Wrench - Steele Riders

“I doubt it. They aren’t going to move drugs in a car that could break down on the road and get the attention of the police. No, this is something else. Where’s the report?”

“I left it on your desk. If I were you, I’d call Cyber on this one.”

I nod. “I’m going to. Thanks.”

He claps my shoulder and says, “Anytime, boss. I hope she’s worth it. Not that it matters, we can claim we didn’t know.”

“Good plan. If the owner shows up, we found it on the side of the road and towed it.”

“That works for me. So who is this ‘her’?” He gives it his best shot, but I’m not ready to share her yet.

“Mind your business. Now excuse me. I have to figure out what the hell is going on with this VIN.” I rush up to my office and slam my door shut. I need answers. Sweeping the paper off my desk, I read the name on the registration. It belongs to Michael Watson of Dallas. I dial Cyber who picks up quickly which is good because I can’t fucking stand this bullshit a minute longer. Something isn’t right and my girl has some problems that I need to fix.

“Hey, I need a quick report on Michael Watson from Dallas. Everything you can get within the hour, please.”

“What’s going on? Does this have something to do with that little thing at the store?”

“Yes.”

“Well then, I’ll get it asap and call you right back.”Chapter 4MackenzieI’m floating as I enter work. I know it’s wrong, and I should probably stay as far away from Simon as I can, but I can’t. He’s everything I ever dreamed of and more. Even if I could force myself to run. I’m getting the impression that he’s not going to let me just leave. He played it cool yesterday, but today he let his attraction slip. Could it really be true? Do I want it to be true? That’s a stupid question. Of course I want him to fall for me.

“Someone looks happy today.”

“Mrs. West,” I gasp. She’s standing there with her neighbor and one of the prospects of the riders just ten feet from the entrance with her shopping cart.

“Was that my son?” she asks with a suspiciously happy lilt to her voice. She’s a shrewd woman.

I take a long pause, looking to see if Simon’s still out there, but he’s gone. When I turn back she has an expectant expression. With a sigh, I say, “Yeah, my car broke down. He gave me a ride to work after towing my car.”

“I told you he was a sweet boy.” She gives me a charming smile.

“Wrench, sweet?” She immediately elbows the prospect in the stomach.

“I’m trying to get some grandkids here,” she huffs out at him. I do my best not to laugh because the woman doesn’t hide her intentions one bit. “Now, dear. Make sure he picks you up and takes you somewhere nice.”

“He’s not interested in me like that. He’s just being nice,” I protest, hoping she doesn’t get it in her head that he wants more. At this point, I’m not sure this is going to go anywhere.

“Sure. You are absolutely adorable.” She grins and then throws her arms around me. “You’re glowing sweetheart. Whatever has you running, he’ll fix it.” She pulls away and winks. “Come on. My shows are starting soon.”

I let out a sigh and look around to see if anyone else noticed the exchange. If they did, they stopped looking because everyone seems to be going about their business. Just when I think I’m in the clear I barely make it to the lockers outside the cafeteria when Mitchell, my boss approaches. “Mackenzie, are you and Mr. West an item?”

“I don’t think so.” I let it out almost as a question. Simon’s a gem around here and add on to that is he’s a Steele Rider. They run this town in one way or another, so they are more than curious.

“Wow. Okay, so from that answer I’d say yes.”

I’m not comfortable with this conversation. Maybe if I was sure that Simon and I are together or that’s what he’s aiming for then I can say a vehement, hell yes, but we’re not. “I need to go punch in.”

He smiles and walks out to the main floor. That’s odd. I’m sure I was more than likely going to get fired today. I wonder if that is what stopped him from giving the boot like I deserved.

I change, slip my purse into the locker, and go take a look at my complexion. Do I really glow? Is my mood completely different? I step into the bathroom and Vanessa, my coworker, is already inside the three-stall bathroom.

At sixteen, Vanessa has a shitty attitude and thinks that she’s better than everyone else. Life hasn’t kicked her down just yet. I’d love to see if she could handle it when it does, then she can act prissy.