Page 21 of Freaks Of Nature

“Painting!”

Figures. He’s been talking about nothing else since sketching the design.

Pushing the plastic curtain that divides the workspace aside to step through, I find him squatting by the Nova’s right front fender in paint scrubs and mask, the detailing spray brush in hand.

I know he’s got earbuds in, listening to a different kind of music than Isaac, but his sixth sense goes off the second I enter, and he turns my way.

“I owe you donuts.” I toss him the bag, and he catches it one handed, crushing it to his chest.

“I’m glad you remembered.” His voice comes out muffled through the facemask.

“Got your favorite too.”

“The pink ones?” Setting the brush down, he removes the face masks and grins. “Nice. Thanks.”

“Oh no,” I disagree with a laugh. “Thankyou.”

Em

Iget to the diner at 6 p.m. to relieve Cathy, my counterpart, of the day staff. While Jake comes in with me, Laura and Drew are already here.

As he’s busy behind the grill, he greets me with a smile and a wave that I return when I clock in before slipping my apron over my head to meet Laura out front.

We hustle through eight hours, chatting about everything and nothing while customers keep a steady flow going.

Of course, she needles me with questions about Ash.

He woke me this morning with fresh coffee after he’d already showered, which I hadn’t heard at all. Nor had I felt him slipping out of bed once I fell asleep with him spooning me, still in his jeans. I was out like a light.

Letting me borrow his hoodie, he dropped me off at my place on his way to work, but he said he’ll pick me up again after my shift.

And I hope the night after that as well. I know we’re moving fast, but I want us to become a regular thing.

At the end of the night, I switch my apron for his sweatshirt, which I left on the hook in the kitchen, and say goodbye to Drew and Jake.

Ash awaits me in the alley out back. He’s scrolling on his phone but looks up when I step out.

He grins. His helmet sits on his lap; mine is strapped to the backseat.

“Miss me?” I drawl, taking the short flight of stairs down to him.

His dimple deepens. “Hellyeah.”

He puts his phone away, and I slide in for a kiss, my fingers clasping his jaw.

His groan hums through me. “Damn, baby girl. If I start kissing you now, I’m not gonna stop.”

I like the sound of that.

“Promise?” I purr against his mouth. My teeth nip at his lip, and I swear I can feel the heat radiating off his body.

He gives me a soft grunt, then motions at my helmet. “Get on.”

I let out a laugh, but comply.

I slip the helmet on and tug the long sleeves of his hoodie over my fingers before wrapping my arms around him. I get why he’s wearing gloves. It’s not just the wind; bugs sting like a bitch at high speed.

We’re back at his place in what seems like minutes. He pulls into the garage and lowers the door, this time from the bike instead of the switch by the wall. Like he can’t wait to be away from prying eyes fast enough.