Chapter 7 Nova
NOVA
TEST IT OUT
Ishouldn’t think about Lincoln Castro in any way except as a customer. And I sure as hell shouldn’t think of him as often as I have in the last twenty-four hours since he stepped into my office at the bank.
But my options, as far as I see them, are to drown in my grief while missing my brother, or focus on the one bright spot in my life—a handsome man who looks at me like he thinks I’m kinda special, and whose words are both complimentary and funny.
It’s a tough combo to come by in a small town. Tougher yet, when paired with a nice package and a prior relationship with my brother.
It’s almost like he comes with Ryan’s seal of approval, in a way. Or at least, that’s the lie I tell myself each time Lincoln pops into my mind and my lips curl into a soft, unfamiliar smile.
If Ryan wanted to stop this, he should’ve stayed alive and done something about it.
After work the next day, I walk through Dixon’s Car Yard and scour the offerings within my price range. In my mind, I’m forced to acknowledge my rebellious thoughts are mine alone. They’re a fun distraction from reality, and not at all in line with my actions.
To think about Lincoln Castro is one thing. But it’s not like I’m accepting coffee dates, crooking my finger to bring him closer, or sashaying around in front of the handsome stranger.
“How’s it going, Nova?” Aaron Dixon himself crosses the rocky lot, a grease-stained rag dangling from his front pocket and a dusty ball cap perched atop his head, sitting just a fraction of an inch askew.
He’s a third-generation car salesman, only a year older than me, and not one to shy away from a goofy smile or cheesy pickup line. The fact that my mom used to babysit him back when we were young, though, makes it difficult to take him seriously.
I’ve seen him cry. And one time, he wet his pants and screamed for me and Ry not to look.
“You interested in this one, huh?” He grips a toothpick between his teeth, a pleasant change from the cigarettes his father and grandfather typically suck on.
Setting his elbow on the truck’s doorframe, he kicks one ankle over the other and smirks like he thinks it’s sexy.
“Two-thousand and fourteen GMC Sierra. V8 engine, four-by-four drivetrain, and only ninety-five thousand miles.” He flicks the toothpick with his tongue. “Quite a steal at only twenty grand.”
“Not this one.” I wander away, knowing he’ll scramble to keep up like the puppy he is. “Too much money, too many miles, and we both know Bobby Bays thrashed the motor last year before he traded it in.”
“Well…” Busted. At least he has the good manners to blush a little.
“Sure. But we give every vehicle a complete mechanical check over before we put it on the lot. And you get six months after purchase to bring it back if it craps out. What about this one?” He stops by a blue Cadillac.
“It’s barely ten years old. Two-liter engine, all-wheel drive, leather seats, and only twelve grand neat. ”
“Mmm.” I look the car over and consider its immaculate exterior.
The beauty of living in a town where everyone knows everyone else is that I know for sure Mabel McIntyre drove this since the day it came off the production line.
It’s got eighty-something thousand miles on it, but they were all put there by a little old lady whose most exciting weekly adventure was bingo.
“Maybe. What about that RAM?” I cast my eyes across the lot and stop on the sparkling black truck, priced far lower than it probably should be. “What’s wrong with it?”
“Wrong?” Aaron’s lips fold into a line, and his shoulders come up in a shrug. “Why would there be anything wrong with it?”
“Because all the ones I saw online are going for around eighteen thousand. Why’s that one only eleven?”
He leans in with devious, dancing eyes. “Because I really want it, but Daddy said it had to go on the lot first. If it’s still here after a month, then I can pay the ticket price.”
I pull back, so I don’t have to smell the candy on his breath. “But, making it too cheap would make it sell faster, don’t you think?”
“It’s a gamble. If it doesn’t sell at that price, then I get it for a steal. And if it does, then I guess—” He looks me up and down the way he’s tried since high school. “I won’t cry if it goes to you, Miss Nova. Can I drive it sometime?”
“Nova?”
Startled, I spin toward a deep baritone voice I’ve grown entirely too used to in a ridiculously small amount of time.
Skidding on the small pebbles beneath my feet, I bring my gaze up and stop on Lincoln’s curious stare.
His chin is covered in more stubble today than the last two, but as he pulls his sunglasses up and reveals rested eyes, my heart gives an annoying little jump.
Before I can formulate a single witty thought, Aaron steps forward and attempts to sling his arm over my shoulders.
So, I jam my elbow into his ribs and change his mind.
No, thank you, Pee-Pants Dixon.
“A more cynical man might wonder if you’re following him,” Lincoln teases, hanging his glasses off the front of his shirt and setting his hands on his hips. “First the bank, now the car lot?”
“Funny,” I drawl. “I could say the same about you. Last I checked, you’re looking for a house loan. A new car isn’t really in your budget.”
He grins, his chest bouncing with silent laughter.
The fact I notice his chest at all irritates me.
“My budget has to stretch far enough for a car, because I’m currently driving a loaner, and its daily fees cost almost as much as my monthly rent.
It’s like burning money.” He glances over my shoulder, tipping his chin toward the workshop. “That black RAM caught my eye.”
“No way.” I spin on my heels and stalk toward my new truck like my ass is on fire. “I was looking at this one, and until I’ve decided, it’s not available for your inspection.”
Rocks crackle underneath Lincoln and Aaron’s feet. But I don’t turn to watch their approach until I’m already at the driver’s side door, pulling it open and tugging on the latch for the hood to release. “Aaron,” I meet my friend’s eyes, “you don’t get to sell this out from under me.”
“Sounds like we’ve got ourselves an auction.
” He rolls onto the backs of his heels and beams. “Highest bidder walks away with my truck. Which’ll make me sad.
But the commission I’ll make off you suckers sure will cheer me up again.
And, as an added bonus, I’ll get a front row show of Nova Nichols throwing a tantrum the way I haven’t seen in a while. ”
“I don’t throw tantrums.” I come around to the hood and push it high, yanking up the stand so the heavy steel won’t smack the back of my head and trap me while I’m inspecting… things. Like, oil and stuff. I know what I’m looking at. “Don’t make me tell Lincoln about that time in my backyard.”
Quick as a flash, Aaron’s hands cover his crotch, his mouth snapping closed with a yelp.
That’s what I thought.
“Pick a different truck to buy, Lincoln.” I show him the smile that usually gets me the things I want. “But could you come on over here and help me?”
Amused, he saunters across and sets his arms on the top of the engine bay. “Help you how?”
“With the motor and stuff.” I pull the dipstick out like I truly believe I’m some kind of pro. “You and Ry worked together, right? Means you know engines.”
“How do you figure that?” He reaches across and pushes the dipstick back in until it clicks. I didn’t know it was supposed to click. “What makes you think I know a damn thing about engines?”
“Because you worked in the motor pool.” I drag my gaze around and stop on his darkened eyes. “You said you worked together. I figured that meant—”
“No. Of course.” Clearing his throat, he drops his gaze back to the motor, heavy brows casting shadows over the tops of his cheeks.
He scratches the side of his neck and tries—but fails—to hide his scowl.
“I just meant, what makes you think I’m gonna help?
I want this truck, too. Wouldn’t it be in my best interest to screw your deal and take it for myself? ”
Testing just how far he’ll go to secure that coffee date, I flutter my lashes. “For Ry? He’d want you to do the right thing, don’t you think?”
“Wow!” He stumbles back, eyes comically wide. “Wow! Are you seriously pulling that shit already? So soon, Nova Nichols?” Chuckling, he shakes his head. “Low blow.”
“You think so?” I wrinkle my nose and pray Ryan doesn’t smack me the second I walk through Heaven’s gates. “Was it really bad?”
“Lower than the depths of Hades. Jesus Christ. Fine.” Pinching the bridge of his nose, he steps forward again and studies the engine bay. “It’s yours, assuming it ain’t a piece of shit. I won’t bid against you for it.”
“Aw, man,” Aaron grumbles. “You just ruined everything. Now, not only don’t we get a bidding war, but Nov is gonna haggle me down until I wanna hang myself with my shoelaces.”
Curious, Lincoln’s lips flatten into a firm line as he studies me.
I nod. It’s true.
“I’m gonna take it for a test drive.” I peek over my shoulder and wait for Aaron’s eyes. “Keys, please.”