No Perfect Hero(74)
“I mean the Mustang died in the middle of Main.” I laugh. “I left it at Stewart’s. The part’s still not in, but he’s going to rig it so it’ll hold a little longer until the new piece gets through customs.”
Warren swears, then laughs. “Look, all I did was what Stewart’s gonna do, and it’ll last just as long. You’re just going to have to hopscotch your way through temporary quick fixes until that new carburetor comes in.”
“My sister better be grateful for me returning her car in better-than-new condition.” I roll my eyes. “So, since we’re currently stranded at the diner and people are eyeing me like they’re waiting for another scene...”
“Are you asking me to join you for lunch, or just using me for my wheels?”
“You know that’s not the only thing you're good for. But if you’ve got time to come eat with us, Tara’s already gorged herself, but I haven’t ordered yet.”
“You know what? Sure.” I can hear him moving on the other side of the line, setting something down. “I’ve got to head out for a job this afternoon and could use a little fuel in my stomach before I go.”
“You won’t be at the house tonight?” I ask. The house, like it’s our home and not a vacation duplex. “I’d been thinking about getting Jenny to cover my shift tonight since I probably won’t have wheels until tomorrow.”
A rumbling growl enters his voice. “So you’re saying you’ll be home and in need of some company?”
I dart a glance at Tara, then bite my lip, lowering my voice. “I wouldn’t mind.”
“Then that’s incentive for me to bag this scum up in record time and get myself back,” he says huskily. “You cooking or me?”
“I’ll cook. Spoil you for once, instead of the other way around.”
“Hey.” It comes out soft, earnest. “I like spoiling you.”
Shit, Warren. Don’t say things like that, you’re just going to get me more confused.
“Don’t get used to it. I like my independence.”
“Yeah, yeah.” He chuckles, then pauses, his voice turning hesitant. “You all right?”
“Sure,” I lie breezily. “I’m dandy, why?”
“You just sound like you’ve got a lot on your mind.”
“Financial planning,” I answer weakly. “Funny how a few weeks off the job in Seattle and I’ve lost my knack for numbers. Just trying to sort everything in my head.”
“Okay,” he says. I can tell he doesn’t believe me, but he doesn’t push. “Let me grab a shower and I’ll be there in a few minutes. You want to order for me?’
“Char-grilled burger with onions?”
“You noticed?”
“It’s what you got last time.”
“Yeah,” he says warmly. “Thanks, Hay.”
“Sure.” I hang up quickly, taking a deep breath – and freeze when I see Tara watching me with a smug, knowing smile. “What.”
“You liiike him.” She kicks her legs under the table. “It's funny.”
“Grounded.”
“You’re not my mother!”
“For life.”
“Hey!” She pouts. “Not fair, Auntie Hay.”
“Grown-ups are usually unfair. Just wait, one day you’ll get to be unfair too.”
“Hmph.” She sticks her tongue out at me. “I don’t know why Mr. Warren likes you.”
“Do you think he actually likes me?”
“You’re silly. He said he did,” she proclaims emphatically. “He even said boy-girl like.”
“My mistake,” I reply with a fond smile, watching my niece huff over her ever-so-oblivious aunt. “I guess he did.”
14
Finding Our Groove (Warren)
I don’t think I’ve ever collared a bail jumper this fast in my life.
Wasn’t far away, just one county over, a quick and dirty local job with a three-time DUI offender. He'd only made bail on bond and then jumped ship. Asshole tried to go dark before the police could pick him up again.
The cops lost him in less than twenty-four hours. I had him back in less than three in exchange for a tidy sum tucked away to keep paying rent for me and Hay both.
I know I don’t have to. Grandma said it’s on the house, and Hay would be furious if she knew.
But paying renters keeps Charming Inn afloat, and Grandma’s losing out on not one, but two room rates with me and Hay shacking up in the duplex. I just can’t let my grandmother’s pride and joy take a hit because she’s got a soft spot for strays and always tries to spoil me as her grandson.
I can’t let her end up burned by Bress, either.
That’s what's on my mind right now as I meet my friend Blake for a couple of beers at Brody’s.
I need a little time to come down before I go back to Charming Inn to spend the evening with Hay.
Fuck, I’m always a keyed-up mess after a fast job. All the adrenaline builds up so fast, not having nearly enough time to expel itself by the time I’m done with the gig. Plus, Haley and I just found a truce, and I don’t want to go back prickly and wind up stepping in something that’ll turn into a fight.