Page 60 of Business Casual

I took a deep breath before I turned around to face him. I opened my mouth to speak but the words didn’t come out.

His face fell when he saw mine. “Imani…” He cupped my cheeks and searched my eyes. “What happened? What’s wrong?”

Quick breaths escaped me as I tried to speak. Staring into his eyes, I pointed to the tires.

He followed my finger and then reacted. “Oh shit!” He looked back at me. “How did that happen?”

I shook my head. I didn’t want him to think I was mixed up in drama. “I’m not sure.”

But I have my suspicions.

“Okay, let’s get this towed to the shop of your choice and then I’ll take you home or wherever you need to go.”

I blinked a few times. “You have things to do. I can’t ask you to do that,” I whispered hoarsely.

“You didn’t ask.” His right hand coasted down my jaw and wrapped around my neck. “And I got you.”

My heart thumped in my chest. The swell of emotion I felt was unexpected.

“Come sit in my car,” he demanded, placing his hand on the small of my back.

We walked to the next row of cars and then climbed into his Porsche.

I stared at his profile as he called the tow company. I was trying to be discreet about it, but then he looked over suddenly.

“Where do you want them to take it?”

My eyes widened as I got caught. “Uh, Jimmy’s Autobody Shop on Sixth Street,” I answered, heat creeping up my neck.

I wasn’t embarrassed, but I hoped I wasn’t staring at him like a lovesick schoolgirl.

He smiled and continued the conversation with the tow company.

Damn. I guess I did look lovesick.

Shifting my eyes from him, I pulled my phone out of my bag and called Jimmy. When he didn’t answer, I left a message.

“Hey Jimmy, it’s me—Imani. I um…”—I hesitated— “I’m going to have The Mustang towed to the shop because the tires were slashed. I’m so sorry. I’m… so sorry. I’ll be there soon.”

After a few seconds of silence, Tre reached over and lifted my chin. “The tow truck will be here in ten minutes.”

“You didn’t have to do that. I’m sorry I’m taking up your time,” I apologized.

“There’s no reason for you to apologize,” he argued.

“I can’t ruin your dayandJimmy’s day.” I let my head fall back and closed my eyes. “That’s too much ruin for one day.”

“You’re not ruining anything.” He let out a little chuckle. “You have to relax.”

I opened my left eye. “This isn’t funny, Tre. He loves his cars. The Mustang is like a child to him, and I damaged his child. He trusted me and I let him down.”

“No, it’s not funny. I just haven’t seen you like this before… It’s kinda cute.”

I threw my arms up. “You don’t understand. I’m supposed to pick up my car today from the shop. Now I’m leaving his car in need of repair.”

“It’s just tire damage,” he reasoned, grabbing my hand. “It could’ve happened to anyone. You could’ve run over something.”

I pointed in the direction of The Mustang. “Like what?”

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