Aleck folded his arms across a broad chest and arched a brow. “You do realize you’re working, Kenzie?”
“I’m on my break.” She rolled her eyes. “Now don’t be an arse, and pour me my beer already.”
Surely there were regulations about that kind of thing, Sarah thought, but smothered a laugh when Aleck dutifully went to pour the beer.
Kenzie had always had her brothers twisted around her finger. It seemed some things never changed.
“Now.” Kenzie turned back and propped her elbows on the smooth bar surface. “Tell me about this morning.”
Chapter Four
Ian wiped a dirty hand down the front of his coveralls and stepped back from the ’65 Corvette, giving it a narrowed glance.
“How’s it coming along, boss?” Frank, one of his employees, stopped by to check out the ’Vette.
“Just replaced the front panel.” Ian patted the hood. “Another couple days and I think this bad boy will be ready to go.”
“It’s looking awesome. We just got in a ’41 Willys Pickup, pretty sweet condition. They’re asking for some rust removal and a paint job.”
“Easy enough. I’ll check it out in a minute.”
“You should. But, hey, wanted to let you know that your phone has been going off.”
“Thanks. I’ll check it out.” Ian dropped a stained rag onto the counter and headed toward the small office at the back of the shop.
He picked up his phone and saw several missed texts from Aleck. He clicked on the first one.
Stay away from the pub for the next couple hours, she’s here.
Ian frowned. She? Sarah? He read the next text.
And that would be Sarah in case you’re a bit daft.
His lips quirked and he read the final message.
Apparently she’s staying for at least a month, it’s a condition of the will if she’s to inherit the house. And I swear I must’ve grown a vagina with all my gossiping.
Ian did laugh now, and typed in a quick reply that he’d avoid the pub. Because the last thing he wanted was to run in to Sarah again. He was still irritated from the first encounter. And held a bit of guilt, if he let himself admit it.
The next half hour he kept himself immersed with work, but as lunchtime rolled around and he had nothing to eat, the idea of dropping by the pub had more appeal.
There was always a free meal available and it wasn’t unusual to drop by on his lunch to go visit Kenzie and Aleck. Why shouldn’t he go?
Because Sarah’s there today, his conscience reminded him, you don’t want to aggravate her.
Ah, but he did. The devil on his shoulder was itching to stir up shit. To watch the anger and shock on her face if he were to show up for lunch.
Then there was the sentimental side of him, which barely existed anymore, that wanted any reason to be near her again. Because it was Sarah. The only woman who’d ever slipped so deeply into his soul.
He sent a quick text to Gina and then grabbed his keys.
“Going to lunch. Back in an hour,” he called out before he left the shop.
Driving from the small shop in Coupeville to Oak Harbor was only about a ten or fifteen minute drive, but it was plenty of time to let his mind wander.
“You know you’re lucky you don’t break your back doing that.”
Ian nearly laughed at the look of incredulity on Sarah’s face as she turned to face him.
With her hands on her hips, she was breathing hard from the series of handsprings she’d just done on the grass field. The black leggings and dark tank top hugged her body perfectly and showed off her petite, toned, athlete’s body.
“Seriously? You again?”
“I’m picking up Kenzie,” he drawled and crossed the grass toward her. “Do you need a ride?”
A look of discomfort flickered across her face and she looked away. “Kenzie is staying late. She didn’t call you?”
“No. And I assume by staying late you mean hanging out with Brady Vandercamp again?”
Surprise showed on Sarah’s face, but she didn’t reply.
“It’s cool. My sister is overdue for a little fun.” He stopped in front of Sarah. “You too, I’d bet.”
Her chin came up and she tossed her head, sending her long black ponytail flying. “Whatever fun I may or may not be having is none of your concern, Ian McLaughlin.”
“We could make it mine. You’re really good at that handspring stuff for being just a cheerleader.”
“I’m not just a cheerleader. I’m on the gymnastics team too.”
“Nice.” He grinned. “I bet you look hot in one of those spandex bathing suit type things.”
“Oh, you are such a jerk.” Her words were terse, but her cheeks filled with a pretty blush and he saw the flicker of pleasure in her eyes before she looked away.