Page 69 of Savage Heart

“Thank you.”

He moves quickly, attaching the cables, and the car starts, only to die a second later and not restart.

“Might be time to lay her to rest. Betty’s done you right.” He straightens and wipes his hands on his jeans.

“Hell, yeah, she has.” My lips twitch as I try not to smile. I’m surprised he remembers the name I gave my car back when Otis first handed me the keys.

“Have you called Otis yet?”

I pull my phone from my pocket. “I’m on it.”

Otis answers on the second ring. “We’re staying out of trouble.” He laughs, and I hear Linc asking if it’s me on the phone in the background.

“Better be.” I laugh. “Hey, Otis, my car died,” I said. “Near the deer crossing sign.”

“Damn. I can be there in twenty with the tow.”

I lean against the car. “Thank you. I’m going to leave it here for you and get to work.”

“I’m sorry I can’t get there sooner. We’ve got a few people here.”

“Thanks for picking up.”

“Always, honey girl.”

We hang up, and I glance at Maverick. He’s leaning against his truck, arms crossed, watching the road.

“Otis is coming,” I tell him.

He nods. “Good.”

“Thanks for stopping.”

“Sure.” He looks at me and taps his hat before getting back in his truck.

I grab my purse out of the car and start walking.

Maverick pulls up beside me, and I sigh, glancing over.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m walking to work,” I say with practiced patience.

“Get in the truck.”

“I’m fine.”

“Iris. It’s hot. Where do you have to be?”

“Prairie Rose.”

“That’s a mile and a half away. Get in.”

I exhale and get in his truck.

The ride is awkward, as expected. The radio stays off. The tires on the road hum loud beneath us. I stare out the window.

When he pulls into the parking lot, I reach for the door handle immediately.