Total pages in book: 46
Estimated words: 42479 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 170(@250wpm)___ 142(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 42479 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 170(@250wpm)___ 142(@300wpm)
My hands moved on autopilot: torquing bolts to spec, bedding the new pads properly, checking the lines for any air or leaks. I worked fast but clean, the way my dad had taught me. When I was done, I spun the wheel by hand, listening for any drag or noise.
“Looks solid.”
I straightened, wiping my hands on a rag, and turned to find Ryot standing a few feet away. He’d been watching the whole time.
I lifted my chin, trying not to preen at his praise, which hit differently than when Tim told me I did a good job. “I cleaned the calipers while I was in there, too. Should stop the uneven wear on the new pads.”
He stepped closer, leaned down, and gave the assembly a quick once-over. Then he spun the wheel himself, listening. When he straightened, the approval in his dark green eyes was clear. “Good work. Most new guys would’ve rushed it and left the calipers dirty.”
“I hate doing a job twice. Figured I might as well do it right the first time.” I shrugged like his compliment was nothing. “And I’m only new here, not at doing the work.”
The corner of his mouth twitched—not quite a smile, but close enough for me to feel it. “Keep that attitude, and you’ll fit right in here.”
He lingered for another second, his gaze staying on me a beat longer than necessary, before he walked off to check on another bay.
I let out a slow breath and turned back to the bike, my heart beating harder than the job required.
Over the next couple of days, a pattern became impossible to ignore.
Ryot was never far. Whether I was deep in a diagnostic, organizing parts, or torquing down a suspension job, I’d look up, and he’d be there. Across the bay, at the next lift, or walking past. He wasn’t hovering exactly. He was just present.
I told myself he was evaluating the new girl. That was all. But it didn’t feel like simple supervision. It felt like something more intentional.
And then there were the other mechanics.
I was finishing up a brake job on a customer’s sport bike when one of the younger techs wandered over and leaned against the workbench a little too casually.
“You’re fast.” Jared flashed me an easy grin. “Where’d you learn to bleed brakes like that?”
Before I could answer, Ryot looked over, his eyes locking on Jared with quiet intensity.
Jared straightened immediately, suddenly remembering he had somewhere else to be. “Uh, I’ll go check on that order for the Hayabusa.”
The younger mechanic was gone before I could even say anything. And this wasn’t the first time something like this had happened. Every time another guy got a little too friendly, Ryot scared them off without even needing to do much more than look over.
It was ridiculous. And annoyingly attractive.
I watched as Ryot turned back to the engine he was working on, saying something low to one of the older mechanics. The man nodded and, without question, adjusted whatever Ryot had suggested.
No one argued with him, and he never raised his voice. But he was the center that held everything at The Pit together.
I shook my head and turned back to my own work, trying to ignore the warmth spreading through my chest. I couldn’t afford to let myself get comfortable. Or attached to the only man who’d gotten my motor running. No matter how tempting he was.
I didn’t realize how much time had passed until a plate suddenly appeared on the workbench beside me.
“Eat.”
I looked up from the carburetor I’d been rebuilding. A sandwich, chips, and a bottle of water sat on the bench next to me like they’d materialized out of nowhere.
I wiped my hands on a rag and arched a brow. “I didn’t ask for food.”
Ryot crossed his arms over his broad chest. “Good thing I wasn’t waiting for you to ask.”
He stood there like he had all the time in the world and had already decided I was going to eat whether I wanted to or not.
I stared at him, a confusing mix of annoyance and warmth blossoming in my chest. Bringing me food from the employee break room was a small thing, but it felt like he’d been paying close enough attention to notice I’d skipped lunch and then moved to take care of me.
I hated how much I liked it.
“Thanks,” I muttered, picking up the sandwich even as my stomach fluttered traitorously. I took a bite, mostly so he’d stop staring at me like that, and tried to ignore the way his mouth curved in quiet satisfaction before he walked away.
I couldn’t afford to lust after my boss. Not when I was only supposed to be here until my car was fixed and I figured out my next move.
6
GAUGE
Riley’s background check came back clean, leaving me with no clues about what had brought her to Crossbend or what she was afraid of.