One Choice (Hogan Brothers 2)

“What is it, Mr. Hogan?” He had to bite his tongue with her attitude.

“Can I at least check your fluids before you go? Make sure you’re topped up.” He smiled, hoping she’d let him. Brake fluids weren’t to be messed with.

“Quickly.” She acquiesced.

He went through the motions of checking her oil, anti-freeze, and washer fluid. When he got to the brake line fluid, he was shocked to see it full. Nox was wrong. A whispered, “Steering fluid,” had him scowling at Sage as she darted off before her mother saw her.

“Ma’am,” he called to the woman. “I’ll be right ba

ck. Your steering fluid is a bit low, and I’d like to fill it up.” He quickly ran back inside to grab one of the containers they kept with different fluids in.

The woman looked to be at her wit's end when he returned. After filling the liquid back up, she wasted no time in leaving. He watched as Sage looked out the back window of the station wagon until they were no longer in sight.

He heard steps behind and knew it was Loch. “What the fuck was that?” He didn’t know who confused him more, the angry mother or the love-struck girl.

“Sage, huh,” was all Lochlan said.

“Seriously, bro? That is a whole new brand of crazy. You sure you want to get in on that mess?”

“Positive,” he replied.

Shaking his head again, Levi walked away from his little brother. The boy had been knocked around too much if he was really going to get involved with that family.

Putting the whole situation from his mind, he got back to work on the truck he was restoring, hoping to have it ready for paint by Monday, so he wasn’t distracted during his fight on the weekend.

Casper had been bragging that there were going to be sponsors, fighters, and officials from the MMA there. He still wasn’t sure how he felt about being drafted to the professional leagues. Sure, he liked fighting, the adrenaline rush he got from the pain. But as a career? He just wasn’t sure.

He’d never been as into cars as Nox was. The shop had been his big brother’s dream, and it was easy to go along for the ride when he’d opened it up. Now, though, Levi wanted something for himself. Something to focus on and cradle like it was his own.

An image of Hayes smiling flittered through his mind, and the thought that he’d be okay with things the way they were if only she were by his side.

Waiting for the bell to ring was painful as Hayes watched the clock constantly. She’d hardly gotten any of the work done that she’d been in study hall for. It wasn’t like she had to be in the class, but she hadn’t told Levi when she was getting out either. She wasn’t even sure if he was picking her up, but they’d spoken about going to the gym after an early dinner. However, he’d never specifically said he’d be there.

Great. Now she was insecure again. The man had her in knots, and she wasn’t sure what to do about it. She should be focusing on her last few weeks of school, not some boy. Well, man, actually. Levi was definitely all man.

Just the thought of him made her shiver.

“Crap on a cracker,” she muttered. Deciding she’d just leave, she shoved her books into her backpack and wandered to her locker intent on finding her own way to his gym. Dustin stopped her as she stepped outside, derailing her plans. “Oh, hey, Dustin.” If playing nice meant she could leave sooner, she’d do it.

“You got a date for prom yet?” he asked her. When his finger moved to trail down her arm, she stepped away from him. Not only because Levi told her not to let him touch her, but also because she didn’t like his hands on her.

He scowled at her move but said nothing.

“No, I don’t know if I’m going.” She wasn’t paying attention to him, rather looking up and down the street for Levi’s black Charger.

“I’d be happy to take you.” He grabbed her hand, drawing her gaze his way. “We could get a hotel room, order room service.” He bit his lip while looking her body up and down in what he probably thought was a seductive look but, in reality, made her skin crawl. “Whatever you want.” He whispered the last part as he took a step closer.

“I said no, Dustin.” Her voice brooked no room for argument but argue he did.

“This because of that fucking fighter?” he snarled. She took a step back, pulling her arm away as she did. His aggression was too much for her.

“No. It’s because I don’t like you like that, and it’d be a waste of time for us both.” Probably not the right thing to say when they were outside, mostly alone.

“You’re a fucking cock tease cripple.” He smirked at the shock on her face from his comment.

“The fuck you say!” Levi roared, pulling Dustin clear from her.

“Levi, please,” she begged, pulling on his arm as he took a step closer to Dustin who was now cowering against the school wall.