Page 60 of Jumping In

My cheeks hurt as I beam up at him, nodding. “Yes! Oh, my god, I could take so many pictures of you working on cars—that would definitely be a good advertisement! The bookstagram girlies would probably repost the shit out of your stuff.”

He chuckles and shakes his head as he hands my laptop back.

As he walks to the mini fridge in the corner, he offers me a water. Handing one to me, he takes a seat next to me on the couch. I set my laptop on the coffee table and pull out my phone, checking Facebook and then Instagram.

“Oh, honey! Guess what movie they’re showing tomorrow.” I smack his arm gently as he groans and rolls his eyes. “Oh, come on! It’s a classic! You love this movie too.”

“They’re playingFerris Bueller?” he asks. I laugh, shaking my head. “Babe, that sixty-one Spyder in that movie was sick!” I laugh harder. There’s my grease monkey nerd coming out.

“Mac, no. We used to watch this one all the time over the summer.” Hisface is blank, so I try a hint. “You’re killin’ me smalls!”

“Just tell me then, goofy!” My jaw drops because he didn’t even pick up the very-obvious hint.

“Ijustdid.” He looks at me like I have two heads. “The Sandlot!”

“Okay, wow. That phrase is a regular saying now. How was I to know you were quoting the movie?”

Rolling his eyes, he leans into my space, grabbing my thigh and pressing in on each side with his thumb and forefinger. I squeal and wiggle, trying to get away from the tickle attack.

“Stop,” I whine while still trying to escape. Mac slides his hand up my thigh, no longer tickling but squeezing gently. I lean toward him, meeting him part of the way, and press my lips to his.

“So, I’m guessing you want to go tomorrow night?” he asks. I nod enthusiastically. Mac scrubs his hand down his face. “Alright. But can we sit in the back? I’m sure I will be the hot topic tomorrow, and I don’t know if I can deal, but I don’t want to ruin the night for you if you really want to go.”

I lean into him and kiss him again, sliding my hands up his chest and around his neck. “Yeah, we can sit in the back and sneak out if the town can’t keep their mouths shut.”

He rests his forehead against mine and nods.

Now that the trial is over, I’d hoped things would settle down, but maybe Mac is right—maybe the town will continue to talk about him for who knows how long. I’ve always hated the town rumor mill. People are always so quick to talk about others behind their backs. It’s a small town; we should celebrate small wins and support each other. Not cut them down every chance we get.

Chapter 22

Mac

July 19

Mid-July in Oakridge is not for the faint of heart—or for leather seats. Between the couch at the shop and now the seats in my car, I make a note to invest in some seat covers or at least a nice piece of cloth to cover the passenger seat for MJ. Her legs squelch as she adjusts herself in the passenger seat on our way to Movie in the Park. My knuckles are white from gripping the steering wheel and my jaw is sore from clenching it. The last thing I wanted to do after my trial on Monday was a town event, but I have a hard time saying no to the girl sitting next to me.

MJ places her hand on my thigh and squeezes gently. I glance over and see her bottom lip between her teeth. Apparently, I’m not the only one on edge. I place my hand on top of hers and sigh.

“We don’t have to go,” she blurts.

I slide my hand under hers and flip it palm up, lacing my fingers with hers to squeeze three times. She smiles.

“I love you,” I whisper, but the worry in her eyes hasn’t dissipated. “We’re going, okay? It’s just gossip, right? Who cares what they think?”

She nods but has yet to release her lip. “It’s going to be fine. It’s family movie night, no one is going to make a scene. There will be talk, I’m sure. But . . .” I trail off. But what? The rumors don’t bother me, but I’m afraid they’ll bother MJ. She’s never liked how easily people cut each other down here. What if it makes her want to leave again? What if it’s too much? She’s inserting herself right into the talk of the town by being with me.

“You’re right,” MJ says, pulling me from my thoughts. “It’s going to be fine. Our friends will be there, and we’re going to have a good time.” She smiles weakly and I smile back.

We pull into the gravel driveway at the shop, and I park, hustling to help MJ out of the car while she waits patiently for me. Peeling her legs from the leather seat, MJ exits the car. Her giggle keeps me from frowning.

“I promise I’m going to cover those seats next time, okay?” I tip my head under hers and look up at her.

She nods, and I capture her lips in a chaste kiss. She slips her hand into mine and we both turn to walk toward the grassy area in the middle of town.

My phone buzzes in my pocket but I ignore it as we walk. It stops and then starts up again immediately.

“Hang on, MJ.” I pull my phone out and see it’s Jake calling me. That’s odd, he doesn’t usually call. I gesture to MJ and she nods, waiting with me while I take the call. “Hello?”

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