Page 20 of The Manny

“I never saw me that way either. But life had other plans.”

He nodded. “Yeah. Sorry about your sister. I realize her death is why you’re in this situation.”

“Thanks. It’s a nightmare all right.”

He bit his lower lip. “In other news, I need a ride home. Hope that’s okay.”

“Of course.” I was used to our little ritual. He’d drive the new car to my shop, I’d take him home, and he’d invite me in and try to get me drunk. It was a little game we played which I didn’t mind. He was attractive and it was fun to flirt with him. We’d never actually slept together, but we’d come close a few times.

“Thanks for taking such good care of me, Jack,” he said softly.

“My pleasure.” I gestured toward my car. “Shall we go?”

“Yep.” He moved past me, after giving his new car one last caress. “See you tomorrow, baby.”

I laughed. “You treat your cars like lovers.”

“How would you know? You’ve never let me get that far with you.” He smirked.

“That’s because I know you only want what you can’t have.” I reached up and grabbed hold of the roll-up door, yanking it down with force. I straightened and rubbed my hands on my jeans. “I don’t want to lose my best customer.”

“No way. Can’t get rid of me that easy.”

“That’s what they all say.” I locked the padlock and strolled to my car. He joined me, and we got in.

As he buckled his seatbelt, he said, “I’ll admit, I do like the chase.”

“Yeah, I know.” I chuffed and started my car. Backing out of the parking space, I glanced over at him. “The chase is the best part.”

His eyes glittered in the dim light. “Actually, I prefer the catch andreleasepart.”

I snorted a laugh. “We’re entering the sexual innuendo part of the evening early tonight. Usually you wait until you’ve had a few drinks.”

He shrugged. “I’m mixing it up a little. I don’t want to be predictable.”

“I’m surprised you’re flirting at all. I’d heard a rumor you were seeing someone steadily. Did that fall through?”

“It always falls through. I don’t think I’m made for long relationships. That’s why I like my cars so much. They don’t complain or get all clingy just because I’m busy.”

“Amen.” I nodded, accelerating down the main road.

He reached over and put his hand on the back of my neck. “That’s one reason I’m drawn to you. I know you don’t want anything serious either. It’s refreshing.”

His hand was warm against my skin. “Lots of guys don’t want anything serious.”

“That’s what they say,” he murmured, stroking my skin. “But many of them are lying. Secretly, they want to bag the rich guy.”

“I suppose that’s true.”

“Not you though.”

“No. Not me.” I sighed.

He removed his hand from my neck. “My old man couldn’t be faithful either. It might be in my DNA to need variety.”

“Or you’re just selfish and you want what you want.”

He laughed. “Or that.”

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