“Sure. I’ve gotta run out quick, but I’ll come back. What is it?”
I inspect the seal, avoiding eye contact. “BMW X3.”
“We’re taking on imports now? And after hours?”
I don’t answer, pulling off the seal and reaching for the brake cleaner. I know what’s coming, and I don’t need it. I’m not sure why in the hell I’m making exceptions, but I agreed. Now, I’ll pay for it over the next few hours.
He rests his muscular build against the side panel again. “Who is she?”
I hear the shit-eating grin in his tone.
I don’t react. “Can you help later or not?”
“You can fess up now, or I’ll find out later. I’ll consider taking it easy on you if you just tell me.”
“Tell you what?” Wind stops next to Carson.
These guys like to roll into drama like a pig in shit. They are my employees, my friends, and I’d call them family.
“We’ve got a late arrival. BMW.” Carson crosses his arms over his chest.
“We’re taking imports now?” Wind frowns.
I straighten. “Would you busybodies get back to work? The garage needs to be cleared out.”
Carson’s head cocks to the side.Shit.“She needs the entire garage, too?”
I clench my jaw, knowing he’s just trying to get under my skin.
“She?” Wind holds up his hand. “Wait.” He looks at me. “This is a favor for a woman?”
There’s silence as Trig tunes in from the next stall over.
Wind huffs in disbelief. “You gotta be shitting me.” His hands fall to his hips. “When in the hell did you step out of your emotional isolation long enough to attract a woman? How did I miss this?”
I glare at him. “Emotional isolation?”
Carson grins ear to ear, deeply proud of his ability to stir shit up.
Wind shrugs. “Millie’s diagnosis.”
Millie is a shrink, and I need her to stop psychoanalyzing me.
Wind runs a hand down his beard. “She says that you’re emotionally unavailable because it gives you comfort. You push people away so you don’t have to risk getting hurt.”
I want to punch something. Maybe him. I spent all my emotions years ago, and ever since, maintaining moderate annoyance is all I can handle.
I groan as Trig joins the gossip girls crowding me with their suffocating attention. “You all can shove your head and emotional intelligence up your asses.”
They snicker.
I exhale slowly, gathering patience I don’t have. “She stopped in last night, a few minutes before closing. Kat sent her over. I told her she should take it to the dealer, but she wasn’t fond of my suggestion.”
“Katrina Dunn?” Trig grins with that slick, boyish smile.
I’d like to see Kat chew his flirty young ass up one side and down the other. Just the thought makes me almost smile.
“So . . .” It’s Carson’s dumb voice again. “This is a favor to Kat.” He sounds amusingly skeptical, but he can think whatever he wants.
