Page 49 of Love Is Ale You Need

“Shit.” I plop down in one of the chairs. “I’ll have to ask Marcie if she can wait for Abby for me.” I pull out my phone and send her a quick text.

Trey takes the seat next to me. “So, is this considered another date?”

“At the tire shop?”

“Sure. They have food and beverages.” He jumps to his feet. “What would you like? Chocolate chip cookie? Blueberry scone?”

“Chocolate chip cookie, please.”

“Coffee? Water?”

“Water.”

Trey collects two bottles of water in one hand and two cookies in the other. Before sitting down, he passes me one of each.

“A meal and a conversation. This is totally a date.”

I shake my head. It’s almost impossible to argue with his logic. “If you say so.” I sink my teeth into the soft cookie, the chocolate melting on my tongue. At least, one thing has gone right today. This cookie is delicious.

Trey’s knee brushes against my crossed leg. “So I was thinking. Um. I would like to meet your daughter.”

When he’s finished, he spares a glance at me as if he’s a little timid in asking me, which is the completely opposite of the Trey I’m used to.

“You would?”

“Yeah.” He shrugs a shoulder. “She’s your entire world and I want to be a part of it, too.”

I’m torn. On one hand, I enjoy my time with Trey. He’s so sweet and makes me laugh, but this isn’t what I’ve been looking for. Then there’s Abby. I haven’t introduced her to anyone I’ve dated. But we’re not dating. “It’s a big step. Weird step. She’s never met anyone I’ve been…”

“Friends with?”

A humorless laugh escapes me. “Something like that. Can I think about it?”

The corner of his lips tip up into a small smile. “Of course.” He jumps to his feet and holds out his hand for my crumpled napkin.

My phone buzzes and I pull it out of my pocket. Marcie lets me know she’ll wait for Abby at the bus stop. When Trey hasn’t returned, I glance up, and he’s talking to Clint behind the counter. Trey glances my way and flashes me his sexy dimpled smirk. A couple of minutes later, he returns to his seat.

“What was that about?” I ask.

“I wanted to make sure he got the correct tires.”

My brows pinch together. Why would he ask the tire guy about the right tires to use? It doesn't make sense. But it’s Trey. He does a lot of things that only make sense to Trey. I brush off the thought. Instead, I mentally plan what I can do to save to pay for the new tires.

When my SUV is done, Clint calls me to the counter. He passes me an envelope of paperwork along with my keys. “You’re all set.”

“What do I owe you?”

“Nothing.”

My gaze twists to Trey, and he flashes me a half-smile. Shock settles in that Trey had something to do with the paid in full receipt.

Clint adds, “It’s all paid for. There’s also paperwork in there for an extended warranty on all four tires. If you ever drive over a nail or if a tire needs to be replaced for whatever reason, it’s covered.”

“Wait. All four?”

“Yes. All four have been replaced.”

“Thank you,” I sputter out. Still in disbelief. I grab my keys and paperwork and spin around. Trey’s waiting for me by the front door, hands in his pockets, acting coy. As I approach, he pushes the door open for me.

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