Read Online Not So New in Town by Michele Summers - Free Book Online

ventured inside.
    Brogan shortened his long, easy stride to match hers. “I’m sure they appreciate all you’re doing.” Lucy wasn’t sure of anything these days.
    Her phone vibrated for the millionth time, and she read the text. “Sheesh, I’m coming. Don’t have a wedgie,” she mumbled as she tapped back a message.
    Brogan touched her elbow, sending tingles down her arm as he guided her toward the alley next to BetterBites.
    “Hey! What are you doing? You’re not taking me inside BetterBites and forcing alfalfa sprouts down my throat, are you?” Lucy squirmed, trying to free her arm from his now firm grasp.
    “Don’t have a wedgie,” he mimicked, pulling her along, exerting no effort. “Besides, I have better things to force down your throat than alfalfa sprouts.”
    Oh my. Lucy gulped, willing her mind not to think of what better things he had in mind and failing miserably. She hoped hers was the only dirty mind between them, picturing naughty, better things. Back off, baby sister.
    In the alley behind his store, his convertible sat with the top up, and Brogan held the car door open. “Hop in.”
    “Ooo, two rides in one day in this slick car. I feel special. What more could a girl ask for?” He slid behind the wheel and opened his mouth. “Don’t answer that. It was rhetorical.”
    Crooked white smile and crystal green eyes glowed in her direction from the dashboard lights. Hint of coffee and expensive leather tickled Lucy’s nose. Good smells. Yummy, rich smells. He flicked something at her. A crumpled ten-dollar bill landed in her lap.
    “Your tip from the bar. Thought you might want it back.”
    “Why? I left it for Hank.”
    “I took care of Hank. Just thought you might need it. Maybe put it toward a new radiator or something.” Like a new car? Lucy hated she’d let things get so bad. It reminded her of how she’d been ignoring her life and not taking care of her needs.
    “Thanks. But I’m afraid even Grady’s rates have gone up. And Grady’s gone fishing. I’m gonna have to drive her into Raleigh for service.” Grady’s Gas & Bait repaired cars and had serviced Harmony for as long as Lucy could remember.
    “I’ll take care of it for you.” Startled, Lucy jumped as he reached across her, brushing her chest with his forearm. “Buckle up,” he said, pulling on her seat belt. Stunned both by his actions and his offer, she allowed him to fasten the clasp into the buckle. Goose bumps broke out on her skin. She rubbed her bare arms, hoping he didn’t notice.
    “Thanks, but I can handle it. Probably only needs coolant.” And maybe new brake pads and, uh, a new engine.
    Brogan flashed his wonderful smile again. “You know where to put the coolant?” Her look of confusion must’ve tipped him off. “Didn’t think so. We’ll take care of it tomorrow.” Lucy appreciated his offer. But she didn’t want to spend another day with Brogan Reese, who still carried a torch for Julia. And she didn’t relish Brogan witnessing the shambles her life had become these last few months.
    “Where would you like to go?” Again, that melting caramel voice, making her resolution to avoid him darn near impossible.
    Vegas. Key West. San Francisco. Top down. Hair blowing. And Brogan Reese behind the wheel. Her heart leaped and then plummeted. “Home. Julia is having another pillow crisis, or there’s one too many ice cubes in her water. Something earth-shattering.”
    “Home it is,” he said, shifting into reverse and backing out. “If I remember correctly, Julia thrives on crisis. Lots of drama. It’s the way she deals. Don’t let it get to you. Once she figures out you’re not available 24-7, she’ll stop demanding your attention.”
    She speared him with a sharp look. Spoken like a true expert. “That’s just it. I am available 24-7. I don’t have any other job at the moment, and she knows it.” More like a failing career needing a steroid shot to wake it up.
    “Maybe we can fix