Flashes of that day hit me. Coming home early. Finding them together. The fight. Waking up to find them gone, along with the bike.
My entire world crumbling around me as lie after lie was revealed.
My stomach knotted, and a tidal wave of anger hit me. The feelings of rejection, scorn, and humiliation hit me all over again.
I grabbed the piece of metal from Charly’s hand, barely controlling my emotions. I lifted her from my lap, almost pushing her off in my haste. I dragged up my boxers, grabbing my sweats and pulling them on.
“Maxx,” Charly asked. “What is it? What’s wrong?”
I grabbed her by the shoulders, keeping her at arm’s length. “Don’t touch me,” I spat out. “Stay away, Charly. This time, I mean it. No more.” I waved my fingers between us. “Whatever this is stops now. I brought you here to do a job. Do it and stay clear of me.”
I turned and walked away, ignoring the shocked, hurt look on her face.
Chapter 13
CHARLY
His words echoed in my head as he stormed away. I watched him enter the house, the screen door slamming against the brick. I tugged on my clothes, feeling remarkably calm considering what had occurred.
I stood in the wide-open expanse of the barn doors for a moment, the sunshine warming my face. I glanced at the beautiful restored motorcycle beside me. Brought back to life with care and passion by Maxx’s hands. The same hands that seemed to know exactly where to touch me and how to give me more pleasure than I had ever experienced.
The same hands that pushed me away.
Even when he was shouting, his words intended to frighten and hurt me, all I could see was the pain in his eyes. The fear of getting close—too close—to me was evident, even if he refused to admit it. The woman who had been here before had done a number on him.
Rufus loped over, his golden coat gleaming in the light. Crouching down, I stroked his head, feeling the warmth from the sun on his skin. He was a great dog. Docile, friendly, happy to hang around the garage all day, trotting over to see customers, lying outside, his tail wagging, lifting his head in greeting. He often sat in the office with me, and this afternoon, he’d lain in the doorway while I worked on organizing the storeroom.
My thoughts returned to the metal emblem I had found. There was obviously a story behind the seemingly innocent badge. I knew they were difficult to find, just as the heavy iconic bust of the Indian head some models had affixed to the front tires were rare. They were lost, broken off, or rusted away. My dad had one once, a long time ago in his shop. But where it went, I had no idea. He probably sold it.
I stood and went back into the barn, wheeling the bicycle I had found toward the garage. I loved the old-fashioned look of it, with the wide basket on the front and the big padded seat. I would enjoy exploring the countryside on it on my days off. My steps faltered, and I stopped as a terrible thought hit me.
What if Maxx decided I was too much trouble and ended my employment? My chest constricted. I’d been here less than a week, and I already loved it. Working in the garage, organizing things, and yes, bossing Maxx around, were all part of it, but it was the simplicity of it all that I really loved. The quiet of the small place. The feeling of safety. Seeing the stars at night and not hearing the constant sound of traffic.
I knew I couldn’t spend the rest of my life living in a room in the back of a garage, but for now, it was what I needed. I hoped Maxx would keep me on so I could find my feet and save some money, then decide what I wanted to do. I wasn’t sure my future included Toronto. Growing up, I longed for the city and the lure of excitement. Living there was a different matter altogether. Maybe small-town living was more my style. But I needed time to figure it out, and I wanted to stay here.
I pushed the bicycle forward, steering it into the empty bay at the side. It needed some work, but I wasn’t afraid of getting my hands dirty. As long as Maxx was still okay with me fixing it up and riding it. I ran a hand through my tangled hair, suddenly feeling tired.
If Maxx wanted an employee, that was what he’d get. I was going to do my job so well he would forget about anything else. I would stay busy, out of his way, and avoid being alone with him, and, above all else, arguing with him. That seemed to cause trouble every time.