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"My girl can grill," Sully says, lowering his head to steal a kiss.
I gasp against the quick brush of his lips and feel my face burn with heat while Jasmine and MacGyver exchange smug glances.
I huff uncomfortably and earn a chuckle from Sully.
"And she blushes pretty, too," he murmurs, tapping the end of my nose with a finger.
MacGyver finishes off the last bite and sighs. "So, ladies, I have some good news and bad news."
"The freezer's done for, isn't it?" Jasmine mutters.
"It's under warranty," I add. "It's not that old."
"Freezer's fine," he says. "Just got unplugged somehow. But it'll take a few hours at least to get cold again. Should be okay by late tonight, but I wouldn't trust it to store food until then."
"It's my fault," Jas says softly. "I must've unplugged it on accident last night when I cleaned. I'm sorry for all the hassle. This ruined your plans for the day."
"We planned to grab lunch and take a ride," MacGyver says. "Did one and still have time to do the other. Happy to help out."
"And since you're closing early," Sully adds, looking at me. "What do you say? Want to be my backpack?"
"She does," Jasmine interjects immediately. "I've got Betty. Especially after today. Go have fun. Take her with you," she says to Sully in a firm voice. "It's gorgeous out there today. Go enjoy it. You took on the Richardsons' catering job Friday after we close, so you'll be working nonstop."
I want to protest, even though I'm not sure why. She's right. Today is pretty much the only time I'll have free. And a ride sounds like fun and a great way to destress after the disaster of the day. Plus, it's time with Sully, which I am only just coming to terms with allowing myself to have, much less enjoy.
We need to talk. Eventually. Maybe. But a ride will give me more time to think about him and us and—if there is even a possibility of an us.
When I shrug without protest, I watch as Sully's face changes with a smile that warms me to my very toes. And just like that, I'm all aflutter. Definitely not something I'm used to. It's going to take time to get a grip with these feelings, but if I focus on the now, maybe I'll get there soon.
We head out with MacGyver leading the way. He voices a question to Sully I don't quite catch because I'm so up in my thoughts, but Sully's response sears me.
"I have one she can use. Thanks, though."
I watch as Sully digs into the storage compartment of his bike to produce the spare helmet once more. But then? He goes back for a sleek black jacket that looks far too small for him. But perfect for me.
He seems a bit sheepish when he murmurs, "I got this back when I first started riding with my old man and held onto it as a memento. I thought I'd keep it handy for you."
The gesture is sweet and thoughtful and so Sully-like that I'm left speechless.
The lined jacket will protect me from the worst of the wind but is lightweight enough to not be bulky. He slides it over my shoulders, and I shrug it on over my very lightweight zip up that's perfect for the interior warmth of the bus and grill but not so great for the February wind.
Sully slides his hands to my nape and frees my thickly braided ponytail, thumb brushing over my lower lip before he reaches to zip the jacket. I put the helmet on my head and find myself pretending to fumble with the straps because I know he'll do it up next.
I've never been that girl. The one that feigns incompetence for attention. But right now, I can't seem to help myself, despite the niggle of the past trying to rear its ugly head because I imagine being watched once more. Right down to the knot of unease in my belly.
Of course we're being watched. No doubt Jasmine is glued to a window or door inside the bus, and MacGyver is on his bike ready and waiting.
But Sully is Sully, after all. And this?
I don't know what this is yet, but…I'm really, really trying to be brave enough to put myself out there to find out.
Chapter 19
Sully
* * *
The following day, I'm in bed dreaming of dark brown hair and gorgeous blue eyes above a smattering of freckles when my cell buzzes on the bedside table. I groan and want to ignore it but don't.
