Jolted (Conflicted Encounters #1)

by Alyne Roberts

  "To some," he deadpanned.

  "A few weeks?" I screeched. "How much to get this done right away? I cannot wait that long. Absolutely not."

  "Look, sweetheart," he stepped closer to me, invading my personal space. "Your money is just as good as anyone else's here. We have other customers in front of you. Customers that deserve their vehicles just as much, if not more, than you, Princess. Your car is a fancy foreign car and the parts are not easy to find or quick to get. So, you will wait your turn."

  I stepped back, shocked by his rudeness. I saw Scarlett's tiny hand come up to his shoulder. His eyes were dark and boring into mine from above. He looked angry and disgusted with me. I should have been on my way home so he would never have to deal with me again. Was this really the guy that I played darts with? The guy who gave me water and pain pills when I was sick?

  "Excuse me, please. I need a minute," I said, turning on my heels and taking off, out of the garage. I walked across the parking lot and across the street without looking both ways. I saw a wooden bench with flower pots of pansies on each side. It looked like the perfect place to rest and collect my thoughts.

  I had the several thousand in the bank needed to pay for the repair. That was not the big issue. The idea that I was going to need to call home and confess what I was doing was tearing me apart. I played with the charms on my bracelet and struggled to catch my breath. I didn't know if I could handle my family right now. Certain things were expected of me, and finding a way to cope with the death of Carter and a huge piece of myself was not one of them.

  Ryder casually watched me from across the street. His arms were folded over his chest as he leaned against the wall of the building next door to the shop. His sister glided across the street to me. Although she wasn't conventional looking, she was still breathtaking.

  She took a seat next to me and didn't speak for a while. Ryder eventually wandered back into the garage to work on the other cars that came before mine. I was going to have to get the car fixed before I told my parents. If I told them what happened, they would get rid of it and find me something new and shiny. Something that didn't hold the memory of my first kiss. Carter kissed me for the first time, and more importantly he told me he loved me for the first time, in that car. I was too attached to let them take it away from me.

  "Is there anything I can do?" Scarlett asked gently.

  "Like what? Scarlett, I have no car, no clothes, my phone is about dead, and I have no one to call to come get me or any where to go," I snapped. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be rude." I was never rude. I was always polite and did and said what was expected.

  "Need a ride home?"

  "I don't want to go home," I whispered, and the thought started cutting off my air supply. My chest felt like it was caving in on itself and I took deep breaths to keep from passing out.

  "Okay, how about this?" she said, turning toward me like I didn't just bite her head off. "Go sign off on the repair. We will drive into the city and go shopping. We can get you more clothes, a phone charger, and grab some lunch. Then we can take it from there." She looked at me with bright eyes and a smile. She was almost impossible to say no to. I only just met her, but I believed her, and trusted her, already.

  When I nodded, she grabbed my hand and dragged me back across the street. She shoved me into the garage and gave me a big smile. Ryder saw me enter and started to come over to me. I waited while he cleaned up the grease form his hands and grabbed the paperwork for me. When he handed me the clipboard, I quickly signed, without looking at him.

  "How long do you think it’ll take?" I asked, shoving my bank card at him.

  "A couple days after we get the parts. It could take weeks to get them in, though. I will keep you updated," he said with a fake smile.

  "Right. Sure you will. You never want to see me again, obviously," I mumbled, while ripping off my heels in the middle of the garage. "My feet are fucking killing me." I quickly covered my mouth and looked up at him with wide eyes. I didn’t know what was coming over me.

  "Phone number," he pointed to a line next to where I signed my name. He looked at me with an amused smile, and his eyes sparkled like they did at the bar last night when he was teaching me how to play darts.

  I wrote down my number and stormed off towards Scarlett's car, barefoot. I got in the passenger seat without waiting for her and smiled to myself. I stood up for myself and said what I was actually thinking. For once, I did what I wanted to do. My phone started ringing in my hand. I hit ignore when I saw the word “Home” on the screen. I smiled over at Scarlett as she hopped in the driver's seat and started up her car.

  We drove in silence for about half an hour before we entered civilization. Strip malls and fast food restaurants lined the road. I took a calming breath, feeling more in touch with the real world. My phone was continuing to buzz in my hand. I felt slightly guilty for ignoring the calls from Chloe. She was my friend and wouldn't act like my parents had, but I couldn't talk to her. I just couldn't bring myself to talk to anyone. I needed a step away from my life.

  "Where to, girly?" Scarlett asked.

  "I need something to wear. Pull in here, please," I asked, pointing to a strip mall with some department stores.

  She did as she was asked and found a parking spot. Worry suddenly filled me when I saw my home number flash on the screen again. It occurred to me that they could actually be concerned with my well being. What if they called the police and reported me missing? That thought made me hit answer on the screen.

  "Hello," I said tightly, closing my eyes, waiting for the scolding.

  "Kallie Marie Adams!" screamed my mother. "Where are you? How could you just leave like that? Do you have any idea how embarrassing that was for us? Your father had some very important people here yesterday. And then brunch this morning!"

  I zoned her out as she rambled on about how I had inconvenienced them and the money they wasted on the event. Scarlett pretended to be occupied with her phone, but I was positive she could hear my mother screaming through the phone.

  "I'm at school," I cut her off. I had no idea where the lie came from, but it might be the only other place, other than home, that would be acceptable.

  "Now? Kallie, you had obligations here," she said, clearly still angry.

  "I am aware, Mother. I had to enroll for the masters program before it was too late. I just couldn't do the party, Mom. I'm sorry. It was too much," I whispered.

  She was silent for a few seconds. "When will you be home?" she asked, calming down a little.

  "I don't know. I might stay here at the apartment for a few weeks. I just need some time to regroup," I said, hoping she bought the line.

  I should be going home. There was nothing for me in this town. I should just ask a friend to come get me and get the new car my parents have been begging to get me. But thinking of going home felt like a knife to my heart, and I just couldn’t seem to make myself to do it. Here, no one knows what I am going through. No one is expecting anything from me.

  "This way I can get my books early. You know, go and scope out the classrooms and study up. That way I am ahead when the fall comes," I added. I wasn't sure when lying became a skill of mine.

  "Fine, Kallie," she sighed with defeat. "You will need to write thank you cards to all the attendants with an apology."

  "Yes, ma'am," I responded, relived she was giving in. "I need to let you go, my phone is going to die. Goodbye," I ended the call before she could ask any more questions. I quickly turned off my phone and tossed it into my purse.

  "Ready?" Scarlett asked, putting her phone away and opening her door.

  I got out, too, grateful for the privacy. She had to know I was lying. There were no schools around here. She waited for me to catch up to her and we walked into the store. She didn't ask any questions and I loved her for it.

  I quickly grabbed some nice jeans and some cute tank tops. I grabbed some underwear and a few bras, too. I was careful to not look so out of place by getting clot
hes only a rich, city girl would wear. I also grabbed a pair of flip-flops and running shoes. I couldn't stand another day in these heels. I gave in and grabbed two more summer dresses. One was a pink halter dress that was light and rested just above my knees. Scarlett would toss a cute top at me every now and then, and I would toss it over my arm.

  Scarlett's eyes opened wide when she heard the total and I handed over my card to the cashier. We were able to find a phone charger at the electronics store in the strip. Scarlett took me to a drug store where I grabbed a hair brush and some other stuff I needed. I tossed my bags in the trunk and smiled at myself. I felt less alone and deserted when I had the necessities. Scarlett drove us over to a bar and grill restaurant down the road.

  "Lunch is on me," I said, rummaging through the bags in trunk. "I'm going to change in the bathroom here." I pulled out an outfit and shoved it in my purse.

  "You don't need to do that," she said.

  "It's the least I could do. Thank you for doing all this," I said, looking at her and hoping my eyes told her how much I really mean it.

  Scarlett grabbed a booth while I snuck off to the bathroom. I shoved my overused dress in my purse, and then threw on some skinny jeans and a red tank top. I brushed my hair and pulled it into a high ponytail before applying some quick mascara and lip gloss. That would have to do. I slipped on my new flip-flops and found Scarlett in our booth.

  "I hate to ask, but what do you plan to do next?" Scarlett asked as our food arrived.

  "I honestly have no idea. Wait for my car to get done, I guess," I mused as I bit into a burger. The food in my stomach was bringing me back to life.

  "That could be weeks," Scarlett said with weary eyes. "Where do you plan to stay?"

  "Is there a hotel anywhere?" I asked.

  "Well, here would be the closest ones. But you have no transportation, so you should stay in town. Mrs. Fling has a cottage in town, but her nephew is staying there for the summer so he can help her maintain her land. She doesn't get around as well as she used to."

  "Poop," I sighed. I hadn't thought this out at all. I just knew I wasn't going home. I didn’t have anywhere to go or a way to get anywhere else. I put my head in my hands and stared down at my plate.

  "You're not a psycho killer, right?" she asked.

  "What? No! Why?" I stuttered, shocked. Where was she going with this?

  "Good. Why don't you stay with me then? You can crash on the couch until we get your car or find somewhere else."

  "Scarlett, thank you, but I can't impose on you anymore," I refused, shaking my head.

  "Yes, you can. I don't mind. You don't have any other options, dear. I want to help you," she insisted, grabbing my hands across the table. "You look like you need it."

  I sighed, because she was right. "Thank you," I said, giving her a big smile.

  "Great," she clapped as the waiter left the bill and took our cleared plates. "I'll let Ryder know to expect a guest tonight."

  "What?" I squeaked. She just gave me a sly smile.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Ryder

  I shoved my phone back in my pocket and gritted my teeth. Today was only getting worse. I had a pounding headache from drinking too much, and that was only the first mistake I made last night. The second mistake I made won't seem to go away either.

  I left her at the apartment this morning with Scarlett to get rid of. She was sick and I was as helpful as she was going to get. I felt like crap and was running late for work. Since she was sleeping on my bathroom floor this morning, I was forced to get ready in Scarlett's bathroom. I burned my arm on her hair straightener, just to start the day off right. Feeling bad for her, I left her some water and pills before I ran out the door.

  I figured she would leave and I would never see her again. She obviously wasn't from around here and was probably lost. I didn't buy her lie that she was visiting. She wouldn’t have anything to do with anyone in this town. I was counting on her not being around in the morning.

  Everything about her screamed rich and perfect. Her dress alone probably cost more than my truck. That wasn't even counting her shoes and jewelry. Her light blonde hair and great legs caught my eye as soon as I walked in. She looked adorably lost and confused when she tried to drink some Scotch. I pitied her and ordered her a mojito, which she seemed to enjoy.

  I couldn't quite figure her out. She looked alone and scared sitting all by herself in a that dirty old bar. She looked deep in thought and I bit my tongue to keep from asking what was on her mind. My curiosity and boredom got the best of me.

  As she loosened up from the alcohol, I hoped to get the truth out of her. I couldn't explain why I wanted to know so bad, but I did. When I caught Bruce and Ed eyeing her up from the pool table, I decided to keep an eye on her. I didn't owe her anything and shouldn't have really cared, but the big brother in me stepped up. Those two had a reputation, and this little thing didn't look like she could defend herself.

  Hank gave me a warning look as he kept her supplied with drinks. I knew this look. He was always sticking his nose in my business. Apparently this little angel had a sign on her forehead asking to be protected. I had my own reputation in this town. Everyone here does. He knew I would only end up hurting her.

  When I moved her to the back to play darts, I was just trying to get away from Hank and his disapproving looks. I saw her checking me out, then turning pink and shy when I caught her. I should have left then, but I was up for a challenge. She was the opposite of the kind of girls I would normally take home and thoughts this could be fun.

  The game of darts turned out to be the most entertaining game I ever played. She was terrible. Not one dart made it to the board. I watched her face grow red with frustration. She was getting so worked up over a game of darts. When I pushed her closer to the board, she gave me a look of shock. I couldn't help but laugh at it. She was really too good to cheat at a bar game. We couldn't be any more different.

  When it became obvious she wasn't walking out of there on her own, I tried to find out how she would get home.

  "Where do you live, sweetheart?" I asked close to her ear so she could hear me. I felt her shiver. I didn't like how much I liked to feel her shiver.

  "Far," she slurred and stumbled closer into me.

  "Do you have someone that could pick you up?" I asked her.

  She grabbed my arm to balance herself. I stared at the contrast of her white, dainty hands on my dark, tattooed arms. Her perfectly manicured nails and sparkling rings looked even more delicate against my toughened, weathered skin.

  "Nope. I'm all alone," she said, turning serious. I saw the sadness and grief behind her eyes. Her beautiful blue eyes glazed over.

  How could she be alone, have absolutely no one to love her? She is the kind of girl that boys fight over and then ask her father's permission for her hand in marriage. She is the kind of girl surrounded by friends and family who all fawn over her. A girl whose parents carry a photo of her in their wallet just to pull it out and brag about it in line at the bank.

  I pulled her up straighter and walked her out of the bar. I couldn't leave her there. The big brother in me needed an ass-kicking. I held her upright as I guided her out to the parking lot. I struggled to keep my hands from drifting to explore the rest of her. She looked prim and proper on the outside, but my intoxicated mind wondered what she looked like under the dress.

  Her dress did little to hide the perky chest and toned body under the thin fabric. Having her cling to me was testing my resolve. I could smell her sweet scent and feel the softness of her skin. As we walked down the street, I clenched my jaw in restraint. If she wasn't so wasted, I would be trying to keep her pressed up against me like this all night long.

  I knew I should have stayed away from her the moment I saw her sitting on that barstool. Girls like that didn't need guys like me. Guys like me didn't need girls like that. She was good, pure, and everything I was not. In my experience, it was never a good idea to be a good girl's idea of rebel
lion, either.

  Walking into work late this morning didn't help my day too much either. Travis followed me all the way from the parking lot to the office, barking at me for being late. I ignored him and tried to keep my temper in check while I looked at my to-do list for the day. I still had to finish Mr. May's Ford.

  "Were you out drinking all night again, Brooks?" Travis accused, grabbing my shoulder to stop me. If he wasn't an old man, I would have knocked him on his ass.

  "Dude, I'm here. Lay off," I said, brushing him off. He stormed out of the shop, grumbling to himself.

  I popped the hood of the Mustang and started finishing up the blower we were installing. My head popped out when I saw Travis lowering a car down from the tow truck. I wasn't aware of any pickups today, and we don't normally get many emergency calls out here.

  I started to wipe the grease off my hands and arms as I came out from under the hood. My sister came bouncing in with an apologetic look. Behind her, Miss America dodged puddles of oil and looked around in disgust. I could see the worry in her eyes over her expensive shoes, and then the shame in her face when she saw me. At that moment, I remembered why I never liked her kind before.

  I took a good look at Kallie's car. I shouldn't have been surprised she drove a Mercedes. It was in great condition for its age. The engine overheated and cracked the cylinder head. Oil and antifreeze soaked everything under the hood. The whole motor was probably toast. You need to turn off a car when it's overheating to avoid serious damage.

  A Georgetown parking pass was stuck to her windshield. Not only was she rich, but she was smart. People in this town were lucky to graduate high school. Scarlett was enrolled in community college, and I couldn't be more proud of her for doing something with her life. Just another reason this lost girl didn't belong around me.

  Explaining the car fiasco to the Princess only upset her. I tried not to get angry with her and remember the privileged were used to getting their way. She was young and probably not used to being told "no." That's what I told myself to keep my temper in check when she threw a little tantrum about waiting weeks for her precious car.