I hold Kong in my lap as we wait in the small room at the back of the Mason Garage. I may need to talk to a vet about Kong. He shook in my lap and burrowed in my arms the entire ride over. He seems better now, but he’s definitely acting peculiar.

Hank towed my car in, because he said the tire was beyond fixing, so I had Lynn drop me off here at the garage. I’m sure glad Lynn showed up when she did. She was going to stay, but she’s got an interview on a job and I didn’t want to hold her up. I don’t know what I hit, but it made a long slit into the rubber—which means I’m getting two tires put on the back because Hank says it’s bad to run a vehicle on mismatched tires. That’s a hit to my already tight budget, but it can’t be helped. Kong burrows his head in my hand and I grin down at the silly dog. It’s hard to believe I’m already attached to him like I am. Probably because we are both cast offs from Black Lucas. So much in common.

“How you doin’ darlin’?” Hank asks, sticking his head through the door. He’s such a flirt. He’s been flirting with me almost nonstop since I got here. It’s been nice actually. It’s good to know some men find me attractive, even if Black didn’t.

I silently curse myself. I need to stop thinking so much about Black.

I need to stop dreaming about him too…

“I’m good. Are you almost finished?” I ask, hoping the answer is a resounding yes.

“Almost, come on out here, I want to show you something,” he says.

I get up a little nervous. As much as he’s been flirting, I’m a little worried at what he plans on showing me.

Kong whimpers in my arms and I hush him quietly. I don’t want to let him run free in the garage—even on his leash. I just had him groomed and thanks to getting a couple of tires, I sure can’t afford another one this quick.

“What is it?” I ask as we walk around my car.

“I think someone broke into your car.”

“Why is that?” I ask.

“Well the doughnut tire in your trunk looks like it has a jagged slit torn into it.”

“Could that have happened on the road too?” I ask, completely green about these things.

“Well, maybe. You’re really not supposed to reuse these. Have you had to drive on the doughnut before?”

“Why do they call it a doughnut?” I ask, unable to stop myself. I want to giggle at the image of me driving a car with doughnuts for tires. I’d never go anywhere. I’d try to eat the tires.

“You’re cute,” Hank says, dismissing my question and I figure it’s because he doesn’t really know the answer, so I let it slide.

“It could have been driven like that. To be honest, Hank, I’m not sure. I bought the car used when I moved back from overseas.”

“Just be careful. Your trunk lock has some scratches on it—like someone has picked it, or at least tried.”

“I have no idea why they would have done that. Maybe that was from before I bought it,” I tell him, frowning.

I’ve never noticed those tiny scratches before. I have to admit I never took the time to notice either though. So, it could be from before. Still, it seems weird that both my spare and my back tire would have similar slashes.

“Hey don’t get that look, darlin’. It’s probably nothing, but I wanted you to know, just in case. Luka told me you just moved into a rough part of the neighborhood.”

“Jesus does everyone know what a person does around here?” I ask, frustrated.

“It’s a small town and a girl as pretty as you? Let’s just say everyone notices.”

“Whatever. You’re a born flirt, Hank,” I laugh.

“Well when a woman looks like you do, that comes easy,” he says with a wink. I watch as he continues tightening the lug nuts on my tire.

“If you’d quit flirting and actually work, the lady’s car would have probably already been done.”

My head jerks around to the garage bay door and I see Black. My body tightens with tension in reaction to seeing him. I increase my hold on Kong in response, and the puppy whimpers, reminding me he’s there. I rub my chin on his head in apology and loosen my grip, but I don’t take my eyes off of Black.

I’m not sure I can.

He looks good…. Damn him.

He’s got stubble, that wasn’t there before. I got to say that I liked him clean shaven but something about that scruffy look on him looks dangerous—and makes my insides heat. His hair is rumpled too and he’s in his uniform—which is never a bad thing. His eyes are alight with anger and I can’t really tell if it’s directed at Hank or at me. I suspect a mixture of both of us.

“Black. Sheriff told me you’d probably be in,” Hank says, making me blink.

“Luka’s an asshole. What’s wrong with her car?” he asks Hank, ignoring me.

“You could ask me, since you know… It’s my car,” I respond, my voice having a bite to it. I’d like to take a bite out of Black, I’m just not sure if it would be completely out of anger.

“You’re not the mechanic, are you?”

“I’m the owner, and since we’re on the subject, why is it any business of yours?”

“I’m a law officer in this town.”

“Is it a violation of some county ordinance to be broke down?” I ask, crossing my arms at my chest and narrowing my eyes.

“I was simply worried about a citizen of the county. That’s all,” he says, never quite looking at me.

“You forgot one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“I’m not a citizen of the county. I’m just visiting.”

“I thought you were talking about staying here and being closer to your father?” he asks, and for a brief moment surprise replaces his stoic expression.

“I’m rethinking that decision. Some of the people in this town aren’t quite what I thought they were.”

“It’s none of my business,” he mutters.

“That’s right and neither is my car.”

“It’s finished now if either of you are wondering. It might not be a bad thing for Black here to be aware, honey. Those tires just looked weird.”

“They’ve just been sitting too long. I’ve not been home to drive my car much,” I correct. “I had it in storage.”

“Her name is Adelle!” Black says over top of my words and I sigh and roll my eyes heavenward.

Kong growls at Black then, trying to jump out of my hands to get to Black. Black takes one look at the dog and his eyes glow with anger.

“That damn dog needs a muzzle!”

“So do some people!” I growl back.

I have to get out of here.

I take my keys from Hank, luckily I paid him earlier when he told me I’d have to have two new tires at the least. I almost decided to put on four, but money is tight enough. My savings are going to run out pretty quick at this rate.

“Thanks Hank. I appreciate your help,” I tell him, opening my car door now that he has lowered it from the jack.

“Anytime gorgeous.”

I laugh as he winks at me. Then, I turn to look at Black. In my heart I’m begging him to apologize, take those few steps over here and tell me he’s an asshole, or even kiss me…

I miss his kisses.

He does neither of those and I’ve got to quit wishing he would.

“Goodbye, Black,” I tell him before getting into my car. I put Kong on the passenger side, making a mental note to get one of those totes you can buckle in for him to ride safely. Kong immediately goes to the window, his tiny feet slap up against the window and he snarls at Black as if he was tonight’s meal. It’s cute and well deserved so I give Kong a pat on his little head in thanks.

“I’ll see you around, Addie,” Black says and I’d like to think he sounds sad when he says it, but I’m probably just fooling myself.

“Not if I see you first,” I mutter and slam the door. I don’t bother looking at him as I back out of the garage.