Wrench - Steele Riders

“How do you know my name?” I narrow my eyes, doing my best not to throw myself at the man. He’s truly a danger to my sanity. I want him more than I’ve ever wanted anything.

“It’s on your nametag, Dash.”

“Dash?”

“Yes, you’re always dashing away from me. You have to be the ultimate champion of hide and seek, but don’t fret. I’m about to drop you off at home and have your car towed to the shop.”

“I can’t afford the repairs. I might as well junk it and move to Dallas.”

“Damn, you’d move to Dallas than have to deal with me another day. Sweetheart, I’m flattered, but I’m not going to press you for shit. Consider it payment for my mother harassing you for eight months. God knows she never gets it out of her thick head. Grab your purse and let’s go.” Wow, so he’s not interested in me. Maybe that wasn’t a look of lust I thought I saw. It’s not like I really know what it looks like. I’ve only seen it in movies or read it in books.

“I’ve never been on a bike before.” A smirk spreads across his face. I bet he’s going to purposely ride like the wind to be a jerk since I’ve been hiding from him.

“That’s fine, you’ll get your first lesson. Where do you live?”

“Please, don’t start Dash. I promised to help nothing else. I could leave you here and hope that some sick fuck doesn’t show up.” He starts to walk back to his bike.

“Wait,” I call out, unlocking my door and snatching up my purse. When I look again he’s on the phone. Who is he calling at this hour? His woman? No. His mom said he was single unless he had a date that I interrupted.

“The tow truck will be here in ten minutes. Do you need anything else from your car?”

“No. I’m good.” I throw my purse strap over my shoulder then walk toward him. I rattle off my address and he knows which apartment building that is. I have a roommate just to make the rent, but it’s a nice place. He takes my hand and gets on his bike, helping me climb on back. Nervously, I lift my leg over and slide behind him. “Okay. I’m a little freaked out.”

“Relax. Hold onto me. I’ll take it slow.” He starts his bike and I quickly throw my arms around his stomach a little harder than I should because he lets out a grunt. The heat from his body passes between our clothes and feels so good on me. “Relax, Dash. I promise to go slow.” I cling to him greedily as if it’s the last time we’ll be this close. The wind throws my hair around. I shake as I cling to him. “We’re closer to my garage.” He pulls in down a road and then enters a large lot before turning off the engine. I jump off and then he does.

“What are we doing here? You promised to take me home.”

“I am. Relax. You are fucking scared. I’ll drive you in my truck.” He grabs my hand and pulls me to a large black SUV and helps me inside, strapping me in like I can’t do it myself.

“You didn’t need to switch vehicles for me.”

“I want you to feel safe, Dash.” He gives me an uncomfortable smile as if it took him all his strength to do it before closing the door. Shit. My heart’s getting more involved then I wanted. His mother is truly a gem even though she’s insistent. With a son like him, I’m surprised he’s not taken.

“Ready?”

“Yes. Thank you for this.”

“No problem. I’d lend anyone stranded a hand.” He shrugs and turns the key. I watch his strong hands grip the steering wheel firmly, missing his gentle touch of his hand in mine earlier.

“So how long is it going to take to fix it?”

“Probably a few hours if the problem is simple and we have the part in stock. If not a week.”

“How am I going to get to work?” I blurt out, forgetting my manners. He’s doing me a favor. It’s not his problem how I get to and from work. “Never mind. That was rude. I can find a ride or walk.

A low growl comes from him as his knuckles whiten on the steering wheel. “I’ll drop you off and pick you up.”

“I can’t expect you to do that.” He looks pissed off like he feels forced to do it and I hate that. I never want to feel like anyone’s burden or indebted to anyone again. Memories flood my mind about why I’m living in this small town and I push them back because I only have a few stolen moments with this handsome, grumpy man.

“I’m not asking. What time do you start tomorrow?” He reaches out and squeezes my knee.