Page 4 of Riding Dirty
The man draws in a deep breath and lets it out slowly. “What’s your name?”
“Millie.”
“Where are you from, Millie?”
“The Springs.” My heart pounds with each question he asks. “I really don’t want to go back there, though. So if you know of anyone in town who needs work done, I’m happy to help.”
“My daughter usually does the cleaning here, but she’s heading up to the Springs herself this week for a biker event. You could take her place for the time being. The pay would be four hundred for the week. If you’re looking for work after that, I could direct you to a few folks on Main that are hiring.”
Four hundred dollars? That’s like winning the lottery. I know car repairs can be expensive, but it can’t cost more than that…right?“That sounds great! Thank you! When do you want me there?”
“Tomorrow at seven. I like to get the shop clean before customers arrive. I’m sure my wife, Angie, could use some help at her antique shop this week as well. That’s another couple hundred.”
“Yes! I’d love that! Thank you!”
“Great. I’ll have your car towed in and we’ll have a quote for you by the time you get here tomorrow. Tell Gunner I said hello.”
“Will do. Thanks again!” There’s a smile on my face as I disconnect the line.
Okay, maybe I can fix my life with one phone call.
I sit back on the leather sofa in the main room and stare out into the valley. Mountains rise and fall, and wildflowers dot the edges of the river that meanders through the property. I stare at the scene for quite some time, imagining a life I know deep down I’ll never have.
Kids splashing in the river with the scent of pine in the air. A fishing pole dipped into the water on a sunny Sunday afternoon. A picnic basket with homemade biscuits and jam, Gunner holding a woman tight in his big arms as they watch their lives unfold against the backdrop of the wild unknown.
Girls like me don’t get happily-ever-afters like that. And though Gunner wanted me to stay until he got home, I don’t think he meant forever.
I lean back on the couch and close my eyes, trying not to picture the perfect life that’s reeling through my head, but it’s impossibly there and stuck on repeat. For a moment, I see my face next to Gunner’s. I feel our bodies together, warm, and full. I imagine a life with a stranger based on nothing more than his single act of kindness.
Then, I remember who I am.
The girl that doesn’t stay. The girl who’s way too young for a forty-something man. The girl with all the secrets.
I roll toward the inside of the couch and release a heavy breath. Let’s be real. I was born to run, so running is what I’ll do.
Chapter Three
Gunner
The house is quiet when I step inside.Fuck!I slam my fist against the wall, releasing the ball of tension tight between my shoulders.She has every right to leave. She’s not my hostage, but I’d hoped she’d at least stay for dinner. I should look for her. I’m sure she hasn’t gotten far.
“What’s wrong?” Millie pops up from the couch with wide eyes. Her long hair is messy and matted and my flannel hangs off her shoulder.Fucking hell. I didn’t think she could get any cuter than she was in those red boots.
This is going to be a problem.
I straighten and the tension is back. “Nothing. Sorry. I thought you’d left.”
“And you punch walls if I leave?”
“No,” I huff. “I’m glad you’re still here. How did you make out today?”
She smooths her matted hair as she tosses the blanket back into place over the couch. “I called Levi’s shop. He’s towing my car in, and he said he’d have a quote for me in the morning. I’m going to work for him for a week while his daughter is out of town.”
I narrow my brows and kick off my boots. “Work for him?”
“Yeah.” She pauses and crosses her arms over one another. “How was your meeting?”
I pull a beer from the fridge, pop the cap, and hand it toward her before grabbing one for myself. “A pain in the ass.” I lean against the back counter and stare toward her, wondering what the hell her plan is. I assume you don’t take work at the shop while your car is being repaired unless you’re broke.Why do I want to solve all of this woman’s problems?