Page 35 of Stuck with the Hero Next Door

I blinked. “Excuse me?”

He tilted his head. “You are. You don’t even realize it, but... You look deliriously happy.”

The words landed softly but stuck deep. I didn’t say anything. I didn’t need to because he was right.

My truck and Everwood were claiming me as their own. I wasn’t just where I was anymore; I was feeling light and alive.

Andrew, the auto sales guy, came up beside me. He was younger than I thought he’d be, with a deep voice that took me aback. His blond, sandy hair was styled a few years younger than his age, which made the flying-saucer cut look desperate.

“This one is a real beauty. She’s a real ringer.”

Levi laughed and pushed himself off the bumper, stepping forward. “Cut the charm, Andrew; Cassie knows what she wants.”

Andrew stepped back and rubbed the back of his neck. “Sorry about that, Levi, job hazard.” He laughed nervously. Levi didn’t seem too convinced.

A few more awkward conversations where Levi’s strong, silent presence had Andrew offering everything from detailing and air fresheners to wax sealant and a free oil change.

I signed the paperwork with a pen that said “EVERWOOD AUTO SALES” and a storm of emotion.

Andrew finished the deal with, “She’s reliable, this one,” like he was talking about a horse, not a slightly used truck.

Levi stood nearby, arms folded, his usual expression somewhere between amused and subtly proud.

When the keys landed in my hand with a satisfying jingle, my insides giggled, then outright laughed. I was one step closer to something. Not sure what, but I was closer.

“She’s all yours,” Andrew said, beaming. “Congratulations!”

Levi offered a mock salute.

“We should name her.” I smiled as I skipped to the truck with more bounce than necessary. The names started running through my head.

“Your truck?” Levi looked confused.

“Of course. It’s tradition.” I snorted. “Maybe... Frankie?”

Levi nodded solemnly. “Never thought I’d run into another human being who names their vehicles. I thought only Janet and my mom did that. I guess you do too. Frankie, it is. Long may she run.”

We both laughed, and just like that, the final thread of tension unwound from my shoulders. For so long I’d been waiting for my real life to start. I hadn’t realized it, but now, I was in it. Right here. In Everwood. With my practical, slightly used, sassily named Frankie, and a new job waiting for me.

Levi held the door open for me with an exaggerated flourish. “Shall we test Frankie off-road?”

I slid into the driver’s seat and adjusted the mirrors. “I don’t know about off-roading, but I’m thinking a spin around town first.”

He climbed in with a grin. “Priorities. I like it.”

We pulled out of the lot with the windows down and the breeze tugging at my hair. Everwood scrolled past like a storybook—chalk signs outside the bakery, a kid chasing a balloon, a teenager trying (and failing) to parallel park his truck in front of the hardware store.

“I am so excited,” I exclaimed, not really meaning to say it out loud.

Levi laughed. “I’m glad, ya look it,” he said. “Where to now?”

I glanced over at him, and for a second, I saw it again—that grounded steadiness. I smiled at the road ahead and did a little jig in the seat, enjoying the fresh air. “Next, we conquer the world.” I announced with confidence because at the moment, I felt unstoppable.

Frankie might not be super new or glamorous, but she was all mine.

“You’re starting with small steps first. I like it. After the world, let’s start on the galaxy.” Levi laughed and pointed to a road off the side that led to the old salt mine. “So, when do you start at the school?”

“Wait, how did you know I accepted? I didn’t tell you yet.”