The Scarred Wife's Racing Five

Chapter Nine

POV Noah

I don't know what happened. Maybe it was her smile or the increased confidence I saw in her, but it seemed like this draw I have towards Holly is growing. I stared at the car in front of me as I replayed the last look she took over her shoulder. The subtle blush on her cheeks and the small dimple that formed under the color. I tightened my fists under the dirtied rag and the smirk slipped off of my lips before I could realize it had even happened!

What happened to never doing this again?! I swore to it. Pain like that should only come once in a lifetime. I…I lost so much.

But then, I look at Holly and it feels different. Why is it that one woman can swoop in from the side of the road and cause such calamity in only a couple of days? She is something I cannot control, and I don't know if I like it or not. I sighed heavily and headed out of the shop. Focusing was no longer on my list of priorities. I just want yet another cold shower and my bed.

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“So, how’s it going with the mystery woman?” Zander asked in a suggestive tone. I don't know what possessed me to call Zander this time, but he's the only one who knows about her. Maybe it’s the complete lack of sleep last night. Every time I closed my eyes, her tight jeans or curved figure assaulted my mind.

“None of your business.” I growled back through the phone.

True to his nature, I could almost see the knowing grin forming on his face and his brows raised with curiosity. “Oh come on, brother. You called me, remember? At least be grateful I haven’t told the guys yet.” He countered as I pulled on a pair of washed out jeans. Yeah, he's definitely interested. I don’t know why. It’s not like it went so well the last time for the five of us.

“If you did, that would not end well. For you.”

“I don’t know. I think you have that backwards my friend.”

“I knew this was a mistake.” I mumbled and he sighed.

“Probably. I'm sure you don’t even know why you called me, do you? You may be mister snow and ice to everyone else, but you can't fool me. I’ve known you since we were in diapers.” I kept quiet as he continued to jab at my side. “I know everything that happened has been the hardest on you, and I’m sure you are just trying to protect us, but-”

“Zander, do you know when to shut up or is this contagious?” Cutting him off, finally left him in a sudden silence for a moment, but I guess my peace cannot last forever.

“Look, Noah, just don’t scare her off before I get to meet the woman who made you stop on the side of the road.” He added with a half-hearted chuckle. I knew that tone.

Hidden Pity.

That’s why I try to keep my conversations to a minimum with them. We may be best friends, but ever since that woman left us destroyed, I don’t have room for any kind of emotional attachment. All it does is get them hurt. If I have to be the asshole to prevent that from happening again, so be it.

“Not likely.” Just then, a small knock came from my office door. I pulled on my shoes and walked out to meet Holly. Just like yesterday, her hair was perfectly styled in her new curly short look and her outfit was a pair of ripped shorts and a plaid button-up shirt as a jacket with a tank top underneath. Her shoes were a newer pair of boots that didn’t look as worn as the last pair, and she even wore some ripped stockings underneath her shorts.

“Noah?” Zander called through the phone. I hung up on him…for her…again.

“Are you ready to go?” She asked, folding her arms in front of her, eyes glancing from me to my phone. There she goes again with that defensive stance.

I nodded, closed my office door behind me and slipped my phone into my back pocket. Quietly, the pair of us walked over to one of my trucks I use for parts and service calls. It will be much easier to get whatever she needs, and I won’t have to worry about messing up my car. I opened the passenger door for her, and she hesitated before climbing in. I thought about giving her a hand to help her into the lifted cab, but something in me froze just at the last second.

She climbed in quickly without any assistance and I inwardly sighed in relief. I don't need this trip to be awkward because I don't know how to act around her. I need to get it together. “You ready?” She asked, and I looked up to see her already buckled in and staring down at me.

Shaking my head, I closed the door behind her and headed to the driver’s side, slipping in with ease. “I was distracted for a bit. Thinking about a few things I might need.” I added, before turning on the music and leaving zero room for a conversation.

As we bobbed and weaved through town, she eagerly looked out the window. I know she had to have left the house yesterday to come back looking like a damn supermodel, but apparently she didn’t get far. Wait…. What am I thinking? Of course, she didn’t get far. She doesn’t have a car. I sighed and leaned on the side of the door. I could feel her eyes shifting to me. “I’m sorry.” I raised a brow and turned down the music. Here we go again. I had to hear this one.

“Sorry? About?” I asked.

“I know this is definitely not what you want to do on your day off, but I really do appreciate the help. I promise to be quick, and I’ll make sure not to spend too much on the materials.” As we came up to a red light, I glanced at her subtly reddened face hiding behind the longer strands of her curly hair. Slipping her lip between her teeth, my eyes grew at the subconscious action. She’s being bashful right now? How many mood swings can this girl have?

“I told you that I was happy to help a while ago. Why are you continuing to apologize for something I volunteered for?”

“I don’t know. It just seems like something I should be doing.”

“Why though?” The light turned green and her eyes darted away from mine as she curled her body further into the seat.

“No reason.” She whispered, and I could tell she was dodging the question. Hiding something. I don’t like sneaky people, but somewhere in my gut, I knew there was more to the story. I just don’t know if I’m willing to continue reading to find out.

“Just like with the room and board. I am fine with you helping me with renovating my house. I will tell you if you have overstepped. So far, I don’t think that is the case. Not to mention, this isn’t just any old city. You need to know the right people, and ask the right questions, or you won’t get exactly what you are looking for within a reasonable price. I can help you there.”

She scoffed and nodded, but this time I wasn’t privy to the expression written on her face. “Oh, that’s right. I forgot I’m in the presence of Mr.Canterwood.” Even without the expression, the sarcasm was prominent.

I chuckled dryly and pulled into one of the first supply shops on our little adventure into town. “Touché.” Once the car came to a stop, I took a deep breath and turned to the mysterious woman I am way too invested in at this point. “Holly, I have a feeling it really is a challenge for you to trust people, but can you try one more time to put your faith in someone?” This cannot be real. I have zero faith in her - hell, I have zero faith in almost everyone - but I want her to have faith in me? Ha! The irony.