Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 98789 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98789 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
“Which one?”
“Friends With Benefits.”
I rolled my eyes. “Veronica.”
“It’s actually more of a prediction than a suggestion.”
“That’s not going to happen.”
“Are you sure?” Veronica arched one brow.
Remembering how Dash had tugged my hair Saturday night on the porch and said goodnight on the sidewalk last night with even less affection, I felt confident nodding my head. “Totally.”
We left the wine bar out the back door. At first, I didn’t see my car in the lot and got excited that someone had stolen it, but then I remembered that Dash and I had traded vehicles. Digging the BMW fob from my bag, I unlocked it.
When the lights flashed on the back of the SUV, Veronica stopped short. “Did you get a new car?”
I laughed. “Are you kidding? In what universe would I be able to afford a car like this? It’s Dash’s rental.”
She turned to me, one eyebrow raised. “And why are you driving Dash’s rental?”
“Because the check engine light is on in my car, and he was going to have Austin take a look at it.”
Veronica’s expression morphed from suspicion to confusion. “Why would he want Austin to look at it?”
“Because according to Dash, Austin is handy under the hood. Isn’t he?”
“Not that I know of.” Veronica laughed. “I mean, maybe in a manner of speaking, but I’m not talking about cars.”
“Seriously?” I stuck my hands on my hips. “Austin doesn’t know about engines?”
“I’ve never seen him work on a car, but I’ve only been around since last summer, so I suppose it’s possible.”
“Weird.” Opening the driver’s side door, I tossed my bag on the passenger seat. “I wonder why Dash would make that up.”
“Maybe he didn’t,” Veronica said with a shrug. “I was running errands all day, so maybe he brought the car by while I was out.”
“Maybe.” I gave her a quick hug. “Thanks for meeting me.”
“My pleasure. I love our Monday night dates.”
“Hey, can you do me a favor?”
“Of course.”
I played with the key fob in my hand. “When you get home, can you ask Austin about the car thing?”
“Sure.” She nodded. “Then I’ll text you what he said.”
By the time I let myself into my house, I’d gotten a message from her.
I asked Austin about your car. He said Dash didn’t come by with it, nor does he have any idea why he would. Austin said he can change a tire and the oil, but that’s about it.
Hmm. Thanks for letting me know. Dash must be up to something.
Like what???
No clue.
FAWNING.
Lol stop. I’ll keep you posted.
If I’d had his phone number, I’d have texted him, but I’d only given him mine last night, and he hadn’t reached out today.
After a quick shower, I put my pajamas on and brushed my teeth. I was just slipping between the sheets when my phone buzzed on the nightstand. I picked it up and looked at the screen.
Hey. It’s Dash. How was your day?
Fine. How was yours?
Good. I hung out with my dad.
Did you take my car over to Austin’s?
Actually I didn’t have time today. I’ll do that tomorrow.
You will not.
Yes, I will. I’m sorry, today just got away from me.
You will not because Austin doesn’t know anything about cars.
Three dots appeared, fading in and out.
Veronica told me the truth. Why did you lie about it?
Because I was worried about you driving that car around and I wanted to get it checked out by a mechanic. I thought you’d say no if I asked.
You were right. Where is my car now?
At Harbor Garage. It will be ready Wednesday.
I sighed. I was irritated with him, but I was also really touched.
You shouldn’t have done that. But thank you. Can you give me the total?
It’s already paid for.
DASH!!!!!!
It wasn’t even that much. It was a faulty gas cap causing the CEL to come on, and there were just a few other small things the mechanic said he could fix in a couple days.
DASHIEL BUCKLEY I SWEAR TO GOD
I did it for me, okay? I couldn’t sleep if I thought you were driving around in an unsafe car. And I really need my beauty rest.
You’re making it impossible to be mad at you.
Good.
Thanks for doing that. I’ll pay you back as soon as I can.
I don’t want your money, Sugar. How about I get to pick the movie tomorrow night?
No. You are watching Titanic with me, whether you like it or not. But I think you’ll like it.
Why?
Because I’ll feed you. I’m testing out new recipes.
Does it have iceberg lettuce? (Get it? Iceberg???)
OMG.
No, there will not be iceberg lettuce. The dinner is not themed.
I’ll eat whatever you make. Can I bring anything?
Nope. It’s all my treat.
Can I strip down to my purest self in your house?
I laughed, but I also felt a little zing shoot through me when I remembered him walking into the kitchen naked. Tucking my lower lip between my teeth, I was trying to come up with a funny but not too flirty reply when he texted again.