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“Yeah.” He looks down, inspecting his palm. “Guess I’m too smart to be a mechanic now.”

“I just meant you’re good at so many things.” Like saving me, comforting me, touching me, kissing me…

He straightens on the stool, sliding his palms down the tops of his thighs. “Got any new freckles for me?” The teasing is back, but the hurricane is still brewing in his eyes.

“I didn’t think you cared.”

“Why would you think that?”

“You didn’t come to the house.”

“Danny said to meet him here.” His eyes flicker to my fingers, toying with my skirt, up my arm to my bare shoulders. My nipples tighten, tingling for his mouth. Last summer he would kiss them, suck on them. I would come so fast. “I figured you’d be busy.”

“I’m not busy.” I take another hesitant step forward.

“As pretty as you are?” Another fake smile. “You’re not dating somebody?”

“I never wanted to date anybody.” But you…

“Well, college is different. You’ll have more options.”

Did he have options? The thought makes my head hurt.

As pathetic as I sound, I can’t help asking. “How many options did you have in college?”

Whatever the answer, I will not cry. Oh, God, don’t let me cry…

He shifts on the stool again. “I was more… focused on my classes.”

Nodding, I close the distance between us. “Danny said you graduated cum laude. So you didn’t date?”

He shrugs. “Dating costs money.”

He’s not looking at me now. Where did Mr. Cocky go?

“Were you lonely?” Did you miss me as much as I missed you?

His hands tighten on the tops of his thighs. Strong hands. Strong arms. Broad shoulders and full lips. Dark hair that touches the top of his collar. I know how soft his hair is. I know how it feels to fall asleep in his arms.

I know so much I can’t let go.

“Maybe.” His blue eyes are focused.

Gray can be so focused.

The space between my thighs is hot and slippery. I can’t wait any longer. I reach out and put my purse on the bar beside him. Then I place my hand on his.

He flinches as if shocked by the electricity humming through my skin. He turns his hand over and our fingers thread, pulling me closer, between his knees.

I step all the way into his chest, and my eyes close at the scent of warm cedar, fresh soap, leather, and Gray.

His voice is thick and rough when he speaks again. “I told you to find somebody closer to your age.”

“No, thank you.” I move my hands to his waist, slipping my fingers under his tee so I can touch his hot skin.

His breath quickens, and I’m buzzing with the heat surging between us. Lifting my chin, I place my lips against his muscled neck. The ice is melting. He’s coming home to me, and when he speaks, it’s a husky whisper.

“You need to find someone who deserves you, Drew-baby.”