Love for Beginners: An Under the Hood Novella (2 page)

Mel said she was happy with the decision to sell her house in order to save Marcia’s, but she really wasn’t. If things were different, she’d never sell her home. Assigning blame was pointless, but if Marcia had told her she couldn’t pay the mortgage two months ago, rather than pretend the whole thing wasn’t happening, they wouldn’t be in this situation.

The garage was just ahead, and through the smears on the windshield, she glimpsed lights on in the back. A quick glance at her watch revealed it was almost ten o’clock. There was no way that Betty would still be working, and Heath had only just arrived. It couldn’t be him.

She pressed her lips together. Felt panic’s wings flutter in her chest.
I should call the police…

Maybe someone had just left the light on. She clutched her keys between her fingers, point out, and transferred her cell phone from her purse to her pocket. She climbed out of the car and walked to the front door.

It was locked. The panic subsided somewhat as she unlocked the door and crept in. The layout of the lobby was so familiar, even darkness was no impediment to navigation. In a quick movement, she slipped off her heels to muffle the sound of her approach and crossed to the door leading into the garage.

A slow push of the door into the workshop and she was inside. Mel held her breath as her gaze flickered from car to car. There was a noise, a humming. Creeping closer, she saw a pair of jean-clad legs extending from under the car jacked up on her left.

Tension left her body with her exhaled breath. It must be Heath. No self-respecting burglar would tinker under a car when they were intending to rob the place.

The humming stopped.

“Someone there?” a deep voice asked.

“Melody Swan.” Her voice sounded prim, but at least it gave no indication of the fear that had flowed through her veins like gasoline mere moments before, ready to ignite her body into a flight response.

There was the sound of wheels scraping on concrete as the backboard slid, then an entire body came into view. Long, lean legs, clad in worn denim. A white sleeveless T-shirt, then Heath’s familiar face. He stood.

“Melody.” He rubbed a hand across his thigh before extending it. “Great to see you again.”

The touch of his fingers curling around hers jump-started her pulse. Hair as dark as his sister’s was fair tumbled over his forehead, half obscuring a black brow. Eyes the exact shade of Alice’s, aquamarine, focused on hers.

The scrape on his cheekbone barely marred the perfection of his face. No wonder women fell like dominoes whenever he was around.

Heath’s mouth curved. “You’re frowning.”

Mel snatched her hand away before she gave in to his megawatt charm and melted like lard in a skillet. “I wasn’t expecting anyone to be here.” She crossed her arms. “I mean, it’s the middle of the night—surely you have better things to do?”

The damned man’s smile widened. “I’m new in town, remember?”

The unspoken subtext was clear. He hadn’t had time to meet a woman yet.

With a wave of his arm, Heath gestured to the full garage. “There’s one hell of a backlog. I told Betty I’d pull a couple of all-nighters. Try to get it under control.”

Conflicting emotions battled within. She should be grateful that their temporary mechanic was so conscientious, so determined to help. Instead, she resented that he’d set out on a course of action without consultation.
He’d told Betty…
Not the actions of a temporary employee, but rather that of a man used to taking control.

Mel straightened her spine.

“You can help me out if you like.” His gaze flickered across the charcoal-gray jacket over a white shirt, the matching fitted skirt that skimmed her knees.

When his gaze reached the floor, a wave of heat flooded Mel as though she were clad in six-inch sexy heels instead of her stockinged feet.

She put the sensible shoes she’d been clutching down and slipped her feet into them.

“You might want to change.” Heath’s gaze slowly returned to her face. “Wouldn’t want to snag your hose.”

“I won’t be staying.” Desperate to regain a modicum of control, Mel took a step back. “I appreciate your dedication to the job, but I’m sure you won’t be required to follow up tonight with another night of work. You’ll burn yourself out.”

“I have a lot of stamina.” Heath brushed his hair back, the movement bringing her attention to his broad chest.

Before she knew it, the words were out. “I know.
Ladyslayer
.”

Heath’s mouth thinned into a flat line. “Are you comin’ on to me, boss?”

Chapter Two

Heath bit the inside of his cheek. Alice had obviously shared his old nickname with her friend. He shouldn’t tease, but pretending outrage was just too irresistible.

Mel’s uptight image dissolved before his eyes.

“I didn’t mean…” A flush spread across her face. “It was a nickname.”

Heath frowned. “A nickname? You gave me a nickname?”

Mel fanned her face. “No! I didn’t even know you—I…I don’t even know you.”

“Surely that’s worse. One casual meeting years ago and you label me behind my back? I’m not comfortable with sexual innuendo in the workplace.” The urge to laugh was overwhelming. Heath turned away and covered his mouth, pretending a cough.

“Heath.”

He turned back to her solemn face.

“When we were in college…Alice…” Her throat moved. “She used to call you the Ladyslayer. I shouldn’t have said it, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable.”

She was going to be mad.
Heath held his hands up, palms front. Let the grin free. “I know. I was just messing with you.”

Her eyes flashed emerald fire. “You…” In rapid strides she was toe-to-toe with him. With one toss of her head the chestnut slide of hair shimmied around her face. “I don’t believe you did that.”

“Fun, wasn’t it?” Heath murmured.

Watching her eyes, he saw the moment she let go of the anger and surrendered to relief. She shook her head slowly. Pinned him with her gaze as her mouth twitched into a smile. “You’re evil.”

“An evil ladyslayer.” He wiggled his eyebrows up and down.

Her laugh rang out, filling the cavernous space.

“I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist.” His gaze flickered to her mouth. Her lips looked soft, and an immediate urge to taste them left him reeling for a moment.

He took a step back.

Mel avoided his eyes. When she spoke, her voice was cool. “Please remember to set the alarm on your way out. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

…

Mel’s legs were still shaking as she climbed into her car and started the engine. The moment Heath looked at her mouth, a wave of longing had come out of nowhere, blindsiding her. The urge was disturbing because it was so powerful. She’d worked hard to keep inconvenient feelings of attraction under control. Had avoided men like him her entire life, because she couldn’t risk falling under a man’s sexual spell, like her mother had.

If Heath spoke to anyone about it, he’d quickly learn that she had a nickname, too. Since the days of high school, no one had been gauche enough to call her it to her face, but she was sure that they still called her Ice Queen behind her back.

The rain had stopped, but the roads were still slick with water. Mel turned on the radio.
A love song
. She flicked the switch off. Love and lust were everywhere. Today’s woman was expected to be a sexual creature, desperate to try new experiences, achieve the ultimate orgasm. Weren’t there any women like her in the world? Ones who were totally content without the complication of lovemaking in their lives? Who wanted to have a life partner, but didn’t want to be so needy that they would fall apart if the relationship went south?

Tangled emotions churned inside as she pulled up outside her house and turned off the engine. The fact that she wanted a sex-free relationship wasn’t something she liked to share. She avoided talking to her friends about it for fear they’d tag her as abnormal. Alice was head over heels, and Betty was always talking about snaring a man, even though she’d avoided all advances of the locals so far.

She wanted a life partner who was kind. Who was sensitive. A man who would understand that sex wasn’t essential, and would accept her for who she was. If she were an author, she’d write a best seller about a woman who didn’t think that sex was the ultimate validation of womanhood. Sex wasn’t for everyone. She’d tried. More than once. And both times…

She shook her head as the key turned in the lock. The heated moment in the garage must have been a figment of her imagination. A man of Heath’s experience would have taken the moment further if he wanted to, rather than stepping away. The thought should have given her comfort, but instead left an emptiness inside.

…

Despite her fatigue, sleep was elusive, and by eight the following morning, Mel was on her way back in to the office.

The morning routine always started with a meeting of all employees in the conference room. Mel was throwing the empty coffee packet in the trash when Betty walked in.

“Heath will be here in a minute.” She slid a tray of pastries into the center of the table, then grabbed a mug and filled it from the coffee jug in the corner. “How did yesterday go?”

Mel forced herself to sound upbeat, even though the thought of someone else living in her house shredded her insides. “The realtor said there was definite interest. Of the three viewing couples, one were house-tourists—they obviously spent all their spare time going and looking at houses—but the other two couples apparently seemed genuine enough.”

The only shame was that it didn’t seem as though either of its potential new owners would appreciate it as she had. The realtor had reported that the first couple wanted to cover her beautiful floor with wall-to-wall carpeting, and the second would rip up the lawn she’d babied all year to emerald perfection, and replace it with paving if they bought the house. There was nothing she could do once the house was sold; its future belonged to someone else.

“That’s great!” Betty pulled out a chair and sat. “Heath worked late, and made great headway on the backlog.”

“I know. I stopped by on my way home.”

Betty’s eyebrows rose. “Oh? He didn’t mention it.”

“I was only there for a few moments. I saw a light on…”

The door pushed open and Heath walked in. Worn jeans hung low on his slender hips, and the white T-shirt of last night had been replaced with an old blue one with the faded words “Easy Rider” on the front. Her gaze lingered on his biceps for a moment before she forced herself to look away. Even without trying, he exuded an enthralling magnetism. The fact that she wasn’t immune to it made her irritable.

“Good morning.” Heath filled a mug with coffee and sprawled on the nearest chair, crossing his sneakers at the ankles. He pushed a hand through his hair, leaving it standing up on top in a way that was curiously endearing.

Get a grip.
“Hi.” Her voice sounded terse.

The hope that no one would notice died as Betty shot her a glance full of unspoken questions.

“You must have worked late last night,” Mel said quickly. “Betty says we have some more satisfied customers this morning.”

“Yup.” Heath swallowed a mouthful of coffee. “I aim for satisfied.”

Her cheeks felt hot. Why, oh why couldn’t she just turn off the part of her brain that tinted his words with sexual innuendo? “Um…”

Betty took pity on her. “That’s great. Let’s have a look at what’s on the schedule for today.” She looked pointedly at the stack of paperwork Mel had piled in front of her. “What’s urgent?”

As the conversation shifted to more familiar, less challenging territory, Mel started to relax. This part of her life was easy. They worked through the jobs currently on hand, and talked through any issues.

Heath drained his coffee. “I’ll start working on the Lexus.” He pulled his lanky frame from the chair.

“Heath, got any plans for dinner?” Betty asked.

“Not unless you count a date with the microwave.”

Betty grinned. “Great, because Mel and I would like to take you out tonight. Call it an introduction to Meadowsweet.”

Heath’s head tilted in Mel’s direction. His gaze held hers. “That’s great. I look forward to it.” His smile started a slow melt of Mel’s insides.

“We’ll pick you up. About seven?” Betty stood.

His voice was deep. “Seven then.”

Mel watched his retreating back until he was out of sight.

“You’re catching flies,” Betty teased.

Glowering, Mel pressed her lips together.

Betty perched on the edge of the nearest chair. “So, what’s going on with you and our handsome new mechanic? The way he looked at you just then was…” She blew out a breath and fanned her face.

Mel slugged the last of her coffee. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. And anyway, I’m not sure I can make it tonight. I’ve got paperwork.”

The look Betty shot her way would have melted lead. “Come on, Mel. The paperwork can wait a day. Heath is damned hot, and single, too. Is there any reason why you don’t want to act on”—she waved her hand toward the doorway—“the attraction?”

“He’s Alice’s brother, and anyway, he’s just not my type.”

Betty sighed. “Don’t take this personally.” She touched Mel’s arm. “But I don’t think you know your type. That last guy you dated, the accountant—”

“Michael.”

“Yeah, Michael. There didn’t seem to be very many sparks between you.”

Mel smoothed her hands over her thighs. Her throat moved in a nervous swallow. Sparks weren’t everything. Six months ago she’d decided to try dating again. She’d thought Michael wanted what she did—a relationship based on companionship. She’d pretended not to mind when he kissed her, but when he’d pulled her close she hadn’t been able to suppress a shudder.

He’d noticed and his arms had immediately fallen to his sides. When she called him the following day, he’d been cold and distant, and said he didn’t want to see her again.

Betty’s head tilted to the side. She watched Mel carefully. “I’ve never seen you flustered, and Heath had you flustered good.” She stood and picked up Heath’s discarded coffee cup. With a smile she whispered, “Live a little, you know you want to.”

“It’s not that easy. I’m not good at relationships.”

“Who said anything about a relationship?” Betty sat down. “There’s nothing wrong with flirting with a gorgeous man.”

The thought of the inevitable problems that would occur when he wanted to take flirtation further filled Mel with trepidation. She pulled in a shaky breath. “I don’t really flirt.”

“Don’t you feel like you’d want to find someone, someday?” Betty’s gaze was warm. She clasped Mel’s hand. “Someone to share your life with?”

For a moment, Mel imagined sharing her day with another. Visiting friends as part of a couple. Finding love, as Alice had. A deep longing settled in her chest. “I’d like that,” she admitted. “But a man like Heath wouldn’t want that. He’d just want sex, not love.”

She hadn’t talked to Betty about her dating difficulties before, but once she started, the words barreled out of her in a desperate attempt to make Betty understand. “My mom fell in love with a man who couldn’t commit, who didn’t want to stay around and be part of a family. She chose him with her heart, not her head, and lived to regret it. That won’t happen to me.”

The thought of letting down her guard, of becoming sexually attracted to a man, was terrifying. She’d gone out with Michael because he was easy to talk to, was intelligent, and she could imagine he’d make a good life companion. And because there was no possibility that she’d become weak and confused by lust.

“You can’t control every aspect of your life,” Betty said. “What happened with Michael?”

“He…” Mel wished the phone would ring. That someone would walk in through the door and demand immediate attention, anything to end this conversation.

Betty waited.

“He realized I found kissing him distasteful.” She rubbed her eyes. “I’m just not a sexual person.”

“Of course you’re not.”

Mel’s heart leaped. Did Betty understand after all?

“If you choose to date someone you’re not attracted to, how could you be?” Betty patted her hand. “You’re not your mother. You can’t let logic determine who you’re going to fall in love with, can’t keep kissing frogs in the hope that one will turn into a prince. Being with someone doesn’t have to be happy ever after, but it should be fun. I like to hope there’s a hero out there for all of us. Alice found hers, and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be so lucky. Maybe a fling with Heath is just what you need to shake things up a bit.”

…

Later that evening, Mel was putting the final touches to her eye makeup when her cell phone rang. A quick glance revealed Betty’s image. “Hi, are you running late?”

“Worse, I’m afraid. I’m not going to be able to make it.”

“Betty, that’s not funny.”

Betty’s laugh held no trace of humor. “I’m not being funny. I just got a call from Leonora. I have to drive out to rescue her.”

They took turns manning the breakdown hotline. The prospect of driving out in the dark held more appeal than dinner alone with Heath. “I’ll go. Just give me a couple of minutes…”

“Forget it, Mel. I’m tooled up and ready to go.” Betty’s tone brooked no argument. “She’s out on the mountain road and I don’t want to leave her out there alone a minute longer than we have to. And I know the problem. It’s an easy fix.”

“Not again?”

“Yup. If we could persuade her to check her gas gauge before she went out for the evening, our lives would be a hell of a lot easier.”

Mel shook her head. Leonora DeWitt was a valued customer. She couldn’t be left alone on a deserted road for one moment longer than necessary. “You’re right. Be careful out there. Will you join us after the rescue?”

“I could be a while. And I won’t be dressed for it. I think I’ll just grab a burger from the drive-through on the way home. You’ll pick up Heath, then?”

Mel was already halfway out the door. “Will do. Call me when you’re done.”

…

When the doorbell buzzed, Heath snagged his leather jacket from the back of the chair, picked up the magazine Alice had left an hour ago, and headed out. Downstairs, a silver Toyota Prius sat by the curb.

Heath glanced in through the open window. “No Betty?”

“Change of plan—she can’t make it. It’s just you and me.” Mel’s mouth stretched in a tight smile. “We have reservations at an Italian restaurant downtown. It’s quiet, but the food is great.”

He climbed in. “Quiet sounds good. It’s been a tough couple of days.” He glanced across the car. Mel’s hair was caught up behind her head in a style that emphasized the slope of her cheekbones. Her gray silk shirt might have been sexy-looking if she’d undone more than the top button. The dark-gray striped skirt looked like something she’d wear to work or a meeting. Discreet pearl studs adorned her ears. She looked business-light.