Page 54 of Wrecked By You

I think I have a crush on Gia.

I beamed at her. “Great to meet you both. Have a safe trip home.”

Johannes hustled me from the restaurant, and seconds later, we were speeding down Hollywood Boulevard as if we were running from the cops.

“Easy,” I cautioned. “I’d like to get home in one piece.”

He backed off the gas, and the car slowed. “Sorry.”

A few silent seconds edged by.

“I liked them.”

He grunted.

A few more seconds passed.

I sighed. “Can I ask you something?”

“Depends on what it is.”

“Well, how will I know?”

He side-eyed me, then returned his attention to the road. “If there’s the remotest chance it’s intrusive, then I’d advise you to refrain.”

I should heed his warning. But then Gia’s observation of the way Johannes had looked at me tonight made me feel brave. Or stupid.

“Why don’t you think you’ll ever find someone?”

He locked his jaw. “Intrusive.”

“I’m aware.”

“Then back the fuck off.”

“Do I mean anything to you at all?”

His hands tightened on the wheel, his knuckles turning white. “We hardly know each other.”

“I’m aware,” I parroted.

“And you’re an employee.”

“Also true.”

“I don’t get involved with employees.”

“According to Gia, you don’t get involved with anyone.”

His nostrils flared. “Gia has a big fucking mouth. She also hasn’t a fucking clue what she’s talking about.”

“I think she knows you pretty well.” I covered his hand with mine. “I’d like to get to know you, too.”

He ripped his hand from beneath mine, setting a clenched fist on his thigh. “I don’t do relationships.”

“Why?”

He braked hard, and the car slewed to a stop. The sudden movement threw me forward in my seat, and the belt snapped into action.