Page 68 of Love in Overdrive

Chapter 23

Saturday night, the six of them squished into a corner booth, munching on nachos. Laney leaned into Cade’s side, listening to Nash’s retelling of the other night.

“…I have bruises. I’m lucky to be alive.” Nash leaned back and crunched on a nacho chip.

“No, no, no. That’s bull, and you know it,” Addison interjected over the ‘80s rock the band played.

“If I’m lyin’, I’m dyin’.” Nash held up a hand as if he was swearing on a stack of Bibles.

“Well, she can be bossy. I’ll give you that. But violent?” Marti’s brow shot up in question.

“She kept hitting me in the arm on the way there,” Nash said, continuing his rendition as if Addison hadn’t spoken. He made a play of rubbing his arm for dramatic effect.

“We were playing the slug bug game.” She turned to the rest of the table for support. “You see a Volkswagen Beetle and you say the color and slug bug, no backs, and then you hit the other person in the arm.”

They all nodded.

“Besides, it’s not my fault we passed a VW dealership.”

“I got a better idea.” He leaned closer to Addison, his eyes going all soft. “I get a slug bug, and you owe me a kiss.”

“I like my way better.” She crossed her arms.

“So violent. But, I kinda like it,” Nash said with a devilish grin.

Addison rolled her eyes, but her color deepened.

Laney’s gaze darted back and forth between her friend and the handsome man. Her friend was trying not to like him, but she clearly did. Why was she fighting it so hard when he was obviously her type?

Marti winked at Laney. She wasn’t the only one to feel the sparks coming off their friend and the handsome mechanic. Laney saw a girls’ night in their future, one with jumbo margaritas and some spilled tea.

Her musings were interrupted when Cade, with his arm on the back of the booth, leaned in toward her and nuzzled her ear. He whispered, “We should try Nash’s version.”

Laney shook her head and replied, “You would probably have a horrible wreck if we played.”

“It might be worth it,” he said, wagging his eyebrows at her. His wicked gleam so tempting.

Cade didn’t speak softly enough, because the rest of the table hooted at them. All except Sawyer, who sobered his expression. “So, you and my sister, huh?”

Her brother needed to butt out. She opened her mouth to tell him so, but wasn’t fast enough.

Cade leaned closer. “If you must know, Laney and I—”

“Are friends.” Laney finished for him. Ugh! Where did this need to clarify their relationship come from?

Cade’s body tensed beside her. Under the table, Laney rested her hand on his thigh, and he relaxed. Internally, she sighed. She wasn’t ready for a declaration of love, but then again, if he played it off as just a casual fling, it would hurt. So why did she?

To protect her heart. She could admit that to herself. So, friends it was, even if she had to tell herself a hundred times.

Marti wagged her brows. “More like friends with benefits.”

“TMI. Too much info.” Sawyer grimaced.

“It’s none of your business. Besides, I don’t tell you who you can see.” She crossed her arms.

The last thing Laney wanted tonight was an inquisition on her love life. She checked the time on her phone. “Well, I’ve had my two drinks for the night, and it’s getting late. I have to work tomorrow.”

Cade stood and flipped some cash on the table. “I’ll give you a ride. ‘Night everyone.”