Page 27 of The Scientist
“I bet.” I could only imagine how much he was probably picked on.
“We’re here,” he announced.
He pulled into the gravel driveway of a parking lot with the sign labeledEsteban’s Auto Sales. We were approached almost immediately by a salesman in a clean gray suit.
“Hola, amigos!” He greeted us in a thick Spanish accent. “My name is Rodrigo. How can I help you today?”
“I’m looking for a used car,” I told him. “I’m not especially picky. Just something reliable and preferably with low mileage.”
“I’m sure that we can find you something. What is your name, hermosa?”
“I’m Hadley, and this is Lex.”
“Such a beautiful couple. I’m sure we’ll find the perfect car for the perfect couple,” he said, laying it on thick.
“We’re not—” Lex started to say, but I cut him off.
“Thank you. That would be great,” I said, looping my arm through Lex’s.
We followed behind Rodrigo toward the corner of the lot, and I kept my arm wrapped around Lex’s. I tried not to register the warmth of his skin or the curve of his muscles pressed against my nonexistent ones.
“What are you doing?” he asked, low enough so only I heard.
“Just go with it,” I whispered. “Men always respond better if they think another man is involved in the purchase of a vehicle. Otherwise, he’ll think I’m easy prey.”
“Now this one would be perfect for you.” Rodrigo stopped and pointed to a gray Nissan Altima. “It’s got great gas mileage and is only eight years old.”
We both circled the car once before Lex popped the hood open to inspect the engine. I slid into the driver’s seat to check out the more important features, like how many cup holders and USB ports there were.
“What do you think, snookums?” I asked Lex, who raised an eyebrow at me but didn’t comment on his new nickname.
“Well, there’s oil on the engine.” He swiped his finger across it, coming up with a black stain. “And the spark plugs look like they’re in really bad shape.”
I was suddenly really grateful that Lex was here because there wasn’t a chance in hell I would have noticed any of that even if I had bothered to pop the hood.
“Oh my! We’ll definitely have to have the mechanic take a look,” Rodrigo said, trying his best to look shocked but not quite pulling it off.
“Your husband has a good eye,” he said. “It is your husband, yes?”
I looked adoringly toward Lex. “Fiancé, actually. We just got engaged last month. Had to get the ring sent off to get resized.” I held out my hand and looked longingly at my empty ring finger.
“So lovely,” he said. “You are a lucky man, amigo.”
He turned to bring us to more vehicles, and I giggled at the dismayed look on Lex’s face. He would make a terrible actor.
“Now this one,” Rodrigo said, pointing to a midnight blue Chevy Impala. “This one I know has been through a thorough inspection and is in great condition. You wouldn’t need to worry about your wife driving this one around. She’d be very safe.”
Lex looked at him doubtfully but didn’t respond.
“Thank you, Rodrigo,” I said. “My sugar bear would just be beside himself if I were to get stranded on the side of the road.” I leaned my head against Lex’s shoulder, and he went stiff as a board.
“I can assure you this one is perfectly safe, señorita.”
We performed the same ritual of Lex looking under the hood while I checked out the interior. I really, really liked this one. I stuck my head out the window ready for the verdict as Lex slammed the hood back down.
“This one looks fine,” Lex announced.
I couldn’t contain my excitement. “Awesome! Let’s take it for a test drive.”