Crashed (Entangled Indulgence) (6 page)

Chapter Six

“They’re here, Alex.”

“Don’t make me go, please. I promise I’ll be good. You won’t even know I’m here,” she said, backing up several steps.

Mr. West’s usually warm brown eyes looked sad when he shook his head. “They won’t let you stay. I’m sorry, honey. I’ve tried, but they don’t think it’s best for you to live here with us.”

She sobbed uncontrollably now. Rusty and Piper clung to her, crying as well, their grip almost painful.

“Please don’t make me. I don’t like it there. I don’t want to—”

The door opened and a woman with blond hair and small blue eyes walked in. “That’s enough now, Alex. You know you have to go back.”

“Maybe she could just stay tonight,” Mr. West said.

The woman shook her head. “No. That’ll just make it harder in the long run.” She held out her hand. “Come on now, Alex. It’s time to go.”

She shook her head again and spun around, panic and all kinds of other feelings swirling in her belly, making her feel sick. Without thinking, she ran, ran from the woman trying to take her away, straight through the living room. She saw the window but didn’t stop, had to get away. She wasn’t going back.

Alex shot up in bed, her screams dying in her throat when she realized it was just a dream. The only dream she ever had. She ran shaky hands across her face and pushed her sweat-soaked hair off her face.

Goddammit.

Sitting up, she pulled her knees to her chest. She hadn’t had the dream in months, had hoped it had stopped altogether. She’d suffered night terrors after her parents died in a house fire. Another reason she hadn’t lasted long with any of the foster families she got placed with. No one liked to be woken in the middle of the night by a kid screaming hysterically.

Grabbing her phone, she checked the time.
Crap.
She’d slept in. Shoving back the covers, she scrambled out of bed and stripped on her way to the bathroom. The warm water pouring over her in the shower helped to ease her stiff muscles. After she dried off, she threw on a pair of shorts and a tank, pulled on socks, and stuffed her feet in her boots. Then she grabbed an apple off the counter and clomped down the stairs to the garage.

Her phone beeped in her pocked on her way down, and she hated the flutter of anticipation when she checked to see who the text was from. Rusty.

Wake the hell up.

She shoved the phone back in her pocket and tried not to think about the amount of times she’d checked the blasted thing yesterday.

Deacon hadn’t called the day after her midnight dash, like he said he would. Nor did they have their clothing-optional night in. But she had received a few quick text messages to say he was busy. She wasn’t buying it, though. More like he was pissed off that she’d pulled another runner.

What if he’d decided she was too much trouble? She hadn’t exactly made this easy on him. What if he’d decided to end it and found someone else to be his
date
? Someone like Candice, for example. She’d bet every cent she had, which wasn’t a hell of a lot, that Candice wouldn’t turn him down. She’d plant her ass in Deke’s bed, in that flashy apartment, and wouldn’t leave until she was prized out with a crowbar.

She shut those thoughts down quickly. That wasn’t the issue here.

If he reneged, would he go ahead and put the garage up for sale right away?

When she walked into the workshop, Piper was in her office and Rusty, already in coveralls, had her head under the hood of Mr. Cannon’s 1968 Dodge Charger.

She looked up, and a grin spread across her face. “Look what the cat dragged in.”

“I know.” Alex held up her hands. “I slept in.”

“Yeah?” Concern creased her friend’s brow. “Trouble sleeping?”

“Something like that.”

Rusty put down her socket wrench and straightened, rubbing the grease from her hands on the ass of her coveralls. “The dream?”

Alex shrugged, not wanting to get into it, not wanting to worry her friends, and definitely not wanting to dwell on the reason she thought she’d started having them again.

Rusty walked over and gave her a quick hug. “You think this is about your date the other night? You like this guy?”

The woman was too damn perceptive for her own good. She’d always been able to read her like a book. “Nah, it’s nothing serious. You know me.”

Rusty stared at her for several seconds, her intense gaze so much like her brother’s in that moment it made her squirm. “Okay. If you say so. But you know I’m here if you need to vent, right?”

“Just try to stop me.”

Rusty’s stunning grin returned, then her eyes lifted to something over Alex’s shoulder. They widened. “Holy shit.”

“What?” Alex spun around in time to see a 1970 Dodge Super Bee 426 Hemi Flashback pull up in front of their garage.

Purple.

Her knees actually went weak. This was
the
car. The car of her dreams. Instead of actors or singers on her walls when she’d been growing up, she’d had a poster of this car—well, not on her walls, because she wasn’t allowed, but the picture had gone to every one of her foster homes with her.

Super Bees were only in production for four years, so there weren’t that many on the road. She’d never thought she’d get to see one up close. Whoever owned it had to have some serious cake.

The door opened and Jarrod Prescott stepped out, all flashy suit and smooth good looks. His gaze landed on her, and his lips quirked up at the side, followed by a knowing wink. She slammed her unhinged jaw shut.

“You know that guy?
Sheee-it.
Is that the guy you’re messing with?” Rusty hissed in her ear.

“Um…”

“Hot…the guy’s not bad, either.” She snorted. “No wonder you’re going out with him—he drives your freakin’ dream car.”

Oh, God. Oh, God. Oh, God.

“Just, ah…give me a minute.” She speed walked over to Jarrod before Rusty had a chance to interrogate him. But Rusty had already peeled off, heading to the office to get Piper.
Dammit.

Jarrod slid his hands in his pockets and smiled down at her. “Alex.”

“Yeah, hey. Look, I ah…I need your help. You’re gonna think this is nuts, but I’m going to need you to pretend we’re going out.”

His brow scrunched. “Pardon?”

“I know this seems weird, and I know I’m asking a lot. But Deacon’s sisters are my best friends, and they don’t know me and him are…that we’re seeing each other. But they know I’m seeing someone. Rusty got the wrong idea when you pulled in, so if you could just help me out, I’ll owe you,” she blurted in one breath.

The excuse-me-while-I-call-in-the-special-doctor expression had disappeared and been replaced by amusement. “Pretend? That we’re dating?”

Jesus.
Humiliation heated her from head to toe. “Um, yeah.”

One of his hands came up and slid around the back of her neck, and he tugged her closer. “I find method acting makes for a more realistic performance.”

The office door flew open, Rusty and Piper emerging, sights set. “They’re coming.”

He let go of her neck and slung his arm around her shoulders, pulling her into his side. She had no choice but to plaster a ridiculous grin on her face.

“Nice car,” Rusty said when she stopped in front of them and extended her hand. “Rusty West. This is my sister, Piper.” Piper took his hand as well and smiled in that sweet, open way of hers.

“Jarrod Prescott. Nice to finally meet you both. Alex’s told me so much about you.” He smiled down at her, then glanced back at her friends.

Alex tilted her head toward the garage. “You two have stuff to do, right? Don’t let us pull you from your work.”

Piper narrowed her eyes. “I’m sure we can spare a few minutes.”

Crap.

“Do you have plans with our girl?” Rusty asked.

“Actually, I came to talk to Alex about doing some restoration work for me. I have a couple cars that need rebuilding, and she told me you could fit me in.”

The wary looks vanished, along with their desire to interrogate Jarrod. Alex was pretty sure she could see the dollar signs flash above their heads.

Piper grinned, giving her best Vanna White impersonation, and motioned back to the workshop. “Please, step into my office.”

Good God.

They all traipsed into the workshop, Jarrod keeping her plastered to his side the entire time. And if he’d had his way, she would have spent the entire meeting in his lap.

By the time they finished discussing Jarrod’s cars and what he wanted done, it was close to lunchtime. As they stepped out of the small office, he took Alex’s hand and tugged her close, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. He was enjoying this whole role-play thing a bit too damn much.

Rusty and Piper stayed in the office, but she could see them pretending not to look when he led her over to the Super Bee.

“Thanks for doing this, Jarrod. You helped me out of a tricky spot. And for bringing the work our way. You won’t be disappointed.”

“I wouldn’t have brought them here if I thought otherwise.” He brushed his thumb across her jaw. “And I’ll play your lover anytime, though the real thing would be far more enjoyable, I can assure you. If your situation with Deacon changes, give me a call.” He slipped a card from his breast pocket and slid it into her hand.

Then, before she knew what was happening, he slid his other arm around her waist and pulled her into him. She turned her head as his lips descended, and they thankfully missed their target, hitting her jaw. She jerked back. “Right, well, thanks.”

“I hope you do call, Alex. I think we could have some fun together.” Then he climbed into her dream car and drove off.

She shoved the card in her pocket and blew out a shaky breath as his car disappeared into traffic. “Holy crap.”

As she turned to head back inside, she spotted the silver Mercedes sitting on the other side of the parking lot. The door opened and Deacon stepped out, face hard, jaw clenched.

He was in Mr. Chill mode, and those cold eyes never left her as he strode in her direction.

Shit.
She’d just ruined everything.

Chapter Seven

Jarrod fucking Prescott was a dead man.

He’d decided to give Alex a day, had stupidly thought that’s what she needed after running from him in the middle of the night, again. Worried that he’d pushed too hard, too fast.

Idiot.
The woman had made a complete fool of him. He’d left her alone for twenty-four hours, and she’d already found his replacement.

Alex shoved her hands in her pockets and took a step back as he strode toward her, paling before his eyes. Control a thing of the past, he gripped her upper arms when he reached her. “What. The. Fuck, Alex?” She gaped at him; her lips moved, but nothing came out. “Is this you trying to punish me?”

“What? No, I—”

“Yo, big bro.” Rusty chose that moment to come flying out of the workshop. She flew at him, forcing him to let go of Alex, and dived straight into his arms. “We didn’t know you were coming.” She wrapped her arms around his waist. “It feels like forever since you’ve come to the garage.”

Try six months.

He tore his eyes from Alex, who looked like she wanted to throw up, and gazed down at his insanely beautiful, hard as nails sister. “I missed my sisters. Thought you might like some lunch?” It wasn’t a lie, not totally. He hadn’t seen them as much lately, and he hated it.

“Sweet. I’m starved.”

“I’ll take Alex with me to Tate’s. She can help me carry everything.” He locked eyes with her, and she scowled.

Rusty still had her arm flung around his waist, staring up at him. “Hey. You just missed meeting Alex’s new man. He drives her dream car.”

“Is that right? What’s he like?”

“You’ll have to ask Alex that,” she said, so full of innuendo he wanted to punch something. “Seems nice, though, couldn’t keep his hands off our girl. Almost told them to get a room when he pulled her into his lap and started making goo-goo eyes at her.”

“Is that so?”

Alex shook her head and forced a laugh. “That’s bullshit, Rusty, and you know it.”

“Don’t be coy now, girl. It’s about time you got some action.”

Deacon had heard more than enough. Releasing his sister, he wrapped his fingers around Alex’s wrist and started toward his car. “Be back soon,” he called over his shoulder.

He yanked the door open. “Get in the car.”

Alex glared up at him. “Jesus. Calm the hell down and let me explain.”

She climbed in, and he strode around and got in the driver’s side, started the car, and peeled out of West’s. “Deal’s off.” The words were out of his mouth before he could stop himself; his pride had taken a hit. Not to mention the way his chest had felt like it was going to fucking explode when he saw them together. He’d already had one screwed-up relationship in his life, a relationship full of lies and hurt and infidelity. He couldn’t do that again, not with Alex.

She spun to face him. “What?”

He wrenched the car to the right and pulled into the loading bay between Carter’s Mufflers and Dalton’s Auto Parts and Repairs before he caused an accident and turned to her. “I stopped playing these games in high school, Alex. I told you how it was. I don’t share. Ever.”

“But I didn’t—”

“Is this about me taking your virginity? Did I hurt you that badly? Is this you trying to hurt me back?” He didn’t know where the words came from, but right then he needed to know the answer. She stared at him, wide-eyed, biting her goddamn bottom lip in that way that made him want to kiss her, strip her bare. “Answer me.”

“No, Goddammit. I—”

“What?” he yelled. She froze, eyes narrowing. She stared him down, fire in her gaze, as pissed off as he was. “Did you call him right after you ran out on me the other night? Did you go to him?” He sounded like a crazy person, but Alex had that effect on him. Drove him fucking insane.

“Wow. I knew you could be a dick, Deacon, but this is a whole new level even for you.” She jabbed a finger at him. “I’m not seeing Jarrod. Jesus. If you must know, he came to West’s to discuss the cars we were talking about the other night…”

“He kissed you. I saw him with his filthy lips all over you. Are you denying it? Am I hallucinating?”

“Yeah, he kissed me, and yeah, he was all over me,” she fired back.

Boom.
He lost it. “I’ll fucking kill him.” He smashed his fist against the unforgiving dash so hard he thought he heard bone crunch.

“Christ, Deacon, stop it.” She grabbed his wrist and held on. “We were pretending, all right? He arrived, and Rusty put two and two together and came up with fifty-seven. She knows I’m seeing someone. I had to have an excuse for being out all the time. Jarrod agreed to play along when I freaked out. End of story.”

Air hissed between his teeth, partly to calm himself and partly because his hand hurt like a bitch. “Pretending?”

She scowled harder. “That’s what I said. Shit.”

“So there’s nothing going on between you and Prescott?”

“No, there’s nothing going on, you overbearing asshole.”

They stared at each other, both breathing heavily. She couldn’t hide it—she was as turned on as he was. That’s when he lost it again. He hauled her over the seat, into his lap, and smashed his mouth down on hers, thrusting his tongue into her sweet mouth, taking back what was his. Her fingers immediately slid into his hair, fisting it, pulling hard, punishing him for the way he’d treated her. He deserved it.

But after seeing another man put his hands on her, the thought that she might actually welcome Jarrod’s touch? He’d become a jealous dickhead. Shit, he’d loved her for so damn long, the thought of her wanting someone else, being with someone else, fucking cleaved him in two. Pulling back, he kissed along her jaw to the shell of her ear. “I’m sorry, baby. I’m so sorry.”

Alex moaned as he undid the button of her shorts, then worked down the zipper. She spread her smooth legs wider for him, giving him better access, and he shoved his hand inside her panties. Fuck, she was wet, drenched. He pushed a finger inside her, and she whimpered against his throat, tongue darting out to taste his skin.

The windows were tinted. No one could see what was going on inside. So he allowed himself to get lost in her.

“Oh, God.” She kept her head against his shoulder and gasped as he fucked her with his finger. He slid in a second, taking her deep and hard.

“Look at me, Alex.” She did, lifting her face to him, and he took her mouth again in a kiss that was hot and wet. He used his thumb, pressing it against her clit, massaging until she cried out against his mouth. She was perfect and tight, spasming around his fingers, hips working against his hand. He lifted his head to watch. Beautiful. It was impossible to take his eyes off her, the way her kiss-swollen mouth opened, eyes squeezed tight. The hot sounds she made along with the aftershocks he was still wringing out of her.

When she slumped against him, eyes still closed, he did up her shorts, kissed the top of her head, and reluctantly shifted her back to her own seat. It was either that or fuck her right there in the car.

Her lashes fluttered open, and she looked over at him. “You’re goddamned crazy, Deacon West.”

“Crazy for you.” If he didn’t fuck her soon, he’d go insane.

She snorted. “Wow, that was seriously cheesy.”

He sobered and inwardly winced at the way he’d behaved, his loss of control. “I really am sorry.”

She glanced out the window, not meeting his eyes. “Why did you act like that? It’s like you’re…jealous or something?”

He forced a mirthless laugh. He had to be careful how he handled this, couldn’t risk scaring her away. Maybe it was already too late after that fucked-up display, his utter lack of self-control. Deal or no deal, if Alex thought real emotions were involved on his part, she’d run a mile. Though how she could believe otherwise after that was beyond comprehension. But then, Alex didn’t want to see the truth, not of his feelings and especially not her own.

“I told you. I don’t like to share. Not in any aspect of my life. Plus, Jarrod is a business rival.” He forced a careless shrug, trying to dial it back. Did she believe the bullshit coming out of his mouth? He fucking hoped so. If she didn’t, he’d blown it.

Was that hurt in her dark brown eyes?

“That’s fine with me. Glad we’re on the same page. I don’t like sharing, either.” Then she repeated his words back to him, and he hated it. “Not in any aspect of my life.”

They went to Tate’s and grabbed the lunch he’d promised his sisters, then spent an hour he didn’t have catching up with them. He loved every minute. Their enthusiasm over their business, their plans, was infectious. Still, he hadn’t been able to take his eyes off Alex. She’d eaten a sandwich, then left them in the office and gotten back to work.

Her coveralls were tied around her waist, and the black tank she wore clung to her curves. There was grease smeared on her forearms, and her hair was pulled back, exposing her neck. She’d never looked sexier.

He didn’t know how much longer he could hold off taking her, sinking inside her, owning her. But in the end, restraint was all he had, the only weapon in his arsenal. Since he couldn’t say in words how he felt, he was determined to show her. Show her just how important she was to him. That he gave her pleasure because it made him happy to do so, and not because he wanted something from her in return, despite the deal they’d made.

Deep down, she knew what this was, knew he would never hurt his sisters like that. He was sure of it. The only explanation for her going along with his proposition was that she wanted him, too. For now, if she chose to believe it was only lust, he’d take it. She couldn’t fool herself forever, and when she came to the realization of her true feelings for him, he’d be there to hold her down when she tried to run scared. Because she would.

After losing her parents, the only people she’d let herself get truly close to were his sisters. He saw the way Alex checked on them, worried about them. She was terrified she’d lose them one day, terrified she’d end up on her own again.

After kissing his sisters good-bye, he stopped by the car Alex was working on. “Can you come to my place tonight?”

She didn’t look at him. “Are we going out?”

“For drinks, nothing too formal. I’ll have something for you to wear when you get to my place.”

“Right.”

“I want you to stay tonight, Alex. No slinking off when I’m asleep.”

“Fine. Whatever.” She carried on working, and dammit, he wanted to touch her, pull her into his arms and kiss all the stress and worry away.

He leaned in. “I want to bury my tongue inside you again. Feel you come against my mouth. Don’t deny me what I want, Alex. I’ll starve without another taste of you.”

She sucked in a shaky breath, and he gave in to his desire to touch her, running his fingers down her arm. “See you at seven.”

Then he left her, hopefully aching for him as much as he was for her.