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“I figured it was the least I could do,” Evelyn said. “I know you’re working hard.”

A soft throat-clearing caught her attention, and Evelyn turned to find the older man watching her with a twinkle in his brown eyes. “And who might this be?” he asked, his voice warm with curiosity.

Smiling, Jo nodded toward the man. “Mr. Diaz, meet Evelyn. Evelyn, this is Mr. Diaz,” she said. “My mentor, former owner of the garage, and the man who taught me everything I know.”

Extending her hand, Evelyn smiled. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Mr. Diaz shook her hand firmly, his eyes crinkling with amusement. “You as well,” he said. “And let me guess, you’re the one making our Jo all distracted lately.”

Evelyn’s cheeks heated, and Jo groaned. “Mr. Diaz,” she said.

“What?” Mr. Diaz said innocently. “I’m only saying, it’s nice to see her bringing coffee and all.”

Feeling a little bad, Evelyn shook her head. “I’m sorry. I didn’t bring you one. I didn’t know you’d be here.” She quickly opened the pastry box. “But I did bring scones. Please, help yourself.”

Letting out a chuckle, Mr. Diaz reached for a scone. “I shouldn’t be drinking coffee anyway,” he said. “Doctor’s orders.”

Evelyn laughed, relaxing slightly. There was something undeniably warm about the older man, and the way he looked between her and Jo made her feel both flustered and oddly charmed.

Mica took a sip of her coffee, then shot Evelyn a look. “So,” she started. “You coming toSapphiretonight?”

“I can’t,” Evelyn said, shaking her head. “Too much work. Maybe even all weekend.”

“Boring,” Mica said, drawing out the word.

Evelyn saw Jo arch an eyebrow. “No distractions for you, huh?” the woman asked, a suggestiveness to her tone, and Evelyn met her gaze.

“I didn’t say that,” she said, trying not to blush.

“Good,” Jo said with a sexy smile, and Evelyn had a feeling she’d be thinking about that smile for the rest of the day.

Jo wiped a hand across her forehead, smearing a bit of grease in the process, but she didn’t care. The day had been long, filled with back-to-back repairs, but her mind hadn’t been one hundred percent on work. It was on Evelyn. She was still thinking about the way Evelyn had shown up that morning, coffee and scones in hand, her smile a little shy but warm. It had been unexpected, and Jo wasn’t used to that kind of thoughtfulness. The women she usually spent time with weren’t the type to bring her coffee just because.But Evelyn did, she thought, stepping back from the car she had finished working on.And damn if that doesn’t make me feel special.Before she could dwell on the thought, Mica’s voice cut through the garage. “Hey, what time are we heading toSapphire?” she asked. “It’s almost quitting time.”

Taking a rag from her back pocket, Jo frowned. “We?”

“Yes, we,” Mica replied. “As in, you and me, like every other Friday night.”

Jo hesitated as she wiped her hands, feeling an odd reluctance she wasn’t used to. Normally, she would be ready for a couple of beers at the bar after a hard workday, especially on a Friday.But tonight?she thought.Tonight, I’m not really feeling it.

“I don’t know, Mica,” she said, putting the rag back into her pocket. “I might take it easy tonight.”

Mica narrowed her eyes. “Oh no,” she said. “No way.” She crossed her muscular, tattooed arms. “Let me guess. You don’t want to go because Evelyn isn’t coming?”

“That’s not it,” Jo said a little too quickly.

“Uh-huh. Sure.”

Jo sighed, running a hand through her hair. “Look,” she said. “I just don’t know if I feel like the whole scene tonight.”

“Jo, come on,” Mica said with a dramatic moan. “You love the scene. You are the scene.” She pushed Jo’s shoulder. “Besides, it’s only a night out on a Friday. You can still have fun without Evelyn.” Jo hesitated, and Mica pounced. “Unless…” She dragged out the word. “You’re already so attached that you feel like you need her permission to go.”

“That’s ridiculous,” Jo snapped. “It’s only been a week. We hardly know each other.”

Mica grinned. “Is it?” she asked. “Because that’s not how it’s sounding to me.”

Lifting her chin, Jo met Mica’s eyes. “Fine,” she said. “I’ll go.”

“That’s the buddy I know,” Mica said, almost beaming.