Page 2 of Tangled Desires

“Good as new,” I say, watching the coolant levels stabilise.

“Would’ve been quicker if you didn’t keep fucking around.”

“Yeah, yeah. But we make it work. Solid team, Mikey boy.” I laugh, elbowing him. “Let’s check the circuits now.” We work quickly, Michael pulling out the old fuse and sliding the new one into place. As soon as it’s in, he turns the key. The engine roars to life, and I flick the wipers on. They move smoothly across the windshield, the turn signals blinking perfectly in rhythm.

“Let’s get this thing out of here before it decides to fuck up again.”

I can’t stop the grin from creeping up. Took a bit longer than I’d hoped, but hell, it’s running like a dream now. Another one ticked off the list. “What’s next?” I ask.

Michael nods to the clock. “Lunch, if you can manage to keep quiet for five minutes.”

I laugh. “No promises.”

As I rip through my sandwich, Imogen’s face flashes into my brain again. It’s like some kinda gut instinct, always knowingwhen she’s close. Even though I’m so in over my head, part of me doesn’t care.

Fuck it. Let the chaos come; I’ll take whatever she’s serving.

I shove the last bite of my sandwich into my mouth and I glance at the time—12:15. Isla’s supposed to swing by soon to grab a part for Xav’s canopy. Xav had called last minute, but hell, I’d do anything for him. He’s like a second brother to me, along with his brother, Bradley.

Eminem’sBusinessstarts blaring through the shop’s speakers, and I can’t stop the grin spreading across my face. Fuck, Ilovethis song. The beat’s like a shot of adrenaline straight to the chest. I tap my foot, singing the words, getting lost in it.

Michael glances over at me. “Do you have to sing?”

“Yes, I do,” I reply, grinning. “Eminem, mate. Best rapper in the game.”

“You’re a dork, you know that?”

“Damn right.” I laugh, tossing the last bit of my sandwich in the bin. I jump up and grab the part from the shelf, setting it on the bench for Isla.

I hear the hum of a car pulling up outside. I wipe my hands on my jeans again for good measure and head toward the front of the shop. As I step out, I catch sight of Isla rounding the car, but what really hits me like a freight train is the sight of Imogen getting out of the passenger seat, that delicious scowl of hers in full force. My pulse skyrockets.

Well, well, well... guess my gut instincts aren’t half-bad, after all. Didn’t expect to see her this quick, but you’re not gonna hear me complain.

“Isla.” I nod in greeting.

“Hey, Harrison,” she replies with a wave.

I flick my eyes over to Imogen, who’s looking at me like she wants to kill me, that scowl tight on her face. “Hey, Immy,” I say, dragging the word out.

Her eyes narrow. “It’sImogen.”

“I know. But Immysounds better, don’t you reckon?”

“I don’t.”

“How’s your little bundle of joy?” I ask, nodding toward Isla’s car.

Isla grins like a proud mum. “She’s great. With Xavier’s mum. Grace just got her down for a nap. She’s been restless all morning.”

My thoughts drift for a second. Kids? Never really crossed my mind before. But the idea of having my own—yeah, that sends a chill down my spine. How the hell could I be good enough for something like that? After everything? No fucking way. But then I think about it—what if I could? What if I could be the kind of guy who could do the dad thing? It’s a fleeting thought, but it sticks with me for a second.

Maybe I could do the dad thing.

Imogen stays quiet, her eyes darting between Isla and me, that scowl still firmly in place. I can’t help but grin wider, knowing exactly how much I get under her skin. It’s a thrill, really.

“Glad she’s getting some rest. You must be relieved.”

Isla nods. “Absolutely. Thanks for getting the part ready, Harrison.”