by KL Donn
“Have you lived here your whole life?” She finally broke the silence as they entered the small downtown area.
“Sure have,” he responded with a smile. “Where’d you grow up, Hayes?” He wanted to know everything about her.
Clearing her throat, she quietly answered, “San Diego.”
“Nice,” he replied looking over at her. He saw her frown. She looked sad. Deciding to change topics, he asked her, “Any plans after graduation?” Still inwardly cringing at the thought of her being in high school. She was worth it, though.
“College in the fall I guess.” Panic nearly stole his breath.
“Staying in the state or going back home?” If she left, he might just follow her. The mere thought of her not being around was enough to steal his breath.
Her head rolled on the headrest to look at him, and amusement shone brightly in her eyes. She heard his panic. “Colorado State. I’ll be studying Food Science and Nutrition.”
“Right,” he had to clear his throat. “Your parents know?” He got the feeling she kept a lot to herself. And from the brief meeting he’d had with them, he didn’t think they knew.
“Not yet. I got a full scholarship. I’m sure they’ll be happy. But they’ll also suffocate me.”
“You don’t think they’d like to know before you’re just gone one morning?” He didn’t know why he was pushing her.
“Drop it, Levi. Okay?”
There was something there. He wanted to push for more, but fear of her shutting down on him kept his mouth shut. The remainder of the drive was shrouded in silence as he fought his instinct to take her over and show her she could trust him. Hayes continued to stare out her window as the town flew by.
When they finally arrived at her house, she practically jumped out his car, but he was faster and met her by her door before she could take off on him. He helped her to the sidewalk leading to her house, where he noticed before she did that her parents were sitting on a swing.
“Hi, sweetheart,” her mother greeted, startling Hayes into jumping a bit.
“Oh, hi, Mom.” Her smile was as fake as Christmas in July.
Her father stood and walked over to them. “Mr. Hogan,” her father greeted with his hand out. He had the feeling that this might possibly be the defining moment for how he and Hayes moved forward.
“How are you, sir?” Levi asked, shaking the man’s hand.
“I’m good, son.” He nodded towards Hayes. “How’d she do?”
Levi figured she had told her parents where she was. “Good. We only worked the knots from her leg today. Tomorrow, we’ll work on stretching a bit.”
Hayes stood still beside him as he talked to her father. When her mom spoke up, she became reanimated. “How about I help you upstairs, honey?”
She looked torn between him and her father as her mom pulled on her arm. “Sure, Mom.”
Before she was encased in the house completely, he took a step to her and turned her head with a finger under her chin. “Night, sugar.” He kissed her lightly on the lips. She was completely shocked by his bold move to react. He smiled as her mom helped her up the stairs.
About to say goodnight and head back to the gym, her father stopped him with a hand on his arm. “A word, Mr. Hogan.”
He nodded. “Call me Levi, sir.”
“Levi.” He agreed. “I’m not sure what Hayes has told you about her accident or our life before coming to Colorado.”
“She told me a bit about the accident tonight.” He wouldn’t betray her feelings about it, no matter how much he thought her parents should know.
“Good.” The man seemed to need a moment to compose himself. “Hayes has been lost for a long time.” Levi had gathered that on his own. “She’s never been the same since that night, and we’ve worried about her a lot.”
“Understandable,” he murmured.
“I’ll be straight with you, Levi. If you’re sticking around to have a cute, young girl to cart around to your fights… Yes, I know that’s where she was when I picked her up last weekend. Your car was hard to miss, too.” He must have seen the shock on Levi’s face. “Just leave her be if that’s all it is. She doesn’t need to have someone else disappear on her.” Odd choice of words. He had to wonder about that.
“That’s not what this is, sir.”
“We’ll see,” he murmured, leading Levi away from the house and towards his car at the curb. “If you’re for real about her. If you want Hayes in your life, I suspect we’ll be seeing you around a lot.”
“Yes, sir, you will.”
“She’s eighteen. Technically an adult. We’ve never set rules or limits for Hayes before because she’s smart enough to make the right choices about her life. So, I’m going to ask you, Levi.”
“What’s that, sir?” He was a little worried about what the man wanted.
“Respect her. Respect that she’s eighteen and may not want the same things as you just yet. Graduation is only in a few weeks, and I’m sure she’s got plans in place for the end of the summer, just be…” He paused, a blush creeping up his cheeks as their gazes met.
It only took a moment for Levi to understand. “Got it, sir.” The man was asking him not to knock her up, to be cautious when they eventually did crawl into bed together.
“Call me Eric, son. We’ll be seeing a lot of each other; no need for formalities.” They shook hands and said goodnight just as Hayes’ mother came back outside. “Goodnight, Mrs. Morrison,” he called.
Leaving there, he felt like he had their blessing to pursue Hayes, but he also felt like they were warning him away. Shaking it off, he had to go back to the gym and train, or Casper would be on his ass when he brought Hayes back the following day.
Chapter Seven
Fight for what you want.
When Hayes woke up the next morning, it was with the greatest relief from her knee and thigh pain that she’d felt in a long time. If she closed her eyes tightly, she could almost feel Levi’s hands digging into her muscles again. The warmth and soothing he provided her, not just from the physical pain but the emotional as well when she told him how it had happened, was incredible. They’d connected during that time. He seemed to genuinely understand how she felt, why she was so closed off.
If only she could find the courage to tell him about Ryder. To explain just what the loss of her big brother had done to her heart and mind. They weren’t just siblings, they best friends, and she missed him with every breath in her body, every day. Some days, it only felt like a dream that he was gone, never to come home again.
Slowly stretching as she got up from the bed and went about her morning routine, she passed her window and briefly saw something black outside. Stepping back to peer through the glass, she saw him.
Levi.
He was there, and she was ridiculously excited. She’d overheard her dad tell her mom what they’d talked about and figured she’d never see him again. He wasn’t supposed to overtake her mind; unfortunately, she couldn’t help but let him. Sure, he’d been a complete tool in the beginning, but now, he was showing how interested he was in her, in them.
Rushing down the stairs, she wasn’t shocked when the bell rang. “I got it,” she called to her parents.
Opening the door, she smiled at Levi who held out a cup of something warm and a bag from the bakery she liked. As she went to grab both from him, he moved his hands away, and their lips met. Sparks flew between them as they touched. An aching she didn’t understand rushed through her body when he wrapped his hands around her waist, pulling her into him even with his hands full.
“Morning, sugar,” he mumbled when they separated, coming up for air.
“Hi,” was all she could muster.
“Good morning, Levi.” Her mom’s chipper voice came from behind her.
While Hayes’ face heated with embarrassment, Levi looked up and smiled, saying, “Morning, Ma’am.”
She interrupted before her mom could give him the third degree in the same way her
dad had done the night before. “See you later!”
“Oh, have a good day!” She sounded disappointed, but Hayes wasn’t ready for that right now. Levi was older, she didn’t think he’d be comfortable with the whole parent thing.
His hand found her back as soon as they cleared the doorway. “I’d have been fine, you know.”
“I wouldn’t have.” Which was really the point.
He chuckled as he opened the door to his car for her. Once on their way to her school, he asked, “You feeling okay? Up for some stretches tonight?”
“Sure.” She tried to hide the excitement in her voice.
“Early dinner first?” he asked casually.
It took her heart a moment to slow its pace before she could answer. “Like a date?” She couldn’t meet his gaze when he looked at her.
“Exactly like a date.” Laughter was evident in his voice.
“Cool,” she breathed out barely above a whisper.
“Gotta hear the words, sugar.”
“Yes, Levi, I’d like that.” She smiled at him.
When they pulled up in front of her school, she figured he’d drop her off and leave, go to work or the gym. He didn’t. He got out of his car and walked around to her side; the look in his eyes was molten lava meant to melt the heart of any girl in his sights.
Lucky for Hayes, she was that girl.
And melt she did.
One of his hands wrapped around her waist while the other tangled in her hair as his mouth met hers. The kiss was pure possession. Staking his claim. But hot damn did it feel good. By the time he was done with her, she was like putty in the palm of his hands, ready to do anything he asked of her.
He nipped along her jaw and up to her ear as he whispered, “Don’t let him fucking touch you.” Her eyes popped open to see Dustin watching them.
“Language,” she scolded him making him chuckle as he buried his face in her neck.
She couldn’t help the smile that lit her eyes when he whispered, “Think of me today, Hayes,” as he kissed her neck before pulling away.
Shaking her head, she smirked and muttered, “Maybe.” Then she walked away.
She could hear his cursing as he drove off, and Lys squealed from the top of the stairs where she waited for Hayes. “Oh boy,” she uttered to herself, knowing her friend was going to drag every juicy detail of that kiss out of her.
“Got some pep in your step today,” Elianna called to Levi as he walked through the parts door. Lord love Sophia, but her sister had no damn filter.
“Sure, kid.” She hated when any of them called her that.
“Watch it,” she growled at him as he walked past her just as Asher was about to walk in. Levi shook his head. The two of them couldn’t be in the same room as each other without wanting to bash the other’s head in.
He and Nox knew it was because they were attracted to each other, but both were too strong-willed to admit it, so they fought. Soph tried to play peacekeeper which usually ended up with Mac and Joey egging them on.
Since the girls had started working there, it often felt more like a soap opera than a restoration shop. On his bad days, it annoyed the piss out of him, but on days like today, he enjoyed it.
Eli wasn’t wrong, he did have a pep to his step all because of one spitfire girl with a bad attitude. Thoughts of having Hayes with him at the gym and working her out was what was going to get him through the day.
“Levi.” Loch’s urgent whisper had him searching for his brother.
“Where the hell are you?”
“Over here.” His dark head popped out from near the door leading into the front of the shop. “She’s here,” he muttered.
Confused, Levi walked over to him. “Who’s here?” he asked beyond curious.
Loch levelled him with a look, and it hit him. “Yeah, her,” he whispered as Levi looked around the door.
Seeing no one else up front as the pretty, young woman and her mother stood there, he said to Loch, “You wanna know her name, right?” His brother nodded. “You know how old she is?”
“Not a damn clue.”
“Let’s go.” He pulled the door open before Loch could argue, and announced their arrival. “Welcome, I apologize for the wait. How can I help you?” His words were for the mother, but his eyes did a quick run over the girl.
“Oh, hello, I was hoping to see Mr. Hogan.” The older woman’s face was serious and her tone was put upon.
“I’m one of the Mr. Hogan’s.” He stuck his hand out to her. “Call me Levi.” He smiled when he saw the girl’s eyes dart quickly to Loch.
“Mrs. Marlowe,” she said. “I’ve been dealing with another man, though. I’d like to see him.” Her tone was getting less and less friendly, and she wouldn’t take his hand.
Dropping it, he pointed to his brother. “That’s my other brother Lochlan. Was it him you were dealing with?”
“No,” she damn near snapped. “It was another. Perhaps, I’ll just come back.”
The girl's smile died, and Loch froze just as he was about to walk forward. Christ, he knew he had to watch his own attitude for Loch’s sake with the damn girl, but the woman was pissing him off.
“Alright, Mrs. Marlowe. If you and…” He let his inquiry hang so he could get the girl’s name.
“Sage,” she whispered, catching onto what he was doing. Smart kid.
“Sage, if you’d like to have a seat, I’ll give Nox a call and see where he’s at. Can Loch get either of you something to drink while you wait?” He could be diplomatic, dammit.
She looked at him, about to say something, when her mother interrupted. “No. Now please, could you call Mr. Hogan?”
The girl wilted like a flower at first snowfall. Her features crestfallen as she sat. Loch slinked back to the shop, defeat written in his eyes. And the mother, the evil witch of the damn west, had a triumphant look in her eyes.
She was a customer he had to keep reminding himself as he walked back to Nox’s office to call the man.
“Yeah?” Nox answered on the third ring, out of breath, and he knew immediately what the man had been up to since Soph was nowhere in sight either.
“Ya know what? Never mind. Back to the baby making, big bro.”
“Levi!” Nox yelled before he could hang up.
“Yo!”
“What the hell do you want?” he asked.
“Mrs. Marlowe is here.” He didn’t get a chance to say more.
“Daughter with her?” Nox asked.
“Sure is.”
“Brake fluid,” he replied hanging up.
Looking at the phone, Levi muttered, “Alrighty then.”
“God fucking dammit!” Well shit. Asher and Eli had collided.
“Hey!” he snapped and whistled as he walked out of the office. Mrs. Marlowe was pale and horrified at Eli’s outburst, and when she went to smack Asher, the woman damn near fainted. “Shit. Would you two stop? Just stop. I don’t have time for this. Either walk away or go fuck. I don’t care which but piss off already.”
Too late, his words had done their damage, and Sage and her mother were walking out. Loch watched with what could only be described as a broken spirit because they both knew if she left, they weren’t coming back.
“I’ll fix this!” Levi called to his brother, rushing after the two women. “Mrs. Marlowe, wait! Please wait!” She paused by her vehicle.
“What is it, Mr. Hogan?” He had to bite his tongue with her attitude.
“Can I at least check your fluids before you go? Make sure you’re topped up.” He smiled, hoping she’d let him. Brake fluids weren’t to be messed with.
“Quickly.” She acquiesced.
He went through the motions of checking her oil, anti-freeze, and washer fluid. When he got to the brake line fluid, he was shocked to see it full. Nox was wrong. A whispered, “Steering fluid,” had him scowling at Sage as she darted off before her mother saw her.
“Ma’am,” he called to the woman. “I’ll be right ba
ck. Your steering fluid is a bit low, and I’d like to fill it up.” He quickly ran back inside to grab one of the containers they kept with different fluids in.
The woman looked to be at her wit's end when he returned. After filling the liquid back up, she wasted no time in leaving. He watched as Sage looked out the back window of the station wagon until they were no longer in sight.
He heard steps behind and knew it was Loch. “What the fuck was that?” He didn’t know who confused him more, the angry mother or the love-struck girl.
“Sage, huh,” was all Lochlan said.
“Seriously, bro? That is a whole new brand of crazy. You sure you want to get in on that mess?”
“Positive,” he replied.
Shaking his head again, Levi walked away from his little brother. The boy had been knocked around too much if he was really going to get involved with that family.
Putting the whole situation from his mind, he got back to work on the truck he was restoring, hoping to have it ready for paint by Monday, so he wasn’t distracted during his fight on the weekend.
Casper had been bragging that there were going to be sponsors, fighters, and officials from the MMA there. He still wasn’t sure how he felt about being drafted to the professional leagues. Sure, he liked fighting, the adrenaline rush he got from the pain. But as a career? He just wasn’t sure.
He’d never been as into cars as Nox was. The shop had been his big brother’s dream, and it was easy to go along for the ride when he’d opened it up. Now, though, Levi wanted something for himself. Something to focus on and cradle like it was his own.
An image of Hayes smiling flittered through his mind, and the thought that he’d be okay with things the way they were if only she were by his side.
Waiting for the bell to ring was painful as Hayes watched the clock constantly. She’d hardly gotten any of the work done that she’d been in study hall for. It wasn’t like she had to be in the class, but she hadn’t told Levi when she was getting out either. She wasn’t even sure if he was picking her up, but they’d spoken about going to the gym after an early dinner. However, he’d never specifically said he’d be there.
