The Mechanics of Mistletoe - Liz Isaacson Page 0,21

she said, her voice drier than the desert. “I don’t tell you about any of my dates.”

Bear swallowed, glad to hear that. The last thing he needed was his mishaps and blunders with the woman talked about the next day in the shop.

A healthy pause happened before Sammy said, “Let’s get these cars separated again,” and released Bear’s hand. “Can you stay to help, Bear?”

“Yep,” he said, stepping out into the sunshine with her. It felt strange that just twelve hours ago, they’d all been underground, hoping and praying the sun would come out as it was now.

“Logan, grab all the keys, would you?” Sammy asked. “We’ll line them up and make notes.”

He went to do that, and Sammy turned to Bear, a big sigh leaking out of her mouth. “Then, Bear, I hate to ask you, but could you come look at my parents’ property? Then you’ll know the extent of the damage.”

His heart expanded two sizes when she kept her eyes flitting somewhere else behind the shop while she spoke. Only when she finished did she look at him, and he found the apprehension and vulnerability in her face. Her pretty brown eyes called to his soul, and he wanted to wrap her in his arms and tell her she never had to shoulder anything alone again.

He held his ground though, because they weren’t alone, nor was their relationship really to the point of him gathering her close and whispering sweet things in her ear.

“Of course,” he said, his voice grinding in his throat. “I’ll text them right now and see who’s available. We’re starting at the Rhinehart’s ranch in the morning. If it’s not bad, we could—” He cut off, because he couldn’t really speak for anyone but himself. “Let me see what they say.”

He tapped quickly and opened his group text with all the ranch owners he knew. Hey, everyone. I know someone who needs help with their property in town. They’re older, and I haven’t seen it yet, but I was thinking if we have a couple of hours tomorrow or whenever, we could help them out.

He read over it, his heart thudding strangely in his chest. He didn’t know why, and he hoped he wasn’t overstepping his bounds by asking. They all had problems. They all had damage and friends who needed help.

He erased the text, not sure what to do now. He’d told Sammy he could get some people, but he was nervous to ask them? He drew in a long breath and held it while he prayed.

What do I do?

He opened his eyes and started again.

Hey, everyone. I just started seeing Sammy Benton, and she needs some help with her parents. They’re older and can’t do much. She’s got Lincoln and her shop. I’m headed over there in a few minutes to assess, and I’m thinking there will be quite a bit of work. Once I know, can I ask anyone who can to come help? No pressure. I know we all have a lot to attend to.

He read over it once, his pulse settling as he did. He determined that meant he could send the text, and he did.

He looked up as Logan returned with the keys, and he divided them up among the four of them. Bear’s phone vibrated before he could take a step toward the red sedan he’d gotten the keys for.

Squire had said, You’re dating Sammy Benton?

The mechanic? Pete asked. That’s amazing, Bear. He’d attached a smiley face.

I didn’t know you dated, Bear, Jeremiah said.

How long have you been seeing her? Tammy asked. I think that’s so sweet. I can help her parents. The Bentons are good people.

Wow, Bear, back in the dating pool. Good for you, Wade said.

Bear frowned at all the messages that were solely about him dating Sammy. He didn’t even know if that part was true or not. She hadn’t introduced him as her boyfriend, and he glanced up as the first grumble of an engine filled the air.

Gavin chimed in with, Bear? Dating? He must pull out the teddy bear card when he picks her up.

Bear wanted to throw his phone into the nearest thing that would render it useless. Very funny, he said to everyone. Am I really that pathetic? He shoved the phone in his back pocket and went to move the three cars he’d been given keys for. Since he’d stood staring at his phone, he finished last, and still he refused to take out his phone and look