Roadside Assistance

by Marie Harte

  “Yeah? What game are we playing?”

  “Having fun with friends?”

  He chuckled. “Fun. That’s one word for it.”

  Chapter 15

  As they lay together, Cyn listened to Foley’s heartbeat. Settled on top of him and astonished he seemed to like her there, she enjoyed the novelty of being in the position. “You’re sure I’m not too heavy?”

  “Ask me that again, and I’ll switch positions and smother you. Now quit obsessing over yourself and tell me about your Christmas. I told you about mine.”

  “You really want to know?”

  “I asked, didn’t I?”

  “Well, okay.” She ran her fingers over his chest, tracing the colorful vines of tribal work that enthralled her. Such bright colors over such a lively man. “Christmas was actually fun. I enjoyed the family time. We played games, watched Miracle on 34th Street—my favorite holiday film, by the way—and then, oh yeah. Matt wormed out of Vinnie what happened.” She pushed up to glare at him. “Why didn’t you tell me about Jim Nelson and his dad?”

  Foley flushed. “Hell. It was a guy thing. I didn’t want to put Vinnie on the spot.”

  “You were worried I’d be upset. Admit it.”

  “Maybe I was.”

  She popped him in the chest.

  “Cyn, come on, baby. Don’t be mad.”

  “I’m not mad at what you did, just that you didn’t tell me.” She huffed. “I’ve been telling Matt he should have Vinnie pound that little bully, but he’s all antiviolence. I don’t know why. He used to have no qualms about pulling my hair or punching me to get my attention.”

  “He hit you?”

  She put pressure on his chest to keep him down. “Easy, big guy. Yes, he hit me—when we were kids. Rumor has it I might have been a bit of a brat.”

  Foley relaxed. “Hard to believe.”

  She tried not to laugh. “Not the point. You should have told me.”

  “Sorry. I just wanted to help Vinnie. It’s not easy being a kid who’s big for his age. Trust me. I know. I wouldn’t have stepped in except the dad interfered.”

  “I’m glad you did. I’m only sorry you didn’t punch him right in the face. Touching my nephew like that. He’s lucky you didn’t break his arm. Apparently Vinnie was more than impressed that you’re a badass.”

  “Yeah?” He smiled, saw her warning look, and sobered. “I mean, I’ll talk to him.”

  She sighed. “Don’t bother. Nina is now your biggest fan, more than Vinnie even. Matt’s coming around. He’s trying to balance his stance against solving problems with violence with the fact that his way wasn’t working.”

  “I learned early on that some people just don’t respond to anything but a slap upside the head.”

  “You have a point.” She would have liked to slap many an ex-boyfriend, as a matter of fact. And maybe a love tap to her mom, to get her off the diet bandwagon.

  “So, that’s your whole Christmas? How was your mom? Did you guys get along or what? She’s your kryptonite, right?”

  “Right.” He sure did remember the things she told him. “For the most part the holiday was awesome. Then I ended up getting stuck doing dishes with her. Just Ella and me in the kitchen. She was actually nice…until the digs came out.”

  “Digs?”

  “About how I need to be smaller to keep a man. That you’re a good-looking guy, and to keep you interested I need to always look my best.” And a dozen other belittling points she refused to get into.

  Foley linked his hands behind his head and stared into her eyes. “She’s got a point. I don’t like my women without makeup, stilettos, or pasties on at all times.” He snickered. “Please. If you can’t be yourself with a guy, what’s the point? I mean, the last few chicks I dated wanted tough guy Foley who fights a lot. Truth is, I only fight if I have to, mostly to keep Sam out of jail.”

  “Oh?”

  “Punk gets into a ton of fights, and normally I’m the one left hauling his ass out of trouble. But me? I like to reason my way out of tough situations if possible. Problem is, I look meaner than I am. I figure if you don’t like the real me, fuck you.”

  She traced the muscle car on his chest. “Fuck me?”

  “I plan to again real soon,” he teased. “But yeah, that’s my general feeling. Life is short, you know? I don’t have time for head games. You either take me as I am or get lost.”

  “I’ve tried that. I’m still single.”

  “No, you’ve got a boyfriend.” He ran his fingers over her hair, sliding it between his fingers. “Me.”

  “Do I have you?” she asked, half-serious. “What happens when some skinny woman who likes cars comes by? You’ll drop me for her in a heartbeat, I bet.”

  He snorted. “I work with one of those, genius. Much as I love Del, the woman scares me. Besides, she thinks she knows more about cars than I do, which is just insane. I’m a god when it comes to mechanics.”

  “Confident much?”

  “Damn straight. When it’s about cars, I am. What about you, business lady? You’re badass with numbers, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “You’re intelligent, independent. You kicked those losers to the curb.”

  “What losers?”

  “Your exes. If they’d been man enough to handle you, I wouldn’t be with you now. You don’t strike me as the type of chick to tolerate bullshit. Why fuck around with second best when you can have a guy as great as I am? You wonder about what I’ll do, well what about you?”

  “Me?”

  “What are you going to do when some Einstein with business know-how decides he wants to crunch numbers with you? You going to dump me for some nerdy genius? ’Cause I have to tell you, I’m not that book smart, and I doubt I’ll ever be rich. Good-looking, solid in a throw-down, sexy, confident. I’m all that. But wiping my ass with hundred dollar bills? Not my style.”

  Yet that notion didn’t seem to bother him.

  “Frankly, people wiping with money seems problematic to me from a hygiene standpoint.”

  “You’re a riot, Cyn.” He snorted. “You get what I’m saying.”

  “I do.” She never could have imagined a conversation with Foley like this. That he’d ever worry about her leaving him. “Does it bother you that I have financial goals?”

  “Probably as much as it bothers you that I have no desire to be rich. I make enough to support myself and grab the occasional beer, and I’m good.”

  “Hmm. Moneywise we seem okay with each other’s goals.”

  “And don’t forget our chemistry in bed.”

  “That’s a given.” She smiled down at him and traced his artwork down his ribs. His abs tensed. “What about friends and family?” She moved off him to his side so she could further explore his amazing body. “You’re loyal. But how far would you take it?”

  “Take what?” He did some touching of his own, lingering over her collarbone and upper chest.

  “If Sam wanted you to dump me, would you?”

  “Why would he?” he asked absently and ran his finger over her breast to her nipple.

  She inhaled and let out a shaky breath. “I don’t know. Maybe he hates redheads.”

  “Nah. He wanted to do you when he first saw you.”

  “Don’t tell me that.” Now she couldn’t look at Sam the same way again.

  “Don’t worry. I called dibs. He respects that.”

  “Great. Dibs. What am I, the last chicken leg?”

  “I love chicken.” He toyed with her other breast. “But not as much as I love your tits.” He leaned down and took a nipple in his mouth.

  Grazing his abdomen, Cyn found him aroused once more. She trailed her fingers through the coarse nest of hair surrounding his shaft, and he turned into her touch.

  He released her breast and
nuzzled his way up to her neck, then whispered in her ear, “You think too much. Go with what feels good, Cyn. I sure the hell am.”

  Then he kissed her, and she lost herself in his embrace.

  Two condoms and several hours later, they lay in bed, still naked and a mess.

  Cyn had never been happier. “You know, that picture you gave me makes me smile.”

  Foley stretched next to her. “That was the plan. You smile, you think of me. You come, you think of me.”

  “Really? All that from a smirk in a frame?”

  He chuckled. “What can I say? I’m a simple guy.”

  “You’re not that simple.” Cyn sat up and fetched a robe. She donned it, then sat next to Foley on the bed. “I thought we’d have sex and goof around, but nothing too deep. You continue to surprise me.”

  “I surprise myself sometimes. But I try not to let that bother me.” He yawned. “Hell, Cyn. I hate to fly, but I have work early in the morning.”

  “Me too.” She hated that she wanted him to stay. Would that be pushing things between them though? “Monday comes so early.” It was nearly midnight.

  “Yeah.” He left the bed to use the facilities. When he returned to the bedroom, he dressed while Cyn watched. “You want to get together this week?”

  “When?” She loved that he’d asked her before she could ask him. Despite trying to tell herself to relax around the guy, she felt her heart thunder just thinking about him. His smile, his deep voice, the way he had of wanting her to feel good about herself.

  “How about Tuesday night? We could hang out at my place.”

  “Your place?” She itched with curiosity. She knew he lived with Sam somewhere in North Beacon Hill. “Sounds good.”

  “There’s a catch.”

  “Of course there is.”

  “You have to cook.”

  “No problem.” She’d knock his socks off with her cooking. “What do you want me to make?”

  “I’ll pick up stuff for spaghetti.”

  “Spaghetti? That’s what you want? That’s too easy. I’ll do something special to surprise you. What do you like?”

  “You.”

  “I mean, to eat.” At his growing grin, she blushed. “As in food.”

  “I like everything. Well, except for brussels sprouts. I’m partial to Italian, actually.”

  “Okay. I can work with that. Tuesday night at your place.” Where he lived with Sam. “Should I cook enough for three?”

  “Oh, you mean for Sam? Nah. He can get his own woman if he’s hungry.”

  “He needs a woman for that? Why can’t he just cook for himself?” She frowned, gearing up for a lively discussion on a woman’s place in today’s society.

  Foley laughed. “Ease off the high horse, Red. I just meant he’s as lame in the kitchen as I am. Except at least I know how to boil an egg.”

  “Oh.” Deflated, she stood when he pulled her gently to her feet. “Okay.”

  “I wish I could stay, but I’ll have enough on my plate, filling Del and Liam in on things tomorrow. The after-holiday crush is always brutal.”

  “I understand.” She met his kiss, alarmed at how well they fit together and at how much she loved touching him. Should she admit what she felt? Would that be a good or bad thing? Then she threw caution to the wind. “I’ll miss you.”

  He pulled back, and the tender look on his face melted her. “Aw, baby. Me too. I miss you all the time when we’re not together.” He kissed her again. “I’d better go, or I’ll never leave.”

  Never leave. Would that that were true.

  Oh my God, Cyn. Slow down. He’s just a casual boyfriend who’ll end up breaking your heart before you know it. Lighten up.

  She walked him to the front door, determined to enjoy him while she had him. A glance at the counter showed a few beers left. “Want to take those with you?”

  He glanced at the bottles. “Nah. You can drink it, or you can save it for me when I come back.”

  She liked the latter idea better. “See you soon.”

  He cupped her cheek. “Count on it. Now lock up behind me.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Don’t think you can boss me around.”

  “Only in bed?” He pulled on his boots and grabbed his jacket. “What about foreplay before we get there? I mean, if I’m bending you over in the kitchen, I might want to order you to—”

  “Go home, Sanders.” She ignored the heat in her cheeks.

  “Yes, ma’am.” He gave her a quick kiss then left.

  Cyn watched through the window until his truck lights disappeared. She missed him, and he’d barely left. She was already in over her head with the man. Now she had no choice but to ride out this new relationship, because for some reason she refused to end it before she inevitably got hurt.

  * * *

  “So you finished the jobs on the desk?” Del asked for the second time Monday morning, nodding at several folders.

  “Yes, Del,” Foley said clearly. He told himself to cut her a break. She’d just come back from her first Christmas with McCauley and the kid. No doubt all that love and togetherness had fried her circuits.

  He stood with her by the service desk, where Dale continued to input data the guys had collected into the computer. Normally they just plugged their work into the computer to save paper, keeping electronic files. But Foley didn’t like fiddling with digital shit, and while Dale had been out, they’d recorded their work old-school. In notebooks.

  “Damn.” Sam banged something in the bay and said a few more choice words Del didn’t counsel him on.

  Must still be in the holiday spirit.

  Sam was alone in the bay, working on a problematic Ford. Lou hadn’t come in yet, and Johnny had the day off. To fill in for Johnny, Liam had decided to make an appearance. He sipped from a chipped coffee mug and watched Del’s interrogation with an irritating grin.

  “All the jobs?” she repeated, frowning, as she stared at the crap-ton of work orders he and the guys had completed.

  Liam put his cup down. “Del, Foley told you three times that the work got done. You having some trouble hearing or what?”

  Foley shot him a thankful look, and Liam slapped him on the back hard enough to crack a rib.

  Del sighed. “Sorry. Just making sure I can take on the other work we’ve got piling up.” She tugged at her braid. “Damn. I need to make sure we can commit to this. What the hell? I go away a few days, and everyone in Seattle is breaking down.”

  Foley shrugged. “Bitch or get it done. What would you rather do?”

  Liam choked on his coffee while Del turned a blazing glare his way.

  “What? I’m just saying what we’re all thinking. Right, Dale?”

  Dale grunted, the smart kid neither agreeing nor disagreeing. He didn’t look up from the computer as his fingers flew over the keyboard.

  “Apparently time spent with your new girlfriend has not smoothed your rough edges.” Del raised a pierced brow.

  “How can you know I’m dating Cyn? You just got back.”

  “I am all-knowing and all-seeing, Foley. Remember that.” Her smug expression annoyed him all over again.

  Liam snorted. “More like she grabbed some coffee and gossip from Nina this morning.”

  “Dad.” Del shoved her father and Foley back toward the garage. “Stop sharing all my trade secrets and get to work.”

  “Who’s in charge here?” Liam suddenly refused to budge. Like granite, the older guy could more than hold his own.

  Foley liked watching him take a stand against his daughter, since not many did, himself excluded. He’d never been one to back down from a fight, but he respected the hell out of the Websters, so he at least tried to be tactful when telling the pair they were full of shit.

  Sam stopped working to watch, and Lou entered and took
in the show as well.

  “For heaven’s sake, get to work, Dad. Please?” She batted her eyelashes at him.

  Liam laughed at her and turned around to head toward the bay. “I can see that finger you’re shooting me, Delilah. That’s no way to talk to your father.”

  “I didn’t say a thing.” She tucked said finger away and stomped back to her office. “Dale! Get your skinny butt in here.”

  Foley waited until Dale rushed to join her and closed the door after him. To Liam, he said, “So she’s still not swearing, eh? Too bad. We had a colorful breather while she was gone.”

  “I know.” Liam sighed. “But what can you do? McCauley’s civilizing her. My girl just ain’t gonna be the same.” He grinned, more than pleased Del had found herself a decent guy.

  They all knew it.

  “It’s like she never left,” Lou said as he walked into the break room and stored his things in his locker. “Aw, come on, guys. Nobody made coffee?”

  “I can go grab you a cup if you want,” Foley offered, always ready for an excuse to dart to Nichols and maybe see Cyn.

  “I’ll make a pot,” Sam offered. “Just as soon as I get this freakin’ truck to give up its spark plugs. I swear, I hate the 2005 Ford V-8s. Spark plugs stick like glue.”

  “Yeah, and it normally happens after the warranty is up. Bummer for the owner,” Lou added. “That’s why I drive a Toyota.”

  “Toyotas are for losers,” Foley muttered.

  “What’s that?” Lou scowled.

  Foley ignored it. “Hell, Sam, by the time you get those things out, it’ll be spring. I’ll make the coffee.” That he could do.

  “This time add grounds, would you? Foley, I swear, when you make the stuff, it’s like drinking oily water,” Liam complained.

  “Hey, I’m happy to get some from Cyn.”

  “She giving it to you for free?” Sam asked, all innocence.

  “Shut up, Sam. I pay for the coffee.” After a pause, Foley added, “The kisses are on the house, though.”

  “Good to know.” Lou stepped into his coveralls. “I might have to get some myself later.”

  “You wish.”

  Lou laughed at him.