Don't Let Go by Jaci Burton Page A

part of the shop and had Roxie on the leash. He was headed toward his apartment when he ran into Carter.
    â€œHow’d it go on that hot mess of a Dodge today?” Carter asked.
    â€œIt was rough, but it should be ready for paint tomorrow.”
    Carter nodded. “Knew you could fix it.”
    â€œThey should have junked it.”
    â€œYou know that and I know that, but when an insurance company won’t total a vehicle, it’s up to us to make it run again for the customer. We had to replace several engine parts. It’ll end up costing them more in repairs than if they had replaced it. But we can only do what the insurance company wants. And in the end, the client will get back a well-running vehicle that will probably look better than it did before the accident.”
    â€œYou’ve got that right.”
    â€œHey, a bunch of us are meeting at Bash’s bar. Care to join us?”
    His first instinct was to say no. But he was beat after today, and he could really use a beer. “Sure. I need a shower first.”
    â€œOkay. Meet you there?”
    â€œYup.”
    He went upstairs and, after taking Roxie for a short walk, spent several minutes under the hot water, scrubbing off the dust and primer from the day. Then he changed into clean clothes and climbed on his bike for the short ride to Bash’s bar.
    It was crowded for a weeknight, but then again, it was Bash’s bar, a hot-ticket item in a small town like Hope. Sports were always on the bar’s TVs, and now that Bash was also serving food, people could stop in and grab something to eat, catch a game on TV, or play pool.
    Brady spotted Carter and the guys at one of the larger tables in the corner. Carter waved him over and he grabbed a seat. Along with Carter were Reid McCormack, Deacon Fox, and Zach Powers, a high school teacher and the new football coach.
    â€œLuke was going to join us, but the baby was fussy and he said Emma was having some kind of new-mother meltdown, so he thought it was more prudent to head home and help take care of Michael,” Carter said.
    â€œProbably a wise idea.”
    â€œMolly’s going to be here as well. And I think Chelsea will, too.”
    â€œI have no problem with women,” Deacon said. “Though your women are already taken.”
    â€œDamn straight they are,” Carter said. “You’ll have to find your own.”
    â€œNot really looking for one of my own. Just someone to pass the time with,” Deacon said, lifting his beer to his lips.
    â€œHaven’t seen you out with anyone lately,” Reid said.
    â€œThat’s because I’ve been too busy on my off time building your damn house, McCormack.”
    â€œSuck it, Fox. And no one asked you to build my house.”
    â€œAs I recall, you did.”
    â€œYou guys whine as much as my football players,” Zach said.
    â€œAre you gonna make us do push-ups now, Coach?” Reid asked with a grin.
    â€œI might if you don’t stop bitching at each other.”
    Brady shook his head, smiled, and went to the bar to grab a beer from Bash.
    Bash slid the beer across to him. “You’re all freshly showered. Got a hot date tonight?”
    â€œNo. Just had a rough day. You wouldn’t have wanted me shaking off dust in your bar, would you?”
    Bash shrugged. “Wouldn’t be the worst thing that’s gotten dumped on my floor.”
    Bash’s dog, Lou, came running over, so Brady picked her up and petted her.
    â€œShe likes you,” Bash said, grinning. “And she’s a pretty good judge of character, so you’re okay in my book.”
    Brady laughed. “Thanks.”
    Bash looked around the bar. “Where’s your dog? She’s welcome to join you. We’ve set up a fenced-in play area out back for people who want to bring their dogs in to hang out with Lou.”
    â€œI rode my bike, so I didn’t bring her along.”
    Bash leaned