Page 1 of Wrong Number, Right Mechanic (Wrong Number, Right Guy #12)

CHAPTER ONE

Lyla

“New brakes and pads, new rotors, a tune up, and flush all fluids.” I read from the scrap paper given to me by my previous mechanic. It was wonderful to see all of your car problems on one annoying list.

“It’s a lot but start slow. I’m sure Joe will give you a great deal. Just remind him you’re my daughter.” My mom handed me a post it note with the name Joe and a phone number scrawled on it.

I sighed into my coffee mug, the same one I’ve had since high school. Everything was still the same in my mom’s cabin. From the decorations to the furniture, sometimes changing with the seasons, but always bringing me the most comfort and joy. If only I were back home under different circumstances.

“I’m sorry things didn’t work out for you in the city, Lyla, but I’m proud of you for chasing your dreams. It’s not an easy thing to do.”

I smiled sadly. “Thank you.”

Mom sipped her coffee and reached across the table with her free hand.

I placed mine in hers and she squeezed it twice before blowing me a kiss, something she’s done since I was a little girl.

It was always just my mom and me. When I left for the city, my heart broke. I called her every day, visited often.

As much as I wanted my career in the city to work out, a part of me was happy to be back, happy to be around her again.

“What are your plans for today?” Mom stood up and walked over to the sink, depositing her mug inside.

“Still working on my online shop. But with the way my car is acting up, I might need to look for a job.”

“Call Joe. He’s a great mechanic and really fair with his prices. Don’t forget to mention me, okay?” As she walked by me, she patted me on the shoulder. “Have a good day, sweetie. Don’t stress too much.”

I snickered. If only it were that easy. But stress and I were best friends, and she followed me around everywhere, not once trying to respect my boundaries. I picked up the scrap piece of paper once again and stared at the number.

Here goes nothing.

Picking up my phone, I dialed the number and waited while it rang. And rang and rang.

Just as I was about to hang up, someone answered.

A voice I would know anywhere.

A voice that could send my heart racing.

A voice I hadn’t heard in years.

My ex- Jaxon Bern.

“Joe’s Mechanic Shop, how can I help you?”

My entire body froze. I nearly dropped the phone.

It couldn’t be.

No. He wasn’t a mechanic…

He almost didn’t graduate high school, had no clue about his future, and told me he wasn’t the college type. Now he was a mechanic? How?

I cleared my throat, pushed my shoulders back, and acted as if I didn’t just hear the voice I thought I did.

“Hello? Joe’s Mechanic Shop. How can I help you?”

“Hi, may I speak to Joe please?” I choked out, doing my best to disguise my voice but failing miserably.

“Joe’s not here right now, but I’d be happy to take a message.”

Phew it worked! But shit joe isn’t in.

“That’s okay. I’ll call back later. Have a good day?—”

“Lyla? Is that you?”

I froze, my hand white knuckling my phone.

Just hang up! No harm done.

“Lyla, I know it’s you. I’d recognize your voice anywhere. You’re back in town?”

“Listen, just have Joe call me when he can, okay? Thanks, bye.”

“No, wait. What’s going on with your car? Maybe I can help.”

“I don’t want your help. My mom gave me this number to speak to Joe. So that’s whose help I want.” My tone was cold, my tongue sharp, my defenses on high alert.

Jaxon was my high school sweetheart. And he broke my heart in two.

“Don’t be that way, please.”

“There’s no other way to be, Jaxon.”

I heard a scuffle and a growl, the sound vibrating through the phone.

My heart doubled in speed.

The sound of my blood coursing through my veins echoed in my ears.

That sound…that one sound from him…

How does he still have so much effect on me?

“Maybe I want to help you. Fix some wrongs between us if it’s even possible to?”

“So let me get this straight.” I steadied my voice as best I could. “Now that you know I’m back home in Appleridge, you want to help me? But five minutes ago, I was barely a thought in your mind.”

“You’re never barely a thought in my mind, Lyla. It’s the opposite. I never stop thinking about you. Every day, you dominate the space in my head.”

I said nothing. I believed him because I felt the same way. I woke up and he was on my mind. I went to bed, and his face was the last one I pictured before drifting off. I told myself lies every day, that I didn’t care, didn’t love him, but it couldn’t be farther from the truth.

He might’ve cracked my heart in two, but it wrapped itself up and continued on beating for him and only him.

Such a traitor.

“It’s easy to pick up the phone and call. Or text.”

“You’re right, it’s not. But I didn’t think you wanted to talk to me.”

“You thought correctly.”

“Let me at least help with your car. I can’t have you driving around worrying about breaking down.”

“It’s been ten years. Ten years of me on my own in the big tough city. I think I can handle it.” I said, my voice softer now. Dammit, he was already working his magic.

Thoughts of breaking down on the mountain infiltrated my head. Been there, done that. Senior year of high school, car broken down on the side of the road, and me in a full-blown panic. My mom came to my rescue and got me a tow. But I’d never forget how terrified I was, alone on the dark street.

Now, it was the end of summer, with fall right around the corner, and then winter, which brought a shit ton of snow. I needed the car repairs done sooner rather than later.

“I have no doubts you can’t. But this is about safety. Especially with winter coming?—”

“I know. That’s why it’s important you give Joe my message.”

“Still as stubborn as the day is long, I see.”

“Still as annoying as the stupid, old sayings you love to say.”

Jaxon chuckled, and the sound twisted my insides up, as if I put my organs in a blinder and pressed the high-speed button. “I’m not taking no for an answer. We can argue all morning if you’d like.”

“I’m sure Joe would love his phone lines tied up.”

“Anything for a customer.”

“I forgot you know everything. Teach me your ways.”

“You’re hilarious. Bring your car by the shop tomorrow morning.”

“Have Joe call me. Bye, Jaxon.” I stretched his name out using my voice, knowing the way I said his name drove him crazy.

Sure enough, as I brought the phone away from my ear to press the end button, I heard him growl.

My panties were now soaked.

Damn him.