Page 52 of Bossy Mountain Daddies
His expression softens. "Yeah, Skye. We will."
I watch him drive away, feeling like my life has become a complex equation I don't know how to solve.
The sharp smell of motor oil greets me as I enter Jed's garage. He's bent over the engine of a pickup truck, classic rock playing from an ancient radio in the corner.
"Hello," I call out.
Jed straightens, wiping his hands on his jeans. "Well, if it ain't my favorite city girl," he says, but his usual smile fades quickly. "I got some news you ain't gonna like."
My stomach drops. "What's wrong?"
He gestures toward the back corner where Poppy sits, its hood open and looking like a patient on an operating table. "That cylinder head I told you about? Got here yesterday. Turns out it's more beat up than the seller let on."
"Can you still use it?" I ask, already knowing the answer from his expression.
He shakes his head. "Wouldn't trust it. I've got a line on another one, but it's gonna be at least another week, maybe more."
I close my eyes briefly. Another week stranded in Flounder Ridge. Another week of uncertainty, of whatever this thing is with Griff, Buck, and Ford. And now, with the Daniel complication...
"I'm real sorry," Jed continues. "I know you're itching to get on the road."
"It's okay," I tell him. "It's not your fault and I really appreciate everything you’re doing."
He nods. "I'll keep you posted. That's a promise."
"Thanks, Jed."
Outside, the afternoon sun beats down on the pavement. I start walking toward Devil's Pass, my mind spinning like a hamster wheel. I'm broke, my car is still not operational, my ex-boyfriend is threatening to throw my belongings in the street, and I'm involved with not one but three men in this tiny town—one of whom is my ex's father.
My phone vibrates in my pocket. Charlotte's name flashes on the screen, and I feel a rush of relief at hearing from my friend.
"Hey," I answer, trying to sound normal.
"Skye! What’s up, girl? Any word on your car?"
I laugh, but it comes out sounding strangled. "I just stopped by the mechanic’s shop and it’s still not ready. There’s one part he hasn’t been able to get yet.” I don’t bother to go into more detail—it’s complicated and boring.
"Shit, are you okay? You don’t sound good."
"Things are a little complicated right now."
"Complicated how?" Charlotte's voice sharpens with concern.
I take a deep breath. "Remember Daniel?"
"Your cheating ex? Kind of hard to forget him."
"Well, I just found out that the owner of the bar I'm working at—the guy I've been..." I trail off.
"The one you slept with? What about him?" Charlotte prods.
"He's Daniel's father."
There's a beat of silence, then: "I'm sorry, WHAT?"
"I know, it's insane. I didn't know until today when Daniel showed up at Griff's house and caught us together." The memory makes my cheeks burn.
"Holy fucking shit," Charlotte breathes. "That's... I don't even have words. How did that even happen?
