Page 163 of Ransom

"I had to convince him it wasn't hush money or anything illegal." Ransom's lips quirk up. "He grilled me for almost two hours about my intentions."

"Toward me or the garage?"

"Both." He steps closer, and my skin prickles with awareness. "Actually, mostly about you. He wanted to make sure I wasn't here to hurt you again."

"Matt did that?" I hadn't realized how protective Matt was. It's sweet, and while it feels a bit condescending, it's also something a good friend would do, so I'm okay with it.

"Yep. Your employee has your back. He wouldn't take the money until he was satisfied I wasn't going to mess things up for you."

I lean against the workbench, crossing my arms. "And what did you tell him?"

"The truth." Ransom's eyes lock with mine. "That I've loved you for twenty-five years and I'm not leaving again."

My heart stumbles. Even after everything that's happened this week, hearing him say it so plainly makes my breath catch.

"He also wanted to know if I remembered how to change oil." Ransom's grin breaks the intensity. "He was a bit of an asshole about it, actually. I respect that."

"And clearly you passed his test."

"With flying colors." He picks up a socket wrench, twirling it in his hands. "Though I think the money might have helped seal the deal."

I shake my head, laughing. "I can't believe he took your money."

"Said something about finally being able to take his sister and her kid on vacation." Ransom shrugs. "Seems like a win-win to me."

I guess it is.

The phone's shrill ring cuts through our conversation. I head to the office, leaving Ransom with the Chevy he's working on.

"McKenna's Auto Repair."

Mrs. Henderson's familiar voice comes through. "Blair, dear. My check engine light came on."

"Again?" I grab my scheduling book. "Want me to take a look next week?"

"If you could. And maybe an oil change while you're at it?"

I pencil her in for Tuesday at ten. "See you then, Mrs. H."

As I hang up, my deposit book catches my eye. Crap. The bank closes in thirty minutes.

I grab the stack of checks and paperwork, then peek into the garage bay. Ransom's got his head under the Chevy's hood, muscles shifting as he works.

"Hey." I tap his shoulder. "I need to run to the bank before they close. You good here?"

He straightens up, wiping his hands. "Want company?"

"Someone needs to watch the shop." I gesture at the Chevy. "Besides, you've got work to do."

"Yes, ma'am." His eyes crinkle at the corners. He reaches for me, then stops, looking at his greasy hands. I love that he reaches for me.

I grab his coveralls and pull him down for a quick kiss. "Try not to break anything while I'm gone."

I feel his grin against my lips. "No promises."

The spring air hits my face as I step outside. Crossing the square, I can't help glancing back at the garage. Through the open bay door, I see Ransom, arms crossed loosely over his chest, watching me. I wave at him, and a slow grin curves his lips. Then he waves back. The sight makes my chest warm in a way I've never felt before. It's not love. It's deeper than that. But I don't have a name for it.

I clutch my deposit book and head toward the bank, my lips still tingling from our kiss.

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