Joshua Healy (The Mitchell/Healy Family #10)
Jennifer Foor
Chapter 1
Joshua
She’s exquisite, from her molded, curvaceous frame, to the way she handles when pushed to extremes. I’ve dreamed of this day for years, and as I stand and watch as she’s turned on, I know there’s no way I’m walking out of this establishment without taking her for a ride.
I hear the sound of the salesmen revving the engine, almost being able to arouse me as she purrs. “Okay, I’m convinced,” I declare to the two men I’m in the company of, while running my hands alongside her rear bumper. The cherry red color of the Shelby captured my attention from the moment she arrived on the lot. I’d been contemplating looking into a new purchase, against my father’s advice of waiting until I had a place of my own. Everything I do is the opposite of what he suggests. At the end of the day, this buy is my choice.
The man, looking to be around my dad’s age, steps out of the car, leaving me to stare at the dark ebony leather material. She’s sleek and furious all at the same time, exactly what I look for in my cars, but also my women.
Then my brother-in-law, and longtime best friend, taps me on the shoulder. “Keep dreaming, Josh. You’re here to be my wingman, remember?”
I snicker, though undoubtedly keep my eyes on the prize. “I could be in the market.”
Just as I make the assumption, I hear the clank of high heels coming in our direction. Not sure if Wes is following my lead, I get a glimpse of something equally attractive. Her hair is long, platinum curls hanging down the front of her chest, her body slender, waist tiny, but breasts nice and perky. It takes me a few seconds to look at her face, especially when the rest is so appealing. “Can I interest you in a test drive as well, sir?”
“Can you ever,” I reply with sarcasm in my voice. “I’d like to take you…” I feel the slap upside of my head.
“Cut the crap, bro. I’m trying to do business here.”
I wink at the female to let her know I’m still game if she’s up for it.
She flashes an ornery grin, looks away, and then bats her eyes back in my direction. I watch as she drags her white teeth across her bottom lip. “Perhaps you’d like to see our other inventory?” I’m in. She wants to be alone.
I peer at Wes, who in turn motions for me to knock it off, or go away, I’m not real sure what the gesture actually means, then follow the beautiful woman like I’m a dog chasing after a juicy, scrumptious, T-bone.
We round the corner and come upon a cobalt Mustang Cobra with racing stripes on the hood. The chrome wheels have been detailed, and almost hold a reflection as she nears the vehicle. Her manicured fingernails drag along the window frame. “We just got this one in last week. Are you familiar with this model?”
I lean on the car beside her and stare into her deep blue eyes. “Even if I was, I think I’d like to hear about it out of those pretty lips.”
An air-filled laugh escapes her. She draws her hand to her mouth, only to move it away when she gathers composure.
“Don’t be shy, darlin’. I’m a fast learner. Give it to me straight. Do I have shot at taking you home, or not?”
She crosses her arms, as if it will ward me off. “Probably not. I like my men a little less desperate.”
After a guffaw, I snicker. “Desperate. Shit. I’ve never had to beg a woman for a ride.”
“Are you interested in the car or not?” She’s serious, and it only takes me a second to realize why. A gentleman in a pair of khakis and a polo shirt is coming in our direction. I take it as a chance to get under her skin some more.
“Of course I’m interested, Miss…” I wait for her to introduce herself formally.
“Tamsyn Ebling.”
“Nice to meet you, Tamsyn. I’m Josh.” I wait for the manager to leave before continuing. “What’s with the old man? Is he the big boss?”
“He’s my father, and he’s not too convinced I have the skills to sell cars.”
“Your father?”
“Yeah, the owner of the dealership,” she adds.
“Interesting,” I mumble while rubbing my chin. “So, does this mean I have to buy the car?”
She taps her index finger on the roof while staring into my eyes. “Are you serious?”
I shrug.
“I think I can make it worth your while,” she assures, but reiterates her statement. “The car, I mean.”
“What do you say we get out of here and take her on the road?”
She thinks about it for a second, knowing damn well what I’m implying. I catch Wes giving me that look of disapproval he always seems to toss in my direction. Ever since marrying my sister he acts like a little bitch. He’s jealous that I’m single and available for opportunities like this one. She doesn’t know I probably won’t be purchasing the car, but I’ll make sure she thinks I am.
“I’ll get the keys. All I need is your driver’s license and proof of insurance.”
I pull my wallet from the back pocket of my ripped Buckle jeans and hand her the cards. She hurries in the direction of an office, surfacing a few seconds later with a dealer tag and a set of keys with a horse charm. When she gets into the passenger side she’s acting differently, smiling and carrying on with herself.