Rubbing my cheek, I let out a sigh. “I have the car up at ourshop.”
Crowley shook his head at me. “Damn it all the hell, Tre. You nearly gave this woman a fucking heart attack. Why in God’s name did you take hercar?”
Thank my fucking lucky stars Pete Crowley was the responding officer. If it had been anyone else, I would have been in handcuffs already. “It needs a paint job. I was going to surprise her. Trying to be a nice guy foronce.”
Sloan looked like I had just killed a kitten in front of her. “You fucking piece of shit! I told you I didn’t want yourhelp.”
“Is that true?” Crowley askedme.
Inodded.
“Do you want to press charges for the stolen vehicle?” Crowley was asking Sloan, but she was glaring atme.
“Take me to get my car right the fuck now.” She was an inch away from me. Her hair was still wet from the last time she washed it, and the smell of the motel’s strawberry shampoo permeated theair.
Officer Crowley handed his business card to Sloan. “If you need anything else, ma’am, don’t hesitate to call. Trent, from now on, don’t take someone’s vehicle without permission. Next time I’ll be carting you away in the back of awagon.”
“I understand,sir.”
I shook his hand and then led Sloan over to my bike. I got on and held my second helmet out for her to take. She stood with her arms crossed, glaring atme.
“It’s not going to bite you.” I tried to play off how fucking nervous I was around this chick. I knew I’d really pissed her off and I felt terrible about it, but at the end of the day, it was easier to ask forgiveness thanpermission.
“I’m not getting on the back of your bike,” she flatly stated. Her arms were crossed over her chest with her feet plantedfirmly.
“Listen, sweetheart, if you want to get your car that bad, you’re going to have to get on the back of this steel horse.” I had to rapid-fire the statement or it was never going to besaid.
Putting one hand on my shoulder, she narrowed her eyes at me. “I swear to God, if you try anything, I will have your balls in a damn vice before you can saymotorcycle.”
I smirked at her. “Just get on and put a little bit of trust in someone else foronce.”
For the couple of minutes it took to ride to the shop, Sloan had a death grip around my waist. Taking off my helmet, I looked over my shoulder at her. “Was that your first time on the back of abike?”
She bit her lip and nodded. It was the first time I saw her guard even remotely down. Her brokenness shot through my heart, each shard of her crashing into me. I wanted to pick up every piece and glue them back together. I knew someone had done a number on her, and I was determined to make him pay for what he haddone.
Ozzy lumbered his burly ass out of the first bay. “Tre!” he hollered over with a wave before I even had my kickstandout.
“What’s up, brother?” I asked while helping Sloan off thebike.
“I was able to get the white Camry fixed up without having to paint it. Mineral spirits did the trick.” He was one of the best damn bodywork masters I had everseen.
“Ozzy, you’re a lifesaver. Thanks man.” I patted him on the shoulder before turning to Sloan. “I’ll walk you over to your car. It should be ready togo.
“If there isn’t anything else you need, I’m going to call it quits for the night.” Ozzy rubbed his face as a yawn tookover.
“Naw, man. Go on home. Nice work today.” I waved goodbye to the oldman.
“Thank you.” Sloan smiled sweetly at Ozzy before following after me. “And I owe you a thank you as well.” She shoved my arm as she trotted at myside.
I dug my hands deep in my pockets as I slowly turned to her. “I should be apologizing toyou.”
She grabbed my forearm, stopping me dead in my tracks. It was the first time I got to look into her dark brown eyes, and they were stunning. They weren’t just brown; they also had flecks of amber and crimson with a dark black ring around them. I wasmesmerized.
“I’m not used to strangers being so nice to me. I don’t know who the fuck y’all are, but I am grateful I stumbled into this town.” She wiped a few tears from hercheeks.
Well, that is a change incharacter.
“Sweetheart, who tainted you so badly that you lost all trust inhumanity?”