Chapter 7

CHAPTER 7

Lala

What the heck?

I’d stepped on the gas to speed up before changing lanes, but my car had slowed down, rather than going faster. I pressed the pedal all the way to the floor, yet I kept decelerating. Ugh. You’ve got to be kidding me.

Searching for the hazards button on the dash, I kept driving, but moved over to the right lane, rather than the left that I’d been trying to merge into. Less than a minute later, the car was practically crawling, and I had no choice but to get off at the nearest exit. Luckily, there was a gas station at the first intersection, so I pulled in and parked. But when I got out, I realized there was no mechanic’s garage. It only had one of those mini marts attached.

Shoot. What the heck do I do now?My first instinct was to call Holden, but I was only an hour and fifteen minutes into the two-and-a-half-hour drive from Philly. So I went into the mini mart to see if there was anywhere nearby I could take my car.

“Hi. I’m having some car trouble and was wondering if you could tell me where the closest mechanic is located?”

The girl behind the Plexiglas looked like she might not be old enough to drive. She shrugged. “Sorry. I have no idea. My dad fixes all our cars.”

“Thanks anyway.”

Back outside, I leaned against my piece-of-shit car and dug my phone out of my pocket. I could’ve called Warren, but he hadn’t been able to get a piece of toast out of the toaster the other day when the edge got stuck. I’d had to stop him from sticking a fork in it while it was still plugged in. So I sucked it up and called the only man I knew who could fix anything, besides my dad. My dad was not who I wanted to call right now.

“What’s up, neighbor?”

I smiled. “Hey, Holden. I’m sorry to bug you, but I’m having a little car trouble. Uh, again.”

“Where are you?”

I looked around and sighed. “I actually have no idea. I’m not sure what exit I got off on. But I’m about halfway into the drive back from Philly.”

“What’s going on with your car?”

“It was driving along just fine, but then it started to slow down, even though I hadn’t taken my foot off the gas pedal. Even when I stood on it, it kept decelerating. By the time I got off at the next exit, I was only going about twenty miles per hour.”

“Could be a clogged fuel filter. Have you gotten gas anywhere you didn’t know lately?”

I cringed. “I actually got gas at some really sketchy place yesterday. I think it was called Joey D’s or something like that. The sign on the road was a piece of plywood with the name painted crooked. But I was running on fumes, and it was the only place around.”

“Welp, it might very well be a clogged fuel filter from bad gas then. Send me your location, and I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

“I can’t ask you to do that. I’ll just call a tow truck. I guess I hoped maybe you would know a trick for getting it to run right again.”

“First of all, you didn’t ask. I offered. And second of all, you shouldn’t waste money on a tow truck that’s going to take you to some mechanic we don’t know, at least not without me taking a look and seeing if I can get it fixed. A fuel filter is usually only about twenty bucks. A tow alone will be a hundred-and-fifty bucks or more.”

“Are you sure you don’t mind? I’m probably over an hour away still.”

“Not at all, sweetheart. That’s what I’m here for. That’s what me and all the guys are here for when it comes to you.”

For such a wise-ass jokester, Holden really could make my insides turn to mush.

“Thanks, Holden.”

“Send me your location. And if you’re waiting in the car, keep your doors locked. Roadside gas stations aren’t the safest places.”

After I hung up, I shot a pin of my location to Holden’s cell and decided to go back into the mini mart to treat myself to some junk food. I liked to have something sweet at the end of a stressful day, and this weekend had been full of those. But my fiancé was an ultra-healthy eater, so I always felt bad eating the stuff I liked in front of him.

It was going to take Holden a while to arrive, so I went on a little shopping spree, perusing the aisles and grabbing things with lots of gluten, extra nuts, extra dairy, and loaded with sugar. When I went up to the counter, the cashier wrinkled her nose. “You want all this?”

I narrowed my eyes. “I have six children.”

She looked like she didn’t believe me, but she rang me up without any other comments, at least. “That’ll be twenty-two forty-nine.”

I glanced down at the pile of candy. Maybe I had gone a little overboard. But what the hell? I swiped my credit card and rushed to the car to feast on my goodies.

Holden pulled up exactly one hour later. He parked next to me in the band’s van and, once I unlocked it, opened my passenger door. Unfortunately, I hadn’t cleaned up my sugar party, and his eyes snagged on the four—yes, four…don’t be so judgy—wrappers.

He picked up the Reese’s package. “Are these all from today?”

I grabbed the empty KitKat, SweeTARTS, and Utz Cheese Balls packaging. “I’ve been dying for some candy, but Warren is gluten free, nut free, dairy free, and sugar free, so I didn’t have much of anything this weekend because he was around.”

Holden’s brows rose. “Gluten, nut, dairy, and sugar free? Sounds like he’s fun free too. What the hell does the guy eat? Water?”

“Pretty much…”

He lifted his chin with a chuckle. “Pop the hood. I’ll tell you when to start it.”

“Okay.”

A few minutes later, he poked his head around the raised hood. “Okay, start it now.”

I turned the key, but nothing happened. The engine didn’t even attempt to turn over.

Holden made a key-turning motion with his hand. “Turn the key!”

I opened the door. “I am! It’s not starting!”

“Shit.”

He shut the hood and smacked dirt from his hands. “I still think it’s the fuel filter.” He pulled out his phone and looked at the time. “Auto parts stores close by five on a Sunday, so we only have about twenty-five minutes. I think we should go grab a filter before it’s too late. We can always return it if it turns out to be something else.”

“Do you know how to change it if we’re able to get one?”

Holden nodded. “I gotta get under the car to reach the fuel line, but I’ve done it before.”

“Okay, let’s do it.”

After I locked up my car and got into the van, I Googled the closest parts store. “There are two,” I said. “One is north of here about ten minutes and one is south about the same distance.”

“Pick one and read me the directions.”

Unfortunately, the one I picked didn’t have the part in stock. So we rushed back to try to get to the other store before it closed, but when we pulled up, the parking lot was empty and all the lights were already off.

“Shoot. What do we do now?”

Holden shook his head. “It’s a Sunday, so we’re probably not going to find anywhere open now. I guess we can call a tow truck, go home, and come back tomorrow after the shop has it fixed. But if we’re going to make the trip back anyway, why not just stop on our way and grab a fuel filter so I can fix it and not waste the money on a tow and a mechanic?”

“I definitely have to be at work tomorrow afternoon. I have an appointment to meet the manager of one of the senior-care facilities where people who are part of my study live. But I can come early tomorrow. Do you have anything in the morning?”

“I’ll make it work.”

I sighed. “God, Holden. You’ve done so much for me. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you the last few weeks.”

He winked. “You’ll never have to find out because I’ll always be here for you, babe.”

I needed to go back to get my work files from my car. Plus, I thought I should talk to the gas station attendant and let her know I was going to leave my car there overnight. But a few minutes into the drive, there was a loud pop outside, followed by a whooshing sound.

“What the heck was that?”

Holden had been casually driving with one hand, but now he gripped the wheel tightly with two. “That was our tire. We just had a blowout.”

Thank God we weren’t on the highway because the van started to pull hard to the right. Holden maneuvered us into an empty parking lot, but it was still pretty scary.

I shook my head. “I cannot believe that just happened.”

“Me neither.”

We got out of the van and walked around to the front passenger side. Sure enough, the tire was completely flat already, though it was still making a loud hissing sound.

“What is it with us and car trouble?” I said.

“I think it has something to do with the fact that we both drive hunks of junk.”

“First I got towed for the way I parked, then my starter went, now I have a clogged fuel filter, and you got a flat. I’ve had more car trouble in the last few weeks than I have had the last ten years.”

Holden opened the back van doors. “That’s how it happens with old cars. One thing goes after another.” He lifted a concealed panel in the floor of the van and hung his head. “You’ve got to be freaking kidding me.”

I walked over to see what he was looking at. “What’s wrong?”

“The jack is gone.” He looked around the interior of the van. “Shit. So is the spare. I think we took them out to make room for our new amps the other night before a gig. I guess we never put them back. They’re still in Dylan’s garage.”

“Oh boy. What do we do now?”

He put his hands on his hips. “I suppose we could call two freaking tow trucks and take a two-hundred-dollar Uber back to the city. Then spend another two hundred to Uber back tomorrow morning to pick up the cars at the repair shop. Or…” He pointed down the block to a building I hadn’t noticed. “There’s a Holiday Inn up ahead. We can stay the night, and I’ll pick up a new fuel filter first thing in the morning and fix your car, then deal with the van situation. That makes the most sense. Otherwise, between Ubers and tow trucks, it’ll be three times the cost of staying the night. Plus, we can get an early start and not have to fight traffic to get back here. Auto parts stores are usually open by eight or nine because mechanics get started early. What do you think?”

I bit my lip. “I don’t know.”

“Well, it’s up to you. I’ll do whatever you want.”

Of course it made sense to just stay here, both financially and timewise. Yet the thought of spending the night with Holden made me nervous. Then again, I wouldn’t be spending the night with him. We’d get two rooms. Even if they were right next to each other, it would be no more inappropriate than the apartments we lived in. I was just overthinking things.

I nodded. “Staying the night makes more sense. But I insist on paying for your room and mine. You wouldn’t be in this predicament if it weren’t for me.”

“How about we make sure they even have rooms before we fight over who’s paying.”

“Fine. But I’m paying.”

Holden’s lip twitched. “We’ll see.”

We locked up the van and walked the block or so to the Holiday Inn. The registration desk was empty, and the eyes of the pretty woman behind it lit up when she got a look at Holden.

“Can I help you?” She smiled.

Feeling like she hadn’t even noticed me yet, I answered. “Yes, do you have two rooms available for tonight?”

“Just for the one night?”

I nodded. “Yes, please.”

She began typing into her computer. “We’re pretty booked up because the boat show opens down the road tomorrow, and we’re the sponsoring hotel. But let me check.” She looked up after a minute. “We do have a room, but only one.”

Holden and I glanced at each other. “Does it have two beds?” he asked.

The woman shook her head. “Sorry, just one king.”

Holden pointed over his shoulder toward the door. “It’s fine. I’ll sleep in the van.”

“No way. I can’t let you do that.”

“I’ve done it before. It’ll actually be a treat sleeping in it all by myself. Usually I’m stuck in it with the guys from the band after a show because we can’t get a hotel room for one reason or the other.”

“I’m not letting you sleep in the van, Holden.” I looked at the clerk. “Are there any other hotels nearby?”

“Not really. That’s why we’re all booked up. There’s a Days Inn, but it’s about a twenty-minute drive. Though they might be booked up too since they’re usually cheaper.”

I sighed and looked at Holden. “I’ll just sleep on the floor. You can have the bed.”

“I’ll sleep on the floor. You can have the bed.”

“No, Holden. This is all my fault.”

The clerk motioned between us. “I take it you two aren’t a couple?”

“We’re old friends,” I said.

She smiled and spoke to Holden. “I get off at twelve, if you want a place to sleep, and I won’t make you sleep on the floor.”

Seriously? I felt like punching this ballsy woman. I dug into my purse and pulled out my credit card, giving her a big, fake smile. “We’ll take the room and figure it out.”

***

“What’s the matter?”

“Nothing,” I said, fishing through my overnight bag.

Holden had taken an Uber to my car to get a few things I needed and talk to the clerk at the gas station. Then he’d stopped at Wendy’s to grab us some dinner on the way back.

“Is something missing from your bag?” he asked.

“No. I just realized I don’t have anything to sleep in.” I shrugged. “It’s fine. I’ll just sleep in what I’m wearing.”

“You don’t have a T-shirt or something?”

“I do. But it won’t even cover my butt.”

“Well, I usually sleep naked, but I’ll spare you and keep my boxers on.” He reached for the hem of his T-shirt and pulled it over his head, tossing it to me. “You can use this. I just put it on before I left the apartment. It’ll be a nightgown on you, you’re so small.”

I swallowed at the full visual of Holden’s naked chest. He was tall and lanky, but damn, he still had that great six pack that I’d loved to check out when I was a teenager. When he caught me ogling, I rushed into the bathroom to get changed and put some distance between us. But when I slipped on his T-shirt, it felt like he was all around me. The damn thing smelled so good, so very, very Holden, and I couldn’t help but lift the fabric to my nose and take a deep whiff. After, I berated myself silently in the mirror for what I’d done.

You’re engaged.

You love your fiancé.

Don’t be an idiot.

It helped. For about two seconds. Until I walked out and saw Holden making his bed on the floor wearing nothing but tight black boxers. I froze.

God, he’s beautiful.

So damn sexy.

I bet he’s sooo adventurous in bed, too.

“You okay?” Holden looked at me funny.

I blinked a few times before darting to the bed and burying myself under the blanket to cover up. “Yeah, fine. I just didn’t want to interrupt you while you were setting up.”

Holden flashed a crooked smile, and his eyes sparkled. “Sure.”

He finished with his makeshift bed and pointed to the lamp on the nightstand. “Can you hit that light next to you? I’d do it, but I don’t want you to feel guilty for checking me out again…”

My eyes widened. “I was not checking you out.”

He chuckled. “Whatever. Just turn off the light, Lala.”

I did, and we were both quiet for a few minutes.

“You know,” Holden said. “It’s okay to look at other people. It’s natural to appreciate the human body.”

“I wasn’t checking you out, you egomaniac. I’m not fourteen peeping through my bedroom window anymore.”

“Nope, you are definitely not fourteen anymore. You’re all grown up. Not a chance in hell I missed that.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means you’re a beautiful woman, Lala. Any man who tells you he doesn’t notice is full of shit. Unlike you, I don’t feel guilty about it.”

“Maybe that’s because you’re not engaged.”

“Maybe, but I don’t think so. I think I’m just okay with looking. I mean, what do you do when you watch porn? Not look at the guy’s junk?”

“I don’t watch porn.”

Holden was quiet for a minute. “Like, ever?”

“Warren thinks it’s degrading to women.”

“Degrading to women?” His voice was terse now. “Not to men? Maybe you’re not aware since you don’t watch it, but men and women are naked in porn.”

Between seeing Holden’s half-naked body and talking about porn, I was growing hot and bothered. “Let’s change the subject or maybe just try to get some sleep.”

“Fine. Let’s sleep.”

But sleep was impossible. For the next half hour, I tossed and turned, and I heard Holden doing the same on the floor, which I felt bad about. Then there was a bang, followed by Holden groaning.

“Fuck,” he grunted. “Motherfucker.”

“What happened?”

“Nothing. I just rolled over and whacked the corner of the dresser with my shin.”

It didn’t occur to me until that moment that I was making one of my oldest friends sleep on the floor. I mean, I knew he was down there, but I hadn’t looked at it like that. Holden was like a brother to me, and I was being ridiculous.

“This is stupid, Holden. I’m sleeping in a king-size bed, and you’re on the gross hotel-room floor. There’s no reason we can’t share. We’ve been friends since we were kids.”

“It’s fine.”

I sat up. “No, it’s really not fine. And you know what? I did check you out before. I’m making you sleep on the floor because I think you’re attractive and have guilt over that. But you’re like my big brother, and that’s ridiculous. So get your butt up here.”

“You sure?”

“Positive.”

I was all bold and righteous until Holden slipped under the covers. Then my body became acutely aware of just how close he was. He rolled onto his side so we were facing each other and tucked his hands under his cheek. I could see his eyes, even though it was dark.

“How was your weekend at home?” Holden spoke softly. “Do anything special?”

“Not really. Just hung out with Warren and my parents.”

“Where do you sleep when you go home?”

“I slept at Warren’s one night, but I stayed at my parents’ the next.”

“That’s right. You were in Ryan’s room when we were texting. But how come you slept at your parents’ on your last night?”

I shrugged. “I guess I just wanted to spend some time with my mom. And…Warren sort of sprung something on me last night, and I needed a little space to clear my head.”

“What did he spring on you?”

“He’s applying for a job in California. He wants us to move there.”

“What? Are you going to go?”

I sighed. “I don’t know that I have a choice. It’s his dream job.”

“But what about you, Lala? What have you always dreamed of?”

“I’m not sure I’ve had a lifelong dream like Warren has. He’s a cancer researcher because his mom died from cancer when he was only seven. Don’t get me wrong, I love my job, but it’s not the same. When I was seven, all I wanted to do was marry Beast from Beauty and the Beast.”

“Beast? Not the handsome dude he turns into at the end?”

“No, I actually had a big crush on Beast. I thought he was cute.” I laughed.

“Not surprising. You also used to dress up in your communion dress and make Ryan officiate your wedding to your stuffed sloth.”

I laughed. “I can’t believe you remember that.”

“Of course. And you stole that shark tooth necklace I used to wear to dress your sloth up for the wedding.”

I bit my lip. “You know why I did that?”

“Why?”

“Because I was pretending you were the sloth. I had the biggest crush on you back then, and I liked to pretend we were getting married.” I laughed, but Holden didn’t. His eyes were so damn serious.

“I had the biggest crush on you, too, Lala.”

Oh God.I had the craziest urge to lean in and kiss him. My attraction was so intense, stronger than ever. My breath came out in small pants, and I started to fear that if I didn’t rein things in, I might do something stupid. So I feigned a giant yawn, stretching my arms over my head and all.

“Man, I’m so tired all of a sudden. I should get some sleep.” Without waiting for a response, I flipped over, putting my back to him. “’Night, Holden.”

He waited a few heartbeats before responding. “Goodnight, Lala.”

I’m not sure how long it took me to fall asleep, but it was definitely a few hours. And when I woke up the next morning, Holden was…spooning me.

I could feel his dick against the crack of my ass.

Oh.

My.

God.

His gentle snore told me it wasn’t intentional, but that didn’t stop my body from reacting. My nipples hardened, and I felt myself swell and grow wet, as if getting ready for action to come.

What if I pushed back?Rubbed myself up and down the length of him, just once. He wouldn’t even have to know.

Then again, I would know. And I’d probably wind up with a rash every day from stressing over what I’d done. So instead, I forced myself to slip out of the bed. Morning sun was already streaming in through the windows, and a cold shower was in order, for sure.

Inside the bathroom, I turned the water on and undressed. Just as I put one foot into the shower, something buzzed loudly from the other room.

Shit. My phone!That was probably my alarm going off.

Not wanting to wake Holden, I grabbed a towel from the rack, wrapped it around me, and rushed out of the bathroom. But in my haste, I ran smack into Holden standing outside the bathroom door. And he had a massive hard-on bulging from his boxers.

Seeing my eyes grow wide, Holden looked down. “Shit. Sorry. I didn’t realize. I was just bringing you your phone.” He held my phone out, and Warren’s name flashed between us like a lighted billboard in Times Square.

Welp, that worked better than a cold shower…