Chapter 4
Four
Iroll under a Chrysler to inspect the exhaust, my thoughts irritatingly returning to Jacqui.
Remy and I hang out with her after work on a regular basis. We talk, smoke, laugh. She’s come to several of our games and cheered us on, and I like it more than I want to admit. She blends in with our tight-knit group like she’s been here for years instead of weeks.
The more I get to know her, the more I want to know.
She’s authentic in a refreshing way. Doesn’t pretend to be something she’s not.
Doesn’t slather on the face goop a lot of chicks do that hides their allure versus enhancing it like they think.
Doesn’t back down or cower around others but speaks her mind. And yeah—she’s damn easy on the eyes.
Jacqui has danger written all over her. She’s a combination of brains and beauty with that natural, intangible quality I just fucking dig. But I’m strong willed, happy to enjoy her friendship and nothing more.
Except I’m staring at this dirty, greasy undercarriage and still seeing nothing but the girl next door.
And there’s no use not copping to checking her out.
I mean, I’m not blind. Her eyes are big and golden with a burst of rusty orange, almost like sunrays—and her long lashes frame those irises like the work of art they are.
There’s a vulnerability to her coupled with a dish-it-back sass I find damn appealing.
It doesn’t help that her gaze regularly latches on mine, doing all kinds of things to boost my ego, which I’m trying hard to couch.
Fuck. I squeeze my eyes shut. I need to focus.
Is she into me—or just being friendly? Maybe I’m reading more into the situation.
And it’s not what I want…she’s not what I want.
Well, she might be if I wasn’t at this juncture.
I don’t want anything heavy with a girl right now.
Haven’t since…yeah, not thinking about that.
But I sure as hell don’t want Remy sinking his teeth into her either.
My hand curls into a fist knowing he’s already laying the foundation.
I hope he keeps his greedy dick to himself.
Then again, I think Jacqui’s smart enough to steer clear of his bullshit.
I stare into the void above me—greasy, dirty, dark—and remind myself that Jacqui’s not my problem or my business. She can take care of herself.