Chapter 17
“So, you and Addison, huh?” Cade asked as he leaned on his tool bench.
Nash bit back a sigh and reached deeper into the engine compartment of the old Bel Air. “What are you talking about?”
“I have it on good authority that more happened than a baseball game and some vandalism.”
He dropped his chin to his chest. “Laney.”
“Guessed it in one. I’m happy for you, man. Why didn’t you mention it yesterday when we repaired her window?” Cade held out a pry bar, anticipating his need correctly.
Nash set his tools on the radiator and turned to face his friend. “It’s new.”
“And…?”
Nash shrugged. “I’m not sure where we stand. She bolted the next morning. Sure, I’ve had a thing for her for months now, but she’s been dodging my moves at every turn. And I’m not just talking about getting her into bed. It took work getting to a friend level. I’m afraid I rushed it.”
“Dude, I know you’re not the type of guy to force a woman. She had to be a willing participant.”
“She was. It was actually her idea. But what if it was the trauma of the vandalism that led to her crawling into my bed? You know what it’s like right after.” Nash had enough deployments in hot zones that he should have known better than to take her up on her offer.
“Don’t.”
“What?”
“I can see you’re beating yourself up. Talk to her, man.”
He tried yesterday, but the ice queen was back. Except this version had a polite smile that was so fake, Nash spotted it the second she walked in the door.
“If it makes you feel any better, from what I hear, she wasn’t upset about it.”
That was good news. “The part I ordered for her car came in. I’m going to finish it after work. Maybe we can talk then.”
“Good idea. Or, you can just ask her out on a real date and see if she accepts.”
“We’ll see.” Nash grabbed the pry bar from Cade’s hand and turned his attention back to the car.
“Whatever you decide, I suggest you do it soon. You know the girls will be watching you two tonight.”
“Right? The game.” Cade and Laney invited the gang over to watch the Twins game. Great. He’d have an audience while he groveled.
“Hey, don’t worry. I’ve got your back. I can distract them by weaseling bachelor party info out of Sawyer.”
“Not a chance in hell you’ll find out before the night. Besides, it’s not until next year.” Hell, Nash didn’t know what they were doing yet, and he and Sawyer were planning it. Nash had a few ideas, but knowing Laney’s brother, he’d have something great in mind.
Cade closed up his toolbox and wiped his hands on a shop rag. “Do you need any help on Addison’s car?”
“No, I’m good.”
“Okay. I’ll see you later.” Cade threw his rag in the bin and headed out.
Nash checked the time. He had about thirty more minutes on this job, then he could punch out and switch to Addison’s. His thoughts wandered to the woman. Was she still in the office? She could have gotten a ride home.
As if he had conjured her up, she walked through the shop door. He scrutinized her body language, looking for signs of hesitation.
She dropped her gaze to the ground.
Damn.
Addison fought not to run a hand down her skirt. It didn’t help that Nash’s biceps and forearms were tempting. She had run her tongue along every twisty muscle.
He flexed.
She clenched her thighs. What was her problem? She’d never been this worked up over talking to a man before. It didn’t matter if she’d been naked with him or not.
He shot her a meek smile.
She bit her lip. This man would be the death of her. Suck it up, Addison.
“Hey, I was just about to start working on your car. Do you want to help?”
She glanced down at her skirt and heels. “I’m not really dressed for it.”
“You could keep me company if you want. Pull up a stool.”
“I was going to do inventory in the parts room, but…” She glanced longingly at her escape, then exhaled. They needed to talk. “Give me twenty minutes.”
“Sure.”
Don’t run. Don’t run. Addison slowed her pace, even though she was itching to sprint from his sight.
In the parts room, she opened her laptop and started counting parts.
The mundane task did nothing to refocus her mind.
She replayed every interaction she and Nash had had in the last few weeks.
Especially the night she’d spent in his arms. While that was a highlight of her memory reel, it wasn’t the one that popped to the top.
Nash with his parents. With his son. With her when someone had vandalized her car and her home.
Friends. That’s what he’d called them, but Sunday night, that changed. If she were being honest, it was before that.
She was so confused. How could she have been so wrong about him? She would have sworn on her first contest crown he was a player. Could she believe he wasn’t?
Her father had been as handsome as Nash. Addison had seen the pictures, and her mom had believed her father was a good guy… right up until he cheated and left them for a blackjack dealer.
Her whole life, Addison had dated the pretty boys, knowing the chances of a long-term relationship would be slim.
She entered the last part number quantity into her spreadsheet and saved the document. She leaned back, catching a glimpse of Nash in the shop through the open door.
Only one way to find out if he’s the staying kind. She closed her eyes and swallowed. Could she put her heart on the line? Truly? She thought back over all her relationships. She’d never really stuck it out. Not when it got tough.
She dropped onto the stool. It was her. She was just like her father. Tears trapped in her eyes.
What a hell of a time to figure that out. She’d finally met a guy who ticked all her boxes, and instead of latching on tight, here she sat, freaking out.
“Hey. Can you give me a hand?” Nash’s voice was close. Too close.
She sniffled, blinked a couple of times, then turned to face him. “Sure.”
“Whoa. What’s wrong?” Nash reached for her, but stopped. He wiped his hands on his pants.
“Nothing.” She jumped up.
“Addison. Don’t do this. Talk to me.”
She inhaled as much strength as air. On an exhale, she smiled. It was weak, and she knew it. “I just realized… I’m scared.”
“Hey. Don’t be. I’m here. Whoever is doing this stuff won’t touch you. I promise.” He framed her face with his hands.
“I know. That’s what scares me. Not the creep pulling these stunts.”
He frowned.
“I’m scared of you.”
Nash pulled back. “Me?”
“Us.” She squeezed her eyes shut and mustered up some courage. “You’re perfect. That scares me.”
He snorted. “Thanks, but I’m far from perfect. You haven’t tasted my cooking yet.”
She swatted his arm in jest. “Not perfect like that. I realized I’ve dated a lot of perfect men. Or mostly perfect.”
He frowned. “And…?”
“And I was the one who didn’t stay. Me. I want it all, but I ran if it wasn’t right. So here I stand, looking at you, and I’m scared.”
Nash paused for a moment, then linked his fingers with hers. “I’m scared too. How about we take it one day at a time?”
She nodded.
“Come on. I can use your help. You don’t even have to get dirty.”
She tugged him back. “Friends?”
His Adam’s apple bobbed, and the corners of his mouth hitched up. “Sure. If that’s what you want?”
“Nash. I want to be friends… and I want more.” I want it all. She couldn’t force the last words out. Instead, she brushed her lips against his, hoping he could feel the words she was too scared to voice.
Nash juggled the bottle of wine, a case of beer, and the dog leash as he rang the bell. A flurry of yips came from the other side of the door.
Laney opened the door, holding Daisy in her arms.
She grinned at Max, then raised her gaze to Nash. “I’m so glad you brought him. This one’s been dying for a playdate.” She closed the door behind them.
He unclipped the leash and let the littermates run off to play. “Here, I brought this for you.” He handed the wine over, hoping it was something the girls would like. All Cade said was white. So, Nash picked up a bottle at the liquor store on the way over.
“Thanks, I’ll take it to the kitchen. The game starts in a few minutes.”
Marti and Addison both looked up from their places at the counter when he entered the kitchen.
Nash nodded at Marti, but his gaze lingered on Addison.
He’d spent the last couple of hours with her, fixing her car, but beyond their brief conversation, they didn’t talk about their relationship.
Okay, they decided they were more than friends.
Should he hug her? Kiss her? He really wanted to claim her right here and now, in front of their friends, but something in his gut held him back.
It had been a long road to get to this point.
The last thing he wanted to do was muck it up.
The room went quiet. Marti and Laney both waited. Their gazes ping-ponged between Addison and Nash.
What had Addison said to them? He watched her, waiting for a sign.
Her lip twitched—the tiniest uptick.
Nash had his answer. He grinned, his full focus on her. Crossing to her, he leaned in for a kiss.
As his lips met hers, she sighed. He was vaguely aware of the cheers behind him.
“It’s about time,” Cade said as he walked through the back door, Sawyer on his heels. “Damn, there goes my chance with Addison.” Sawyer chuckled.
“Oh, please, like you had any feelings for me that weren’t sisterly.” Addison flicked her hair over her shoulder and laughed.
“True. But it was worth it just to see the look on Laney’s face when I said that.”
“You know the rule. No dating my besties.” Laney wagged a finger at her brother.
“Babe, can you come look at the burgers?” Cade asked.
She slipped out the door right in front of him.
Sawyer shook his head. “Those two act like a married couple already, and the wedding is still a year away.”
“Cade mentioned something about the bachelor party. I haven’t even started thinking about that yet.” Nash pulled a beer from the case and offered it to Sawyer.
“Ooh, we have the perfect idea for the stagette.” Marti’s grin lit the entire room. Her eyes flickered with excitement.
Nash’s gaze connected with Addison’s. She shrugged. “That’s all Marti. I’m working on the bridal shower.”
“You know. The thing. I told you about it.” Marti prodded.
“Oh yeah. That one.” Addison turned to Nash. “It’s a great idea. We’re going to have a blast.”
“Okay, I’ll bite. What are you doing? A mani-pedi day?” Sawyer asked.
“Sure, we’ll need to polish up before we check out the Sphere.” Marti rubbed her fingernails against her shirt.
“Sphere? As in Vegas?” Nash gaped at the women.
“Shh.” Addison hushed him, cutting her eyes to the open back door.
A moment later, Cade and Laney walked in. He set the burgers on the table. “Grab a plate and dig in.”
“Addison, can you grab the tray of toppings behind you?” Laney pulled a salad from the fridge and set it on the table.
Sawyer sidled up next to Nash with a gleam in his eye. “It’s a good idea.”
A hell of a lot better than a fishing trip up at the cabin. No. Nash shook his head, cutting off his friend’s line of thinking. “We can’t barge in on the girls’ trip.”
“It’s a big city. They wouldn’t even know we’re there.” Sawyer speared a burger with his fork and dropped it on the bun. “Just think about it. We got time. All I’m saying is if we don’t come up with a better plan, it’s a solid choice.”
Nash took a swig of his beer, hoping a better idea would pop up before his friend booked their flights.