Page 20 of Trouble
Babe? Last night he told me he only wanted to be friends and now he’s calling me babe?
Ignoring his request, I headed back downstairs and in the direction of the coffee shop Ianthe worked in. I could get us coffee and some breakfast bagels to keep us going. Maybe we could order in later and spend the night together again… Involved in my fantasies, I hadn’t realized it was my turn to order until Ianthe’s voice cut into my reverie.
“Lyla, what are you doing here?”
I shook myself back to the present, willing myself to focus. “I didn’t know you were working today.”
Ianthe shrugged. “I wasn’t meant to be, but someone called in sick last minute.” She raised her palms to the ceiling. “And being as I’m the only sad singleton here, I’m obviously free.”
“I’m sorry. At least you got to see me though!”
“But I can’t grill you about your weekend with Maddox. What happened? Did you get the car?”
“Can I at least order some food? Then, while I’m waiting, I can tell you everything.” I stalled for time; only too aware I wasn’t going to be telling her much of anything.
“Sure, what’ll you have?” Ianthe effortlessly switched into ‘efficient waitress’ mode, her hand hovering over the till where she’d put in the request.
“Two breakfast bagels, two blueberry muffins and two cappuccinos. All to go, please.”
“Two?” Ianthe eyed me suspiciously. “Who are you getting breakfast with?”
“Who do you think? We have a car project to talk about.”And so much more besides.
Ianthe rolled her eyes. “Great, guess I won’t be seeing you around for a while then.”
“You know how much I’ve wanted to work on this car, how I’ve scrimped and saved to get the cash I needed to buy it. Now it’s a reality.” Given her interests were mostly fashion and food related, I didn’t expect Ianthe to understand.
“I guess. I mean, I get the attraction of working with a hot mechanic, but not so much the car.” She brightened as a thought struck her. “Can we go cruising in the car when it’s done? I’ve never been in an MG before.”
I laughed. “Of course, it’s the perfect man-magnet.”
She beamed. “Two hot chicks in a hot car. We can have anyone we want. Well, except you because you never want anyone other than Maddox Riley.”
Never a truer word was spoken.
When I got back to the garage, Maddox was downstairs in the office, sorting through paperwork on the desk. I guessed it was part of our project plan.
His gaze raked down my body as I stood in the doorway, brandishing the paper bag of goodies in his direction. I was wearing Daisy Dukes, Converse and a wife beater. My hair was pulled up on top of my head in a messy bun, a few tendrils hanging loose around my face.
“What the fuck are you doing to me, Lyla?” he groaned.
“Bringing you breakfast.” I placed the bag on the desk and pulled out the contents.
Maddox devoured the bagel and muffin in record time, as if he hadn’t eaten in days. I was almost too nervous to eat, trying to ignore the knots in my stomach, nibbling on the bagel and carefully sipping my coffee. I couldn’t believe my plans were finally coming to fruition.
Once we’d eaten, I disposed the trash outside and returned to the office, only to find Maddox had disappeared. I hoisted myself onto the desk, dangling my legs over the edge and kicked my heels against the drawers. I was so excited about the prospect of working on a car with him. A whole day spent together, only the two of us. Under a vehicle. I sniggered to myself. Further proof I was stupid in love with this guy.
He came back into the office, his phone glued to his ear. It sounded like he was talking to one of the people who worked with him. He was asking about overtime and working late and how grateful he’d be.
I narrowed my eyes as I eavesdropped on his side of the conversation.
When he hung up, I confronted him.
“You look guilty. What have you done?” I demanded.
“Um, nothing?”
“Were you asking them to work onourcar?” I folded my arms across my chest and pouted.
