Page 36 of Detour

“Stop. Moving.”

BOBI ANDONOV’s voice drifts through the car speakers, the alarm still blaring outside.

“I’m not going to have sex with you,” I rasp out, not even convincing myself.

His snicker comes out somewhat strained as well. “Who said I want to have sex with you?”

Fingertips dance across my thighs, igniting a fire that I know can burn him, too. I roll my hips achingly slow once on his lap, barely stopping when my whole body is dying to repeat the movement. We both groan at the friction. The sound alone has me dying to rub on him like a cat in heat but somehow, I manage to remember my original point.

I turn my head to the side, and lips against his, I ask, “You don’t?”

“Brat.”

“I’ve been called worse.” I shrug lightly.

His eyes bounce between mine. “By who?”

Cupping my jaw with his hand, he prevents me from turning away. Softly stroking my cheek, he closes his eyes then I feel his tongue ever-so-gently lick my top lip. It’s such a sweet gesture, almost like he’s asking for permission. My moan being the only sign he needs, he seals his lips to mine. The contact is thrilling yet unnerving all at once. The car wash is forgotten, the boundaries I’ve been setting all along are forgotten, hell, I’m pretty sure my own name is forgotten in that twinkling of time.

Tilting his head for better access, the alarm shuts off and the Tahoe jerks forward again. The sudden movement breaks both the kiss and the moment. I fly forward, trying to clear the fog Coty’s enveloped me in.

The final rinse showers the Tahoe from all angles, ridding the colorful foam along with the barrier it provided.

Coty doesn’t get the memo regarding space, however, as he runs his hand up my spine all the way to my hairline, then gently grips the back of my neck. He caresses the spot below my ear, pleading, “Say you’ll come with me.”

Afraid to use my voice, I nod.

Once the driver’s door clears the nozzles, I step out. I don’t know where Joe is but I don’t want him to see me on a customer’s lap. I won’t risk losing this job even if Coty is more than just some customer. I’ll use the alarm as an excuse for my absence, should he bother asking.

Skirting around the dryers, I’m relieved to find my station Joe-free. The alarm should’ve kept him plenty busy. No business wants a lawsuit on their hands, not even a mismanaged one like Hot Spots.

Towels in hand, I dry the Tahoe off, feeling the weight of Coty’s gaze the entire time. Saving his door for last like usual has my stomach in knots though. What if he tries to tip me? That alone would dirty something that already feels pretty damn risky.

When I’m done wiping the doorjamb, I see him reach in the back. Swiftly, I move to close the door when he catches it, presenting a takeout bag—not money.

“I brought you dinner. That’s what I was doing when I saw Drew and his girl. That was my plan from the beginning. I was going to bring you food for your break, that’s all.” He smiles, hands up in innocence. “I swear I didn’t have any ulterior motives.”

“You don’t need to buy me anything. I can pay for my own food.” I toss the towels in the hamper.

“Just take it. I already ate mine and it’ll go bad before the others get home.”

I purse my lips. His excuse is flimsy at best, but he did go through the trouble of getting me dinner, knowing I had to work.

On a sigh, I take the bag. “Thank you.”

“No problem. Where’s your hat today? Don’t you usually wear one?”

He takes his off, tossing it to me when I explain I forgot mine. I catch it easily but his eyes harden at something over my shoulder the next minute, then he’s pulling out.

Careful of my helix piercing, I put the hat over my head, pulling my braid through the back. Turning around, I jolt finding Joe a few feet away, arms crossed, eyes narrowed. How long has he been there?

I bypass him, hoping to skirt by without incident. Joe’s been so unpredictable lately. Luckily, he lets me go unbothered. I chance a look back from inside only to find Joe still staring after Coty.

I hear the dryers come on, so I hurry to drop off my dinner before I miss the car and the chance for a tip. Luckily, Joe’s gone when I return.

I’ll have to stay alert tonight. If there’s one thing I learned from my mother, it’s to never be an easy target. Judging from Joe’s lazy authority, his aim probably isn’t very good anyway but you never know. Even lightning can strike twice.

Just a little bit longer.