those years. It was hard work and a deep honor to protect my country. When I mustered out and came home, I started Rebel Autos. Since then, my mechanics have become my family.
Only now, they’re all married and starting families of their own. I knew we wouldn’t be single forever, but it was easy to think that as the years rolled by. Then Roman, the man I thought would be single until his daughter Tessa was married off herself, met Marsha. Watching her passion for her job and how she stands up for Tessa, it wasn’t just Roman she took by surprise. The woman is a force of nature, and Roman was a goner.
Same thing with Wes and Kira, then Clark and Betty. Couldn’t believe it, but even Kid found a woman to make him settle down and stop his horndog ways. Never thought I’d see the day any woman would make Kid consider saying, “I do.”
Even after Ma died, I never opened up to finding happiness with a woman and building a family. I”ve spent so long caring for everyone else that it was habit to look after others before myself. I forgot to take care of my own needs. I need to change that.
My eyes fall on the framed photo of Ma and me right before I went into basic. She’s squinting into the sun, and I’m in my fatigues and grinning. There’s such pride in my Ma’s smile that I ache with missing her. What would she think if she knew I was still a bachelor?
Never thought I’d be the last single man standing at Rebel Autos, but here I am.
I head into the kitchen and grab a bottle of beer from the fridge. It’s not the best way to quiet my mind and fall asleep, but a man does what he has to.
When I see the calendar on the fridge, an idea takes shape.
The vintage car show. Aimee clearly appreciates vintage cars. This would be the perfect chance for me to see Aimee again, away from the garage and prying eyes.
Before I can overthink it, I grab my phone and scroll to her name. It”s been so long since I put myself out there, but I know it”s time to let go of the belief that my sole purpose in life is to take care of everyone else. My finger hovers over the call button, but it’s late, and I don’t want her getting the wrong idea.
Aimee. Mack here. Could I interest you in going to the vintage car show with me this weekend? Are you free?
I put my phone on the counter and lean back as I drain my beer. The unfamiliar sensation of excitement twists through me. If only I’d gotten this idea earlier, I wouldn’t have to wait until morning for her response.
The sound of my phone buzzing makes me jump.
That sounds wonderful. I’d enjoy that, Mack. Thank you.
I grin so hard that it feels like my cheeks are going to crack open. Without hesitating, I text her back.
You’ve made me a happy man, Aimee. Meet me at the garage at 3 pm?
It’s a date.
Reading Aimee’s text sends a thrill through me, melting away any lingering doubts and making me smile. I have something to look forward to for the first time in forever.
And it feels damn good.