Page 11 of Mechanic Daddy’s Girl (Daddy’s Girl #10)

CALLIE

W e eat together in Boone’s workshop, but I can see the Travis dilemma weighing on his mind the entire time we’re sitting there. Through the smiles and any attempt at keeping things light, Boone’s face always goes back to stern and contemplative.

After dinner, I perch myself on Boone’s knee, listen to the rhythmic hum of his heart beating, and stare out into the night, somehow hoping the dark will give me an answer. None comes my way. Only a distant bark of someone’s dog in the distance, and Cinnamon responding with one of her own.

But, as if their howls were the solution to this puzzle, Boone chuckles. “I’ve got it.”

“You do?” I snap my head in his direction.

He nods. “Now, go get dressed. We’re going to a bar.”

I want to ask so many questions, but instead, I do as Boone says. I hop off his lap and rush upstairs, changing into a black evening dress. Nothing fancy since I didn’t have any plans on spending my nights at the beach anywhere but my hotel room, but it will do.

Twenty minutes and an explanation of his plan later, Boone stops his truck in a dilapidated parking lot outside a building that looks like it could fall in on itself at any second.

But I’ve gotta admit, the place is pumping.

Hordes of people roam around outside, laughing and singing along to the music from inside.

We pass by them, and the place opens up to a large hall with a dance floor in the middle and tables all around it.

A live band plays old rock songs on a small stage in front of the dance floor. Five of them in total, all giving it their best.

We pass by them to get to the bar, and grabbing two beers, Boone leads me far away from the commotion.

“How do you know he’ll even show up?” I ask, sliding into the chair Boone pulled out for me.

“If he’s crazy enough to stalk you all the way here, I’d put my money on him showing up.” He takes a seat next to me. “And if he doesn’t, we’ll still have a great night. Dancing, drinking…” He pauses to lean in close for the last part. “Fucking. What more can you need?”

My face lights up like a Christmas tree, and I try to bury it in my hands. Boone stops me, enjoying the sight too much.

“I can’t argue with that. It sounds like the perfect start to our…” Our what, exactly? When I confessed my want to stay, I didn’t think anything else through. I’ve got no idea what tomorrow may bring, but as long as Boone’s at my side, it can only be good.

“Our future.” Boone takes over my thoughts. “Together.”

The first round goes down quickly, followed by a second enjoyed on the dance floor.

We hold each other, sway through the crowd, and laugh like I’ve never laughed before.

And as time goes on, it’s almost easy to forget that my crazy-ass boss really did stalk me.

Followed me across the country to the middle of nowhere to do God knows what.

Boone, on the other hand, never forgot. His ever-vigilant eye constantly scans the room around us in hopes of spotting Travis. And it manages to make everything all right. Strip me of my fears and replace them with a warm and fuzzy feeling.

We head back to our table when the band announces they’re taking a break. I hold Boone’s hand and skip the whole way over. But reality comes tumbling in when Boone stays standing after I’ve sat down.

“Gotta use the restroom,” he says. “Are you gonna be okay alone?”

I hesitate to answer, but find my footing. “Of course. But hurry back, okay?”

Boone disappears into the crowd, and I grab my phone to distract me from thoughts I shouldn’t have. Nothing’s going to happen in the few minutes Boone’s away, but it’s easy for my imagination to run wild.

I barely get my phone unlocked before I see the frame of someone much smaller than Boone in the corner of my eye.

“Christ, I never thought I’d get you alone,” Travis Donaldson says before I even look up.

A cold chill runs up my spine, though I suppose it shouldn’t. Boone predicted this would happen. That Travis has come too far and wouldn’t be able to stop himself from falling even deeper into the insanity of this situation.

“What are you doing here?” My throat instantly dries up and makes my words come out shaky.

“Told you, didn’t I?” A sick grin stretches over Travis’s face. “I’d be seeing you again very soon.” He takes a seat beside me, steepling his fingers in front of his face. “So, let’s have a little chat about what happens next.”