Page 12 of Billionaire Bad Boy Auction

One of the guys pulled out his phone, scrolling through it with a grin. “Man, you really made a splash today, huh? Whole town’s talking about you.” He read the headline straight from the local news site. “‘Local Girl Returns Home… and Wins Herself a Jackson.’ That’s got to be embarrassing.”

I clenched my jaw, refusing to let them see how much it stung. “Not as embarrassing as the fact that you’re still hanging out like you’re in high school. Drinking shitty, cheap beer.”

The guys laughed again, but it was hollow, their eyes glinting with something that made my skin crawl. One of them moved closer, the stench of the cheap beer hitting me. “Relax, we’re just curious,” Matt said. “Why are you really back in town?”

Dean stepped up, right in Matt’s face. “You’re in my way,” he said flatly, flicking a glance toward the group. “Move.”

It wasn’t a yell or a threat, but the sheer weight of his presence had them backing off.

Seth lifted his hands with a sloppy grin. “Easy, big brother. Just making conversation.” But there was a knowing look in his eyes when he glanced between me and Dean, like he thought we were an item.

I didn’t bother explaining the situation. It was none of Seth’s business. I muttered something about needing to clean up and turned toward the sink. My hands trembled as I scrubbed at the grease.

Matt chuckled. “The night is still young, Watson. You might get even dirtier if you hang around a bit longer. We’ll all get covered head to toe in grease if that’s your thing.”

I froze, my stomach churning. How was I even supposed to respond to that? It turned out I didn’t have to formulate a response.

Dean slammed his palm against Matt’s chest and shoved him up against the wall, making the whole shop shake. “Apologize right the fuck now.”

His tone had sounded more like God delivering a command from on high. The entire room seemed to still.

Matt blinked, clearly caught off guard. “What?”

Dean shoved him again. “No one disrespects a guest in my shop. So you can apologize or I can throw your loser ass out onto the curb. Your decision.”

The water ran over my hands, which had stopped moving as I watched the scene. The other guys all watched as well. No one dared to move or breathe. Matt hesitated, glancing at Seth for backup, but Seth just shook his head and shrugged.

Finally, Matt muttered, “Sorry,” though it was clear he didn’t mean it.

“Try again,” Dean said.

Matt looked at me and the fight drained from his face. “I’m sorry, Portia.”

Dean nodded and took a step back, still standing between Matt and me.

Seth chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. “He was just kidding. Can’t you take a joke?”

“Only when they’re funny,” Dean said, eyeing his brother. “And this isn’t your fucking club house.”

“Alright, I got it, damn,” Seth said, acting like a victim now that his brother had called him out on his shitty behavior. Bullies could dish it out but they could never take it.

As much as I disliked these guys, Dean had come to my defense, and it made me feel warm inside. He wasn’t like his brother, much to my relief. He was a prickly son of a bitch but he didn’t push people around or take joy in others’ misery.

I finished washing my hands. Some of the grease remained but it was better than it was. Now, I had to decide to leave in these stupid coveralls or strip them off and reveal the fact I was in a dress. I was going to look foolish either way. I may as well look good doing it.

I dried my hands and then unzipped the coveralls. I could feel the eyes on me. I turned around and stepped out of them before walking back to the locker I found them in. I hung them up and grabbed my purse. I looked at each of the men, letting them know they did not get to me.

“Thanks for the date,” I said to Dean. “If I ever need to fix a motorcycle, I’ll at least know which way to turn a bolt.”

I didn’t miss the way he watched me as I walked to the door.

As soon as I stepped outside, I let out the breath I felt like I had been holding. I inhaled deeply, trying to steady my nerves. I walked down the quiet street toward my rental, which was just a few doors down on the lake.

My mind was racing, replaying the night over and over. The way Dean had stood up for me, the way he’d shut Seth and his friends down—it had surprised me. I didn’t know what to make of it. Dean Jackson was an enigma I couldn’t quite figure out. One minute, he was rude and abrasive, the next, he was almost protective.

I couldn’t help but glance back at the shop. Those guys were assholes. Always had been. They were one of the many reasons I wanted to get out of this small town. And one of the many reasons why I dreaded returning. I knew they would all still be here. Still their usual asshole selves.

But it was Dean my thoughts kept returning to, wondering what might have happened if we hadn’t been so rudely interrupted.