Page 71 of Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animal
Uh, that’s one way to catch me completely off guard.
Not sure how to really respond, I say, “It’s... it’s fine.”
“It’s not.” He blows out a frustrated breath. “Unlock your car.”
“Huh?”
“Just unlock your car.”
I reach for my keys in my purse and unlock my vehicle.
He opens the door for me and then gestures for me to get in. “Sorry that your day wasn’t what you expected.”
I take a seat in my car and say, “I’m... I’m sorry if I was rude back there.”
“You weren’t.”
But I was. “Your farm is?—”
He shakes his head. “Don’t, okay? Just... let’s not go there.” Gripping the top of the door, he gently says, “Have a safe drive back.”
Then he shuts my door, leaving me alone in my car, feeling...
Confused.
Nervous.
Slightly turned on.
Flattered.
Guilty.
Pretty much a gauntlet of emotions.
Shaking the thoughts and feelings out of my head, I put the key in the ignition, turn it over, and when the car doesn’t start right away, I pause. Then I give it another turn. And another.
And another.
Noooo, not now.
I lean my head against the steering wheel just as there is a knock on my window, startling me. Of course, Atlas is standing there, hands in his pockets, so I open the door, and he asks, “Not starting?”
“No,” I answer. “Um, do you happen to know anyone I can call?”
“Yeah, I’ll shoot Kieran a text. He can come by and check it out.” He pulls his phone from his pocket and starts texting. Andthe irony is not lost on me how it’s so easy for someone like Atlas to text another person in town to help him out, whereas I have no ability to do that.
And once I start this project with Uncle Dwight, I won’t have that ability either—because everyone will be against us.
“He says he’s out on another trip right now and won’t be back for about an hour or so. Told me to send him a pic of the car, and he’ll come by a little later when he’s back in town. Does that work?”
“Um, sure. I should probably call for an Uber or something.”
The smallest of smirks plays on his lips. “Good luck. Not sure you’d be able to find one.” He stuffs his phone in his pocket. “Come with me. I’ll give you a ride back to your place.”
“Oh, you don’t have to do that.”
“I’m headed that way anyway.” He nods. “Come on.”
