by Jenny Siegel
“What kind of a grease monkey is he if he doesn’t have a fucking toolbox.”
A deep voice sounded behind me. “Do I get a kiss good luck?” I straightened, ignoring the way my heart stuttered at the sound of his voice and took a deep breath before turning around.
“Not fucking likely.” I snorted unattractively. Undeterred he took a step closer.
“Just one little good luck kiss.”
“Isn’t there someone else who can do that?” I willed my stupid heart to stop racing as he moved closer until he stood just in front of me inches away from my body. Closer than any boy had ever stood to me. And I started to notice things, like the way he smelled, fresh and enticing. The darkness of his eyes and the way his hair was blown about by the gentle breeze. I felt like I’d been living under a rock and had never noticed these things about anyone before.
“I’m sure there is, but I want one from you.” His voice dropped, and at that moment, he sounded as dangerous as he looked.
“Yeah, well, it ain’t happening.” The impact of my words was lost because I was struggling to breathe, and he knew damn well what his closeness was doing to me. His hand reached out and cradled the back of my head in his large palm, drawing my head upwards as his head lowered toward mine. He paused, just before his lips touched mine, giving me one last chance to stop him, but all coherent thought had left me. My mind was having trouble processing the fact that a boy was about to kiss me and not just any boy. My first kiss was going to be from Max Morgan, and while I was sure he’d had plenty of practice, I hadn’t. No boy had ever tried to kiss me before.
Triumph showed in his eyes before his soft lips pressed against mine. My eyes closed as his grip on me tightened. His tongue ran over the seam of my lips, and I parted them to allow his tongue to brush delicately at first over mine. A breathy moan escaped and this gave him further encouragement. Our kiss carried on, the people around us melting into the background, and for those few moments, it was just the two of us. When Max pulled back, confusion creased his brow as he stared down at me. Yeah, I think that kiss was as much a shock to him as it was to me.
“You have beautiful eyes,” he murmured, brushing a thumb over my bottom lip. “The way they sparkle.”
“What are you driving?” It popped out before I could think about how lame I sounded.
He chuckled and gave a little shake of his head, as though I amused him. “Subaru Impreza WRX.” His eyebrow arched when he saw me scrunch up my face. “What do you drive?” he challenged, waiting to see if I could do better.
“’67 Charger. Can’t beat American muscle.” A sly smile spread across my face, and he laughed openly, totally transforming his face.
“I’ll remember that.” He winked. “You race?”
I frowned and shook my head. “Good luck,” I whispered and moved out of his grip, but he stopped me.
“If I win, will you come for a ride with me?”
“I don’t think so,” I whispered. I was sorely tempted, but why would Max Morgan want to go for a ride with me. Not when he could have any girl here, and worst, he knew it.
“Please.” Uncertainty creased my brow because I didn’t think Max Morgan usually had to say ‘please.’ I chewed my lip as I struggled internally. I wanted to go, I really did, but the sane part of me was telling me no. He reached out to run a finger up my forearm. All the fine hairs stood on end as a tingle worked its way up my arm.
“Okay, if you win.” I shrugged, pretending it was no big deal. A cocky smile spread over his face, and he stepped closer.
“Don’t worry. I’ll win.” He gave me a quick kiss on the cheek before I could stop him and jogged back over to the group of people surrounding his car.
What the fuck was that? my brain screamed. Max Morgan wanted me to go for a ride with him. I must be out of my mind to have agreed, but that one kiss rocked me to my very core. I slammed down the hood of Aaron’s Mustang, startling him and Beth. They cut me a look, but I shrugged and sat on the hood of his car, ready to watch the race.
It was Max’s first race, and I watched as Causey gave him a few last-minute pointers. Max turned to get into his Subaru and met my eye over the roof of his car. He held my gaze, and I couldn’t turn away. The memory of his kiss was still imprinted on my brain and my lips. With a swift nod and a quick smile, he got into his car and lined it up.
“You know him?” Beth spoke up and I turned to the side to look at her.
“Nah, I’ve heard of him but I don’t know him.” I told a white lie.
“He’s new in town, dangerous, and hot, of course.”
I held my hand up to stop her. “Stop, I don’t want to know.” And she shut up and let me watch the race in peace.
Of course, Max won, and when he stepped out of his car, Josie Collins, the most popular girl in school, made a beeline for him. Her whole face lit up, like she’d won the fucking lottery as she sidled up to him. Not beating around the bush, she wrapped her arms around him, pressing her body against him, and kissed him full on his lips. It was a totally different kiss from the one I just shared with him. A wave of nausea washed over me and my stomach gave a painful twist as I stood rooted to the spot watching them. She had effectively erased my kiss from his lips, and I hated him for letting her do that. She leaned up and whispered something in his ear; a slow grin spread over his face, and he nodded his head. Josie pulled away, a look of satisfaction on her face, and I continued to watch in horror as he held open the passenger door and she climbed inside. So much for him wanting me to go for a ride with him.
He rounded the hood to open his door and caught my eye over the roof. I glared at him with narrowed eyes, and he paled before quickly looking away and climbing into the Subaru. Screw you, Max Morgan. Yeah, it was maybe just a kiss to him, but to me… well, a small part of my brain thought that maybe he might actually like me and see there was more to me than a tomboy who was more interested in cars than any of the guys there. I wouldn’t make that mistake again. He was just as superficial as the rest of them.
That was where my hatred was born, and it got worse. I didn’t know who I was more annoyed at. Him for being exactly what I thought he was, or me for thinking he might be different. I hated the way he made me feel, the way my body reacted whenever he was around, and how the mention of his name made me act a little crazy.
After that night, Max always had a girl or two with him, and I stayed out of his way. After a race, there was always a buzz about how he’d won a race and what girl had ridden in his car, until I was sick hearing about him. I successfully stayed off his radar until that night when he goaded me into racing. Ever since then, we’d gone out of our way to annoy each other—a mutual hatred of sorts. As much as I thought he was the bane of my life, I missed our mutual annoyance in some weird way…or maybe it was just Max who I missed.
After a long time wallowing and feeling sorry for myself, I pull my phone out of my pocket and select the name I’ve been putting off contacting for over a week. I stand, stretching out the kinks in my back, and move across the room to look out the window as it rings.
Please don’t answer.
No such luck.
“Leigh, nice of you to call this time,” a sarcastic voice drawls down the line.
“Sorry Josh, I left in a bit of a rush.”
“That’s an understatement.”
“It was a family emergency.”
“So you said in your text.”
“Yeah, well, I’m going to have to stay longer than I expected.” I wait and hear him heave a heavy sigh.
“Fine, take all the time you need. I’ll figure it out.”
“Thanks, Josh.” I breathe a sigh of relief and get ready to end the call.
“Leigh?”
“Yeah?”
“What about us?”
“What about us?”
“I thought you’d taken off to think.”
“No, there really was a family emergency. But I have been thinking.”
“And
?”
I take a deep breath, knowing that what I say now will have serious repercussions.
“And there is no us. I’m sorry, Josh, but that’s my decision.”
There is a long silence on the other end, and my nerves draw tight. The longer it stretches, the worse the feeling of dread becomes. Eventually, his voice comes on the line, tight, and I can imagine the rigid set to his jaw as he controls his anger.
“Fine. I’ll speak with you later.”
“Thanks.” I disconnect quickly, and although I expected to feel some sort of relief, like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, I don’t.
When I turn around, my dad is awake and watching me with concern. He’s the one who’s lying in a hospital bed yet he’s looking at me with worry etched on his face.
“Who was that?” he croaks, and I move to pour him a glass of water and let him have a sip.
“Work.”
“Your boss?”
“Something like that.”
“You didn’t sound too happy to speak to him.”
“Yeah, well…”
“What’s going on, Leigh?”
“Nothing; he was just a bit pissed that I rushed off without any notice.”
“Are you dating him?”
I feel awkward talking about things like this with my dad, and I busy myself rearranging his blankets and his table. “No, although he’d like me to.”
“You can’t keep shutting everyone out.”
“It’s not like that. Look, can we drop it?” I plead with him, and after a beat, he nods and lets it drop, for now. Relieved, I sink back into the seat at the side of his bed. There isn’t much I can do for him here, but I don’t want to leave him, and I don’t want to go home on my own.
“Tell me,” he says, amusement lacing his tone. “What was Max Morgan’s car doing parked in our driveway overnight?” I groan and drop my head in my hands. I knew it was just a matter of time before he found out about that. I hadn’t anticipated it being less than twenty-four hours, but that’s the way this town works.
“How did you know that?” But then I see the smile on his face and know he’s finding my embarrassment more amusing than anything.
“Ahh, that would be telling.” He taps the side of his nose and winks.
“Beth and her stupid wedding planning. We got drunk and Aaron called him to come and get me.” None of what I’m saying is demonstrating that I’m a responsible daughter, but Dad knows me better.
“I always wondered why you and Max were never friends. You have a lot in common.” He raises an eyebrow, and I can’t believe I’m having this conversation with my dad.
“Not you, too. I’ve not forgotten that you didn’t tell me he works for you.”
“Did I not?” He tries to look innocent, but the shifty look in his eyes doesn’t convince me.
“No.”
“Is there a problem?”
“No, he’s good at his job.”
“I know. That’s why I hired him and why he’s been there for four years.”
“Four years?” I can’t hide my surprise and my dad nods, still watching me closely. I wish I could work out what he is thinking.
“Why don’t you stay, Leigh? We miss you, and if I’m being honest, you don’t seem happy whenever you come for a visit. In fact, you’ve been happier this past week since you came back.”
“I don’t know, Dad. My work and…”
“You can work here, either at the garage or do something else. Promise you’ll think about it.”
“Okay, I will. I’m going to go, but I’ll be back tomorrow.” I lean over and hug him as best as I can without hurting something.
“Love you,” Dad murmurs in my ear, and I nod, unable to speak as I feel the prick of tears in the corner of my eyes. What is happening to me? I’m an emotional wreck these days.
• • •
The house is quiet and still when I let myself in. Instead of turning on some music, I walk slowly around the living room and pick up pictures of me as a child, ones with Beth and Aaron, me and my dad and cars. There are none of my mom; I have one in my bedroom that I packed away a long time ago, but I think it was too painful for my dad to see them every day. There is one of him and Uncle Donnie standing in front of his Mustang, the one that wrecked when he crashed.
I flop down on the sofa and lie there for a long time, thinking about my dad and what he said. Could I come back and live here? I was so desperate to escape, but I’ve never felt settled like I do now. But would anywhere feel like home without my loved ones?
Darkness falls and I am still lying on the sofa. I doze off but banging on the door jerks me awake. I hear Beth and Aaron’s muffled voices through the closed door as they try to work out whether I’m in or not. Because I’m in a funk, I keep quiet and wait until they leave before I drag myself up to bed and fall asleep fully clothed.
Chapter Ten
The next morning, I am up bright and early, and after a long, relaxing shower, I get dressed. I’ve managed to shake off my funk after a good night’s sleep, and even the brief conversation with my dad has cheered me up. As promised, I give some thought to coming back, but I can’t get my head round it just now.
The doors to the garage are already open and music from the radio blasts out. It can only be Max because it’s too early for Aaron, and I go in search of him. Denim-clad legs and boots stick out from under a truck and I kick them gently. Max slides out and flashes me a winning smile.
“How's your dad?” He throws me off guard with his concern.
“In pain, getting grumpy.” When he reaches up, I take his hand without thinking and help him stand. Max still has a few inches on me, even in these boots, and I tilt my head to look up at him, searching for any antagonism, but there's none. I see nothing but concern.
“Gather there’s no Aaron?” I look around the garage in case I missed him, but I would have heard him before I saw him.
“Still in bed with Beth, I'm guessing.” He raises his eyebrows suggestively. With a laugh, I swat him on the arm. He freezes and looks down to where my hand is still clasped on his taut, bare, seriously hot forearm. Electricity crackles up my arm, but it's like my hand is welded there and my eyes glued to his. I don't understand what it is between Max and me. Even after all this time away, I am still drawn to him and affected by him. I still want him as much as I ever did.
After what feels like an age, I manage to pry my hand away. He reaches for an old rag and wipes the oil off his hands.
“I came around to see if you were okay yesterday.” A flicker of uncertainty passes over him, worry about my reaction, and who can blame him. Every interaction we have is either sexually charged or fueled by anger. I'm always a snarky bitch to him, and he acts like a dick. But after visiting my dad, I just feel drained and not in the mood for a fight.
“I was at the hospital.” I offer up a weak smile, and his concern deepens.
“Is everything okay?” He takes a step closer and bends down to look at me properly. Why is he being so kind to me? I can't handle Max being nice. I don't know how to take him. Cocky, full of himself Max I can deal with but not this. To my horror and despite my earlier good mood, my eyes start to tear up and a rogue tear slips down my cheek.
“Hey, don't cry.” His arms wrap around my shoulder, and he gently gathers me into his embrace. Overwhelmed with everything that's going on, it feels good to be held. I bury my head in his chest and let my emotions run away with me. He dips his head and makes soothing noises in my ear while he strokes down my back. The rhythm calms me and my tears subside. Even after the tears have stopped, he doesn't let go, and I leave my head exactly where it is. I’m wondering if his heart is racing so fast because he's as affected as I am?
Pulling back, he cups my face in his hand, and I look up. “You okay now?”
I nod. “Sorry about that,” I start, but he cuts me off with a shh.
“Don't be.”
“It's just seeing him like that, in so muc
h pain. What in the hell was he thinking?”
“Leigh, he's a grown man.”
“But he could have died and then…” Another sob cuts off my words. Max folds me back into his body, my sobs muffled by his solid chest.
When I'm all cried out, I lift my head to find Max looking down at me. His hands cup either side of my jaw and he slowly lowers his lips to brush them over mine. The tenderness of his touch and the softness of his kiss take me by surprise, and I kiss him right back. Without giving it a second thought, my body sinks into his and my fingers find the waistband of his jeans and curl over the top; my knuckles brush against his warm skin in the process, and his stomach tenses under my touch. A soft moan escapes as my lips part to allow his tongue entry. The first brush of his tongue is tentative, as though he's unsure of himself, but that first brush also unleashes a torrent of desire flooding through my system, and I grip tighter. His hands move down from my face to my shoulders and down my back to grip my ass. The firmness of his hold along with the stroke of his tongue sends sparks through my whole body. Hauling me to him, much like he did in the bar, I collide with a very, very hard dick and if that doesn't just turn me on further.
A loud “erm” and the sound of someone clearing their throat interrupts our kissing. But instead of jumping apart from each other immediately, Max kisses me softly before he pulls back, pushing my hair behind my ear and looks down at me. A totally different expression is on his face. Gone are the arrogant smile and cocky attitude. If anything, he looks dumbstruck.
“What's going on here?” Aaron's voice booms across the garage, and I turn to pin him with an angry glare, not sure why I'm suddenly so pissed. Is it because I've kissed Max and I shouldn't have? Or is it because Aaron has interrupted what has to be the best kiss I've had in a long time? Well, since the last time he kissed me.
I take in his arched eyebrow and realize that Max’s arms are still around me. Taking a step backward, Max’s hands fall away from my body and confusion flickers across his eyes. I dip my head to avoid seeing it.