My plan had backfired big-time. Instead of keeping her at a distance, I had kissed her senseless by lunch and fucked her before dinner. So much for my bright ideas.
She lifted her head, looking up at me, her green eyes soft. I had to smile at her. “Gonna ask me for a secret, Red?”
“I’ll give you one,” she replied.
I tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “I’m listening.”
“I think you’re the sexiest man I’ve ever seen. Especially for an old curmudgeon.”
I chuckled.
“Your turn.”
“I don’t think you’re so bad yourself, Red. Aside from this horrid hair color and all the dots all over your face.” I winked to let her know I was teasing, then on impulse pulled her in for a hard hug. I grimaced at the feeling of something sharp digging into my skin.
“Ouch,” I growled. “What’s in your pocket?” I rubbed at my chest. “A knife?”
“Oh!” she said. “I forgot. I found this in the storeroom too.” She pulled something from the pocket on the front of the shirt, holding it out on her palm. “I know it’s rare. Did you find it for that restoration you did on the Indian bike?”
I stared at the iconic Indian logo emblem. It had been the crowning piece missing from the bike when I last saw it. The final fragment I’d searched long and hard for.
Except I never got the chance to affix it. I thought it had been stolen along with the bike.
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 13CHARLYHis 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.