“It’s perfectly safe.”
“Not during a Montana winter, it isn’t. I’ll drive you in it and we’ll trade it in.”
“You’re very bossy,” I accuse him.
“Your point?” He cocks a brow and stares at me, and I can’t help but laugh and shake my head.
“Fine. Thanks. I have to shovel the driveway first. The car will never get through that mess.”
“Just take your stuff inside, Jill. I’ll shovel.”
“You’ve been shoveling since very early this morning.”
“It won’t kill me.”
He pushes out of the truck and I watch him walk around the hood to open my door for me.
The man moves effortlessly. The feel of his muscles and smooth skin under my hands will be forever branded on my brain.
I know what he looks like under those clothes, and it’s enough to make my heart skip several beats.
“Coming?” he asks.
Yes, please.
I just nod and hop out of the tall truck. He follows me inside with my bags, then leaves with my shovel to get to work on the driveway, but I refuse to be left out. I find another shovel and dig in, helping him. He scowls at me, but I shake my head.
“My driveway, my responsibility, Zack.”
“You’re the most stubborn woman I’ve ever met.”
I smile widely and we continue to shovel in silence, working until it’s all clear and my car will have a fighting chance of making it out of the driveway.
“Okay, let’s go.”
I pass him the keys when he holds his hand out, unwilling to fight the issue, and settle into the passenger seat as he maneuvers us out of my drive and onto the street.
“Jesus, you drove this yesterday?”
“I drive this every day.”
He swears under his breath and carefully drives the fifteen miles or so to the next town over.
“What kind of car do you want?” he asks.
“I think a Ford.”
“Okay.” He nods and pulls into a Ford dealer, just off the highway.
Zack and I wander among the Ford SUVs until a salesman wanders out to ask us what we’re looking for.
“She needs something with all-wheel drive,” Zack begins before I can even open my mouth. “I’d rather she drive a V-8, but I know she’s going to want something that gets better gas mileage than that, so a V-6 is fine.”
The salesman nods and points to an Explorer.
“Wait,” I interrupt. “I do want those things, but I also want heated seats and a moonroof.”
Zack frowns down at me.
“And satellite radio,” I add.
“Seriously?”
“Absolutely, I have to have my tunes.”
“You don’t need those things, Jill. You need an independent front and rear suspension.”
“I need GPS.”
“You need antilock brakes.”
“They all have antilock brakes.” I roll my eyes at him and his lips twitch but he keeps that stern look on his face.
God, I want to kiss him.
“How long have you two been together?” the salesman asks with a chuckle and Zack and I both freeze.
“Oh, we’re not together,” I rush to assure him. “We’re just friends.”
Zack doesn’t say anything at all, his jaw just ticks when he clenches it shut, and the salesman just shrugs and chuckles.
“Okay then. Sounds like the Edge might be a good fit for you.”
“Do you have red? That’s one of my must-haves.”
Zack mutters about women and their priorities as we’re shown to a beautiful red Edge that has all of my wants and Zack’s requirements.
I sit in the driver’s seat and sigh in contentment.
“I’ll take it.”
Zack shoots me a scowl. “Can we have a moment, please?”
“Sure, take your time.” The salesman leaves us be, sitting in the warm vehicle. I push the button for the seat warmer and grin when I feel my ass begin to warm up.
“My ass is warm.”
“It’s going to be when I put you over my knee and spank your ass.”
I gape at him and then laugh, holding the steering wheel in a death grip.
Just the thought of it has me squirming.
“What did I do wrong now?”
“ ‘I’ll take it’?” He rubs his fingers over his mouth and I can’t help but watch the motion.
“I want this car.”
“He’s a salesman, Jill. Jesus, play a little hard to get.”
And just like that my heart freezes.
“Thanks for reminding me that that’s not my strong suit.” My voice is hard and I hate that I can feel heat on my cheeks from embarrassment. “I’ll take it doesn’t mean he’ll get the price he’s asking for. I’m also a salesperson.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“You know, I don’t just jump into bed with men.” Dear God, shut up! Stop talking!
“Jilly, that’s not what I meant at all, damn it.”
I shake my head and move to open the door, but he grips my hand in his, stopping me.
“Of course I don’t think that about you. Jill . . .”
He cups my cheek in his palm and forces me to meet his gaze.
“Look . . .”
Before he can say any more, my phone rings in my pocket.
“Hold on.” I smile when I see Max’s name on the caller ID. “Hey, Max.”
Zack’s eyes narrow on mine as he watches me, listening unabashedly.
“Hey, Jill. I wanted to check in with you to make sure that you’re okay after our run-in yesterday.”
“Oh, I’m fine. It was a tiny dent. I’m actually at the dealership now, trading it in anyway.”
“Good, I’m glad to hear it. Hey, let me make it up to you. I’d like to take you out to dinner tonight.”
“Really?” I bite my lip and watch Zack’s face redden, his jaw clench. Why is he so pissed?
“Sure, it’ll be fun to catch up. Sounds like there’s a lot of gossip to fill me in on.”
I smile. “There is. Sure, dinner sounds good.”
“Awesome. I’ll pick you up at seven.”
“Actually, I’ll just meet you at seven. Just text me and let me know where.”
“No problem. See you later, Jill.”
I click off and frown at Zack.
“What?”
“You know, Max always was a womanizer.”
“So?”
“Are you sure you want to go out with someone like that?” He crosses his arms over his chest and won’t look me in the eye now. Our moment before Max’s call is over.