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“Thanks for the cupcake—” Elena’s brows furrowed when she realized he hadn’t introduced himself. “I don’t think you told me your name.”
“I’m Vinyl,” he said, holding out one big hand for her to shake. “And you’re Elena, right?”
“Right,” she confirmed with a nod. “I’m Taffy’s new assistant.”
“How’re you liking it so far?”
“I like it.” She smiled just thinking about her new boss. The woman was an whirlwind. “Taffy’s pretty awesome.”
“She is,” he agreed. “The Irons are good people.”
“I’m figuring that out.” Elena had fully expected to be in hot water after showing up late on her first day, but Taffy had been totally cool. Most bosses would have told her not to bother clocking in, so she’d been surprised when it wasn’t that big of a big deal. She was still a little shocked to be honest. The Irons had been more concerned about getting her car taken care of, including ordering two new tires just to be safe. She didn’t know what to make of it. It was as if she’d stumbled into the twilight zone. “Any other job would have let me go for being late the first day.”
“You couldn’t help it that your car wouldn’t start,” he told her with a shrug. He pushed his sleeves up, baring his heavily tattooed forearms. “The Irons won’t hold something like that against you.”
“How’d you know my car wouldn’t start?” she wondered aloud, her eyes focused on the black and grey ink he had gracing his skin from elbow to wrist. The tattoo was elaborate, making his arm look as if it were filled with gears instead of flesh and bone. It was an amazing piece of ink. One of her favorite customers had something similar painted on the prosthetic leg he wore, and she’d always loved the design.
That must be why it looked so familiar.
Chapter Eleven
“Is everyone talking about the new girl?” she asked him, her cheeks burning brighter as he watched.
Vinyl grinned.
Of course, everyone was talking about the new girl. Elena was a walking fucking temptation surrounded by red-blooded men. Who wouldn’t be talking about her?
“It’s been a while since we’ve had anyone new in the shop,” he answered, leaving the rest out. She was already skittish enough. “Everyone is curious.”
“Is that what this is about?” She waved the cupcake between them with a frown. “You find out the details and then report back to the rest of them.”
He shook his head. “Not necessarily.”
Elena nibbled at the frosting, eying him suspiciously.
“What?”
“Then what’s this all about?” Her brow wrinkled as she studied him like a bug under a microscope. “I don’t want to sound rude, but guys like you don’t talk to girls like me.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” he asked with a frown.
Even if Tanner and Pax hadn’t asked him to smooth shit over with her, he’d still be here. The second he’d seen her; he’d beenmore than intrigued. She was fucking perfect. Not only was she gorgeous, but she also had the voice of an angel. Vinyl had been reeled in the moment he’d caught the sound of it on the wind earlier. It had called to him like a siren song, pulling him straight to the bench where she sat. Listening to her conversation was rude but he’d done it anyways. He hadn’t been able to walk away from that voice.
“Nevermind.” She pushed herself to her feet with a sigh. “Listen, thanks for the cupcake but I really do need to get back inside.”
“Wait,” he said, catching her elbow with a gentle hand. Vinyl wasn’t sure what he’d planned to say after that, but it didn’t matter.
Elena was staring at his arm, all color gone from her face.
“Whoa,” he said, reaching up to steady her where she swayed. “Are you okay?”
She blinked a few times before giving him a nod.
“Are you sure?” He stood up beside her just in case. “You looked ready to pass out there for a second.”
“Sorry about that.” She shrugged off his hand and put a little distance between them. “It’s been a long day. See ya around.”
“Wait.” Vinyl could almost see her walls come up as she started backing away. “Are you sure that you’re okay?”
