The Girl He Needs Read Free

truck shifts from curiosity to urgency, and the budding sexual tension gives way to anxiety. I close my book.
    “That pilot the boss hired didn’t show up today,” the kid, Smitty, whispers.
    Static comes across the line and for a second I wonder if the connection is lost until it sounds as if the phone is being fumbled. Muffled voices break through, and McRae groans. I’m sure he’s figured out what’s about to rain down on him.
    “Brinn?” a man says, clearly holding the phone too close. Brinn’s name sounds garbled.
    Vann looks at me over his shoulder and mouths, “His boss.”
    “Dammit. What the fuck is going on here? You said you could handle this business. If you want any part of it, you’ll figure this out ASAP. How am I supposed to sell part of it to you when shit like this happens? Don’t fuck anything else up. You understand me? You are zero for two.” The words reverberate off the walls of the truck and blend together.
    The rate of twitching in McRae’s jaw increases. I wonder if he counts to ten to calm himself or if his ability to yield easily comes naturally.
    “Listen...” McRae says.
    I admire that his voice is more resigned than pleading, as one might expect in an ass-chewing situation. The fumbling sound returns and the kid comes back on the line.
    “It’s me,” Smitty says. “Just a second.” There’s a pause. “Ok, he’s gone.” Smitty breathes a sigh into the phone.
    McRae glances at me in the mirror, and I’m unable to look away. I know I should but I just can’t, and it has nothing to do with those avocado-colored eyes.
    His glance darts back to the road and he continues the conversation.
    “We have Becky quitting and the pilot not showing up? Do you happen to know why not?”
    “I called him, and he said no one provided any information after the big boss called and offered the job,” Smitty squeaks.
    “Motherfu— Is that all, Smitty?”
    “Well, I guess it’s a good thing the pilot didn’t show up because no fuel’s been delivered yet and we don’t have enough for the lessons schedule today. Not that there’ll be any lessons, so there’s that.”
    McRae groans. He leans back into the driver’s seat and tries to loosen the tension by shrugging his shoulders, but just as soon as he lets them relax, they tighten back up and the vein in his neck pops back out. Poor sap. If only he’d recognize there’s a different way to live. I give a silent thanks to whatever higher power or universal force helped me see the light when I did. Maybe this guy will catch a break too.
    The conversation continues as the miles speed by. “Did you call the fuel company?”
    “I did, they said nothing’s been scheduled and they won’t be able to get to us for another two days. I’m guessing you want me to start calling the students and canceling their appointments.”
    “That sounds about right. Thanks, I appreciate you stepping up.” McRae thumps his hand against the steering wheel in frustration. At least he doesn’t take it out on the messenger.
    “Brinn.” The timid voice comes across the speakers, and I sit up. The bottom is about to drop out, and I can’t help but bear witness.
    “Judas Priest, what now?” McRae growls.
    “Mel walked off the job. Said something about calling his union.”
    I tap Vann’s shoulder and he mouths, “Mechanic.” With a nod, I sit back and wait. There’s no purpose in hiding my interest. I can smell potential legal issues a mile away, an inherited trait, and this train wreck is an ambulance chaser’s wet dream.
    “Is that it or did the building burn down, too?” McRae’s grip on the steering wheel is so tight I wouldn’t be surprised if he ripped the wheel off the column and threw it out the window.
    “Nope, that’s it. Anything special you want me to do?”
    “Nah, just finish canceling the appointments. We should be there in about two hours.”
    “Roger that, boss.” He disconnects the call.
    Wow. Boss . Of what, I’m not