I wanted to tell her that someone better was out there, someone who would really take care of her. I wanted her to know that her life could be so much more, but I’d kept my mouth shut. If I told her that, she’d laugh in my face, unable to believe that a man could care for her. I would never understand why she thought so little of herself.

When I’d first met her, I’d barely paid attention to her. I’d been wrapped up in my girlfriend at the time, Andrea. My mind had been too focused on her to notice anything else. Then, I’d started to notice Caley. She had been quiet most of the time, but when she opened her mouth, I always found myself laughing. Her smile had made me smile. When I’d stopped and really looked at her for the first time, I’d wondered how I could have missed how pretty she was.

Her face was round, her skin blemish-free. Her nose was cute, upturned at the very end. Her green eyes shone brightly, especially when she was excited. Her lips were full, almost too full to be real. I had caught myself staring at them more times than I could count. Her brown hair was smooth and hung around her shoulders, shielding her face a lot of the time, almost as if she were afraid of someone really seeing her.

By the time Andrea had been finished with me, I’d considered Caley a friend. I’d expected her to continue to be my friend even though we no longer sat together at lunch, laughing and joking. Instead, she’d all but ignored me. The only time she would even glance in my direction was when we passed by each other in the halls. She’d give me a tiny smile but would never stop to speak with me. I’d assumed she no longer wanted anything to do with me, so I hadn’t bothered with trying to keep our friendship going.

So, imagine my surprise when she’d randomly messaged me one night, years after the last time we’d spoken. In only a few texts, I’d realized the girl I’d once known was no longer there. The new Caley was broken and just plain sad. There was no joy left in her. Joey had taken that and so much more from her.

I’d never expected her to keep talking to me or that we’d once again become friends, and I’d certainly never thought I’d start to feel the way I did about her now.

I’d never cared about any woman. Hell, I wasn’t old enough to care about any of them, but I cared for Caley in a way that scared me. I wanted to put the smile back on her face. I wanted to be the one who gave her a reason to be happy again.

It didn’t help that time had only increased my attraction to her. Now, she was more beautiful than ever before. Her body had filled out in places that drove me crazy at times. I knew she thought she was fat after having Amelia, but I disagreed. Curves were beautiful on a woman, especially one who looked like her.

I forced my mind away from Caley’s curves as I pulled up in front of her dad’s shop. I knew there was no other way to put it than to say I was screwed.

I climbed out of my car and stared at the building across the lot. It was simple enough—a gray block building with a regular-sized front door on the right side. Display windows were on each side of the door, showcasing tires and rims. Next to the left window were two large garage doors.

I liked it already. It wasn’t flashy. It seemed that some shops tried to make their store pretty instead of actually doing what they were supposed to do—repair vehicles. I preferred a less flashy entrance myself, but that was just my opinion. What did I know about business? Nothing.

I walked to the front door and stepped inside to the small showroom. They had displays of oils, filters, wiper blades, and several other basic items. A counter was set off to the right with a computer sitting on top of it.

“I’ll be right with you!” a voice called from a doorway behind the counter.

Instantly, I knew it was Caley. I’d know her voice anywhere. I had all of two seconds to wipe any and all emotion off my face before she suddenly appeared from the doorway and stood behind the counter.

“Oh, hey!” she greeted me.

“Hey. Sorry I’m a few minutes late,” I said.

“I didn’t even realize it was time for you to show up yet. Come on back. I’ll take you to my dad’s office.”

She lifted a portion of the counter, so I could walk through, and then she shut it behind me. I followed her through the doorway and into a parts room. I looked around, taking note of everything they had, as she led me to a doorway in the back. She knocked once before opening the door and stepping inside. I followed her into what was apparently her father’s office.

The room was on the smallish side. A row of filing cabinets sat against the wall to my left. To the right was a table covered in mail and other papers. A wooden desk sat a few feet away from us. It was also covered in papers along with a computer.

Caley’s father sat behind the desk. I could tell he was a tall man even though he was sitting down. He was built like an ox. His hair had started to turn gray, but otherwise, he looked fairly young for someone who had a grown daughter of his own.

“Dad, Ethan’s here to see you,” Caley said. “Ethan, this is my dad, Ben.”

I walked over to the desk and held out my hand. He took it in his.

“It’s nice to meet you, sir.”

“You, too, Ethan. Why don’t you have a seat?”

I sat down in one of the chairs in front of his desk.

“I’ll leave you guys to it then. If you need me, just give me a shout,” Caley said. She gave me a reassuring smile and patted my shoulder before turning and leaving the office.

Once the door closed behind her, Ben spoke, “I need you to fill out these forms. Bring them back with you tomorrow when you start your first shift.”

“I’m starting tomorrow?” I asked, surprised.

I had assumed I wouldn’t start for a few days. After all, Caley had just asked him yesterday about giving me a job.

“Of course. That won’t be a problem, will it?” he asked.

“No, not at all.” I took the file folder out of his hand and rested it on my lap.

Ben studied me for a few moments, sizing me up. I stayed still even though I wanted to shift in my seat, uncomfortable with his attention.

“I’ll have the guys show you the ropes tomorrow when you come in. Ted is our lead tech, and he’s in charge of the shop. If you have any questions or problems, talk to him. If he can’t help you, come see me.”

“Okay.”

“We’ll start you out with simple repairs and tune-ups. It’ll take some of the work off of my guys and show me what you’re capable of.” He paused. “I know you’re friends with Caley, but I want to be clear on one thing. If you’re unable to do your part, I can’t keep you on board. It’s nothing personal, but we have too much to do as it is without trying to teach a new guy basic mechanical skills. I’m giving you a chance because you’re a friend of hers, but the special treatment ends there.”

I grinned, unable to stop myself. Ben seemed surprised at my reaction. He raised an eyebrow in question.

“I assure you, I can do basic repairs and tune-ups with no problems at all. And I don’t expect special treatment. I’m just glad you’re giving me this chance. You won’t regret it,” I said. “And I admire your bluntness. I prefer people to be up front with me rather than tiptoe around stuff.”

He smiled. “Good. Then, it’s settled. I’ll see you tomorrow, Ethan.”

I stood and shook his hand again. “I’ll see you then.”

I left his office and walked back through the parts room. Caley was standing behind the counter, waiting patiently as the printer spit out paper after paper.

“Your dad seems like a decent guy. If the shop guys are the same, I think I’ll like it here,” I said as I stopped behind her.

Instead of answering, she shrieked in surprise. The papers she was holding in her hands flew through the air and rained down around us.

“Holy shit, you scared me to death,” she managed to gasp out.