Copper Creek: The Complete Boxed Set

by Smith, Wendy

  “Do you want that?” Cody asks. There’s still half a plate of nachos, but I’ve lost my appetite. I’m not still hung up on Ashley, but a lifetime of friendship reduced to nothing hurts.

  “You’re welcome to them.” I turn to the others at the table. “See you later, guys.”

  “Are you leaving?” Sara asks.

  “Yep.”

  She screws up her face. “Do you have to?”

  I know she likes me, and she’s cute. Really cute. But I’m just not feeling it, and I don’t want to lead her on. “I’m gonna go home and crash.”

  She reaches across Cody and puts her hand on my arm. We’ve been down this track before when she wanted me to take her home. “Stay for another drink.”

  “I’m driving. Don’t let Cody eat all the nachos. See you next week.” Pulling away, I turn and walk to the door of the bar. I don’t look back.

  My thoughts turn to my car. If I’m lucky, I haven’t been towed.

  There are few places to park around the university, but I found a quiet little side street with a two hour parking limit. Hopefully no one’s noticed my car there.

  There’s traffic on the street, but the car park is dark and quiet. A sob stands out above the background noise.

  As my eyes adjust to the low light, I spot the shape of a woman on a bench. The lighting’s so bad around here, and my stomach lurches. What if something happened to her?

  “Excuse me. Are you okay?”

  She raises her head.

  When I draw closer, I recognise her.

  Doctor Mia Scott.

  I’m not in her class, though there’s a good chance I’ll be in it next year when I study for my master’s. She’s the queen when it comes to biotechnology, and one of the youngest lecturers at the university. Not to mention the fact that she’s fucking gorgeous. I’ve been looking forward to being around and learning from her.

  But right now, she looks distressed. “Doctor Scott?”

  She sniffs. “I’m sorry.”

  I take a seat on the bench beside her. “For what? Are you okay?”

  “My car’s not starting.” She lets out a sob, and I get the feeling this is about more than her car breaking down.

  “Want me to take a look?”

  “Do you know anything about cars?”

  I smile. “My brother’s a mechanic, and he’s taught me a few things. I can’t promise I can get it going, but it won’t hurt to try.”

  “You’d do that?”

  “Sure. I’m James Campbell, by the way.”

  She nods. “I know who you are.”

  “You do?”

  “You’ve got a very promising career ahead of you. I didn’t think it would be in mechanics, though.” The smile she gives me is small, but it’s better than seeing her sad.

  “Where’s your car? Let me take a look.”

  She stands, and I follow her to a nearby late model Subaru. After opening the driver’s door, she pops the bonnet.

  “There’s not a lot of light around here,” she says.

  “No, but we’ll work that out. Can you get in and try starting the car?”

  Mia walks back to the driver’s side and gets in the car.

  When she turns the key, I hear the click of the starter motor. And that’s it. It doesn’t turn over.

  I fish my phone out of my pocket, and flick on the torch function.

  “Try again?”

  The result’s the same.

  She gets out of the car.

  “I think you need a new starter motor. I could replace it, but of course I don’t have the part.”

  Mia nods. “I can get a garage to look at it. Get it towed tomorrow.”

  “Want a lift home?”

  Her eyes widen. “Oh, I can get a taxi.”

  “I’m happy to give you a ride. My car’s parked in the side street.”

  Uncertainty crosses her face. “Are you sure?”

  “I was just on my way to my place. I’m happy to take a detour.”

  She smiles. “I’d appreciate that. Thanks.”

  “Where do you live?”

  “Sandringham.”

  I nod. “That’s not too far. Come on.”

  She grabs her bag and locks up the car. I lead her through the remainder of the car park and out into the street.

  Thankfully, my car’s still there.

  “Isn’t it a bit risky parking here?” she asks.

  I shrug. “Probably, but there aren’t a lot of places to leave a car around here. I should take public transport, but I can’t be bothered.”

  She laughs. “As long as you know there’s a risk.”

  “Live dangerously, that’s me.” I press my key fob and unlock the car. Opening the passenger door, I smile as she climbs in before closing it and rounding the car.

  “Thanks, James. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this. I’ve had some pretty useless moments in my life, but melting down in public is taking the cake right now.”

  I start the car. “I wouldn’t class this as useless. It’s not like I can fix it right now. Maybe you don’t know much about cars, but you’re a freaking genius in a lot of other ways.”

  She laughs. “I’m not sure about that.”

  “Are you kidding? You’re one of the reasons I came to this university. I want to syphon that knowledge from your brain.” I grin.

  “That doesn’t sound creepy at all.”

  I glance at her as I pull out into the quiet street. After her tears, it’s nice to see a smile on her face. “I’m not a creepy guy. I don’t think so, anyway. I’ve been called a lot of things in the past, but creepy’s never been one of them.” As we pull up to the traffic light at the end of the street, I take a longer look at her. She’s wearing a suit, but the jacket doesn’t look very thick. “Are you warm enough?”

  “It’s a little chilly out there. But I’m fine now.”

  “I’ll turn on the heater. It’ll warm us up pretty quickly.”

  Turning onto Symonds Street, I pull up at the next set of lights. “Where am I going?”

  “Aroha Ave. It’s off Sandringham Road. Behind St Luke’s shopping mall.”

  I nod. “Okay. I’ll get us to Sandringham Road, and you can point me in the right direction.”

  She smiles, and my heart pounds much harder than it should.

  Why did it have to be her? Why couldn’t it have been Professor Strawbridge, who is perfectly nice, but about sixty and doesn’t look like sex on a stick?

  I swallow a laugh.

  “James? Are you okay?” Her hand touches my arm, and I swear to god the skin goes numb. I guess I didn’t keep that laugh as quiet as I thought.

  “I’m fine. I’m just glad to be heading home.”

  “And now I’ve derailed those plans.”

  Shit. “No, that’s not what I meant. It’s Friday. That’s all.” I shoot a smile at her. “I’d much rather get you home safe than leave you there waiting for a taxi.”

  “I don’t usually have crying meltdowns in the car park.” She lets out a nervous laugh.

  “I’ve never seen you have one before, so I’m sure you don’t. I’m glad I could help out.”

  “Better you than Garrett finding me.”

  “Garrett?”

  She nods. “My ex-husband. Or rather ex-husband to be. I’d never have heard the end of it.”

  “Does he hang around the university after hours often?” I expect a laugh, but instead there’s silence. Following the end of Symonds Street, I turn into New North Road.

  “He starts work at the university on Monday.” She sighs.

  I lick my lips. “I’m sorry. I gather that’s not good.”

  “Well, I don’t think he took the job because he had a sudden interest in education.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that. I hope he’s not giving you a hard time.”

  She shrugs. “It’s okay. Just something I have to deal with. So he tells me that, then I come out, find my car not starting, and end up a big
, snotty mess.”

  I laugh. “That’s the last thing you are.”

  “It’s what I feel like.”

  “Trust me. That’s not what it looks like from here.”

  The drive is silent for the next ten minutes until we draw close to her street.

  “It’s right here.”

  I flick on the indicator, and pull into the right-turning lane. It’s Friday night, but there’s not a huge amount of traffic around, and it doesn’t take long for me to be able to turn.

  “My place is just down here on the left.”

  I slow.

  “See that rubbish bin there? That’s my place if you want to pull up outside.”

  I nod, coming to a stop right by the bin. “Is that yours? Do you need me to take it in?”

  She smiles. “I can. Thank you for everything.”

  She turns her head. I’ve never been so close to her before. She smells sweet, and my stomach flips at her being near.

  “You’re welcome. Do you want some help with the car tomorrow? I can take you to the garage. I’m not doing anything.”

  Her lips curl into a smile. “I couldn’t ask you to do that.”

  “It’s no bother.”

  She swallows hard as her eyes search mine. What’s she looking for? “You really mean that, don’t you?”

  My eyebrows knit. “Why wouldn’t I?”

  She shrugs. “I’m not used to men saying what they mean.” Dropping her gaze, she takes a breath. “I’d appreciate your help. I know nothing about cars. My ex used to take care of anything to do with the damned thing.”

  “I can come with you and make sure the garage isn’t ripping you off.”

  “You would do that for me?”

  I smile. “Sure. I was just going to study otherwise.”

  Mia grins. “I shouldn’t really distract you.”

  “It’s way too late for that.” I’m nervous, and maybe it’s showing. I don’t want to cross a line with her, but I also don’t want to find out the car’s failed and she’s been stranded or worse.

  She licks her lips. “Want to come in for a coffee?”

  “I’d love to. I’ll even grab your bin on the way.” This is wrong. So very wrong. But why does it feel so right?

  I’m not sure what to make of her.

  She shouldn’t be asking me in, and I shouldn’t be going inside, but I throw all that out of my head as I get out of the car and grab the handle of the wheelie bin. “Where do I put this?”

  Mia climbs out of the car, and smiles as she closes the door. “You’re keen.”

  “Just trying to be helpful.”

  Before she does anything else, she seems to scan the street. What’s she looking for?

  “Okay, Doctor Scott. Tell me where you want your bin.”

  “It’s Mia. Bring it this way.”

  After leading me down the driveway and toward the house, she indicates a spot next to the side step. I roll it against the wall while she unlocks the door.

  “Take a seat in the living room, and I’ll put the jug on. How do you take your coffee?”

  “Milk, one sugar, thanks.”

  I slip my shoes off on the doorstep and step into the kitchen. There’s a large archway leading into the living room, and I walk through and sit on the couch.

  It’s an old villa, like a lot of the houses around here, but the inside is modern and fresh. It’s not overly decorated, but at a guess, the lounge suite wasn’t cheap. It’s large and leather, and so comfortable I could probably fall asleep.

  “Won’t be a minute,” Mia calls.

  “Take your time. I’m not in any hurry.”

  I lean back on the couch. This isn’t where I saw my night going. I thought I’d be at home by now, a ball of resentment because of the way Ashley treated me. That smile was the first recognition I’ve had from her in months.

  “James. Here you go.” Mia breaks me out of my thoughts by handing me a mug. She sits beside me on the couch. “I’m so glad to be home. I would have pulled myself together and got a taxi eventually, but it all got a little too much.”

  I nod. “I understand. From the sounds of it, today was a little overwhelming.”

  “You could say that.” Her expression falls. I’d love to know what she’s thinking, but there’s a fine line I have to walk here. Mia Scott’s a beautiful woman. She’s dressed in a pantsuit, like she always wears to uni. Her long, dark hair hangs straight, and when she flicks it back, I suck in a breath.

  I have a crush.

  She runs her fingers around the rim of her coffee cup. “So, you’re planning on doing your master’s next year?”

  I nod.

  “Good. Like I said, I’ve heard great things about you. I think you’ll do well.”

  I shrug. “I do okay.”

  “Your work is good, James. Don’t underestimate yourself.”

  “That means a lot, coming from you.”

  Her cheeks flush. “I’m glad. And it’s true. You’ve got a big future ahead of you if you want it.”

  “I’m not sure if I do.”

  She frowns. “What do you mean?”

  “I’m not sure what I want to do with my life. I mean, I thought I had some ideas, and I wanted to study, but I still don’t know what my end goal is.”

  Her lips twitch. “I didn’t know either for the longest time.”

  “And you decided to teach?”

  She nods. “It was something I kind of fell into. I’d been a student for so long, it just seemed like a natural progression.”

  “Do you ever think you’ll do anything else?”

  Mia shrugs. “I’ve got a publishing company interested in me writing a text book. I have this image in my head of finding some remote retreat and immersing myself in the process.”

  “Sounds great.”

  She looks back up, penetrating me with her blue-eyed gaze. “What were you up to before I derailed your trip home?”

  “I was out tonight, and planned on leaving early anyway, but my ex turned out to be in the bar. That helped give me a push out the door.”

  Mia grimaces. “That must have been uncomfortable.”

  I shrug. “We broke up months ago, and I’m not still hung up on her, but seeing her out with someone else sucked. I’ve been friends with her since we were kids, and now we don’t even talk.”

  Mia’s eyes are full of sympathy. “I’m so sorry.”

  “It is what it is. I moved on from being miserable, but there are still those moments when it hits me in the face that I lost her friendship.”

  She studies me for a moment. “It’s funny, I’ve never felt that way once about Garrett. I used to think we were friends, but there was a shift in our relationship a long time ago.” Looking down at her coffee cup, she sighs. “I’m not sure why I’m talking to you like this. Lord knows it’s not appropriate.”

  “It’s probably because I’m not a creepy guy.”

  Mia laughs. “Probably. I really do appreciate your help tonight. Sorry I was such a mess.”

  “You’re allowed to be. I’m happy I could help.” I smile.

  “I’m glad you did.”

  “I’ll give you my number, and you can text me when you want help tomorrow if you like.”

  She licks her lips. “Are you sure it’s okay?”

  “Seriously, I’d much rather know that you’re not going to get stuck in a dark car park than anything else.”

  “You’re a good man, James.”

  “I like to think so.” I sigh. “I should probably get going. Before I make a James-shaped indent on your couch.”

  She grins. “I think you’re a long way from that. But thank you again.”

  “You’re welcome. Give me your number, and I’ll text you mine.”

  For a moment she hesitates, but I tap her phone number into my phone when she gives it to me, and her bag buzzes nearby.

  “See you tomorrow,” I say.

  When she walks me to the door, she looks outside. Is it he
r ex she’s worried about? Despite our conversation inside, I’m not sure I want to pry.

  “Good night, Mia. Make sure you lock the door.” I’m sure she’s well aware of her personal safety, but I feel responsible now I’ve been here.

  “I will. Good night.”

  For a moment, I take in the sight of her. She’s obviously older than me from what I know of her qualifications and experience. It’s difficult to tell from just looking at her. Her smile lines are beautifully pronounced, and if I had to guess, I’d think she was maybe early thirties. She seems quite delicate, and I don’t know if it’s her manner or whatever she’s been through that makes her so.

  Whatever it is, I like it. It makes me feel protective.

  But I shouldn’t be feeling this way.

  Not about her.

  2

  James

  It’s close to midday when my phone buzzes. I’ve not moved from the couch since I woke up, knowing this was coming. Is it wrong to look forward to this moment? To want to spend more time with Mia?

  Mia: The car’s at the garage.

  Me: Want me to come and get you?

  Mia: I’d appreciate it.

  I throw a clean shirt on, and pick up my keys from the coffee table. My heart beats faster at the thought of seeing her again. It shouldn’t, but I can’t help it.

  It doesn’t take me long to get over to her place. Before I can get out of the car, Mia comes running from the house. She opens the passenger door and sits, shooting me a dazzling smile that takes my breath away. She’s in tight, dark blue jeans and a crisply ironed white shirt. It’s like her clothes are moulded to her body. It’s distracting.

  “Let’s get going.”

  I nod. “Sure thing. Just tell me where.”

  She gives me an address in Mount Roskill, and I programme it into the GPS of my phone. It’s in a side street of an industrial area, and I’m not familiar with it, but it’s not too far from her home.

  “Did they have any issues picking up the car?” I ask.

  “Not that I know of. I phoned them and told them where it was. They stopped in and got the keys, and then called me to let me know they had it back at the garage.” She pauses. “How was the rest of your night?”

  I shoot a glance at her. “Quiet. I just went home after your place and watched some TV.”

  “That’s what I did too. It’s also my plan for tonight.”