“I really don’t know anything about cars, Lucas. I wouldn’t know where to begin,” she answered. His head spun around to look at her, but she was looking at the car lot like a lost child so she didn’t notice her slip. It was the first time she’d ever used his first name. He found he liked the sound of it on her lips.
He knew she didn’t realize what she’d said. In her nervousness at being there, she’d temporarily let her guard down. He liked that side of her. This Amy, minus the armor, seemed much sweeter, and more innocent, and he wanted to wrap her in his arms, protect her. He was finding he wanted to be with her, more than as just an employer. He liked how she wasn’t jaded to the world. He found her refreshing. He wanted to take her into his arms so bad, they twitched at his sides.
He stopped himself, barely. He was in no way ready to open his heart to anyone. He’d remain in control of himself, and he’d be able to forget about what they’d done the night before. Neither of them needed to enter into an affair that would end with her losing a job and him with regrets. He’d figure things out when he had more time to think.
“If you don’t know much about cars, then I hope you’ll take my advice, but the choice is yours. You’ll be the one driving the vehicle,” he stated.
Lucas walked her into the building and skirted around the salesmen, heading straight to the manager’s office. “Lucas, it’s good to see you, again. You’re early but I’ve already pulled out the car you asked for,” said the gentleman behind the desk, who had a genuine smile and stood to shake hands with them both.
“Thanks, Frank, I appreciate it.” Lucas was already turning to lead Amy back through the showroom and out the side doors.
As they walked outside, sitting at the curb, was a beautifully polished, crimson vehicle. Lucas led her to it and opened the driver’s door. She looked at him with surprise in her eyes. The car was so pretty. She was trying to be practical, but it was just so pretty. She’d prefer it any day over his expensive Porsche.
Amy felt her eyes start to sting, and quickly put her head down, and took a walk around the car to clear the tears away. She got herself under control and pulled herself into the driver’s seat. Before she started the car, she made sure to locate where everything was.
Suddenly, her face broke out into a huge grin and she looked for the ignition. “Where do you turn this on?” she asked, while looking at him with a confused, yet ecstatic expression on her face. Lucas laughed and explained it was a push button start.
“One of the new features of the hybrid cars are they run on electricity when you’re traveling at slower speeds. The gas will kick on when it’s needed,” he finished.
She pushed the button and the lights came on, but there was no sound. She looked at him again with confusion. “How do you know it’s on if there isn’t any noise?” she asked, genuinely puzzled.
Lucas couldn’t help himself. He laughed out loud, really enjoying himself. She was so unlike women he normally was around. His open laughter wiped the smile from her face. She didn’t like being laughed at. “I’m not laughing at you. I just find you to be a breath of fresh air.” He continued chuckling. “Place the car in gear, and trust me, it will drive for you,” he said.
“What is this, a space car?” she muttered under her breath. He managed to keep his laughter from bursting out that time, and pretended to not hear the comment. They drove around for about an hour. She loved it. It drove like it was on glass. Even once the engine kicked on, there was only a purr. It was wonderful and she didn’t want to stop. She almost forgot Lucas was even with her, which was a pretty amazing feat in itself.
“Amy, it looks like you love this car. Why don’t we head back to the lot and sign the papers so you can take it home?” he asked. She looked a little disappointed the ride would be over, but nodded and turned back toward the dealership. She didn’t want to get out once they got there but reluctantly did.
The paperwork only took about twenty minutes, since Lucas was a preferred client, and they had everything prepared for him. The lot had to do a final cleanup and check everything so they told her it would be delivered to her place that night. She was surprised by how disappointed she was she couldn’t drive it right away, but she’d get to in the morning.
After they pulled out of the lot, she figured Lucas would take her back to the cottage, but he turned in the opposite direction. “I thought we were done for the day?” she asked.
“We’re done. Your apartment’s ready. I figured you’d want to go home and check it out,” he replied.