“I’m glad to hear it.”
Usually, the garage smells like motor oil and metal, but now, it’s full of her scent, my mind overwhelmed with her presence.
“So, where’s my surprise? Or did you invite me here to look at the cars you’re working on? I’m fine with either option, by the way.”
“Of course there’s a surprise.” I kiss her forehead and grasp her arms, backing her up a step. Then, I take a step to the side and hold out an arm. “What do you think about this?”
She frowns, taking in the sleek black car, and after a moment, her jaw drops.
“You’re kidding me,” she mumbles, glancing between me and the car.
I shake my head. “It’s yours.”
“What?” She brings both hands to her mouth.
“Dad bought it for you, but Miles and I fixed it up.”
Her breathing has picked up, each breath coming shallower than the last. “This is my dream car. How is that even possible?”
I step beside her and loop an arm around her waist. With two fingers, I turn her head so she’s looking at me. “You used to talk to my dad about it when you were a kid. I remembered it and told him, and he found it for you.”
“Did you have it painted? Because it looks new.”
“Nah. We just polished it up.”
“I can’t believe you did this.”
“Dad’s been saying for a while that you need a car for school. So, why not your dream car?”
“Dom, this is perfect. Thank you so much.” She glances at the car again. “You’re so good at what you do.”
“Miles helped me.” I lick my lips, suddenly apprehensive about sharing this next part. “Remember how you told me I’d find a new dream?”
She nods, a smile tipping her lips.
I clear my throat. “I think I have. I’ve been working on convincing my dad to help Miles and me open a custom motorcycle shop. We’ve been busting our asses here, and Dad sees that, so he’s finally agreed to back us.”
“Oh my God!” She throws her arms around me, hugging me tightly. “Are you serious?”
“Yeah.” I smile. “But we agreed to build one from scratch first, a full custom bike as an example, something we can use to promote the business.”
She tears up a little, her smile wobbly. “I’m so happy for you—and so fucking proud.”
I chuckle. “Don’t get too excited yet. We have a lot to figure out. Design work, paint, graphics?—”
“I can help.”
“What do you mean?”
She grins. “My game design program includes a lot of graphic design. I can help with renderings and artwork, all of it.”
My throat constricts as I take her in, and a mix of emotions swirls through me: happiness, joy, endearment, love.
My heart stutters. Love? I’ve never been in love before. This can’t be it, right?
Voice thick, I say, “Guess I’ll have to keep you around, Little Mayhem.”
The space between us disappears, and our lips collide in a hot, languid kiss. She threads her fingers through my hair, pressing closer, looking for more,needingmore.
