Page 51 of Kings Don't Break

The dark storm cloud seems to clear up. My first day at the Chop Shop gives me déjà vu. Ten years ago, I’d practically run the day-to-day operations. The manager at the time, a surly ruddy-faced guy named Styx, had enjoyed my work so much he gave me extra perks. Extra authority on managing the shop and our work orders.

Returning to the shop now, it’s like I’ve never left. A fond familiarity washes over me. The moment’s a homecoming in the best way.

A greased-up little man in coveralls approaches with a toothy grin. “Hey ma’am. Whatcha in for? Don’t tell me a pretty thing like you rides?”

Blake cuts in straightaway. “That pretty thing is Korine McKibbens… and she’s about to be your coworker. So you better be respectful.”

“Blake,” I mutter. Then I present the man my hand to shake. “Hi, I’m Korine. I used to work here a while back.”

The guy takes hold of the tips of my fingers and gives them a weak shake, his attempt at chivalry. “You handled the front desk? It has been a while since we’ve had a receptionist?—”

“Korine’s an experienced mechanic—she’s also got a degree in mechanical engineering. Safe to say she’s no receptionist.”

Blake’s snappish tone might come across as rude, but it makes me feel strangely… flattered. He’s boasting about me as if I’m the most amazing person in the world when that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Let Ken tell it, I couldn’t do anything right, especially fix and repair cars…

“An engineer?” the short guy whistles. “Chop Shop’s going all fancy. Next thing you know, you’re gonna only hire mechanics with high school diplomas. Only made it to the eighth grade so I’d be shit outta luck. I’m Chaz, by the way.”

“Why don’t you show me what you’re working on, Chaz? Maybe I can help.”

I wink at Blake as Chaz rushes to fulfill my request. He bounces across the garage like he’s been struck by a bolt of energy.

Blake chuckles with a shake of his head but doesn’t interfere.

My first day ends with me assisting Chaz on an engine replacement.

He elbows Blake in the ribs. “Your girl’s a keeper.”

A funny warmth pours over me at Chaz’s words. Spoken in jest but still enough to make both me and Blake avoid each other’s gaze.

During the course of the next week, it becomes a regular occurrence, whether it’s at the shop toiling over bike repairs, or within the confines of Blake’s trailer. The space in the room always seems to shrink whenever we’re around each other. Suddenly, it becomes a difficult task staying apart.

Accidental touches. Shared smiles. Moments where we get carried away and freeze up catching ourselves.

I almost always ruin it first—thoughts about Ken and our marriage flash through my mind and remind me how messed up my life is.

Blake doesn’t question me on it. Knowing him, he gets me. He understands the war going on inside my head.

My heart.

“You wrapping up soon?” he asks late one evening.

We’re the last two in the shop. Chaz and Moss, another mechanic, have already left for the night. I peek at him from over my shoulder, the corner of my mouth quirking.

“Just one more second. I’m almost done with this Road King.”

“I’ll lock up the office.” The thud of his boots fades from the garage.

I’m racing against the clock to finish the last job of the night. My fingers move fast to be done by the time he returns. More so a game I’m playing with myself to prove I still got it. I can still have a bike like new in no time.

“Yes!” I jump up from where I’m sprawled out on the garage floor and whoop at the air. A giddy victory dance follows—swinging my hips and shaking my behind.

Then it dawns on me, I’m not alone. Blake’s walked back up. A grin spreads across his face and I feel mine flush.

“That…” he says slowly, “was fucking adorable.”

“Anyone ever tell you it’s rude to sneak up on people?”