Page 86 of Truck Up

He stares at me, his gaze unwavering, a storm brewing behind those intense eyes. I can’t decipher the emotions swirling within him—anger at me for inviting them over, or the lingering pain of his mother’s health. Either way, he’s hot in his grumpy mysterious way.

Covered in grease from a long day at the shop, his usually perfectly styled hair is a disheveled mess. His clothes, worn and torn from years of hard labor, cling to his broad shoulders, revealing the strength beneath. And that scowl ... that grumpy, frustrated scowl ... it makes my pulse quicken.

Why does this rugged, grease covered version of him feel so incredibly sexy? Is there something wrong with me?

Without another word, he marches past us and slams the bedroom door shut behind him.

Nova and Hadley exchange glances before Nova looks at me. “Are you sure about this? He’s not very friendly.”

“It’s fine.” I wave her off like she’s being ridiculous. “He told his mom about us last Sunday. It didn’t go so well. He’s been in a terrible mood ever since.”

“He looked like he was ready to kill someone,” Hadley says. When I look at her, she looks scared.

I sigh and pinch the bridge of my nose. “That’s just Christian. He’s always struggled with his mom. And when he’s in a bad mood, he doesn’t like being around others.”

My friends just stare at me, apparently speechless. I have to remind myself that they don’t know Christian like I do. They see an angry man ready to destroy the world. Where I see a hurt man struggling to come to terms with all the changes to his life and the fact that his mom will never love him the way a mom should. All while fighting the urge to use again.

“It’s okay. I promise.” I reassure them. “You should go, though. Let me go talk to him.”

Nova rears her head back. Her eyes are wide as she shakes it from side to side. “I don’t want to leave you if he’s like that.”

“He won’t hurt me. If that’s what you’re worried about. He would never hurt me.”

Hadley and Nova exchange looks before they turn their worried gazes back to me.

“If you’re sure,” Hadley says in a tone that suggests she’s definitely not sure about this.

“I promise.” I smile and I see them both relax a bit. “Plus, he’s extra grumpy because he quit smoking this week. It’s been really hard on him.”

“Whoa!” Nova’s eyes widen even more. “For real?”

“Yep.” I chuckle at her surprise.

“He’s doing that for you?” She points a finger at me like she still can’t believe her ears.

My smile grows as I rub my belly. “And the baby. He doesn’t want to do anything to hurt it. This is hard for him. Give him a break. Please. For me.”

“Okay.” Nova shakes her head as she walks toward me and pulls me into a tight hug. “But if you need anything, you better call us. We’ll be here in no time.”

“I know.” I reach out for Hadley to join us. Once she’s a part of the group hug, I sigh. “I love you guys.”

“We love you too.” They say in unison.

I walk them outside and watch as Nova’s car disappears down our long driveway.

I take a deep breath, enjoying how the cool air fills my lungs. Before long, these hills will be covered in snow. This little spot is so pretty when the ground is white and the trees glisten with ice. It makes me happy that I get to call this place home.

After taking one more breath of cool air, I head back inside to find Christian. I hear the shower running, so I strip out of my clothes and slowly open the bathroom door. He’s standing with his back to me and both hands resting on the wall.

I open the glass door, and it lets out a loud creak. He’s as motionless as a carved idol, lost in thought and oblivious to his surroundings. From behind, it doesn’t even look like he’s breathing.

I step up behind him and rest my hands on his back. He tenses slightly from the coolness of my touch.

“I’ll apologize to your friends next time I see them,” he says. He sounds defeated and ready to give up on life.

“Don’t worry about my friends.” I grab the washcloth hanging over the rod and lather it up with soap before I scrub it down his arm. A streak of grease and dirt instantly turns the white suds gray. “Are you okay?”

He shakes his head. “My depression is getting to me today.”