Something in Common (Dreamspinner Press Bundles)

by Talia Carmichael

  “Huh? Oh… just as I said, colors, add pictures on them of your various restorations.”

  “But why? I just give them away to customers.”

  “You give them away?” Alex shook his head. “No, you should sell them. If you want to give away something, do pens.”

  “But my customers like them.”

  “Exactly.” Alex paused. “Okay, if you want to give away a to-go cup, we can use one similar to this with just your logo, but in more colors, and we can get a picture taken of you and your staff in front of various transportation things you fix up. We can obscure your faces so it’s more of a feel of you all. But I still believe making more of them to actually sell would be advisable. Maybe even some T-shirts.”

  “We have T-shirts that my employees wear to work.” Leslie lifted the hand holding his cup and tapped on his shirt, which had the name of his garage on it.

  “Do they all look like yours?”

  “Yes.”

  “Boring. The colors on those could be played with, and your logo should be on the shirt. The employees could even have their names customized on their shirts. Then you should have shirts that are similar to the cups you’ll sell in your garage. Also, make one to give away with the plainer cup. That will help broaden your name recognition.”

  “It all sounds good. I’ll send you some images of restorations, and we can figure out when to take this picture of me and my employees.” Leslie strode toward the open garage and saw Terry carrying another tool kit towards the building.

  “Wait. Leslie, this was all hypothetical. I didn’t say that I would be doing it. Remember our conversation. You need to meet with my partner.”

  “But you’ve already started working on the idea. It wouldn’t be fair, you foisting me off on someone else.” Leslie met Terry’s gaze, and they smiled conspiratorially.

  “I saw the look on Terry’s face. You’re not conning me into this.”

  “It’s no con. Your mind is already filling with ideas. Admit it.” Leslie placed his toolbox outside the garage door and went in, circling the Clone. The car, even with all the work it needed, was a beaut. He and the others he had brought with him moved around each other as they studied the car.

  “Les—”

  Leslie cut him off. “Hush.”

  “Wha—”

  “We’re listening to the car. It’s telling us what it wants done.” Leslie stood at the hood and stared at the machinery that would sing under his touch.

  “Y—”

  Kerry spoke. “Leave him be, Alex. Come help us unpack. He’ll be standing there for a while as he figures out what to do. It’s what he does.”

  Leslie tuned them out. In some distant part of his mind, he knew they were moving around him as they continued to unpack the truck, but all his focus was on the car. He squatted before it, looking at the grill as he ran his finger absently along the floor. Leslie shook his head to clear it, then came back to the activity in the room. He stood, noticing Alex was placing tools on the benches that they had set up. Leslie shook his head, moving behind him and taking the wrench out of his hand.

  “Alex, you’re doing it wrong. Get out.” Leslie pointed with the wrench.

  “Back to the rude man.” Alex moved back, crossing his arms over his chest.

  “I don’t want to have to fix it over.”

  “He’s kind of anal about where his tools are.” Terry set the screwdrivers in the order Leslie liked them.

  “I am, and my team knows where to put everything.” Leslie nodded, pleased. “Don’t you have to get ready to go out for brunch?”

  “I’m not going. I need to keep an eye on what you all are doing,” Alex stated.

  Leslie silently cursed, then turned to him. “You wouldn’t want to disappoint the guys. They’re expecting you for brunch. We’ll be fine do—”

  “If you say those two words again, I’m going to—”

  “Okay. I won’t say the words, but you know what I mean. Now, go do whatever it is you have to do. Just get out of our way.” Leslie gestured outside.

  “We’re going to have words about your bossiness,” Alex threatened, then left.

  Leslie followed him to the opening of the garage, watching him stride toward the front of the house.

  “He’s a smart man to be suspicious.” Terry joined him by the door.

  His employees laughed. Leslie shrugged and worked alongside them as they continued unpacking the truck. He stopped and checked over Alex’s hybrid. Leslie shook his head as he found there were a few things wrong with the car; for now, he started to fix temporarily what he could. He got lost in working on the vehicle, briefly thinking he should have brought his music to listen to. Finished, at least for the moment, Leslie wondered if he could repair more before Alex returned.

  “Aren’t you done yet?” Alex demanded.

  Leslie jerked, startled—he’d been so focused on the car he hadn’t heard Alex approach. He slid from below the vehicle and stood. “I’m finished. For now. You need to bring your car into my garage. When did you last have it serviced?”

  “I get it serviced. It’s been….” Alex paused to think for a second, then admitted, “It’s been a while. I’ve been busy.”

  “Your car is a tool, and your tools need to be maintained for optimum performance. Bring the car in. Don’t make me come and take it.” Leslie picked up his toolbox and mechanic’s creeper.

  “You said you wouldn’t take my car.”

  “That only extends to the Hemi.” Leslie walked away.

  “I already have a mechanic.”

  “Who is it?” Leslie stopped, turning his head to him.

  “Why do you want to know?”

  “So I can call them and tell them I’ll handle it.” Leslie shifted his grip on the items he held.

  Alex scowled. “Am I supposed to believe you know all the garage owners in Mapson? That’s not even possible.”

  “It isn’t, but I know the reputable ones I figure you’d use. You’re a man who likes quality, and I’m sure you Googled garages located in Mapson. Then, when you got the list, I know my place was on the top, but you were too stubborn to come to me. You were just being ornery because Miguel and Robert told you to bring your restoration project to me. But I digress. Back to the garage you chose. You checked out each on the list and went with the one who would suit your needs. I don’t believe you would go to anyone who doesn’t have a good rating, so that narrows the field. Don’t tell me, if you wish.”

  “I don’t need your permission.” Alex opened the door and gripped the top of the door frame. “I did Google and you were the top garage in Mapson. But your website sucked.”

  “Another thing for my marketer to fix.”

  “I’m not your marketer.” Alex slid into his vehicle, closed the door and started the engine. He lowered the window. “Are you and the others going to be here when I get back?”

  “The others are leaving, but I’ll be here. I have lots to do.”

  Alex didn’t say anything further. He backed out from under the overhang. Leslie stood where he was, watching him as he pulled onto the street. Alex paused, honked his horn, then drove past the truck. Leslie continued to the open garage door and handed Terry the items he held. He pulled out his cell and placed a call.

  “He’s gone. We have about two hours to get it ready.” Leslie put away his cell, then went to check over the setup in the garage.

  “‘DON’T WORRY,’ he said.” Alex stood behind his house, staring at the shed he was supposedly not going to notice.

  He tightened his grip on the takeout bag he held, wishing it were Leslie he was choking. The structure was the same height and width as his garage, but half the length.

  “He really thinks I wouldn’t notice this?” Alex muttered.

  “It’s not that big,” Leslie stated as he came around the shed to join him. “I heard you drive up, but you didn’t come around the front, so I figured you were back here. Come, let me show you how to get into it.”
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  Alex followed Leslie to the side door. He listened as Leslie showed him how to work the security pad next to the door.

  “You got this set up in less than two hours, with security and all? I’m afraid to even think what more you could have done if I had been away longer.”

  Leslie had come to his house, literally taken over his garage, and built a shed. No way this was just a shed.

  “I can do a lot when I have time. But this is all easily removed.” Leslie opened the door and waited for him to enter. “I sometimes work with race car pit crews, and you learn to set up mobile garages when you need them.”

  Alex glanced around the spacious inside, noting there were already parts on the various tables. There were even cabinets filled with items.

  “You already have parts for the car.”

  “I started researching last night and wasn’t sure what was needed. Had some items in my shop, so I brought them over. Don’t know if they’ll work. I’m going to totally rebuild the engine, then work on the outside. I’ve already sent e-mails to some of my distributors.”

  “You’ve done a lot in two hours.”

  Leslie smirked. “What can I say? I’m good. I hacked into your Wi-Fi. You need a better password.”

  Alex noted the back garage door was open so the two buildings were joined. Leslie walked into the garage and Alex followed.

  “I’ll change it.”

  “I added a better security pad to the front of the garage. With some of my tools here, I don’t want to take any chances they will be stolen.”

  Alex looked around the garage, and then to the other area. “This is only some?” He returned his attention to Leslie and saw he had taken a seat.

  “Not even a quarter of the tools I have.” Leslie spun around on the stool he was on, then typed on his laptop.

  Alex leaned next to him, closed the lid of his computer, and placed the food he had brought back by his elbow. “Eat something.”

  Leslie’s glazed eyes cleared to focus on Alex. “You brought me food?”

  Alex was suddenly uncomfortable with the look in Leslie’s eyes. “I recognized the workaholic attitude. Don’t read anything into my getting you food.”

  “Anything like what?” Leslie reached into the bag, pulled out a container, then opened it. “Mmmm… meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and carrots.” Leslie lifted his head. “Some of my favorites.”

  “I just asked Mackenzie to pick something you’d like.” Alex straightened.

  “Thanks. I do forget to eat, especially when I start a new project.” Leslie touched his arm briefly.

  Alex moved farther away. “Leslie, if this is some elaborate scheme to get me to go out on a date with you, you’re wasting your time.”

  “Okay,” he readily agreed.

  A flash of disappointment filled Alex, but he quashed it. “Then you’ll be packing up—”

  “Nope. I’m going to fix your car. And you’re going to do my marketing for me. Don’t deny you’ll be doing it. I also saw the look in your eyes. The one of excitement at taking on a new project.”

  Alex frowned at his statement. “I’ll be doing your marketing, but my firm is expensive. I get all clients to agree to listen to my plans and not think about cost until after I make the presentation.”

  “Here’s a down payment.” Leslie opened a folder by his computer and picked up a check, then held it out to Alex. “And let me know what else you need. When you’re ready, can you make the presentation in my conference room at the garage? I want some of my employees to hear it.”

  “Sure.” Alex accepted the check and smiled when he saw it was made payable to his company in the amount of fifteen thousand dollars. “You’re giving me a check, and I haven’t done any work yet.”

  “Your ideas sounded good, and as I stated before, I was going to contact you. I’ve already done my research. You’re good at what you do, and I want that. Hannigan’s is already successful, but I want it to be more so, and you can do that for me.”

  “Okay. Then I’ll let you get back to whatever it is you’re doing, and I’ll just go inside.” Alex walked away, then stopped by the garage door opening. “I plan on being part of the process of fixing the car.”

  “I’m demanding and you’ll have to do as I say,” Leslie warned.

  “I don’t have a problem with that. Just so you know, I won’t be as accommodating as I was earlier today.”

  “I know the only reason I’m here is because you allowed me to be. You only do what you choose to, Alex.”

  Alex walked out. As he turned toward the house, he cursed himself for letting Leslie stay. The man was affecting him, and he didn’t know what to do about it. The attraction he felt when they first met was now even stronger. He couldn’t—no, wouldn’t—get involved with him. Leslie might look like a bad boy with his hair, piercings, and arrogant attitude, but Alex’s gut told him if he got involved, the man would want more than Alex was able to give. Alex decided he would keep a distance between them. He would work with Leslie to fix his car, and he’d do his marketing, and there would be nothing more. Alex entered his house and went to his office to start to write down some ideas for Hannigan’s marketing campaign.

  The doorbell rang, interrupting him. Alex stretched, glancing at the clock, and realized he’d been working for a few hours. He stood, rolling his head, then headed for the front door. Alex opened it and then gazed at Leslie, who stood framed by the darkness that was just starting to descend.

  “I’m leaving for the day. I’ll be working on your car mostly on weekends, whenever I have time. If I get a chance during the week, I’ll come by.” Leslie held out the key Alex had given him earlier.

  “Keep it. I have another one.”

  “Okay. See you soon, Alex.” Leslie pocketed the key, then turned, but stopped and faced him again. “I wasn’t totally truthful with you earlier when you asked about my wanting to date you. Honesty is the best way.” He stopped speaking, studying Alex intently.

  Alex waited to hear what more he would say. Leslie smiled that wicked grin, then turned and walked away. Alex couldn’t believe he wasn’t going to finish explaining what he meant.

  “Leslie, don’t walk away from me,” Alex warned.

  Leslie paused on the top step. “Someday soon you’re going to mean that, Alex. I don’t want to date you. I’m hoping to keep you. I’m imagining a future where we might help each other through the good and bad times.”

  Alex gulped at the promise in his tone. “I… you don’t know me.”

  “Not yet, but if you open up, I will. Just as you’ll get to know me. I was going to wait to tell you, but I’m not a very patient man. I’ve been thinking of that missed opportunity from over two years ago. I won’t make that mistake again. I know you’re not ready yet,” Leslie said gently. “There’s something holding you back from even giving us a chance.” Leslie glanced over his shoulder, his dark-green eyes steady. “When you’re ready to tell me, I’ll listen, and then we’ll figure out what we could possibly mean to each other. I’ll try to wait until you’re ready, but I can’t promise I won’t prod you a little.” He winked, then went down the steps.

  Alex stared after his retreating figure, not able to form words to deny Leslie’s statement. The man was turning out to be more complex than he’d expected and was indeed becoming a problem, at least to his peace of mind.

  What am I going to do about you, Leslie? Alex had no clue, but he had a few days before he would see him again. Maybe by that time he’d regain his equilibrium and be the man he was—one who didn’t avoid things but faced them head on, and on his own terms.

  MONDAY AFTERNOON, Alex answered another e-mail and then filed the original away. He checked the total left and groaned. The number didn’t seem to be lessening.

  “I was only away for a week.” He glared at the computer screen. “I swear, they’re coupling and having little e-mail babies.”

  “The little bastards probably are. I was in all last week, and my e-mail fr
om just over the weekend is crazy. They are fucking like rabbits and creating babies, and their babies are having babies. It’s an unending cycle. Save yourself.”

  Alex grinned, focusing on his business partner, Dustin Rutherford. There was a smirk on his face as he sat in the chair facing Alex’s desk, and in his deep baritone made a choking sound. Dustin’s shirt was open at the neck, and he didn’t have on his jacket. From his brief view, Alex had seen Dustin was sans shoes and socks. Knowing Dustin, he’d ditched the items when he returned from his meeting. He much preferred to be in casual clothing and barefoot. As long as there were no clients scheduled, Dustin would be as comfortable as he could get.

  “Thanks for holding down the fort.”

  “I’m your partner. No need to thank me.” Then Dustin scowled. “But if you leave me saddled with that overeager man again, I’m working from home, permanently. That way I can bar my door and not let him in.”

  Alex chuckled. When they’d moved into their new offices a few months ago, they’d hired a lot of new staff. Eric Berman, the man Dustin was referring to, had recently graduated from Mapson University, and Alex had given him an interview on the recommendation of Bernie. Eric used to be one of Bernie’s roommates. From what Bernie had stated, Eric was the only one he actually got along with. The two of them were always trying to find places to study when the rest of their roommates were more concerned with partying. Before he met Eric, Alex hadn’t planned to actually hire him, since he didn’t have much experience on his résumé. Yet after speaking with him and seeing his enthusiasm, Alex had given him a test project to see what he could do. He hadn’t expected much, but Eric had shocked him and Dustin with his performance. Dustin might grumble about Eric, but they both knew they had found someone who had an innate grasp of marketing principles.

  “What did he do now?” Alex went back to reading his e-mail.

  “He pushed and cajoled until we finished the last of the Triumvirate Deuce marketing plan. The specs that needed to go to the printers are out already, and the merchandise has been ordered.”