CHAPTER 3

"Listen," he released a breath and pinched the bridge of his nose. "I know you're not gonna believe this, but I've got an auto repair shop on the south side of town with my dad." He looked at my dress and made me feel small and insufficient. "I'm sure it's not your first choice, but we're the best in the region for import restoration. You can read our reviews on Yelp and crap. Moreno Custom Garage."

"Are you going to fix my car?" I asked in amazement. If he would fix the car, then I would have a chance at seeing him again. I winced at the way that sounded. "I only meant, I'd appreciate that, and I'll pay, of course."

"Yeah, I can fix it no problem. It might take me a few weeks to be able to get what I need, but if you want to make a police report, that's okay too."

"I'd rather not have anything to do with that if it's alright with you." If my name ended up on a police report, the press would have it covered. It was an election year, and Camille was the governor's daughter. My association with her, and the fact that I was one of the wealthiest members of the city, made me need to watch every move that I made very closely.

Mr. Tatted Wet Dream held out his phone. "Here, give me your number, and I'll look at the books when I get back to let you know when to bring her in."

I hoped he didn't see my hand shaking. Julian Ashford, get a grip you bloody wimp. It didn't pan out. Holding his phone was such as holding something precious because it was his. It was also warm from being in his pocket, and I could honestly say I never really noticed that about something before.

I hurriedly filled out my information and gave the phone back to him. He jammed it into his front pocket and stepped around to approach me. "Do you have a minute? I just need to double-check your tire so it won't be rubbing the wheel well when you drive."

"Fine. I'm not in a hurry." Sorry, Camille.

Before I even had time to blink, he was on the ground, his head under my car. He reached overhead, stretching his arms, and his t-shirt crept up, revealing the top of his boxers and a small strip of golden sun-kissed skin. If that was an ink on his side, I was going to faint. He slapped the fender and stepped out from under the car. "It seems to be fine, but maybe don't take her on any road trips." He stood up, drying his hands on his jeans and looking at me. "I assume you have something else to drive while I get her sorted out?"

I hadn't even had time to answer him when my phone rang and Stephen Ashford Sr.'s name flashed across the screen.

"Wait one second, please. I have to take this." I swiped to receive as he gave me a curt nod. "Father," I said. "Mm-hmm." Pause. "No, I'll take care of him." Pause. "I said I would take care of it." Pause. "It's three o'clock in the morning." Pause. "I don't care if he's in Japan. I'm not." Pause. "Fine."

I hung up the phone and turned on the man before me, butterflies replaced by buzzing hornets.

"Okay?" he inquired, his tone polite.

"Just business politics," I snarled.

He chuckled and massaged the back of his neck. "Yeah, I get those."

Finally able to think with my head, I asked for his name.

"Oh, yeah. River Moreno." He extended his hand. Grasping it, I glanced down, afraid my pencil-thin pants would tent. It wasn't needed. When his palm hit mine, I received a shock of electricity, as if closing your hand around a live wire. The callouses on his palms sent my brain down a naughty, inappropriate path, and it took all mental force of will to snap back in line. Hopefully, my delay was not visible.

"Julian Ashford."

River laughed, the low, throaty sound striking my balls squarely. "Wow, they really read you for a suit with that name, huh?"

I couldn't help but chuckle. "You have no idea."

"Well, hey, I'm really sorry about all this. I'll text you later and let you know when to drop her by the shop."

"Sounds good. And uh, I'm sorry too. I'll pay closer attention to those back-up lights next time, and maybe send a letter to my prep school encouraging them to include it in the curriculum."

River gave me a genuine smile as he blew out a laugh. My cock stayed on the loose as I slid behind the wheel of my car.

Okay, so it was a rotten thing to do, but did I regret it? Not even a little.