Page 32 of Taming Tesla

“Not looking for Conner,” I say, digging my hand into my pocket to pull out a set of car keys. “I need you to tune it up. New brakes. Tires. Whatever it needs to make a long-distance trip. Whatever it costs. I’ll cover it.”

She takes the keys from me and looks at Cari’s car parked outside. “What’s going on?”

“Cari’s leaving,” I say, bumping my fist against the window frame of the truck before I back away. “She’s moving home.”

This time when she narrows her eyes at me, they stay that way. “This is her home.”

“That’s what I said.” I laugh. I can’t help it. It’s either laugh or scream. “Look, I’ve gotta go. Don’t let her know I brought her car here. You know how she—”

“Tell her, Patrick,” she says, lunging forward to catch my arm, the keys in her hand digging into my elbow. “For fuck’s sake, quit being a pussy and just tell her already.”

“I did, Tess.” I take her by the wrist and pull myself free. “I told her I love her and it didn’t matter—it wasn’t enough. She’s leaving.”

She stares at me for a second, like she’s waiting for me to shout, gotcha! When I don’t, she’s the one who shouts. “Shit!”

I give her wrist a squeeze, telling her I’m sorry, before letting her go. “I’m closing the bar early tonight. Come by around eleven or so—you can help clear out the riffraff.” I grin at her. “I know it’s your favorite.”

“It is,” she says, her chin wobbling around the words for a second before she launches herself at me. “This is my fault.” Her face is smashed against my chest, arms around my waist. “I’m sorry, Cap’n—I should’ve minded my own damn business. Left shit between you two alone.”

I grip her by her arms and push her back. “Do you blame that stupid cat for what happened between you and Declan?”

Tess looks at me, stunned for a second before she understands what I’m saying to her. If not for Shadrach, there probably never would’ve been a Declan and Tess. “No,” she says, wiping tears off her face. “And Shadrach’s not stupid. She’s awesome.”

“So are you.” On impulse, I lean in, pressing a kiss to her forehead before I head out. “See you tonight,” I say over my shoulder. “Bring the cat.”

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