The smell of grease and oil wafted through my nose as I bent to inspect the cause of that grinding noise. I grabbed the ratchet to remove lug nuts, the caliber came off and then the brake pads.

Rotors and brake pads are both in bad condition, they won’t last much. I thought.

“Hey Austin! Can you get me rotors and brake pads for malibu 2012, please?” I hollered to my assistant as I started to clean the dried up grease.

“Here,” Austin said, passing the rotors and brake pads, “anything else?”

“Grab me a grease can. After that, stay here and watch and learn. I want you to do it next time,” I said sternly.

He nodded happily before running away to grab grease. I cracked a smile at his enthusiasm. He’s only 17, freshly graduated, doesn't have a clue about repairing and does errands here and there. But I can see the spark in his eyes when he watches us working on different cars.

“Grace, I’ll be leaving now,” I heard someone say when. I was busy training Austin. It was Josh, my senior mechanic’s voice.

 “Oh, little Austin is learning,” he smiled at Austin, his eyes crinkling at the corner reminding me of his old age. He used to work with my father.

“I am not a little kid,” Austin replied pouting, making Josh laugh.

I craned my neck to glance at the clock in the corner, to find it’s 8 pm, still an hour to go.

He grinned at my questioning stare, “I have a date,” he said, making me smirk.

“With Mrs Russell?” he nodded, slightly flushed. My smirk widened, finally the florist and mechanic's romance is blooming.

“Have fun,” I chuckled and got back to work.

“You should try this fun too,” Josh grumbled at my teasing tone. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at this. He knew well about my nonexistent love life and my career driven mind.

“Do you want a lift Austin?” he asked.

Austin doesn't have a car and both of them live in the same area.

I saw him hesitating but I smiled assuredly at him.

“Go, I’ll teach you the rest tomorrow.”

*-*-*-*-*

After wrapping up the Chevy, it took me more than an hour to clean up the garage. Tired and sleepy, I changed out of my overalls before locking up everything and called it a night.

It was a big comfort that the workshop was located next to my house. My father built it from scratch. I used to hangout here after school, seeing my father work, and treating cars like newborn babies. Somehow that craze about cars transferred to me.

I smiled at the memories of my father teaching, the five year old me how to change oil. I used to get under the car and come out with all grease stains on my face and clothes to find my mother's horrified look and father laughing hysterically. I don’t even remember how many dresses I have ruined because of it.

As soon as I reached my room, I shredded my clothes and hopped in the shower. After a long day of working in dirt and sweat, cool water is like heaven on my body. I sighed in bliss.

Smell of grease and oil always lingers on me, no matter how many times I shower or bathe. But it’s not like I mind. I feel at home, I feel like my father is with me.

I looked at the mirror as I wrapped the towel around me.

My blue eyes are the same as my father's, the only thing I share with my mother is my wavy brown locks. Apart from that I am the same replica of my father with feminine features.

My stomach growled loudly, pulling me out of my reverie, reminding me that I didn't have lunch. I needed a big meal. I padded back to my small kitchen and opened the refrigerator to find yesterday's pizza sitting comfortably, waiting for me to eat it.

I smiled at it, your wish will be soon granted. I thought to myself happily.

After reheating the pizza, I ate all of it with some juice accompanied. I was washing my plates when I heard the phone ringing.

 I furrowed my brows when I realized it was the extension to our workshop’s official one. I had insisted on one since sundays come with granted holidays but that doesn't stop cars from breaking down. We are often called in for cars breaking down on holidays.

I hurriedly wiped my hands on the kitchen towel and made my way to the living room.

“Tennyson’s Motors,” I said tiredly.

“Oh, Thank god! You picked up the call. I was worried that no one would,” I heard him sigh in relief, as I waited for him to continue. “Uh, actually my car broke down in the middle of nowhere and I’m unable to reach anyone at the moment. Can you please send someone to have a look at it?” he pleaded, sounding desperate.

“Sorry sir, but working hours are over,” I said, massaging my temples.

I can already sense a headache forming at the back of my mind.

"I know, Miss. I understand it's late and all but please try to understand, I'm really stuck in the middle of nowhere. Add to the fact, I am unable to contact anyone," the guy said over the call.

This has to be the worst day of my life. It's over 10 p.m. right now and I’ve been up since five in the morning. This guy chose today of all the days in this world to have his car broken down.

"Sir, can you please try and locate some other workshop? We're closed for today, I'm sorry," I almost huffed at him.

"How can you be so heartless, mi amore? Can't you see a man is stuck alone in the middle of nowhere and is in desperate need of help?" he sounded like a puppy pleading for help, "I, a helpless young man, in a world full of dreadful monsters, is pleading you to save this knight in distress," he added, dramatically.

A chuckle escaped my mouth at his choice of words. What a drama king.

"Sir-," but he cut me off.

"What sir? Can't you really understand that this young knight needs rescue, Princesa?" he added

I really wanted to bang my head somewhere. What knight and princess is he going on about?

"Listen to me, sir-" again, he cut me off.

"No you listen to me. Please rescue your knight from this distress," he pleaded, again.

I really wanted to laugh at this situation.

I didn't bother trying to speak again as I was sure he would cut me off once again. I took a deep breath and sighed.

Well, let's rescue our damsel in distress.

"Okay okay," I said to stop him from blabbering, "Send me your location, I'll send someone," I added.

"Oh thank god. I thought I'll have to keep going on for another hour," I chuckled at this.

I gave him my number. He promised to send the location in seconds, literally promised.

Next, I tried calling my other workers to ask if anyone was available to work overtime. As luck would have it, everyone declined.

I don't blame them. Today was a very hectic day.

I sighed and walked back to my room to get ready.

*-*-*-*-*

I arrived at the location after a successful mind-blowing ride of two hours. Note the sarcasm.

Bloody fucking hell, this location was in the middle of nowhere. How the hell did this guy end up here?

"You've arrived at your destination," my Google aunt chirped.

I slowed down the car and looked around, hoping to see a car which was possibly parked somewhere around.

Driving on for a distance, I saw someone waving their hands in the middle of the road.

"What the ****!" I mumbled to myself.

I honked twice. He didn’t move and continued waving his hands frantically.

I hit the brake abruptly and shouted, “Wanna die, dickhead?”

What kind of lunacy is this?

“Wouldn't mind getting killed by the owner of such a beautiful voice, mi amore,” his lips tilted in amusement while his eyes were hidden behind his hand shielding them from headlights.

It was him. I can easily recognise that deep voice.

Seriously, I assumed that he was just messing around to convince me to send someone on the call, but it looks like he has a hobby of jumping on unsuspecting drivers.

“And I wouldn't mind killing such a psycho either,” I retorted, faking a smile.

 Crazy flirt! He could’ve caused an accident with his insanity and desperation.

“Harsh!” he chuckled. He tread away from the middle of the road, escaping the bright light of my jeep’s headlights.

“Pardon my stunt, I thought you wouldn’t stop,” he said, sounding not so very apologetic, “Actually my car broke down and I am in desperate need of a lift. If you could probably...” he trailed off, grinning like a ten-year old.

“Well, I’m not a chauffeur,” I said, smirking. His face fell in response. “But, definitely a mechanic, Tennyson’ motors,” I added, jumping out of my car.

The moon shone brightly surrounded by clear stars all over. This area was definitely less polluted than the city. The night is indeed perfect except for this situation I’m stuck in. I started fishing out my toolbox from the back or the car.

When I was back, he was still frozen on the spot I left him a few minutes ago, his mouth hanging open.

He’s really a drama king.

“What?” I asked.

“You are a mechanic?” he asked, emphasising the word mechanic.

“In flesh,” I replied.

His mouth formed an O.

“So, what’s the problem?” I asked, getting out of the car.

“No, nothing. I was just shocked. Haven’t met a lady so pretty before, add to the fact that she’s my rescuer in shining armour,” he said scratching his head.

Now, it was my turn to get shocked. I could feel my cheeks burning but it had nothing to do with this guy’s comments and everything to do with the weather.

I turned to face him and repeated my question, “Err...I asked, what’s the problem with your car?”

“Oh. I’m sorry!” he smiled, again. He was now looking around, scratching his neck. I gave him a quizzical look, raising an eyebrow. “Uh, yes. It’s parked there. Let me show you,” he said, pointing ahead.

“Lead the way,” I said, grabbing my tool kit.

We made our way towards his car, which was by the way a Black Wrangler Jeep, just like mine.

But a classic one.

And, I am a sucker for classic models.

I almost drooled while checking out this beauty. Even though it was old, it was kept in a good condition.

I couldn’t admire this beauty to my heart’s content because of lack of light and the sight of an open bonnet.

 The bonnet of the jeep was open. Probably because he tried to fix it. I hope he hasn’t made things worse and hurt the poor car. I really wish there was a law to punish those who try and dare to molest poor cars like this. Damn careless people.

I made my way to the bonnet and started the inspection.

Don't worry baby, you'll be alright. I thought to myself, referring the jeep.

“There was steam coming out of the engine so I kinda opened the bonnet,” the owner of this beauty explained, as he stood beside me.

I simply nodded and wore my gloves, I grabbed a flashlight from the tool bag and handed him. Our hands brushed as he took the flashlight.

“Hold it,” I said, positioning it towards the bonnet, “Like this.”

I started working around, trying to find the fault.

“It looks like the radiator has caused a problem here,” I said, finally coming to a conclusion, “When was the last time it got service?” I asked, as I looked up.

I didn’t notice how close we were standing, until then. The distance between us or rather the lack of it was suddenly making me too aware of his gaze. He was staring directly in my eyes. His eyes held desire in them. Desire for what? I don’t know.

I heard a distant howl of an animal from somewhere around. It was at that moment that I realized that we were in the middle of nowhere in this deserted place all by ourselves.

 I cleared my throat and cautiously took a step backward to insert the much needed distance between us.

He shook his head once, as if to get rid of some thoughts or something.

“Um, I don’t remember?” which sounded more like a question than an answer as he mumbled sheepishly, grazing the back of his neck.

I know there was a moment shared but I was rather glad that it was gone. Associating with strangers is not what I like much to do.

“Don’t worry, I can fix it.” I said as I took out the pressure leak testing kit. I pumped the pressure, nothing came out, no liquid. No coolant?

The heck.

“What’s the matter?” he came closer to inspect when he saw my furrowed brows.

“Nothing,” I said, still looking at the machine in my hand. I was about to remove the kit when I was blinded by the sudden light on my face.

“What are you doing?” I asked, shielding my face.

“Nothing,” he chuckled.

Is he trying to annoy me now? Cause I’m hella sure that it's working.

I took two deep breaths to calm my mind and get back to work.

I snapped his hand which was holding the flashlight.

“I’ll just fix this soon, if you try and please cooperate,” I warned.

“Oh yeah, sure,” he says, “Whatever you suppose, ma’am,” he added, making me roll my eyes.

“If this goes on, It will take the whole night.” I mumbled to myself.

“I don’t mind, with such a beautiful company even if it takes the whole night,” he chirped.

God! This guy loves cheese, I must say.

I glared at him in response. He raised his hands in mock surrender.

With a smile, I gestured to him to keep his mouth shut.

He locked his lips in the zipper fashion and threw the imaginative key.

I started working for the task at hand.

It was quiet for a while, I could feel his stare burning a hole on the side of my face.

“Were you the one I talked to on the phone?” he asked curiously. I hummed in reply.

“Do you have water?” I asked without looking at him.

“How much do you need?” He climbed in his jeep and started rummaging, “I should have a bottle somewhere...Aha!” he said, holding up a bottle and showcasing it through the windshield as if it was a trophy. He had a big smile plastered on his face.

It wasn’t his childishness that grabbed my attention instead the bottle he was holding.

“I asked for water, not for liquor,” I facepalmed, “You really are keen to die today,” I added.

“Rain check, I know you asked for water and this bottle contains water,” he said smiling smugly.

“You stored water in there?” I asked, pointing at the bottle.

“Well, that’s a long story…” he trailed off.

“Forget it,” I should have some coolant with me, this won’t work, “I’ll be back,” I said and started walking towards my jeep.

“You don’t need it?” I heard him ask.

Without replying I went to my jeep and luckily found it, I grabbed the coolant and some distilled water from my jeep and showed him both.

“I got it,” he again made that O shape with his mouth.

I started working on his jeep again, it was unusually quiet but I didn’t mention it. I just kept on working, humming a song completely focused on my work.

I was almost done when something felt wrong. My surroundings were too silent and it was kinda getting on my nerves. I furrowed my brows and finally looked up to see no one was there.

Well...I was standing in the middle of nowhere, in a remote location, and the guy who called me here was nowhere to be seen. It was definitely a little unnerving.

Alright I lied, a lot unnerving.

I looked around and could only hear cricket crying. Suddenly silence felt deafening.

He wasn’t a ghost right? I asked myself.

Well, his car hasn’t disappeared yet, so no.

This thought kinda soothed my nerves a bit. I took a deep breath and decided to finish my work. I still have my car so if something felt wrong I’ll leave immediately.

Not if the tires get punctured.

That thought made my head jerk in my jeep’s direction, I found it parked, as immaculate as I left her, no vandalism was done to my baby.

I sighed and decided to zone out my weird and horrific thoughts. I don’t need distractions. The faster I finish, the faster I get out of here.

I closed the bonnet of the jeep after successfully fixing the radiator. It was more than 15 minutes and still that guy didn’t come back. I grabbed the rag from the toolbox and started cleaning my hand while still looking around cautiously, my trusted torque wrench lying in front of me giving me courage.

I bent to grab my tools that I placed on the road, that’s when I heard it, a blood-curdling scream. I immediately straightened up and grabbed my torque wrench.

“Noooooo!” someone cried, making my heart accelerate. “Get away from me!” That someone shouted again, and that someone sounded suspiciously like that guy.

Then I heard footsteps, like someone was running. They were coming closer and they were behind me. I turned in time to see the jeep guy running toward me like his life depended on it.

“Help!” He shouted.

What the hell happened to him? Why is he running like that? Is someone chasing him? Don’t tell me some psycho is after him or some monster like jeepers creepers?

And most importantly, why is he running towards me?

Millions of questions were running inside my head when he came and hid behind me, using me as a shield.

Well, aren’t you manly?

I wanted to roll my eyes but the situation only made me drown in my own cold sweat.

I looked ahead to see what kind of thing was chasing him.

“What is it?” I whispered and raised my torque wrench, ready to strike.

“I am really scared of them. I got this phobia when I was once bitten by one when I was five,” he explained hurriedly, “since then, I can’t…” he trailed off making me gulp again. His hands were resting on my shoulder, more like squeezing the life out of them.

What kind of thing can scare him like that? And the answer of this question, came running on his four paws, in the next second.

“Woof!”

I looked with my mouth hanging open at the so-called ‘monster’ that made this six foot man running and screaming like a banshee.

I turned around and gave him my best unimpressed look.

“Like, are you for real?” I asked him, still glaring at him.

“What?” he asked innocently like he didn’t give me the fright of life.

I turned around, but not before stomping my shoes on his feet, accidentally.

I cooed at the dog and he came woofing with tails swishing. God! This dog is so cute. I petted his head and he surprisingly laid down on the road making me laugh. I scratched her belly like she wanted me to. Yeah it’s a she, I saw when she showed me her belly.

I turned around to find the guy hiding behind his jeep. I rolled my eyes. I wanted to laugh at his expense but refrained myself.

“Come out, she’s harmless,” I called.

“I am fine here,” I heard his nervous laugh.

“Stay there, suits you the best” I shrugged and continued, “your jeep is fixed by the way, try it,” I said without looking at him. I was still petting the dog, from her swollen nipples it looks like she has puppies. I wanna see them.

“What are you still doing with the dog? It could be rabid.” I heard his hurried footsteps and key rustling and finally the engine being ignited.

“Don’t worry about me, Mr. Scaredy-cat,” I teased good heartedly, “any problems?” I inquired.

“It’s working fine, thank you, Ms. Brave heart,” he teased back. I laughed at his choice of words. At least he didn’t take my teasing in a wrong way.

I finished up when there were no problems with his jeep, while still that dog followed me around. Mr. Scaredy cat didn’t come out of the jeep because of her, I smirked to myself at his manliness. After finishing up payment details it was time to leave.

“If that is all, Good night,” I said as I grabbed my toolbag.

“Wait,”

“What is it?” I inquired.

Without replying he jumped out of his jeep and stood in front of me.

He didn’t say anything but looked intently at my face making me feel self conscious. I was about to ask what was wrong when he leaned closer and hesitantly touched my face.

But I didn’t object because I was too busy admiring those dark orbs that were his eyes. They looked so dark in moonlight, like night itself.

A sudden gust of wind ruffled his already messy hair, snatching my attention from eyes to his hair. I fisted my hands, when I saw a few locks were lingering on his forehead, to stop this sudden urge to push them back.

I gulped when I found my way back to his eyes. The look in his eyes made my throat go dry.

Something mild and spicy invaded my senses, making me realise I unconsciously took a step closer.

I could feel my face getting hot and my eyes as wide as saucers. That was when I felt his thumb grazing my jawline in a slow rhythm.

I felt my heart beat accelerate at the close proximity between us. Again, his eyes found mine with thousands of emotions swirling in them.

He slowly stepped even closer again, now mere inches were between us. We were too standing too close for strangers who didn’t even know their name. It was then when my brain decided that it had a job to do and that is Work!

I jumped back immediately.

“Wh-what the hell are you doing?!” I demanded feeling hot all of a sudden, his musculine scent still lingered in my mind.

He smirked in return.

I glared at him.

“There was something on your face,” he said innocently.

"You could've just told me," I said, still flustered from his touch.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you," he said, not meaning any of that apology.

"Whatever," I said.

I said, turned and made my way back to the car. I wasn’t expecting a reply honestly.

“Good night, beautiful,” he said. I didn’t turn back. I kept walking and shook my head at his flirty tone.

The dog was still following me around. I wish I could take her home but she’s definitely not alone.

“Come on hurry along buddy, your kids must be waiting for you,” I petted her last time and jumped onto the driver’s seat.

I looked through my windshield as I ignited the engine. I found him still looking my way. Why wasn’t he leaving? I reversed back and turned my jeep and when I glanced at my rear view mirror, he was still there.

I kept glancing at him as he grew smaller and smaller, and finally I couldn’t see him.

I was halfway through my home when I realised something.

I didn’t even know his name and my heart was still beating like crazy.

Who cares? It’s not like I’ll ever meet him again. That guy isn’t good for my heart.

“You have to come with me, please, pwease, puwease,”  Anna, my best friend, whined over the phone.

I love my best friend so much but right now she seems like an enemy to me, trying to murder my beauty sleep.

  “Are you kidding me? I don’t know the first thing about cooking. Plus, I got in late last night,” I said groggily and glanced at my table clock, “and It’s freaking 7 in the morning,” I almost screamed in desperation.

“You don’t love me anymore, do you?” she sniffled dramatically.

“Don’t go there,” I groaned at her antics.

“Aww come on,” her voice came back to normal, I guess she realised I wasn’t gonna fall for her damsel in distress act, “You know this competition is so important to me. The famous chef Wren Hudson is gonna be the judge,” she reasoned out.

“You really know how to manipulate me, yeah?” I sighed defeatedly.

“Yay, I love you too,” she chimed happily, “Be ready in 30. I’ll be at your place by then,” she sang and hung up before I could shout at her.

How the freaky hell am I supposed to be ready in thirty minutes?

I sluggishly started getting ready, in between, looking longingly at my bed. RIP my poor sleep, I’ll meet you soon again.

I barely finished combing my hair when I heard Anna’s car honking. She’s never on time but look at her today.

“Seriously!” I shouted at her through my window giving her an incredulous look.

“Hurry up! I have breakfast,” she shouted back.

My stomach grumbled at the word breakfast and my mood improved a little seeing I’ll be having Anna’s special treat. I skipped down after gathering my things in a small bag.

“Seriously, Girl you should’ve tried dressing up,” Anna commented, as soon as she saw me, giving my simple t-shirt and jeans a once over.

“Like having thirty minutes is more than enough for a girl to dress up,” I retorted sarcastically. That shut her up and we settled in her car while she grumbled about my dressing sense.

“Where is it?” I demanded, to which she grabbed a brown package from the backseat. She handed it to me before igniting the engine and driving off.

I took in the heavenly aroma of waffles and coffee. I would’ve hugged her tightly if she wasn’t driving.

“I won’t kill you for today,” I declared after finishing those heaven worthy waffles while sipping my coffee.

I got comfortable after filling my stomach, even coffee didn’t help me to stay awake and before I knew it I was dozing off.

Unbelievingly, I dreamt of an ice cream chasing me down a dark street who somehow sounded suspiciously like a dog. I was saved by a certain knight who looked a lot like cheese. Strange.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*

“Hey, Grace! Wake up!” I heard Anna, pushing my shoulders back and forth.

I rubbed my eyes and looked around, “Where are we?” I asked her.

"To heaven," she replied sarcastically.

"Very well then, let me sleep," I said and closed my eyes again. I heard her groan and chuckled.

“You started it,” I said childishly when she glared at me.

“We’ll be reaching there soon, I am a nervous wreck and you are sleeping,” she complained, making me feel bad instantly.

Anna and I have been friends since middle school. She was that nerdy transfer student, who was lost in the surrounding trying to fit in. One day when my friends ditched me at school. I saw Anna was sitting alone in the cafeteria which I later discovered was because her friends had ditched her too. We ended up having lunch together and later ended up sitting besides each other during classes. And the rest is well history.

“I am sorry, I am sorry, I just came home late last night and am just freaking sleepy,” I explained but she only scowled at me, “Your highness, do you need my help in anything?” I bowed dramatically, it was meant to be sarcastic but still I wanted to help her.

“I need to win this competition. Just imagine winning a competition who has Wren Hudson as the judge. My career will be accelerated at a pace you can't imagine. Also, the prize includes a month training under him," she said dreamily.

"Okay, okay. I get it. It's important," I said, now fully awake.

"It's damn important," she chided.

After that I earned her infamous scowl that dared me to fall asleep again.

Of course I slept again. What can I say, I can't resist challenges but a whack on my head woke me up again.

“We are here!” I heard her nervous excited voice.

“Yay,” I said as unenthusiastically as I could.

I followed her out still sleepy as hell.

"I swear if you don't wake up from your daze now, I'm gonna kill you with my butcher knife," she threatened.

"I'm awake," I said as I bumped into a hard wall and stumbled back, "Ouch!" My poor nose.

“Excuse me,” the wall spoke.

Are you dreaming, Grace? Walls don’t speak. My mind deadpanned.

I was still rubbing my nose when I heard Anna squealing,

"Oh my god!" She squealed, non-stop.

I looked up to where she was staring and my sleep vaporized like mist in the sun as soon as I found who she was dreamily staring at.

“You!” we said at the same time.

I couldn’t tell the color of his eyes last night, but now in broad daylight I could see his hazel eyes clearly. His five O clock shadow was now replaced with a clean shaven look.

He looks younger.

I liked that five O’ clock shadow better.

If I said I was surprised, it would be the understatement. I thought we might never cross paths again. I didn’t even know I was staring blatantly at him.

I cleared my throat to try to regain my composure.

"What are you doing here?" we said, again at the same time.

“Mr. Hudson,” Anna started, looking back and forth between us, confused. Wait, he’s Wren Hudson? Anna’s judge. So he’s a chef. So much for gender roles!

And he was amused at finding out I was a mechanic. Chauvinistic pig.

Is it wrong of me to hate people who comment on my work of choice?

“Hello, Mr. Hudson. I am a contestant here and this is my friend, Grace. She is here to support me,” Anna explained.

“Grace.” He said my name slowly as if testing it on his tongue and then his lips curled up in a breathtaking smile, “I totally forgot to ask your name last night, glad I found you again. Grace.” He did it again, saying my name slowly.

Like he couldn’t get enough of it.

What the freaking hell are you saying? Or rather concluding.

I thought I saw his flirting last night but now he’s on another level. I peeked at Anna. She looked like a fish, who kept opening and closing her mouth unable to say anything, trying to find a hint somewhere.

“I am Wren. Sorry for the late intro,” he chuckled and offered his hand for a handshake, I took it and gave a firm shake. My businesswoman mode instantly on.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Hudson. I hope your Jeep isn’t giving you any trouble now?" I asked because that’s the first thing that came on my mind apart from his eyes.

He opened his mouth, maybe to retort or curse I won’t know because someone called his name.

“I would love to talk about my jeep’s well being but that seems urgent,” he smiled apologetically, “Excuse me ladies,” he took his leave.

My eyes followed his every move, and got stuck on his fine looking *** as I imagined squeezing it.

“That *** is something,” Anna mumbled. Crap, I'm not the only one staring at his dreamy ***.

Unwantedly a pang of jealousy shot through my chest.

The heck, why would I be jealous? It's not like I own him.

Now I felt disappointed. Dang my hormones and mood swings.

“Eww Anna,” despite my words I giggled.

It looked like Anna collected her scattered brain because she started firing questions.

“Last night?” she asked totally misinterpreting Wren’s conversation, “What the hell happened between both of you? Is that why you were so tired? Because he worn you out? Why didn’t you tell me? I want all the juicy details. You had that fine piece of ***-” before her comment reached X-rated level, I stopped her.

“I fixed his vehicle last night. That’s what he was talking about, not some hot night sexcapde,” I commented dryly. Why the hell do I sound disappointed?

You’ve lost it, Grace.

I tried to give a short recap of last night’s event to Anna, because she kept on throttling me and even threatened me to never let me have her food again. That scared me shitless and I narrated everything.

“I think he’s smitten with you,” she said thoughtfully, making me snort.

“If I remember correctly, you said before, how Wren Hudson is a big player right? To him it was all just flirting. A way to kill his time, I guess,” I shrugged nonchalantly but inside something kept squeezing my heart.

Do I have indigestion?

“I don’t know. Look it’s time for me to go, they are calling all contestants. **** I am getting nervous now,” she said biting her lips.

“Hey, you are an amazing cook, you’ll be ok, I am sure no one is any match of you,”

“Really?”

“Yep.”

“If I didn’t win today, I’ll kill you,” she said jokingly then she hugged me and left.

I don’t understand why she’s so worried, she’s in top of her class. If she doesn't win, it's safe to say that those judges will need to learn some judging.

Judging reminds me of a certain judge, more of a handsome hunk. He certainly looked dashing dressed in formal clothes. Maybe it’s normal for me to be disappointed. Or not.

Who are you kidding? You’re obviously attracted to him. My mind chided.

Shut up.

*-*-*-*-*

All of the visitors got called and gathered in the hall where the contest will take place. I found a seat in the middle of the hall. An announcer came and started calling all the judges. My eyes instantly found Wren as he made his way to the judge's seat.

He looked so serious, sitting there looking over contestants. His last night’s flirty and easy going demeanour nowhere to be seen. Is he really the same guy or am I being delusional?

There’s a thing called being Professional, you know? Again, my mind butted in.

Oh. Right.

He looked like someone else. It was weird, I felt like I knew him but now looking at him sitting there he looks like a completely different person. It made me realise I don’t know anything about him.

Of course you met the guy only last night, my mind interrupted again.

Is there any way where I can slap my own mind?

I shook my head, trying to get rid of his thoughts plaguing my mind. I tried to focus on the contest instead of drooling over some guy.

I learned that contestants had three challenges, and on the first challenge they had to find at least seven spices from a dish given to them. I smiled, Anna is an expert on it. It will be a piece of cake for her.

She was the first one who completed the first challenge, like I said she’s an expert, she found more than seven spices used in the dish.

Anna passed the challenge, and there were only 5 contestants left for the second round. She passed the second one too where they had to make a dish from aloe vera.

I waited on the baited breath when they were announcing the winner, and me being stop breathing, wasn’t really about Wren was one who was announcing the winner at all.