“Right,” she said, clearing her throat. “Anyway, the real reason for my visit. I’ve been working on a surprise for Tom and Abby, but I need your help.”
“My help? You’re asking for my help with a wedding?” He looked around himself curiously. “Did I fall into an alternate universe?”
“Smart ass,” she answered.
He put a steaming mug in front of her. “You want cream?”
“And sugar if you’ve got it.”
He got a spoon, sugar bowl, and a carton of milk. “Sorry. I guess I just have milk.”
“That’s fine.” She worked on stirring the sugar into her coffee while he poured his own cup and left it black. “Anyway, a friend of mine around Auburn has agreed to lend me his car to chauffeur Tom and Abby around for the day. It’s a very special car. The kind of car I’m not sure I’m comfortable driving.”
He sat across from her and raised his eyebrows. “What kind of car is it?”
“A 1966 Mustang convertible. Mint.”
She watched his eyes light up. Men were so predictable. A little testosterone, a vintage muscle car—and boom! Game over.
“Where do I come in?”
“I want you to drive it. I’ve talked to Glen and he said it was okay with him.”
“Glen? And how exactly do you know this Glen and his awesome car?”
She couldn’t help but smile. Was that a proprietary note in his voice? At least it wasn’t the insolent sarcasm he so often reverted to with her. He had a tendency to get defensive. Like he had on the porch this morning. And in the truck after the drive to the shelter. He was fine as long as they were strictly polite. But when she got too close, up went the walls. Not that she was interested in knocking them down …
“Glen is into woodworking and his wife does tole painting. I carry some of their things in the store—finished and unfinished.”
“Oh.”
He took a drink of his coffee.
“Well? What do you say? Will you drive it? We’d have to go up early Saturday morning to pick it up, because I have to be back for hair and makeup with Abby. But … I was thinking you could pick us up at the house and drive us to the church. And then after pictures, back to the house for the reception. Glen said we can return the car on Sunday.”
“You’re sure he’s okay with me at the wheel? I wouldn’t let just anyo
ne drive my car—especially one that valuable.” He gave her an assessing look. “Are you sure you trust me with it?” He didn’t need to explain why. It was a dig at her for her accusation when he’d shown up at her shop that first morning.
She ignored the insinuation. “I gave him my guarantee that you’d treat it with kid gloves. It’s just … I mean, Abby’s car is okay, and so is Tom’s truck. I asked them about renting a limo but Abby said it’s not her style—too big and flashy. So what about smaller and a little bit flashy? Who can say no to a ’stang? I just think…”
She paused and stared into her cup, feeling suddenly shy.
“You think what?” When she didn’t answer, he leaned forward a little. “Jess?”
His voice was softer now. She really had a hard time when he spoke to her that way. He hadn’t in so long … his voice often held that undertone of agitation and impatience. But not right now. Right now he was more like the Rick she remembered from years past. A little dark, a little dangerous, but gentle. Trustworthy. Helpful. Oh, Lord.
She looked into his eyes. “I just think it should be a really special day for them. They’ve both been through so much. Maybe they don’t want a stretch limo but this would be a fun ride to the church in style.”
“And you don’t want to drive it?”
She shook her head. “I’ve never driven a stick, and I don’t think Abby’s wedding is the time to learn. We’d probably never make it to the church. So as best man, the duty falls into your capable, manly hands.”
He was watching her with an amused expression on his face. “In case you haven’t noticed…” He lifted his arm, revealing his prosthetic.
Jess was shocked. “Oh, God. I’m so sorry. I’d never even thought … I mean you do so much, and I never considered you might have a challenge with…” Jess broke off, flushed. “Can you drive it?”
He shrugged. “Probably. My truck’s an automatic. I haven’t tried a stick since I got this thing.”