Page 4 of Wrong Number, Right Mechanic (Wrong Number, Right Guy #12)

CHAPTER FOUR

Jaxon

As I got back in my truck and started the engine, a part of me wanted to go back inside and demand to stay. I mean, her mother did invite me to stay for dinner.

Yet Lyla was intent on pushing me away- why?

Was she afraid to see that our love for each other still existed?

I drove home in silence, not bothering with the radio, my thoughts on overdrive about her. I knew I hurt her deeply, but I didn’t expect her to fight so hard against it.

Did she still love me as I did her?

She didn’t say it back.

The thought stabbed me in the chest. But it’s what I deserved. I deserved to feel the same pain I caused her. Maybe then, and only then should I get a second chance with her.

Instead of focusing on the negatives, I looked towards the positives. Planning our dates. I would take her on as many dates as it took to prove my love. This time, I wasn’t going anywhere. I vowed to stay by her side for the rest of my days. And if she moved again, I was going with her.

“Did the two of you go on dates in high school?” Joe asked me the next morning over coffee before we opened up the shop for the day.

“Yes, a few. Most of the time it was figuring out whose parents weren’t home so we could make out.” I chuckled as I remembered our hot and heavy make-out sessions. I thought I was such hot shit. And so did she.

“I remember those days. I dated a Peggy Sue, and we’d make out beneath the bleachers. I always wondered what happened to her.” Joe sipped his coffee, a faraway look in his eyes.

“You should look her up on social media. Never know, maybe she’s still around and single.” I grinned and held my mug up for a cheer. Joe tapped my mug with his, and we both took a sip.

“You know, that’s actually not a bad idea. Thanks.”

“Keep me posted.”

Joe snapped his fingers suddenly. “Ah ha! I got it!”

“Got what?” I asked.

“Recreate your dates from high school. Women love romantic stuff. Plus, she’ll be impressed by what you can remember.”

I laughed. “That’s actually a pretty cool idea. Thanks.”

“Any time. Grab a pen and paper. We’ve got work to do.”

After jotting down some ideas and putting together a plan, I made a to do list, along with anything I might need to grab at the store.

First date was a recreation of our first date, dinner at the town dinner and stargazing at one of the mountain’s many lookout spots.

Second date was a movie with dinner after, and the third date was taking her to one of the local apple orchards.

With September right around the corner, the apples were close to being ready, just like when we started dating a few weeks into sophomore year of high school.

As September went on, more apple orchards would open and fall celebrations and festivals would begin. I planned to take her to as many as she wanted, just like when we were teens, young and exploring the world together.

She’d fall in love with me the same way she did the first time, and she’d be back in my arms in no time.

“Make sure you bring her flowers. Every date, my friend. You’ve got some groveling to do.” Joe said before standing up from the table. “And now you’ve got some cars to work on.”

I chuckled as I cleaned up my cup and muffin wrapper. “Yeah, yeah, old man. I’m coming.”

“Watch it.” Joe joked, and another day began.

Keeping busy was the best way to make the time go by, and that’s exactly what I did. Finally, it was time to clock out, and I raced home, needing time to shower and get ready.

I carefully groomed myself, shaving where needed, but keeping a bit of facial hair, just the way Lyla liked.

A pair of jeans, a fitted tee, and an unbuttoned flannel with the sleeves rolled up was my outfit of choice, a fresh pair of Nike Jordan One sneakers completing the look.

Grabbing the flowers from the fridge, I shoved my wallet and phone in my back pocket and picked up the keys before heading out the door.

It didn’t take long for me to reach Lyla’s cabin, and every minute that ticked by heightened my senses. I couldn’t wait to see her, my body literally buzzing with anticipation.

Once there, I pulled into the driveway and hurried up the front steps, keeping the truck running for warmth. Fall wasn’t letting us forget it was right around the corner, the last days of the summer heat fading away.

As I raised my fist to knock, the door swung open and Lyla quickly ran out, closing it swiftly behind her. “Hi. Let’s go before my mom stops us. She wanted to invite you in for a drink. But I told her we have reservations.”

I laughed, even though guilt ran through me. “I feel bad. One drink wouldn’t hurt, would it?”

Lyla laughed now, the sound like a pretty symphony to my ears. “She’ll have us staying for dinner and dessert. You know this.”

“You’re right. But one day this week, I’ll come in for dinner. Tonight, we have plans.” I took her hand in mine, loving the feel of her soft skin against my roughness.

“She’ll like that,” Lyla said as I held open the truck door for her. I ran around the other side and slipped behind the wheel.

As I threw the truck into reverse, Pam opened the front door and waved. “Have fun, guys! Come by for a drink later!”

Lyla chuckled and shook her head while waving back at her mother. “Only her.”

“Bye!” I called and waved before driving off.

“So, where are you taking me?” Lyla asked, a teasing tone in her voice. “I need to warn the authorities. You know, in case you decide to kidnap me.”

“Ha ha, hilarious. In fact, you wish I would.”

“Maybe.” Lyla said matter-of-factly, only a trace of flirtiness in her voice. “Slow it down there, Captain.”

“Aye, aye. No use rocking the boat.”

Lyla laughed, the sound filling the truck. I wanted to bask in it, hold on to it forever, and never take another moment with her for granted. “Only five minutes in and there you go with the corny sayings.”

“You love it.”

“Nah. You just think I do.”

“Watch that mouth of yours or I’m going to kiss it.”

“Do it.” Lyla smirked, and the air crackled between us.

“I will. And you won’t see it coming.”