Page 47 of Finding You

Nodding, he leaned in a bit and looked at the screen. “And we can see that now?”

Then she walked him through the end of day reports and how to see the most up-to-date financials so he could see every day how the business was doing year to date and so on. “You can personalize what you want to see–like you might not want to do that comparison every day. You might only want to do it once a week. I’m going to make a manual for you and the guys and for whoever you hire after me, so you’ll know how to do all of this.”

It didn’t matter how many times she said it, he still hated to hear she was leaving.

“That all sounds great,” he murmured. “So, um…listen, I was…”

“Ooo! I forgot to tell you,” she began, spinning around in her chair and ending up practically nose to nose with him. “When I stopped at Books & Beans earlier, Jade said your book will be in tomorrow. But I wanted to stop by there on the way home if that’s okay.”

Straightening, Devin frowned down at her. “You don’t have to ask my permission. You can go wherever you want.”

“I know that,” she said with a sweet smile. “But considering that you’re my ride…”

“Um…yeah. About that…”

She held up a hand to stop him. “I can tell by the look on your face that you have something to say that you’re dreading, so let me make it easy for you.”

“O-kay…”

“My car’s not ready,” she stated. “And you’re afraid that I’m going to be upset. But you know what? I’m not.” She paused and cupped his jaw. “You are such a sweet man to be so worried about me, but I would rather know that the car is fixed to your standards than have you rush it because you think that’s what I want.” Pulling him close, she kissed him soundly. “I can’t believe how lucky I am that you were the one who found me on the side of the road.”

Again, this was his cue to tell her the car was ready, but…

“I know you usually have some things to do around here after we close, so why don’t I head down to Books and Beans and you meet me there when you’re done? Then we’ll go home and maybe make some chicken enchiladas for dinner. I’ve got a great recipe for them. We just need to stop at the grocery store for a few things.”

“Um…”

“But if you don’t like Mexican, we can totally do something else. I saw you take the chicken out of the freezer this morning, and all day I’ve been thinking about something fun to make with it. Did you have something in mind?”

“Not really,” he admitted. “Normally I just fry it up and make a vegetable on the side.”

“Well, that’s a little boring.” Hopping off her seat, she patted him on the chest. “You’ve seen what I can do with my chicken parm. I promise if you like Mexican, you’ll enjoy the enchiladas. What do you say?”

“Yeah, that sounds great.” He watched her move around grabbing her purse and pulling out her sunglasses.

“So I’m gonna head down to Books & Beans and just come and get me when you’re done!” Then she got up on her toes and kissed him again before practically skipping out the door.

As soon as she was gone, Devin went back to his own office and collapsed in his chair. He had no idea why he didn’t just correct her and tell her exactly what he was trying to say. And on top of that, he really needed the space in the garage. The Mustang had been taking up the last bay for a week and they had other cars that needed to be seen. His customers depended on him to get their cars fixed in a timely manner and in order to do that, he needed all four bays open and turning cars around as efficiently as possible.

“Tomorrow,” he said firmly. “Tomorrow I’m going to tell her the car is done and just be done with it.”

It all sounded good and he vowed he was going to stick to it because dishonestly really wasn’t his thing.

Feeling better about his decision, he paid a few bills, placed an order for some parts, and then walked around doing his final check of the shop. With everything in place, he washed up, grabbed his keys, and locked up. He could easily walk down to Jade’s shop and meet MacKenzie there, but considering they were heading home from there, it just made sense to drive.

But it still felt ridiculous driving two blocks when it was really within walking distance.

When he parked in front of the coffee shop, he contemplated whether he should go in or just text her. Ultimately, he got out of the truck and went inside and immediately gravitated over to the mystery and thriller section to see if there was anything interesting. The book he ordered was coming in tomorrow, but could you ever really have enough books?

So he scanned the shelves, read a couple of back cover blurbs, and found two that he was going to purchase. When he turned around, he found MacKenzie standing only a few feet away, watching him. “Hey,” he said. “Did you find anything?”

Nodding, she walked over and showed him the three titles she’d chosen. “I have a tablet and I know it’s supposed to make things easier, but I love holding a book in my hands. It’s crazy, but…”

“I’m the same way,” he told her, holding up his two books. “I kind of enjoy reading in bed before going to sleep. It helps me unwind.” Then he chuckled. “Even when they’re thrillers that keep me on the edge of my seat.”

“Hmm…I’m not really a mystery or thriller kind of reader. I love historical romances. Like…seriously love them. Some might call it an addiction, but I don’t care. I get to escape to another time and swept away into a love story.” She sighed happily, hugging the books to her chest. “And now I have three new ones! Yay!”

He loved seeing her happy and relaxed. It was quite a difference from how she looked most of last week.

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