11. Tucker

Leaning against the bay door, I track the car pulling into my parking lot, followed by Colton’s squad car. I wonder what poor soul he’s harassing today. I don’t recognize the car so I doubt they’re local.

The door opens and long tanned legs drop down one at a time in slow motion. My heart beats faster against my ribs, the sight of her in my space exciting me more than it should.

When Colt texted me to see if I was still at the shop, he didn’t say whose car needed to be fixed. Which surprised me, but now things are crystal clear. He’s trying to fix things between us, because he doesn’t like the awkwardness. But he doesn’t know the truth, no one does. It’s more than just Skylar walking away, so much more.

Skylar scans the area until her eyes land on me. Her lips part slightly in surprise before she turns a glare on my best friend. Colt’s face is full of mischief, eyes darting between Skylar and I. He races to my side, staying far away from her. He thinks I’ll save him if she tries to punch him, I won”t. He deserves it. Hell, I might even hold him still and give her a few freebie punches.

“You’re a motherfucker, Colt. You know that?” She hisses.

“What? I told you to get it fixed a week ago!” He shrugs, trying to appear all innocent.

“Yeah, but you conveniently left out who owns the garage.” She swats at him, making him jump out of the way.

He’s trying to act like he’s oblivious to what’s going on, but he isn”t fooling anyone, he knew exactly what he was doing. I hope she does hit him.

“Hey, Sky.” I smirk, letting my gaze slide up and down her body. A decade apart hasn’t done a thing to dull my attraction to her.

“Tuck, long time no see. What’s it been? Three? Four hours?” She rolls her eyes.

“Something like that.” I chuckle, gripping the back of my neck. Her gaze follows my movement, stalling on my biceps. I might flex a little… or a lot. “So, what’s wrong with your car?”

“This dipshit’s flipping out because my taillight is broken.”

“Alright, I’ll have you fixed up in a few minutes.”

Skylar glares at Colt, and to his credit, he doesn’t back down. He might still be afraid of her but he’s more stubborn than he was in high school. Now he has an image to keep. The town sheriff can”t be afraid of the rebellious teen all grown up.

“You can leave now, Sheriff. I was a good little girl and got my car here. You’re no longer needed.”

“Alright, alright, I can tell when I”m not wanted.” He holds a hand up and slowly backs away.

“Can you though? ‘Cus ya keep showing up.”

“Oh, Skysky, you know I brighten up your life… Tuck, if she’s a bad girl, I give you permission to spank her.” He throws her a wink before hurrying into his car and speeding away.

“Gosh! I forgot how annoying he can be.” She drops her head back until she’s staring up at the cloudy sky.

“He’s only gotten worse. You gotta ignore him, he runs outta steam faster if you don’t push back.”

“I”m not gonna let him think he won! He needs to be put in his place!”

I snort, shaking my head. Skylar never could let something go. If someone pushes, she pushes back ten times harder. It’s part of the reason I fell in love with her, her strength was always alluring.

“I should have the bulb you need. Let me check my store room.”

I leave her standing in the parking lot and I quickly scan the shelves looking for the right bulb several times before I finally find it. It’s hot as hell in the store room. As I walk back to the parking lot, I lift the bottom edge of my shirt, wiping away the sweat on my face. When I drop it back into place, I find Skylar’s eyes locked on me. Her straight white teeth sinking into her plump bottom lip. Damn, I”m in trouble.

“I got it right here.” I hold the bulb up for her to see.

An awkward tension fills the air, we both know she was checking me out and likes what she saw. I”m glad I”m not the only one feeling this attraction between us. Tonight’s going to be interesting.

I head straight to her car, trying to ignore her eyes following me. I replace the bulb in seconds, then toss the broken one in the dumpster.

“You’re all set.” I shove my hands in my back pockets, rocking back on my heels a few feet away from Skylar.

“How much do I owe you?” She digs around in her purse.

“Don’t worry about it, Sky.” I wave her off. I couldn’t care less about this, I just wanted to help her.

“I have to pay. You don’t work for free.” She peeks up at me through her lashes with a frown on her face.

“The damn bulb cost about two bucks, I”m sure I’ll survive. Plus, you helped me out with Riley today.”

“I didn’t help you out, I did what was right.”

“Which I”m sure you’re getting shit for.” I raise a brow, she shrugs a shoulder, not meeting my gaze. “What happened? Did you get in trouble?”

“Only if you care about Mrs. Goods’ opinion, which I don’t. She’s probably gonna complain to the superintendent, but I already emailed Mr. Green and wrote her up. She can come at me all she wants, she won”t win.”

“Shit, Sky. I don’t want you getting in trouble for defending Riley. I’ll have a talk with her.”

“No, you won”t!” She closes the distance between us. “She wasn’t wrong for defending herself. She should always protect herself if no one else will.”

“Thank you.”

“She seems like a good kid. You must be a great dad.” Her voice is full of emotion, a hint of sadness and pain.

“Thanks. She’s my whole life.”

“I, uh… I gotta go.” She stares up at the sky, blinking away her emotions. She’s always tried to hide everything from the world, but she’s never been able to do it with me.

Damn, Sky, you’re hurting so much.

“I’ll see ya at six?”

“Yeah… Six.” She’s lost in her head, barely even paying attention to me.

I don’t take my eyes off her as she backs up, then drives out of my lot and out of sight.