Page 28 of Grease Monkey
March
The auto shop has been the busiest it’s ever been, not that I can complain. I’ve learned more from Dad than I would have if I stayed in Phoenix and got an apprenticeship with some run-of-the-mill mechanic. Ana’s studying has ramped up too, so between car rides to and from school, hot and heavy secret make-out sessions around the corner from our houses on the weekends, and late-night texting, we haven’t managed a second date. A few times, though, I’ve snuck over and climbed up to her bedroom window, all Romeo and Juliet style, holding her in my arms as we watch a movie while her bitch of a mom sleeps. I didn’t think that would bother me as much as it does. I mean, sure, I’m enjoying the fuck out of our over-the-clothes action in my car, but my balls are the bluest they’ve ever been, and that has to be some medical issue, right?
But it’s more than that. I’ve never wanted to spend as much of my free time as possible with a girl quite like the way I do with Ana. I know she feels the same way too; I feel it with every kiss. I can also see the guilt eating her up as we try to hide what we mean to each other from her parents. Her desire to keep her mom happy while taking something for herself is causing her added stress. So while we are still testing out whatever this is between us, I’ll keep being her secret. I know Ana isn’t doing it because she’s embarrassed about us.
The promise to treat her like a queen still rings in my head too. Every time my hand slips to the waistband of her skirt or her leggings or jeans, it’s like the hem is laced with electric fencing. Not that Ana’s noticed my turmoil as I snap my hand away and thrust it into my pocket, keeping the damn thing away from temptation. I know she wants more. The whimpers that used to escape her every time our lips touch have morphed into little moans. Her body now migrates effortlessly to mine, either from across the center console—so it wouldn’t take much to pull her over and onto my lap—or damn near lying on top of me when we’re on her bed. But I’m trying to be good, damn it.
“You want to go into town tonight? Try to bag some college girls?” Harry asks, finishing the decal for some skater dude who wanted flames running along the side of his car. Fucking ugly, but whatever.
“Nah, man. Busy,” I say, winding jumper cables around my arm before taking them to a wall filled with hooks.
“What’s her name?”
I pause, my hand mid-air. “What makes you assume there’s someone?”
“You never come out anymore, and you’ve stopped telling me all about your dirty antics.”
“I never told you things to begin with.”
He huffs. “You didn’t have to. It’s like a sixth sense. Plus, your mood changes the day after you’ve railed a girl to within an inch of her life.” He winks. “I’m the same way, dude.”
“You’re an idiot,” I say, and because I want him to drop it, I add, “She’s just someone from my neighborhood.”
“I knew it,” he exclaims, far too interested in my sex life. Honestly, why do people care so much? Him, my parents? It’s weird. “You fucked her yet?”
I miss the hook, the cables clattering to the ground. “What is wrong with you?”
“That’s a no, then.” Harry laughs, running a clean cloth along the wheel arch. “She not putting out?”
“Fuck you, man.”
Harry whistles low. “You are a cranky boy when you’re not getting your dick wet. That’s a shame. You know those “girl next door” types are always secretly filthy sluts. Wonder why she’s not—”
I round on him, forgetting all about the messed-up jump leads and pushing him against the white Camaro with the ugly flames. “Say that again. I dare you.”
A loud beeping has me stepping back. Customers don’t need to see this shit. A cute little lime green Bug pulls into the forecourt, coming to a screeching halt, and then Shay pops her head out of the driver’s window.
“Teddy Bear!” she sings, and I groan.
“Shay.” I nod in greeting as she flings her door wide. Gently, the passenger side opens, and then my girl steps out, a shy blush dotting her cheeks as she offers a small wave.
I stalk toward her, my face splitting in two as I grip her hips and look down at her. She drags her gaze up the length of my overalls, heat blazing in her green eyes.
“Hey, baby,” I say, pressing my lips to hers. “This is a nice surprise.”
“Shay’s car needs servicing,” she says. Her eyes widen as she hears the innuendo. “I mean…”
I laugh, kissing her again because I can’t help it. “I know what you mean.”
“And who else would be better to do that than my BFF’s boyfriend?” Shay says, throwing her arms around both our shoulders.
Boyfriend.
I tense.
“Oh shit, I messed up, didn’t I?” Shay says, wincing at Ana, who pales. “Well, this is awkward. I’m just going to…” Dropping her arms, she turns to Harry, who has been watching the whole time. “Hi, I’m Shay…”
“I’m sorry about her.” Ana grimaces. “I don’t know why she would say that.”
