girl! You all right under there?”
“I’m busy, Uncle Simon. What’s the matter?”
“The doctor wants to know if you found anything yet.”
Michelle rolled herself from beneath the car, her eyes pressed into thin slits as she stared up toward the patriarch. “Uncle Simon, do me a favor and tell the good doctor I said if he doesn’t stop being a royal pain in my…”
Her uncle raised an index finger in her direction, shaking it vigorously as he stalled the harsh words about to spill past her lips. “Watch your mouth, young lady.”
Michelle sighed with exasperation, pausing a quick moment to contain her attitude. “Tell Dr. Shepherd that I will be right in,” she said finally.
“And there’s a man here to see you about his motorcycle. Him and the doctor seem to know each other. He said his brother recommended you.”
“Who’s his brother?”
The older man shrugged. “That was the one thing he didn’t say.”
She nodded. “Fine. But he’s my last customer today. I want to work on my own ride today if I get the chance,” she said, eyeing the classic 1969 Shelby GT500 that sat in the corner of the shop, the floor around it littered with parts and pieces.
Simon tossed her a toothy grin. “Do me a favor, girl. Make that fool ask you out again. I’ve got another ten bucks riding on it,” he said, winking in Michelle’s direction.
The young woman scowled. “One day, old man, you’re going to lose.”
“Not the way you be treatin’ these young fellows around here I won’t,” Simon responded. “A man don’t stand a chance with you.”
“I just haven’t found the right man yet, Uncle,” she said, grinning as she rolled herself back beneath the car. “Just not yet,” she finished, her voice echoing from beneath the vehicle.
Simon grinned. “Well, then you better hurry up on in here. This boy with the bike actually looks like he can walk and chew gum at the same time. You might get you a real prize if you play your cards right.”
Michelle laughed heartily, the wealth of it ringing into the office behind her uncle. “If that’s a recommendation, Uncle Simon, I’ll pass,” she said, both of them chuckling warmly.
Marcus Shepherd was extolling the virtues of Coleman and Son’s star mechanic as Simon made his way back into the room.
“I swear there is no one better,” the man was saying. Mark Stallion eyed him with reservation.
Mark looked down to the watch on his wrist. “Well, my brother Luke highly recommended him,” he said. “Figured now was as good a time as any to see what the man can do.”
The doctor grinned. “You’ve never met Mitch, have you?”
“No. Why?”
The men holding up space in the room all laughed, but before the physician could respond, Simon closed the heavy metal door harshly behind him.
“Mitch be right here,” he said, breathing heavily, as if he’d just run a mile-long race. “Doc, you ready to write that check now?”
“We figure out what’s wrong with my car?” the man questioned, an eyebrow raising hopefully.
“Like I’ve told you time and time again, nothing,” a deep alto voice responded from the entranceway to the work area. “Not one blessed thing.”
Like the others, Mark turned in the direction of the doorway and the beguiling tone that drew their attention.
The female before him cut a quick eye in his direction, catching his gaze and holding it ever so briefly before moving to stand behind the office counter. Mark’s gaze followed her, taking in the silhouette that defined her femininity beneath the clothing that did nothing to flatter her very female figure. His eyes widened curiously, his interest piqued as she scolded the doctor, one of his brother John’s many fraternity brothers.
“Don’t bring that car back in here, Doc. And I mean it. I swear if I see you or that vehicle again in the next three months, I’m pulling the engine and you won’t be riding in it ever again. You got me?”
Marcus chuckled. “Yes, ma’am!”
Michelle handed the man an invoice, holding her hand out patiently as he wrote her a check for her services. When their transaction was complete, the good doctor waved goodbyes, and she turned her attention to the man who’d been eyeing her curiously, looking him up and down.
The brother was one good-looking specimen of manhood, Michelle thought, admiring Mark’s rugged good looks. The leather attire added to his bad-boy appeal, the ensemble complementing his mahogany complexion, full lips and shoulder-length dreadlocks. But good-looking men in Dallas were a dime a dozen, she mused, barely allowing herself to pause to admire the line of his chiseled features and haunting eyes. “How can I help you?” Michelle asked, her gaze meeting his evenly.
“You’re Mitch?” he asked, surprise in his tone.
Michelle dropped a hand to her hip, shifting her weight. “You have a problem with that?”
Mark shrugged, a sly smile pulling at the line of his full lips. “No. Not at all. I just wasn’t expecting a girl.”
“You didn’t get a girl,” Michelle snapped, annoyance creeping into her voice. “I’m a grown woman and don’t you forget it. So what can we do for you, Mr…?”
“Stallion. Mark Stallion,” the man answered, only a touch flustered by her contentious tone. He composed himself quickly, a wide smile filling his dark face. “My brother Luke said you’d be able to look over my bike for me. I’m headed to South Carolina and I just wanted to make sure she’s road ready.”
Michelle lifted her eyebrows, her head bobbing up and down ever so slightly. Her disposition softened ever so slightly. “So, you’re one of Luke’s brothers. How is he? I haven’t heard from him in a while.”
Mark shrugged. “He’s well. How do you two know each other?” he asked curiously.
Michelle smiled, her eyes shimmering beneath the room’s dim lights. She didn’t bother to answer his question as she made her way from behind the counter to his side. As she paused in front of him, the top of her head barely reaching his chin, the light fragrance of a floral perfume mixed with a hint of motor oil teased his nostrils. Mark took a deep inhale, filling his lungs with the scent of her. He suddenly felt drunk with longing, the woman’s imposing stare, commanding demeanor and gorgeous smile taking control of his senses. The feeling was unsettling, leaving Mark speechless.
“Roll your bike into the garage. The third bay. I’ll get you on the road in no time,” Michelle said, gesturing toward the work area.
Nodding, Mark moved toward the exit. Tossing a quick look back over his shoulder, he couldn’t miss Michelle staring after him. He also didn’t miss the fact that she’d not bothered to respond to his question and now his curiosity was seriously heightened. He couldn’t wait to talk to his little brother to find out what was up with him and
