“So essentially your plan is to be you and to do it so well he can’t resist. Which is a good plan, I think.”

They clinked beers and went back to gossip. “Jay,” PJ demanded.

“He’s a spineless jerk. He knows he was wrong and as much as he’s capable, he’s sorry for not backing you up. But he’s desperate for Dad to pet him and tell him he’s pretty. And he’s smart. He’s a good person to take over when Dad steps down. But he needs to stop being a tightass.”

They snickered a while. “I sort of feel bad for him,” PJ said.

Their oldest brother had never really had the childhood the rest of them did. He traveled with their dad from a very early age, and their father never lost his reserve. Not with Jay, who wanted their father’s approval and affection so badly he’d alienate his siblings, and not with his other kids or his wife, for that matter.

Julie said, “Yes, sure. It sucks. But we all have our shit to shovel. He has to figure it out and stand up on his own two feet. We all know Fee would be a disaster at running the company. Jay’s going to have to take him on at some point.”

PJ tipped her chin at her sister. “Why don’t you do it?”

“No thanks. I don’t want to run the company. But I’ll gladly shove Fee out an airlock and take his spot when I can. Can you believe he told me I was too pretty to be wasting my time at a job where I wasn’t meeting rich men regularly?”

PJ reared back in horror. “What the ever-loving fuck?”

“Ridiculous. Anyway, do you have plans tomorrow?”

“I have a job first thing in the morning, but it’ll be a quick one. I’ll be free by one or so. You want to grab lunch and a movie?”

“Yeah. Let’s. I have a date. Seattle Opera and swanky French food down at the Market. I need something showstopping for it.”

“Right on. I feel the need for some new lingerie and shoes.”

One more clink of the beer and they’d polished off the first round. By the time PJ fell asleep in the guest room at Julie’s, there’d been at least four more. But it was good. Being there with her sister was good, and Julie was right. PJ’d had to leave in order to ever come back on her own terms.

Chapter Nine

PJ had just finished some detail work for one of Duke’s motorcycle jobs. He stroked a hand down his beard and grinned as he took a closer look. “Thank you kindly, Penelope Jean. This is excellent work.”

Duke was a mellow guy. Usually. He was full of empty sweet talk. Duke’s main setting seemed to be charming flirt. But when he complimented her on her paint work, it was genuine.

“I’ve got a client here in ten minutes. Can you come by the showroom in fifteen? He’s after a really unique color, so I thought you might want to talk with him about some options.”

“Yes, that’s great. I’ll be there. Thanks, Duke.”

A few steps from the door he turned back to face her. “He’s not a bad guy.”

Seemed Asa’s paranoia about complications might have some basis in fact. “I don’t think he is. I think he’s a nice guy, as it happens.”

Duke grinned again. “He’s a loyal guy, yes. Brave. He saved my life. He carried me for three miles after I’d been shot.”

“I believe that. I’m glad he was there. I imagine you probably did your share of saving a time or two.”

His grin slid off his face for a moment before it was solid again. “You do what you need to. I don’t know how to do this, and normally I’d rather not get into his business this way. But don’t give up on him.”

Duke stepped back and spun, heading out. “See you soon,” he called as he went.

PJ was still thinking about that little exchange when she walked into the showroom just a few minutes later. Duke stood at the front desk with Asa and the guy who was most likely Duke’s client.

It hadn’t even occurred to her that Asa would be there, but it was too late to avoid him. It wasn’t like she didn’t see him when she was at Twisted Steel, but she tried to stay out of his way when she could.

Still, she wasn’t above being glad she’d fixed her hair and cleaned up before coming in to meet a customer.

Asa was in what was pretty much her favorite stance. Feet apart, arms crossed over his chest so his muscles bulged and his ink showed. He was so imposing and delicious, though she noted he needed to shave the sides of his head again.

She raised a hand, wanting to touch it, but waving and shoving her hand in a pocket before she grabbed hold and did something disastrous.

“Hey there.” PJ kept it friendly.

“PJ, perfect timing,” Duke said. “Alan Steadman, this is PJ Colman. She’s great with color, so I thought she could give us some input for your truck.”

Asa tipped his chin again. “Good to see you, Alan. Looking forward to this project, man.”

He moved to one of the desks a few feet away and started working at the computer. PJ chose to believe that even though he could’ve easily done the work in his office, he wanted to be around her. Which may or may not have been true, but that’s what she decided to go with.

Asa had spotted her walking across the lot from the painting bay toward the showroom. Her hair was glossy in the sunlight. The blue had faded and he wondered just what color she’d choose next.

When she came in he noted the sequined sneakers and held back a smile. She’d been surprised to see him but smiled anyway. He tipped his chin.