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‘I didn’t realise you had to take your clothes off for reiki.’ She chewed the edge of her finger, wondering if she could un-volunteer.

‘You usually don’t, but because I’m still in training I need to see the energy points on the body.’

‘Right. I guess that makes sense.’ Then she saw his jaw clench and his lips twitch. ‘You rotter! You’re winding me up!’

He burst out laughing. ‘I wish you could see the look on your face right now – brilliant. Whatever you’re comfortable in is fine. But usually loose fitting rather than jeans to avoid any pressure points that could impede energy flow.’

‘So not my black lace corset and French knickers?’

Aiden gulped visibly, his eyes widening.

‘Turnabout is fair play.’ Mia leaned over and patted him twice on the cheek. ‘I give as good as I get. And you’re right – the look on your face is brilliant.’

Aiden shook his head, chuckling. ‘I should have realised any friend of Katie’s would be trouble.’

‘You’re a big boy. I’m sure you can handle it.’

He shook his head, but she could see the laughter that tugged at the edges of his lips. ‘I’m too smart to reply to that. It’s been a while. Shall we try the wheel?’

‘Sure. And you can explain the hoover accessory.’

‘I have already tried jumping on this.’ Mia gave him a sceptical look.

‘You did, but that was before we sprayed it, and without the tube.’ He slid it over the tyre iron. ‘We’ll get more leverage this way. Don’t worry, I’ll be here to catch you.’

The look she gave him was inscrutable as she put her hand in his and gingerly stepped onto the pole. ‘I don’t feel any movement.’ She bounced up and down experimentally. ‘Damn. It was a good idea, but I don’t think it’s going to work.’

‘Maybe if I try too?’ He stepped closer to her and rested his hand lightly on her hip. ‘This OK?’

‘Yeah.’

‘OK.’ He stepped closer, tightening his grip on her. ‘Ready?’

‘Yup.’

He stepped on the bar next to her, shifting slowly to rock his weight up and down while making a very conscious effort to not notice how good Mia smelled, or how little space was between them.

Suddenly the nut gave and they both slipped. Aiden grabbed her tightly, one arm wrapping around her waist, pinning her between the car and himself.

She felt so good against him that for a moment he had to fight to remember Mia was his friend, who already meant more to him in that role than any fling ever would. He forced himself to focus. ‘Are you OK?’

‘I think so.’ Her voice was softer than usual.

He stepped away slowly, keeping hold of her until the last possible moment – making sure she had her balance. And not because he didn’t want to let her go. ‘Right, let’s have a look at this then.’ Thankfully the bolt had turned, not sheared, so it was just a few spins needed before he was holding it in his palm. ‘Huh. I was expecting it to be rusty, but it’s pretty clean.’

‘I had new tyres not that long ago. Maybe they overtightened it.’

‘Maybe. But you said the others came off OK?’

‘Yeah. Weird. Probably just one of those Hudsbury things.’ She shrugged.

‘Do you want to pop the trunk and I’ll grab the spare?’

‘It’s OK. I’ll get it.’

‘My hands are already dirty.’

‘It’s fine, I don’t mind.’