Test Drive (40 page)

“Dorky Indiana Jones. I get it.”

She frowned. “Not exactly. I just feel more comfortable with men closer to my height. It’s easier to handle them if they get out of control.”

“No. Way.” Elliot paused his machine and leaned over the railing. “Chris Handsman, Mr. Zen, got grabby? Do you need me to beat his ass?”

She flushed. “Yes and no.” Her cheeks rivaled the surface of the sun for heat. “He acted like the perfect gentleman. He picked me up at the door. We had a lovely dinner. He actually asked me about myself and listened when I answered. It wasn’t all about him.” She still didn’t know where Chris had gotten the wrong signals. “But after he drove me home, he turned off the car and went straight for second base.” She lowered her voice. “And I hadn’t once signaled him to steal.”

“I know it’s bad when you’re using baseball analogies.” He started up his machine again.

“Not funny.”

“But true.” Elliot shook his head. “Damn. Never would have pegged Chris for being the aggressive type. You sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine. I told him
no
in no uncertain terms, and he pulled away. Then I asked him what the hell he thought he was doing.”

“Ouch.”

She glared at her cousin. “It seems
someone
told him I was up for some ‘fun.’” She made air quotes.

“Oh. Huh. Well.” Elliot blinked, his green eyes a mirror for hers. “I might have said you were looking for a good man to break a dating dry spell. Someone impressive. Hung like a horse…”

“
Elliot.
”

“Kidding. About the hung part, I mean.” Elliot paused. “So was he?”

“Was he what?”

“You know. Hung?”

“Like a toy poodle.” When he goggled, she huffed. “How the heck would I know? The minute he tried going for my shirt, the date was O. V. E. R.”

“You’re so dramatic.”

“Me?” She set her pace faster. “It’s one thing if I’m getting hot and heavy with a guy and he gets a little handsy.” At her cousin’s grin, she glared. “Yes, I’m aware of the play on words. Chris Handsman was
handsy.
Ha-ha. Hilarious.”

He chuckled, then coughed. “Sorry. Something stuck in my throat.”

“Your foot, maybe,” she muttered.

“Come on, Ava. You have to admit you need help.”

“Not from him.” She arched a brow and looked down her nose at him, because she knew how much he hated that expression. “Or you.”

“Seriously? Of the two of us, who gets more dates?”

“Having sex and dating aren’t the same thing.”

She must have said that a little too loudly, because the blond giant walking past her stopped and stared.

“What?” she snapped, embarrassed and not needing extra male attention after her recent dating disaster.

“Not a thing,” the giant said, his deep voice giving her shivers. He gave her a less than subtle once-over, then moved on.

She and Elliot watched him walk away. For some reason, she fixated on his tight, tight glutes, trying to be clinical about his physique instead of mesmerized.
Totally not my type. Too muscle-y.

COMING NOVEMBER 2016

Acknowledgments

A huge thank-you to Jason from Townsend Auto Repair. I can’t tell you how much it helped that you took valuable time out of your day to educate me on how a shop should run and what mechanics actually do. No wonder you’re so busy all the time!

To Lisa S., for introducing me to the ins and outs of the legal system and the differences between felonies and misdemeanors, prison and jail. I truly appreciate it.

To Angi Clingan, for your help as a reader, friend, and for your expertise in nursing education. Thanks for all you do, and congrats on your LPN.

Kathleen V., I miss you as my neighbor, and I’ll always treasure your breadth of knowledge in medicine. You’re still my go-to for all things medical- and hospital-related.

Thanks to everyone who helped with my research. Any mistakes in this story are mine.

Cat C. and the amazing people at Sourcebooks, I’m so fortunate to be working with you. You make the process so easy.

About the Author

Caffeine addict, boy referee, and romance aficionado,
New York Times
and
USA Today
bestselling author Marie Harte is a confessed bibliophile and devotee of action movies. Whether hiking in Central Oregon, biking around town, or hanging at the local tea shop, she’s constantly plotting to give everyone a happily ever after. Visit
http://marieharte.com
and fall in love.

Thank you for reading
!

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