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Until half an hour ago, our conversations consisted of him thanking me for a beer and rescuing me from Mary Crood’s interrogation. Now I’m sitting in his truck while my most expensive possession follows behind us.

The silence stretches between us.

It isn’t necessarily uncomfortable, but my nerves don’t seem to know that.

I glance toward him. Both hands rest loosely on the steering wheel, his attention fixed on the road ahead.

“So, you’re a mechanic?” I ask.

No shit, Sherlock.

Dean glances at me. “Uh, yeah. I am.”

“Cool,” I reply.

What the fuck is wrong with me?

I turn toward the window and consider opening the door and throwing myself into the river.

“You always this good at conversation?” Dean asks, the hint of a smile appearing on his face.

I look back at him. “I’m actually incredibly charming. You’ve caught me on an off day.”

“That so?” he asks, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes,” I answer confidently. “It’s difficult to be witty while my baby is being held hostage.”

Dean glances in the rear-view mirror at the Kombi. “That thing is your baby?”

I gasp, pressing a hand against my chest. “Watch your tone. Everyone has their flaws.”

“Your baby’s flaws could be expensive,” he warns.

“Ugh, don’t remind me.” I sink farther into the seat. “I’ve been happily living in ignorance for the past five minutes.”

Dean chuckles again.

Being this close to him also has me noticing how good he smells. Cedar and spice, warm with something slightly sweet underneath.

I turn toward the window before I do something humiliating, like lean closer to work out what the hell it is.

“Did G interrupt your day off?” I ask.

“I was already at the shop,” he replies.

“So mechanics really are open on Saturdays,” I say.

“Some of us,” Dean answers.

“Good.” I look toward him. “I was worried I’d ruined your weekend.”

“You didn’t,” he assures me.

His answer is simple. Certain.

Something about it settles me.

When we reach Hartwell Motor Co., Dean pulls around to the open garage and begins unloading the Kombi. The building is larger than I expected, with three service bays and a small reception area attached to the front. So much for guessing he was some sort of mechanic.