Pretty Sweet - Christina Lee Page 0,15

I said, because no fucking way was I gonna admit anything else in front of these guys, no matter how harmless. I’d never hear the end of it.

“Kid?” Mia scoffed. “I’m pretty sure he’s not much younger than you.”

“Yeah, okay. Way to bust my balls too.”

She smirked as she strolled back to her office, no doubt to kick someone else’s ass who crossed her path.

Once I finished with the oil change and tire rotation, I parked the Caddy in a visitor spot outside, then fished Seth’s keys out of my pocket as I headed to his BMW.

Sliding into the front seat, I was immediately hit with the pleasant scent of apples, and spotted the air freshener hanging from his rearview mirror. I absently noted the inside was fairly clean, but what did I care? My truck could be a wreck sometimes with paperwork and supplies. And don’t even get me started on some of the beaters that customers dropped off.

I started the engine, and when music immediately began piping through the speakers, I bit back a grin. Some kind of boy-band shit. I looked at the dash, where the name of the song came into view atop the radio dial. BTS. Who in the hell?

“Sweet Beamer,” Brett said as I pulled the car into the dock. “Dude must have some loaded parents or a sweet inheritance.”

“Knock it off already.” I hopped out and headed toward the workbench for a lug wrench, the truth of his words cutting a little too close. “Since when do you scrutinize our customers’ rides so much?”

His eyebrows scrunched together. “Uh, since we work in an auto shop where we service cars?”

“Shut it.” Besides, I wasn’t about to go there. Seth’s business was his own.

Yeah, I must’ve liked the kid—guy—because I was already acting all defensive. And I needed to cut it out, or I’d hear about it even worse.

I spent the rest of the morning giving Seth’s car a tune-up, then a new set of wheels. Once finished, I test-drove it around the block, and it ran like a beauty. He’d be able to trade it in no problem for his…what was it? A Mini Cooper, which would probably fit him better. I couldn’t help smiling as I pictured it.

After parking his car in the nearest space to the garage, I pulled out my cell to text him.

You’re all set. No rush, we’re open until 6 p.m. Let me know if you need a lift.

No, I’m good. Thanks.

Then I got back to work.

“It looks great.” I was leaning over the workbench when I heard Seth’s voice traveling from the parking lot, where Mia had obviously shown him to his car once he paid inside. “Can you tell Jake I want to thank him?”

“You’re free to—”

“That’s okay, don’t want to bother him.”

I made my way toward the garage door, which we kept open in the summer or we’d sweat to death. When I caught his eye, I waved. “Good, yeah?” I asked, inching a few steps forward.

“Perfect!” He beamed. “Thanks!”

“No problem,” I replied, and when I felt Mia curiously watching our interaction, I waved again and retreated. “Let me know if you need anything. Catch you later.”

I thought I detected a flash of disappointment cross his features, but then Mia asked him a question and he became animated again. No doubt those two would hit it off. If Mia hadn’t been there, I might’ve told him I was meeting Mom at an apartment rental after work, though I had no clue why I’d need to share that. Besides, he’d probably hear all about it next time he saw her at work.

Okay, enough of this overthinking shit. What in the hell was wrong with me? Seth was a dude I met through my mom—well, actually, through Dane. I liked him, was curious about him—which was natural, right?—and maybe we could be friendly. End of story.

When I strode toward the air compressor, Tucker was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. “What?”

“You’re acting weird,” Tucker said.

“Fuck no, I’m not.” Christ, can’t I even have friends now?

“Whatever you say.” He shook his head. “You mentioned that you need to head out a couple of minutes early to meet your mom?”

“Yeah, she wants me to see the new place she’s probably gonna end up renting.”

“Gonna be strange without her, huh?” he asked, and I shrugged, not wanting my voice to betray me. “You know, I’m surprised you don’t have any pets.”

“I would if I wasn’t gone so much,” I