Page 15 of Stuck with my Mechanic Daddies

Her voice lacked the usual sharp, guarded edge. She just sounded tired.

And that, more than anything, made me stop fooling around.

I leaned back, studying her. “It’s not all bad, you know.”

She met my gaze, skeptical. “You're just saying that because you grew up here.”

“Well, yeah. But also because it’s true.” I flashed her a grin. “Besides, now you’ve met me. Which, let’s be honest, is a huge point in Medford’s favor.”

Aurora rolled her eyes, but there was the smallest twitch at the corner of her lips.

There it was.

That was the thing about me—people didn’t stay mad when I was around.

I didn’t let them. Because life was too short to sit around brooding, and from the looks of it, Aurora had been brooding for a long time.

“You really think you're that charming, huh?” she asked, tilting her head.

I winked. “I don’t think. I know.”

She shook her head and grabbed another fry. “Unbelievable.”

But she wasn’t stabbing them anymore.

Progress.

Aurora was still looking at me like she couldn’t decide if she wanted to roll her eyes or throw her coffee in my face.

I flashed her my most winning grin. “Tell you what, city girl, how about I buy you a drink? You can spend the whole time insulting me if you want. I won’t even complain.”

She snorted. “Tempting, but I don’t do pity drinks.”

“Oh, sweetheart, I’d never ask for your pity. Just your company.” I rested my chin on my hand, watching her with amusement. “Besides, you look like you could use a drink.”

She exhaled, drumming her fingers against the table. She wanted to say no. I could see it in the way her jaw tightened, in the way she weighed the pros and cons like she was debating a major life decision.

Finally, she let out a resigned sigh. “Fine. One drink.”

I grinned. “That's the spirit.”

She pointed a fry at me. “But if you get on my nerves, I’m leaving.”

I held up my hands. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

Lucky’s Bar was packed for a Thursday night, but we managed to find a booth near the back.

Aurora had that wary look again, like she wasn’t sure what she was doing here, but I could already tell she was more relaxed than she’d been at the diner.

“Pick your poison,” I said, sliding the drink menu toward her.

She glanced at it briefly before handing it back. “Whiskey. Neat.”

I raised a brow. “Damn. No-nonsense. I like it.”

She smirked. “Did you think I was going to order a cosmo?”

“I don’t know, Aurora,” I teased, drawing out her name. “You seem like the kind of woman who is full of surprises.”

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