Hot SEAL, April's Fool by Becca Jameson (smart books to read .txt) 📗

“That’s the truth. Your dad ran a tight ship. Everyone knew he was fair, and trusted him to get their vehicles in tiptop shape as fast as possible. Be a shame for the community if it closed. Be detrimental to those of us who work here too.”

Cole nodded, thinking of a plan. “Tell me about the other guys working here nowadays.”

Bart beamed. “Like I mentioned, one of them is my son David. He works on all the foreign cars. You remember him?”

Cole smiled. “I do. He’s a few years older than me, but I remember him working here part-time when I was in high school. He went to college, right?”

“He did. But he moved back to town afterward and decided he liked getting his hands dirty more than sitting in an office.” Bart chuckled.

“Nothing wrong with that.”

“David has a boy of his own too. Patrick is ten. Seems like he’s following in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps. He hangs around here as much as his mother will let him.”

Cole continued to smile. “I love that.”

Bart pushed to standing. “Anyway, I gotta get back out there. Oh, the other two guys are Slim and Wells. In their late twenties. This is their best chance at a good job in this town. There isn’t a lot of opportunity. The guys, Slim and Wells, they’re loyal employees who know cars better than ’most anyone.”

“Thank you, Bart. Give me a few days to come up with a plan. I hate to see the place close, and I hate even more for anyone to lose their job.”

Bart grinned. “You’re a good man, Cole.”

Cole had barely lowered his gaze back to the books in front of him when a knock on the doorframe behind him made him turn around again. He was shocked to find Violet strolling in.

“Hey there, Cole,” she said in her usual syrupy voice. She was holding a basket and she sauntered all the way to his side and set it down, her hand coming to his shoulder, her hip against his biceps. “Figured I might find you here. I made you some muffins. I’m so sorry about your dad.”

Cole was stunned by the audacity of her to come to his dad’s shop this morning, obviously seeking him out. It occurred to him a moment later that she probably had no idea her dad was extorting money from Cole. What she did know was that she was a lying piece of work. He wanted to throttle her. He’d never hit a woman before, but there was always a first.

No way was he going to let on that he knew what she’d done though. Not this morning. Not when he hadn’t even told April yet. So, he seethed inside as she stood too close to him.

What he hated most was that she was touching him, so he shoved off the other side of the chair and stood, breaking the contact. “You didn’t have to do that, Violet.”

She tipped her face to the side and smiled sweetly as if she were a bucket of innocence. “I know, but I wanted to. Haven’t seen you in ages. How long are you planning to stay?”

“Until the end of the week. Just long enough to get my dad’s affairs in line.” His skin crawled being in the same space as her. “I have a lot to do here though. I don’t have time to chat.” He pointed at the desk.

She pouted. “Colllle. Surely you have a few minutes for an old friend.” She tucked a lock of black hair behind her ear. It was darker than in high school, making him think she probably dyed it now.

He fought the shudder that she elicited.

“Are you staying at the hotel outside of town? You could stay with me if you need a place. That can really add up after a few days.”

Oh, good. She’d given him the perfect opportunity to nip this in the bud. “I’m staying with April.”

“Oh.” She looked surprised. “I didn’t realize the two of you were still in contact. I mean, I saw her at the funeral and all, but…”

Cole stared at her. It was none of her business whether or not he was in contact with April before yesterday.

Violet leaned forward, still pouting. “I don’t think that girl has fared well over the years. From what I’ve heard, she struggles to sell homes. I don’t think it’s the right fit for her. She’s like the town spinster. I always wondered if she regretted not marrying you.”

Cole’s blood boiled. He wanted to grab Violet by the neck and flatten her against the wall. He met her gaze head on. “You lied to me.”

She gasped. “About what?”

“About April not wanting to marry me. You lied and caused a world of hurt. You should get out of here before I lose my composure.”

Instead of heeding his advice, Violet blinked all innocently and shrugged. “Maybe I misheard her that day. I can’t remember exactly what happened. It was a long time ago.”

“Ten years,” he reminded her. “You stole ten years of my life and hers.”

Violet put her hands on her hips, defiance in her expression. “That’s not my fault. Besides, you must not have mattered too much. She cozied up to your friend Rodney soon enough.”

Cole stood and took a step toward her.

Violet backed up. “I’m just sayin’. She didn’t exactly go after you, did she?”

“Violet,” Cole warned pointing toward the door.

She batted her damn eyes again, a grin forming on her lips. “Looks like you two are getting close again. If I were you, I wouldn’t tell her about that day. She’ll hate you for it. Not me.”

Cole jerked his arm out straight, finger extended toward the doorway. “Out. Now.”

She humphed. “Okay, but you’re mad at the wrong person. I’m around if you need anything this week. My door is always open. I stuck my card in with the muffins so you’d have my number.” She spun around and bounced toward the door, wiggling her