But no doubt about it, Nate didn’t fuck me last night—he made love to me.
I didn’t think he even understood that and there was a chance he never would, but I was pretty certain I’d be wrecked for a good long while.
To make matters worse, he had to go and leave a sweet note.
Blue,
Didn’t want to wake you, pretty girl. You looked so peaceful.
Square
Last night was so intense that just thinking about it made my entire body tingle.
I couldn’t dwell on it, though. Nate was Nate and I had stuff to do. That was when I bolted up in bed and remembered my car. Shit. It had a flat and my truck was sitting at the bowling alley. I needed to call a tow company to pick it up or maybe I could drive it somewhere like Nate had done in Bridgeway.
I considered asking Nate for advice before I changed my mind. We’d just had sex, he left in the middle of the night, and now I’d be texting him like some whiney chick who needed something more from him? No thanks.
I looked for my clothes, which were strewn across the room. I felt a momentary pang about exactly how they got that way, but pushed through it. As I yanked on my underwear and a T-shirt, I thought of who was on the schedule today that could give me a lift to my car and then to work. I could ask Dex, but that would send him mixed signals. I knew Emmy wasn’t on until later and was busy at the animal shelter this morning. I’d be giving her an earful today for sure. Finally, I settled on Bennett.
I pulled out my phone and scrolled for his name.
I might need a lift to work. Any tire advice?
Bennett: I’m confused. What do you mean? Where are you?
Well that was strange—didn’t Bennett remember what had happened last night?
Me: Am I in the Twilight Zone? I’m at home, just woke up, and need to be at work. But don’t have a car, remember?
Bennett: You just woke up? Look outside.
I stood up, irritated by his confusing text. I walked to the door and rose up on my tiptoes to look out my window to the driveway. My car was parked in my regular spot in the turnaround. I swung open the screen and upon closer inspection, it looked like I had a brand-new tire. What the what?
I didn’t have any pants on, so I returned to my couch to text Bennett again.
Me: You put a new tire on my car????? Whoa, how and when did that happen?
I mean, Bennett was a good guy, no doubt, but that went above and beyond.
Bennett: Not me. Nate. I followed him while he drove your car to the service station this morning. He got you a new tire and then drove your car back to your house.
Me: Square did that?
Bennett: Yup.
Me: I’m speechless.
Bennett: He’s a good guy. Just a little misguided.
I almost texted something sarcastic back but held myself in check.
Me: Yeah. Thanks for helping. See you at work.
I sank back on my couch completely dumbfounded. I wondered what time Nate had left. Had he waited until the morning and then called Bennett to help him out? My heart was pounding as my head went through a series of emotions ranging from gratitude to affection. Why would he do that for me? I needed to not read into this, but it was certainly a very kind gesture.
I stood up and headed to the kitchen. I needed to make some coffee so I could think straight. Then I jumped in the shower to get ready for work. I had a morning shift and then some studying to do in the afternoon for my Digital Media class.
After I took my first sip and got my brain in some semblance of working order, I reached for my phone to text Nate.
Me: I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was completely surprised, Square. I’ll pay you back. Thank you!
My heart pounded as I waited on his reply.
Nate: Consider it a gift. Someone had to set your ass straight and force you to get a new tire.
I couldn’t help grinning.
Me: Ha ha. Well, I appreciate it. Thank you again.
I stopped short of saying, for last night. For everything. That would make me sound like a Hallmark card and neither of us needed that.
Nate: I was glad to do it, Blue. Have a good day.
Not only was my brain working slowly this morning, but so was my body. I got into work in enough time that Oliver didn’t get on my case about it. It was up to me to open the shop and get things rolling.
All the artists were on today. Weekends were busy at Raw Ink, so we were doubled up at the front desk as well, but Emmy wasn’t due in for a couple of hours.
I put on a fresh pot of coffee, stocked the fridge with more sodas, and laid out the donuts and muffins I brought from a local bakery—which were a weekend-only indulgence, considering almost all of these guys kept themselves lean and fit.
As I was laying out disposable covers for the stations up front, the artists began showing up to work. Lila winked at me as she walked by and when I looked toward the front of the shop, Dex was heading my way, bags under his eyes, his mouth drawn tight.