Page 60 of Driven to Love

He flexed.

She clenched her thighs. What was her problem? She’d never been this worked up over talking to a man before. It didn’t matter if she’d been naked with him or not.

He shot her a meek smile.

She bit her lip. This man would be the death of her. Suck it up, Addison.

“Hey, I was just about to start working on your car. Do you want to help?”

She glanced down at her skirt and heels. “I’m not really dressed for it.”

“You could keep me company if you want. Pull up a stool.”

“I was going to do inventory in the parts room, but…” She glanced longingly at her escape, then exhaled. They needed to talk. “Give me twenty minutes.”

“Sure.”

Don’t run. Don’t run. Addison slowed her pace, even though she was itching to sprint from his sight. In the parts room, she opened her laptop and started counting parts. The mundane task did nothing to refocus her mind. She replayed every interaction she and Nash had had in the last few weeks. Especially the night she’d spent in his arms. While that was a highlight of her memory reel, it wasn’t the one that popped to the top. Nash with his parents. With his son. With her when someone had vandalized her car and her home.

Friends. That’s what he’d called them, but Sunday night, that changed. If she were being honest, it was before that.

She was so confused. How could she have been so wrong about him? She would have sworn on her first contest crown he was a player. Could she believe he wasn’t?

Her father had been as handsome as Nash. Addison had seen the pictures, and her mom had believed her father was a good guy… right up until he cheated and left them for a blackjack dealer.

Her whole life, Addison had dated the pretty boys, knowing the chances of a long-term relationship would be slim.

She entered the last part number quantity into her spreadsheet and saved the document. She leaned back, catching a glimpse of Nash in the shop through the open door.

Only one way to find out if he’s the staying kind. She closed her eyes and swallowed. Could she put her heart on the line? Truly? She thought back over all her relationships. She’d never really stuck it out. Not when it got tough.

She dropped onto the stool. It was her. She was just like her father. Tears trapped in her eyes.

What a hell of a time to figure that out. She’d finally met a guy who ticked all her boxes, and instead of latching on tight, here she sat, freaking out.

“Hey. Can you give me a hand?” Nash’s voice was close. Too close.

She sniffled, blinked a couple of times, then turned to face him. “Sure.”

“Whoa. What’s wrong?” Nash reached for her, but stopped. He wiped his hands on his pants.

“Nothing.” She jumped up.

“Addison. Don’t do this. Talk to me.”

She inhaled as much strength as air. On an exhale, she smiled. It was weak, and she knew it. “I just realized… I’m scared.”

“Hey. Don’t be. I’m here. Whoever is doing this stuff won’t touch you. I promise.” He framed her face with his hands.

“I know. That’s what scares me. Not the creep pulling these stunts.”

He frowned.

“I’m scared of you.”

Nash pulled back. “Me?”

“Us.” She squeezed her eyes shut and mustered up some courage. “You’re perfect. That scares me.”