Page 15 of Runaway Road (Runaway 1)

“Uh-huh,” he muttered, his chest shaking with a silent laugh.

Sally and Tony had been lovers for more years than I’d been alive. They weren’t married. They lived in separate homes. But when she finally retired to bed, it was usually in his. That, or he was already asleep in hers. They didn’t date other people. They’d been blissfully single for decades but were the farthest thing from it.

Sally had probably woken up early with Tony this morning—or hadn’t even gone to bed yet—to give him all the details on Londyn.

She was pretty. Damn pretty. I doubted anything Sally could say would do Londyn justice. But I hadn’t stopped at the barbershop only for Londyn. It was summer and too hot for a mop on my head and scruff on my face.

“Just needed a shave, Tony.”

“Whatever you say, boss.”

I ignored his smirk and walked around to the damaged side of the Cadillac, crouching down on the concrete to get a closer look.

“She did a number on this panel.” My fingers skimmed the scratches that led from the passenger door to the back taillight. “The front tire’s shot too.”

It had to be more than a nail to blow out one of these tires. They were a custom size and practically new. Some might try to save a buck and fix this one, but it wouldn’t be a solid repair.

Londyn’s safety had crept up my list of priorities awfully fast.

“I’ll order a new tire first thing. Get it fixed today.”

“What about the panel?” Tony asked, sipping from a steaming mug of coffee. I’d never understand how he could drink it boiling hot all day long, even when it was a hundred degrees outside and the humidity was off the charts.

“I’ll get ahold of Mack at the body shop. If I get this tire fixed today, maybe he can fit it into his schedule this week to fix the paint.”

Which meant Londyn would be on her way in three or four days and I wouldn’t feel the need to keep going to the barbershop at seven in the morning for a shave and a haircut.

“Hello?” A soft, silky voice filled the shop and made my pulse race.

“Morning, miss.” Tony grinned. “How can we help you?”

I stood, catching up to him before he could shake Londyn’s hand with his greasy palm. I clapped him on the shoulder. “I got this, Tony.”

He looked at me, then at Londyn and back again. A slow grin spread across his cheeks, revealing the dimples that Sally praised as often as Meggie did my ass. “Then I think I’ll take a wander down the road to see what kind of treats the Express Hut has today and get a refill on my coffee.”

Tony bowed a bit as he passed Londyn, twisting his wrist in a wave.

I waited until he was out of earshot, then tipped my head to Londyn. “Mornin’. How was the rest of your night?”

“It was fine. Uneventful. I just fell asleep.”

I did my best not to think of Londyn anywhere near the vicinity of a bed, but it was difficult given her attire. She wore a pair of shorts that molded to the perfect curve of her hips. The V-neck of her tee plunged to reveal a delicious line of cleavage.

“Brooks?”

Fuck. She’d caught me staring at her breasts. I spun away from her, running a hand through my fresh haircut. “So, uh . . . the car.”

“I was anxious to see it in the light of day so I didn’t wait for you to call. How bad is it?” She walked deeper into the garage, her flip-flops slapping with each step. If I’d offended her, she didn’t let on. Her focus was entirely on the Cadillac.

“It’s not horrible.” I went to the wrecked side. “I’m going to get the wheel fixed today, but I think a patch won’t last to California. It’ll be best to buy a new tire.”

“Okay. And the side?”

“The panel has a few minor dents but nothing that can’t be popped out. The paint will have to be touched up.”

“And you can do all that?”

“I’m more of an engine guy. I fix a lot of tires for folks in town. Body work isn’t my specialty.”