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Knox gives me a flat look. “Last month, G needed her battery changed on a Friday afternoon. You locked the shop while she was standing in the parking lot and told her you’d get to it Monday.”

“I was in a rush that day,” I argue.

Lie. I just couldn’t be fucked.

“Sure.” Knox pushes away from the Kombi. “And when Mrs. Brooks asked if she could bring her car in on a Sunday because she didn’t have time Monday morning, you told her—and I quote—‘That sounds like a you problem.’”

“Mrs. Brooks is a cow, and you know it,” I point out.

Knox nods thoughtfully. “She is.”

“Thank you.”

“Still not the point, though, is it?” he asks with a smirk.

“Do you actually plan on helping, or are you going to stand there talking shit all day?”

“The talking shit is helping me.”

“Fucking jackass,” I mutter.

Knox laughs as he reaches for his tools.

Sometimes I hate having a best friend who knows me this well.

Still, I’m not giving him anything.

I’m doing this because Blair is new to town. Because she needs her car and doesn’t have anyone else here besides G. Because leaving her stranded doesn’t sit right with me.

It has nothing to do with the way she smiled at me when I dropped her home.

Nothing to do with her laugh.

And definitely nothing to do with the fact that she’s the most beautiful woman I’ve seen in a long fucking time.

Yeah. I’m fucked.

* * *

When I finally pull into my driveway, I’m grateful Rory had already planned to spend the day with Aspen while I worked. At least I didn’t have to call her and ask for a last-minute favor when I stayed at the shop later than expected.

The front door flies open before I’ve even switched off the engine.

Aspen races down the porch steps and throws herself into my arms the moment I climb out.

“Hey, baby girl,” I say, lifting her off the ground as I squeeze her.

“You’re late, Daddy,” she complains, giving me a poor excuse for a frown.

Her serious expression lasts approximately two seconds before she starts giggling.

“Yeah, I know.” I kiss her temple before placing her back on the ground. “Let’s head inside so Aunt Rory can go home.”

Aspen grabs my hand and drags me toward the house.

The second I walk through the front door, I stop.

Pink sparkles cover the dining table.