Page 31 of Twice as Tempting

“Wow. He does a good job.”

“Come into the garage, and I’ll show you our current project.” Damian led her through another door into the open garage space. There were a few windows placed high along the back wall, but Damian flicked a switch, and the entire area filled with bright light. Again, Kelly noticed how clean the space was. Tool chests and work tables lined the outer walls, but it appeared that everything had its place. Kelly had been to auto repair shops before, but her impression of them wasn’t very favorable. This was entirely different though, and she formed a new appreciation for Damian’s job.

“Check out this beauty,” he said, walking over to a baby blue Corvette with a white convertible top.

“What year is this?” Kelly asked, circling the vehicle to admire it from every angle.

“It’s a vintage 1966,” Damian said with considerable enthusiasm.

“Is there something wrong with it?”

“Just a few minor things, but the owner treats it like a baby. He won’t accept anything but the best.”

“And Jim’s the best?”

“He’s the best in this area. I learned a lot from him when I worked here after high school.”

“And then you moved to California,” she said, hoping to keep him talking.

“Yep, where I worked for my buddy Pete at his shop in San Diego.”

There was one question that she had been dying to ask, and now seemed like the appropriate time. “What made you come back, Damian?”

He leaned against the side of the Corvette, his hands clasped in front of him, his legs crossed at the ankles, watching her intently while she circled the car and then stopped directly in front of him. He seemed to be contemplating his answer, so she tried prompting him.

“Did you know that Jim was retiring?”

“No. Not until I was here over the holidays.”

“Was it for your family?”

“Partly.”

“Was there some other reason?” She knew she was leading him, but she couldn’t stop herself. Kelly had to know if she played any part in his decision to return to Michigan.

He opened his mouth to answer, but just then, the front door chimed, announcing a visitor. Damian pushed himself off the car and started moving toward the office, with Kelly two steps behind him, when Jim came into view.

Apparently, I’m not going to get my answer after all.