Chapter 16
16
MARCUS
“ T his alternator is fucked,” Dale hollers from under the hood of the Buick LeSabre he’s working on.
“I figured,” I reply, finishing up the tire rotation on the Ford F-150 on the lift.
“Good thing you already had one coming from the auto parts store,” Dale says, wiping his hands on a shop towel as he approaches.
The parts store is in Hudson and makes two trips a day to Pine Village, a morning and afternoon run, and thanks to me adding the new alternator to my order before the morning deadline, we’ll be able to get the part replaced and the vehicle out the door before noon, freeing up the bay for the next repair.
I grunt, keeping my focus on lining up the front right tire to the lug holes. I feel a little behind today, since I had to use part of the morning to take Buddy to the vet. She confirmed he’s not microchipped and in good health, despite having been out on his own for a little while. She checked with area clinics and shelters, but didn’t find any missing pet information, but promised to look again in a few days. At this point, he’s starting to grow on me, so I’m not sure how I’d feel if his owner appeared finally, looking for the dog.
“You’re awfully quiet today,” Dale says, breaking through my concentration and loud enough to be heard over the country music playing through the speakers. Not that I need to concentrate on a wheel rotation. I could do them in my sleep.
“Just working,” I reply, reaching for the torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts.
I can feel his gaze on me, but I keep my focus on the task at hand.
“How’s Ryan?”
“How would I know?” I ask, raising the wrench and lining it up with the first lug nut. I had already researched the correct amount of torque to use when tightening the wheel.
He chuckles, grabbing my attention. “Your actions and your words don’t match.”
I can’t help but give him a confused look. “What are you talking about, old man?”
He just grins. “You like her.”
I scoff and tighten the first lug nut. “You’re crazy.”
“Am I?”
I turn in his direction. He’s casually leaning against the rear of the Buick he’s working on. “Yep. Certifiable.”
That just makes him smile bigger.
When I realize he’s not going away, I make a big production of lowering the torque wrench and giving him my full attention. “She’s not so bad.”
He laughs.
Fucker.
“No, I don’t suppose she is,” he says, turning back to the front end of the car he’s working on. “Oh, Marcus? It’s okay to have fun every now and again, and I’m not talking about whatever in the hell you do when you go to Hudson. She’s here for a few weeks. Have fun. Enjoy life a little. There’s a lot more to it than just working all the time.”
With that, he spins around and disappears beneath the hood of the car.
I return my attention on the wheel, but I can’t help but think about Ryan. I recall every second of our night together, including the fact she practically jumped up and walked back to her cabin after we were done. She told me thanks for the good time and disappeared before I even had a chance to redress.
Kinda like how I am with the women I encounter in Hudson.
It was the arrangement I was familiar and comfortable with, yet I can’t help but wish she would have stayed. For another round? Sure. But also because I craved her in my bed.
Ryan turned out to be a lot more…adventurous than I expected. From the moment she rolled over on her hands and knees, I was a goner. And not just because I was horny and hadn’t had sex in about four months. It was her. She was a slice of wild I wasn’t expecting and drew out every domineering and alpha side I possessed. And the best part was, she seemed to crave it too. Letting me take control. Straddling the line between rough and too rough, which I don’t think we crossed. Not if the satisfied smile on her lips was any indication.
I shift myself so Dale can’t see the wood I’m suddenly sporting, thanks to the vivid memories of my night with Ryan. I just get the wheel completely tightened when I hear my name being called across the shop.
“Marcus! You have a visitor!” Gladys hollers over the noise.
I glance over at the office but don’t see anyone through the picture window. With a sigh, I grab the towel and wipe smudges of grease and dirt off my hand. I wonder who it is? Usually if it’s a customer, Gladys takes care of them. That’s why she works here, even if it’s just part time in the mornings.
“A visitor, huh?”
I glance over to the Buick and find Dale sticking his head around the hood, waggling his eyebrows suggestively.
“Stop it, old man,” I grumble, making my way to the shop office, his laughter following me with each step I take.
Pushing through the doorway between the shop and the office, I come face-to-face with the woman I spent a portion of last night with. Ryan looks completely out of place here, even if she’s wearing tiny little black shorts, a fitted T-shirt, and a ball cap on her head. She still looks regal and beautiful, and while the office isn’t completely coated in grime and filth, it’s still an auto shop office. Gladys helps keep the floors clean and the counter dusted off, but it’s nowhere near the standards or cleanliness I’m sure she’s accustomed to.
“Hey,” I say when she offers me a small smile.
“Hi.”
I glance over at Gladys, feeling her eyes on me. She’s grinning, taking in our exchange with an eagerness I’ve never seen before. “Everything all right?” I ask, wondering if there’s an issue at the cabin.
“Oh, yes,” she replies with an awkward chuckle. Her chocolate-brown eyes move to Gladys at the counter. “Umm, do you have a minute? I know you’re busy, so I won’t take long.”
“Sure.” I point to the open office door behind Gladys. “In here.”
Ryan follows me inside the small space and turns around as I shut the door. I can’t help but wonder if Gladys is running to find a glass to place against the wall or door.
“I won’t take up much of your time,” she quickly says. “I know you’re busy working. I was in the neighborhood,” she adds, making me internally smile, because Pine Village is small enough, it’s kinda one big neighborhood. The whole town.
“Anyway, I was nearby,” she continues, holding my gaze. “Do you want to grab lunch?”
Her question surprises me, and I’m certain it shows on my face.
“If not, that’s okay. Like I said, I was just in the neighborhood, and it’s almost lunchtime, so I thought?—”
“Okay.”
“Really?” Her entire face lights up.
I take off my ball cap and run my fingers through my hair. “Yeah, well, I’ll have to say something to Dale and Gladys. I don’t usually take lunch.”
“Why not?”
I shrug. “There are only so many hours in the day, I guess, and I want to get as much done as I possibly can.”
“You don’t have to if you don’t want to,” she insists.
“No, it’s fine. I haven’t eaten anything today, so a quick lunch wouldn’t hurt.”
She smiles, and rocks on her heels. “Great! Where should we go?”
There aren’t too many options in town, and no matter where we go, we’ll be under the microscope. We’ll be the talk of the town within an hour, and for once, I don’t care. Usually, I’d avoid the spotlight in any way, shape, or form, especially in this town. It’s easy to become gossip fodder, which we’ve all fallen victim to from time to time. Not that I care what anyone thinks of me, but I do prefer to have my name kept out of their mouths.
“How about the diner? It’s just down the road and they’re usually pretty quick,” I suggest.
“That sounds good. I ate there on Saturday, and it was delicious.”
“Saul is an amazing cook. We might get lucky, and they’ll have their bacon-wrapped meatloaf on special, since yesterday was a holiday.”
Her eyes bright at the thought. “I had that Saturday. Ellie recommended it.”
“She’s a wise woman. Worked there forever,” I tell her, reaching for the doorknob. “Gladys, I’m gonna take a quick lunch.”
She seems surprised by my announcement. “Really?”
“Yeah,” I mutter, walking past the counter and heading for the shop. Glancing over my shoulder, I make eye contact with Ryan again and add, “I’ll be right back.”
She nods, so I push through the door and head for where Dale is working. First thing I do is wash my hands, making sure I get as much grease and dirt off them. When I tear off a paper towel, I mutter to Dale, “I’ll be back. I’m gonna take a quick lunch.”
He pops his head out from under the hood and levels me with a look of shock. “What?”
“I’ll be right back,” I say, making my way back to the office before he can say another word. I’m sure I’ll get an earful when I get back, especially after he talks to Gladys. Don’t need to hear it before I go.
When I return to the office, I hold open the door and wait for her to exit first. She steps outside ahead of me and starts to head for her rental car. “You mind walking?” I ask, loving the warmth of the sun above me.
“No, I don’t mind,” she replies, falling in line beside me.
“Hi, Miss Ryan.”
I glance over and find Dale standing outside the first garage bay, a big grin on his face as he waves.
“Hi, Dale. Lovely day, isn’t it?” she asks, waving back.
“Sure is. You two have fun,” he says, whistling as he returns to work. I don’t miss the knowing smirk on his face either. Yeah, I’ll definitely hear all about it when I get back.
We’re quiet as we hit the sidewalk and head toward the diner. It’s not far, only a couple blocks up the road. It would take longer to find a parking spot at this time of day than it would to just walk there.
“How’s work going?” she asks as we approach the first crosswalk.
“Good.”
She nods. After we cross the street and continue on our way, she jumps back into more conversation. “I went shopping today. I realized I needed a different wardrobe if I wanted to fly under the radar while I was here. As much as I love my dresses, they’re too Ryan Marcotte, so I drove to Hudson and found some basic shorts and tees at Target.”
I glance her way, sidestepping a woman and child exiting one of the small boutiques. “Personally, I kinda like your sundresses.”
She giggles, looking at me from beneath her lashes. “That’s what you got out of all that?”
I shrug, my hands shoved in my pockets.
“Well, I could always wear them…later,” she says softly, keeping her head down to shield her face from those around us.
“I like…later,” I confess, this playfulness is something new with me.
We reach the diner as she adds, “Me too.”
I open the door, and we step inside the cool building. Instantly, we spot Ellie, who waves us in. “Hey, guys,” she greets. She looks around the room and nods toward the far back booth. She knows who Ryan really is, even if she thought she was Jade at first, so I can’t help but think she put us in the back corner to offer a bit more privacy.
She slips into the booth with her back to the room, while I take the side with the view. Sure, everyone will wonder and speculate about who I’m with, but that’s fine. At least she’s shielded from prying eyes.
“What can I get you to drink?” Ellie asks when she approaches.
“Sweet tea,” Ryan requests eagerly.
Ellie laughs. “I’ve created a monster.” Then, she glances at me.
“Same.”
“Special is country-fried steak with all the fixin’s or chicken salad on a croissant with fresh fruit and coleslaw. I’ll grab your drinks and be back for your orders.”
Ellie heads to the counter and fills two glasses with ice and tea. I take a quick glance around the room, finding most of the tables and booths full. Considering it’s near lunch hour, you can tell we’re officially jumping into the busy summer tourist season. Fortunately, no one really seems to be paying much attention to us. Sure, a few of the locals wave and send me a curious glance, but no one approaches the table.
Yet.
“Do you know what you’re having?” Ryan asks, looking over the menu.
“Probably the chicken salad special. I don’t usually eat too heavy for lunch, otherwise I’d have the country-fried steak. It’s always delicious.”
She nods, replacing the menu in the napkin and condiment holder. “I think I’ll do the same. Usually I wouldn’t have the croissant, but I’m on vacation, right? Might as well live a little,” she says with a chuckle.
“Live a little.” I don’t know why those three little words hold so much weight, but they do. It reminds me of what Dale said earlier.
“All right, did you two decide?” Ellie asks, setting two glasses of sweet tea on the table.
“Chicken salad special, please,” Ryan requests.
“Same.”
“You two are easy,” she replies, jotting our orders down and offering a smile. “It’ll be up shortly.” Then she’s gone again, stopping by other tables and checking on patrons.
We’re both silent, and honestly, the quiet doesn’t bother me. I’m that kind of guy naturally. I sit back and watch. Always observing.
“What do you think of these sandals?” Ryan thrusts her leg up by my leg so I can see her footwear.
“Umm…they’re nice?”
She grins. “I got them at Target. Aren’t they cute? And, they were only sixteen dollars. Can you believe that? Most of the sandals I wear cost at least five hundred,” she informs me.
If I was taking a drink, I would have spit it out. “Five hundred dollars? For shoes?”
She shrugs, as if it were no big deal. “Everything is expensive in LA.”
“But five hundred dollars expensive? My leather, steel-toed work boots don’t even cost that.” Jesus, I can’t imagine spending that kind of money on fashion.
She sighs, placing her foot back down on the floor. “It’s all about who you know, who you blow, and who you wear out there. It’s just…different. I’ve lived that lifestyle my entire life. It’s all I know. But when I’m here, it’s just so simple, and I don’t mean that to be an insult. No one cares what your last name is and what they can get out of you. It’s a refreshing change. Honestly, I like it.”
I consider her words for a few moments. We lead such different lifestyles. Everyone knows everything about everyone in Pine Village, but because it’s a small town, not because we’re being photographed and publicly put on display for everyone’s entertainment. She’s lived a life of just that. Public.
“I guess I never really thought about the other side of the fishbowl. Sure, everyone knows you here, but I think it would be worse having them know all about you without actually knowing you. Does that make sense?” I find myself saying before taking a long drink of sweet tea.
“Totally,” she replies, running her fingers through her long, blond ponytail that’s hanging over her right shoulder. “The fishbowl is the best way to describe it. My life is so public, everyone can see it looking in.”
Ellie arrives, interrupting our conversation. “Here ya go. Two chicken salad sandwiches on croissants, coleslaw, and fresh fruit. Can I top off your teas?” she asks, noticing both glasses are almost half empty.
“That would be great, Ellie, thank you,” Ryan replies politely.
“I’ll be right back,” she says, scurrying off to grab the pitcher of tea.
Ryan takes a bite of her sandwich and groans. “Oh my goodness, this is amazing.” As she chews, I spot a little drop of chicken salad smeared across her lip, and all I want to do is reach over and wipe it away. Maybe even with my tongue.
“Here ya go,” Ellie says, topping off our glasses. “How is it?”
“It’s amazing,” Ryan confirms. “I’ve never had a sweeter chicken salad before.”
“The secret ingredient is grapes,” she says with a wink. “It complements the smoky chicken.”
“So good,” Ryan says before taking another bite of her sandwich.
“I’ll leave you two to it. Holler if you need anything.” She glances between Ryan and me before adding, “Let’s get together soon. Apparently, we have a lot to talk about.” She smiles widely and heads toward her next table.
“Great, she’s going to ask me all about us having lunch together,” Ryan says, stabbing a piece of pineapple with her fork.
“Yep. It’s part of that small-town charm you’re starting to like,” I tease with a grin before taking a hearty bite of my sandwich.
We eat in comfortable silence, and the moment our plates are cleared away, I pull out my wallet to pay. There are people standing at the door, waiting for tables, and I need to get back to work. So while this lunch was on the quicker side, it served its purpose, and now it’s time to go.
“I can cover lunch,” Ryan says, reaching into her tiny little purse and pulling out cash.
“I got it,” I insist.
“I invited you,” she counters.
“Yes, but call me old fashioned. If a woman is ever out with me, I’m buying,” I state, tossing a healthy tip on the table for Ellie.
She opens her mouth, but closes it just as fast, choosing not to argue. “Well, thank you. I’d like to say I’ll buy next time, but I’m not sure you’ll let that happen.” Her smile is small, her eyes dancing with humor.
“Probably not.”
I stop by the front counter and pay our bill at the cash register. Ellie doesn’t say a word until she hands me my change. Then, she leans in and whispers, “I like you two together.”
“We’re not together,” I reply, shoving my change into my front pocket.
“Really? Huh,” she says, closing the register drawer and propping a hip against the counter. Her eyes glance over my shoulder to where Ryan waits. “Then you’re totally fine with her talking to that new guy in town, the one who bought the gym?”
I’ve seen that guy the few times I’ve been in lately. He’s a total tool. Muscular and always smiling at the women, screaming to be noticed. The thought of Ryan talking to him—of him flirting and hitting on her—causes a ball of fire to erupt in my gut. I spin around, ready to do everything necessary to get Ryan away from the guy, only to find her standing along the wall by the door, looking at the historical photos dotted around the room.
When I turn back to Ellie, she’s standing there, smiling.
“That was a dirty trick.”
“I think I proved my point. Have a great day,” she sings, grinning even wider.
“I’m taking your tip back,” I state, even though I wouldn’t do that.
She just laughs. “Talk to you soon, Marcus.”
I walk toward Ryan, feeling eyes from around the room follow. “Ready?”
“Yes,” she replies with a smile.
Instantly, my heart does this weird little rapid beat. Like a tap dance, but without the shoes. It’s a foreign sensation, one that concerns me slightly. I’m not one to go to the doctor, but maybe I should get it checked out.
Except it only happens when Ryan smiles, and something tells me what’s happening won’t show up on any test or scan.
Sneaky little Ellie’s comment filters through my mind, and now I can’t get rid of it.
Dammit, this is why I keep to myself and most people at arm’s length.
She put thoughts in my head, and now they’re stuck there.
I need to put the jealousy— and Ryan —out of my mind.
It has no place here.
At least that’s what I’m going to keep telling myself.