now. Again, good job with the Wynhammer project. How did Smokey’s launch go?”
“Positive results so far, but it’s only the first day. I’ll have a good grasp on the performance in the next three.”
“Is he pleased with it?”
“I don’t know, seeing as he didn’t come in today. He’s been kind of hands-off with this whole project.”
“That’s typical. Unless you made it about motorcycles, his attention span is somewhat limited.”
“I wouldn’t say that. I agree that he’s obsessed with motorcycles—Harleys in particular—but he does have other interests. He’s very involved with charity fundraisers, he’s into nature, and, of course, he loves his work.”
“It sounds like you’ve enlisted in Smokey’s fan club. I hear all the other women who work for him are members.”
Coming to Smokey’s defense wasn’t a good move on her part. There was no way she wanted Zach to get an inkling about what had happened between them.
She forced out a laugh. “I didn’t know he had fan club. I’ve never been interested in joining anything that wasn’t work-related.”
An audible sigh of relief came across the line. “I was just kidding. I know you’re all work. Now, tell me what’s going on between you and the handymen.”
Ashley rolled her eyes. “They’re both weirdos, and I’m over them. I know Smokey will come in and finish the job.”
“Mark said you were yelling at him and Gage. He said you were out of control.”
“Of course he’d say that. I’m sure he didn’t mention that he just showed up, even though I’ve asked him about a million times to make an appointment with me before coming over. For some reason, he just won’t do it, and then he gets pissed off when I tell him to leave because I won’t be home. And I bet he didn’t mention I almost ran him and Gage down. They were standing in the middle of my driveway when I was backing out of the garage. Who the hell does that?”
“Have you always had problems with repairmen?”
“Oh, please, Zach. I’ve never had any problems like this before, because I’ve dealt with normal people, not a couple of looneys.”
“He’d be finished by now if you’d just give him a key to the house.”
Ashley gripped the steering wheel tighter. “I’d never give a key to my residence to anyone who wasn’t a friend or relative. And if you decide to do that, I’m moving out.”
“Whoa—hang on. You really are upset about this. Okay, I’ll talk to Mark and tell him he has to go through you to set up future appointments.”
She loosened her grip on the steering wheel. “Thank you.” Just then, the beep from an incoming call drew her gaze to the screen. Her stomach fluttered. Smokey. “I have to go, Zach. I have a client calling.”
“Okay. Bye.”
She swiped up. “Hello?”
“Hi, darlin’.” His voice had a low, sexy timbre.
“Hi. How are you?”
“Fine. I had some stuff that kept me busy all day. Don’t tell me you’re still at work.”
“No, I’m heading home. I went to yoga class, and I was thinking of stopping by the market to pick up a Cobb salad.”
A low chuckle vibrated through the phone. “You’re the fuckin’ queen of takeout. I’ll pick up pizza and salad on my way over.”
“I like that plan.”
“Text me what you want on your half of the pizza. I’ll be there in an hour.”
Passing by the market, she smiled. “Okay.”
“I missed you last night,” he said quietly.
“Me too.”
“See you soon.”
Joy shot through her like a flaming arrow as she put her phone down. All her misgivings and worry evaporated in an instant. Her evening had suddenly turned into something wonderful and romantic, and she couldn’t wait to be back in Smokey’s arms.
Turning into her driveway, she scanned the area for any suspicious people. Satisfied that everything was as it should be, she pressed the opener and pulled into the garage. With her gaze fixed on the rearview mirror, she closed the door, then grabbed the duffel bag and got out of the car.
She headed straight to the laundry room and put her yoga clothes into the hamper, then ambled into the bathroom to shower and change. After a while, she emerged wearing shorts and a loose top that set off her dark hair. She padded into the foyer and scooped up the mail that had fallen to the floor. Checking the slot for any stuck envelopes, she retrieved two large cardboard flyers that were jammed inside: one for discounted tires, another for life insurance.