Instead, they were in and out of the cars, the showrooms, and the sales offices. The activity she had chosen was perfect. Not only did it send Gavin a clear message to get over himself, he wasn’t in California anymore, it also gave her an opportunity to observe how his body reacted to the start-and-stop motion. To her satisfaction, he seemed to be doing much better, especially when distracted with the idea of making a purchase.

It occurred to her that she was taking a day out of her own life for this man, a day she could be using for herself. Her own car needed the thirty-K maintenance, she had been wanting to get lighter curtains and bedding for the spring, and she needed to go food shopping. But she knew he needed to move forward and accept what had happened so that his body could heal.

She was totally surprised when he passed on the Mustang and Mercedes, and instead as they approached a Jeep dealership, gestured to the driveway.

“Pull over. Let’s go look at them.”

She wouldn’t have pegged him as a Jeep kind of guy, but on second thought, it made total sense. California. Sunshine. Warm weather and no rain. A Jeep was a natural fit. In New Jersey, not so much, but she didn’t have the heart to tell him that. Apparently, when she saw his expression getting out of the car, this was his dream.

“Love it.” He stopped in front of a firecracker-red Wrangler. “Doesn’t it look like fun?”

Jessica nodded. “Yeah, let’s go for a test ride.”

He gazed at her for a moment, an odd expression on his face. Jessica didn’t have the slightest idea what he was thinking, but for some reason, his scrutiny made her feel ridiculously nervous.

The salesman eagerly tossed him the keys, and then looked at him curiously. “Don’t I know you? Aren’t you a baseball player or something?”

Gavin shot a look at Jessica, and she had to hide a grin. “Sort of. I’ll just take it around the block if that’s okay. I don’t need your help—I’d rather take my…friend with me for a little drive.”

“No problem,” the man said, looking at Jessica with a knowing grin. Evidently he had decided she was the latest of Gavin’s conquests. Sensing a sale to an affluent buyer, he seemed more than willing to accommodate the young couple.

“Friend?” Jessica asked teasingly when they got into the vehicle.

Gavin gave her a look that warmed her from her toes to her carrot top. “I didn’t think you would want me to explain our relationship,” he said with a grin. “I thought ‘friend’ was more appropriate. And honestly, that’s what I consider you. Is that okay?”

“Sure.” She felt her face flush and had to look out the window. Never get too close to a client. She remembered the advice from college, and she usually managed to keep a professional distance between herself and her patients. But in this case, it was different. Gavin was acclimating himself to a new area, a new team, new people. He needed friends, and it was a compliment that he saw her in that light.

Even if he had pulled a bonehead move in the pool last night.

He started the Jeep and pulled out of the parking lot onto a major highway. It was his left knee that was injured, so he was fully able to drive. Jessica was surprised at how comfortable the leather seats were. The vehicle had a solid, sturdy feel, and she had to admit it was much more appealing to her than the stuffy, expensive luxury sedans. When he whipped around the corner, causing her breath to catch, she burst into appreciative laughter.

“You know how to drive this thing!”

“I sure do. I had one in high school. Not a model like this,” he said, indicating the luxury interior. “But a secondhand, beat-up wreck. I loved it—it was so much fun. Especially in the summer, with the windows down, the air smelling like salt water and flowers when you drove along the beach.” He glanced out the window at the tree-lined streets. “I guess I won’t get that here.”

“Actually, you can,” she said, hanging onto the door. “The Jersey shore is fantastic. There are hundreds of little seaside towns, and state parks. I’m sure there are a few where you could take this little beauty on the beach.”

“Perfect. That’s what Jeeps are built for.”

He slowed down, experiencing the ride. Settling back into the seat, Jessica relaxed as he switched on the radio, filling the air with the sounds of Led Zeppelin. Gavin hadn’t changed into his workout clothes, so he was dressed in jeans with a button-down chambray shirt that showed off his torso and looked great with his dark hair and eyes.

It was all so perfect: the handsome guy, a fun car, good tunes. For a moment she could imagine that they were a couple, the way the salesman had suggested. She could envision coming home to him, being wrapped in his embrace, unbuttoning that shirt to feel his pecs, and then sliding her hands around his slender waist…

She couldn’t go there, wouldn’t allow herself to imagine what it would be like to be kissed by him, but her eyes traced his profile, settling on his gorgeous, sexy mouth.

A kiss from Gavin would be something she’d never forget…

The seat warmer was heating her in places that didn’t help her mental state, and her body was very aware of him, inches away. Oddly she wondered what he would do if she made the move, if she pulled him into her arms and planted one soundly on him…

Jessica barked out a laugh. He would probably die of shock.

He glanced at her curiously, seeing the smirk on her face.

“Um, do you mind turning down the heat?” she managed, keeping the amusement out of her voice.

“Getting hot?”

Buddy, you don’t have a clue, she thought. She was on dangerous ground, and she knew it.

“A little,” she managed. “I think we should be getting back before they come looking for us. But ‘Stairway to Heaven’ is always incredible.”

Chapter 9

As Gavin headed back toward the dealership, Jessica glanced at the window and focused on the sticker.

“So? Are you going to buy it?” Relieved that her voice sounded normal, not a squeak like that of some lovesick teenager after her romantic musings, she looked at him in question.

He grinned, those dark eyes shining with excitement. “I think so.”

Immediately, she whipped out her phone and began entering data.

“What you doing?”

“Looking it up in Kelley Blue Book.” She glanced at him impatiently, as if she’d just explained the sky was blue. “Just because you can afford retail doesn’t mean you pay that. Let’s see, this is a 2015, right?” She didn’t wait for him to answer, but looked at the sticker for confirmation. “Okay, let’s go with the unlimited edition. We’ll add a few extras, maybe the hardtop, chrome finishes. And of course, I’ll upgrade the radio.” She shot him a grin. “Now that I know you like classic rock, we have to make sure you have Sirius.”

“You can find all that?”

“Of course. Here it is. Fair market price would be about thirty-one grand. And the sticker is…”

“Thirty-five nine,” he said, looking at her in surprise. “How did you—”

Jessica grinned, pleased with herself. “I have five brothers, remember? This is all I heard growing up, besides sports. Now you know where you need to be pricewise.” Her eyes twinkled as she surveyed her phone. “I’d be happy to negotiate for you if you want.”

“I think I can handle it, now that I have the info. But did anyone ever tell you that you are incredible?”

Her laughter was rich and deep, even in her own ears. This was something she was much more comfortable with, being admired for her brains and ability. It was those sexy perusals and the chemistry between them that was her undoing.