Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73107 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73107 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
When I’m running on fumes while driving on what feels like the loneliest stretch of road in California, I worry I’m in trouble. Luckily, I happen upon Aqua Vista, a sleepy coastal town with the only pump for miles, and the grumpy owner who is more gorgeous than he has any right to be. When I’m told I’ll need more than fuel to disable the check engine light on my dash, I figure there are worse places to be stuck while my car gets needed repairs.
Jack
After driving the handsome city dweller to a local motel, the last thing I expect is the hot hookup that happens afterward. As soon as his car is ready, he’s on his way home, so imagine my surprise when he shows up a couple of months later with an offer to buy my business. No way I want an out-of-towner to own part of what my family has built here. Even if I’m not always fulfilled by it. Besides, it belonged to my parents, and it’s all I have left of them.
When Aaron decides to spend several days in town, I figure it’s to soften me up to his proposal. I shouldn’t hook up with him again. Or spend time showing him around…but I do. Before I know it, the charming, attractive visitor starts to feel familiar, almost like he belongs here. Like he’s woven himself into the very fabric of Aqua Vista. I’m fooling myself, of course, and it’ll certainly sting when he hits the road. Outsiders never stay, and though I secretly wish he would, I’m no stranger to heartache.
*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************
PROLOGUE
Jack
I’m standing behind the counter of my service station, Jack of All Trades, when the slick BMW pulls up to the pump. That’s nothing new. We’re the only gas station between Big Sur and San Simeon.
I’ve seen my share of relieved expressions over the years, and it’s the same with the handsome stranger who slides out of the driver’s side, credit card in hand. He lifts the pump and gives his car some needed gas. At least, that’s the scenario I’ve created in my head. Some travelers plan poorly, even if they’re aware of the long highway stretch and their quarter-full tanks.
The man adjusts his tie as he waits. His shirtsleeves are rolled to his elbows, his suit trousers cut nicely to accentuate his ass and thighs. I turn away from the glass storefront so I’m not caught admiring him—by him or by my best friend, Frank, who will no doubt tease me relentlessly. He’s lucky he’s so damned good with engines.
I sigh as the man slips back behind the wheel. He’ll be on his way, and I’ll never see him again. Just the way it is around here.
I silently thank the attractive man for the eye candy, but then I see his frown through the windshield as he stares at something on his dash. He puts the car in reverse, backs away from the pump, then pulls forward to the garage entrance. I wonder what’s up.
The man adjusts his sunglasses as he exits the car and steps inside to the counter.
This close, I notice his sun-kissed scruff and green eyes. I clear my dry throat. “Can I help you?”
“Did you know your service station is the only one around for miles?”
“Obviously. Who do you think pays for the billboard that led you here?” We hear the same sentiment countless times a week. “Where you from?”
“San Jose.” I figured he was from the city, but I would’ve guessed San Francisco. Though, I was close enough since San Jose is known as the capital of Silicon Valley. Not that I’ve already sized this guy up, but I’ll bet I’m not that far off the mark. “I’m returning from a friend’s wedding in Big Sur.”
“Cliffside view?”
He nods. “It was gorgeous.”
“Photos can’t do it justice.” Believe me, I tried back in the day.
“True.” He blinks as if he’s just remembered the reason he’s come inside. “Anyway, I think something’s wrong under the hood. I needed gas and was relieved to find your station. But even after filling up, which effectively shut the gas gauge off, the check engine light remains on.”
“That can happen if the fuel pump doesn’t detect gas in the tank. Could also mean your fuel filter needs replacing.”
“Right.” He scratches the back of his neck. “Would you mind taking a look?”
“Sure thing. Give me a minute.” I step toward the open door leading to the maintenance garage. “Hey, got time to check this Bimmer?”
Frank nods as he wipes his greasy hands on a towel, then pushes the button to lift the garage door.
“Just pull right in, and Frank will take care of you.”
I get lost in customers and paperwork, yet I’m still keenly aware that the man has sat in the row of chairs customers use while waiting for service. We’re a no-frills station, offering water and soda but not much else.