Total pages in book: 111
Estimated words: 107077 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 535(@200wpm)___ 428(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107077 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 535(@200wpm)___ 428(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
My mouth falls open. “What?”
“Yeah, we went out to party Friday night and the next—”
“I meant about my car being impounded.” When he continues to stare, I remind, “You said the university will confiscate it?”
He points to a rectangular sign behind me that clearly displays a graphic of a tow truck and the dollar amount for added emphasis.
Seriously, this just keeps getting better and better.
Even though I should thank him for his assistance, especially when every interaction we’ve had up until this point has ended in disaster, the words shoot out of my mouth before I can rein them back in. “Why are you being so helpful?”
Surprise flickers in his blue depths as he shrugs. “Ever consider that I’m actually a nice guy?”
With a snort, I fold my arms across my chest. “Nope, not for a single second. So, tell me…why are you doing this?”
He huffs out a breath and shifts his stance. “Like I said the other day, I need your help with Comms. You tutor me and,” he points to my poor, beat-up baby, “I’ll fix your car. It’ll just be an exchange of services. Pure and simple.”
Simple…ha!
This must be what it feels like to make a deal with the devil. I dredge my brain, searching for another way out of this mess. One that doesn’t involve Asher.
Unfortunately, nothing comes to mind.
“Well? What do you say?”
There has to be something else I can do.
Maybe get another part-time job?
Except…I need to sleep. I’m barely managing with the amount I’m getting as it is.
“Fine,” I mutter, disgruntled that this is what my life has come to. “I’ll tutor you.”
A slow grin spreads across his face, making him even more handsome than usual in the morning light that slants across him. I blink and shake away the errant thought. It’s the last thing I should be dwelling on.
Especially if we’re going to spend time together.
Oh god…I’m going to be stuck working with Asher Stevens.
Of my own free will.
Sort of.
Before I can second guess our agreement, he whips out his cell and arranges for his friend to pick up my car.
They BS for a couple of minutes before he hangs up. “All taken care of.”
The relief that rushes through me is almost enough to weaken my knees. I hate to admit just how nice it is to have someone swoop in and deal with a problem. Even if it’s as small as making a phone call.
“Do you need a ride home after class?”
Well, shit. I no longer have a vehicle at my disposal. Somehow, I need to get from campus to Taco Loco later for my shift. I guess I’ll have to Uber it. And piss away even more money I don’t have.
Moisture pricks the backs of my eyes, making it necessary to blink away the emotion. I refuse to cry. This isn’t the end of the world. The car just needs to be drivable, not totally fixed. Hopefully, that’ll lessen the repair cost. Even though Asher offered to fix the Fusion, I can’t allow him to do that. At least, not totally. I’ll have to cover the bulk of the expense.
When I fail to respond, he says, “Want to get together after your next class and work on Communications? Then I can drop you off at home. You live around campus, right?”
I glance away, not wanting to accept any more help from him. “I have a full day of classes. I’m available at three and then I have to work at Taco Loco.” I’d been toying with the idea of dropping a few shifts so I could focus more on school this semester, since everything feels like it’s been kicked into a higher gear, but I can’t afford to do that now.
Most students enjoy their college years and want to stick around so they can party their asses off before getting a job with real responsibilities. That’s never been the case for me. I can only hope that life will get easier once I graduate and start earning some real money. Maybe then I’ll finally be able to stand still for a moment and catch my breath.
“Three o’clock doesn’t work, I’ve got practice. And there’s no way I can skip that. What time does your shift start?”
“Five.”
He nods before fishing something out of his pocket and tossing it to me. My hands automatically rise to catch the small object that flies through the air. Once my fingers curl around it, I open my hand and take a peek.
Keys.
My brow furrows as I glance at him.
“You can take my truck to the restaurant, and I’ll catch a ride after practice to get it. That way, we can work together after you’re done.”
“What? No. I can’t just take off with your vehicle.”
My confusion must be contagious because he cocks his head and frowns. “Why not?”