Page 76 of One Good Crash

So I kept on going. "And she's always wanted to live near the beach. Plus, she's an Army brat, meaning her dad was in the military, and they moved all the time, so it's not like Nashville is her hometown or anything. Her parents, they live in Alaska now, and Allie hates the cold, so she could live anywhere, like Florida, it's the perfect place."

I gave him my most encouraging smile. "If you'd just give her a chance, you wouldn't be sorry. I promise."

From the look on his face, he was already sorry.

Okay, I knew I was being obnoxious. And yes, I was asking way more than I should. Already, Jax had done me a ton of favors, and here I was, asking for another.

But if he just picked Allie for the job, he'd see that I was doinghima favor, too, even if he didn't yet realize it.

He sat in grim silence while I extolled the virtues of her work ethic, her creativity, and her terrific people skills.

This got me a raised eyebrow.

I cleared my throat. "Okay, so she gets a little riled up sometimes, but she only did that today because she was worried. Normally, she's really super nice." I gave Jax a pleading look. "I mean, who else but someone really wonderful would steal a truck to rescue a friend?"

At this, he lookedalmostready to smile. "Steal, huh?"

I waved away the distinction. "Oh, you know what I mean. And shewasonly borrowing it, honest."

"Uh-huh."

Damn it.That was number-three…nota good sign.

But I refused to be deterred. "Oh sure, there might've been a little confusion with the ex, but in Allie's defense, he used to borrowhervehicle all the time, and without her permission, too."

I wasn't lying. It was one of the things they used to fight about. Before the vintage pickup, Stuart had owned a motorcycle instead. Almost every single time it rained, Allie's car would turn up missing just when she needed it most.

For someone who rode a motorcycle, the guy was strangely allergic to a few raindrops, almost like he'd melt or something.

What a wuss.

I tried for another smile. "But forget that. She really is the perfect candidate." When Jax still made no reply, I continued with my sales pitch.

I kept on talking until he held up a hand, saying "Stop. Please."

I didn't want to stop, but I did anyway. Probably, that was for the best. There was, after all, such a thing as over-selling, and already, I was repeating myself.

I leaned forward, dying to hear what he'd say. I said a silent prayer.Say yes. Say yes, say yes.

His response – a single word – landed with a thud. "No."

Chapter 33

No? Just like that?

With no discussion? No reasons? No nothing?

The hope that had kindled in my heart died a slow, sputtering death. I looked to Jax. "But why not?"

He pointed to the document that I was still holding. "You see that paper?"

"Yeah. Of course."

"It's gotyourname on it, not hers."

"So?"

"So, it's non-transferrable."