Good Deed Bad Deed, Marcia Morgan [summer beach reads TXT] 📗

“That shirt is nothing compared to some of the wild outfits my sister puts together. She works hard at being unconventional. She would call it trendy.” Ben’s tone was disapproving, but with a tolerant edge.

“So, you have a sister. Will I get to meet her at your parents’ house?”

“Her name is Olivia. I have no idea if she’ll be there. She makes a project of keeping her activities to herself. Thinks it makes her look independent. But she still depends on my parents quite a bit. I guess she’ll grow up in her own time, not ours.”

“ You’re the big brother?”

“ Yep… by about twelve years.” Ben reached for Ana’s suitcase and said, “Let’s go. Nothing matters other than getting out of town. I think rush hour is winding down by now. Are you ready?”

Ana walked over to the desk and told the concierge that she would be away for a few days, but that she would keep the room, that some of her belongings remained there. Ben took charge of her suitcase and handed her the leather jacket. He jumped on the opportunity to ask if she’d had it long enough to consider it a dependable friend. Ana rolled her eyes and followed him out of the hotel into the fading afternoon. For reasons of safety Ben did not want to leave Ana standing on the street while he fetched the car, so he requested that she come with him. They walked a quick block to the garage entrance, Ana trying to match Ben’s long stride.

They stopped at the kiosk and Ben gave the attendant his ticket. The young man matched it to the number on the key and jogged down the row to fetch the car. Ana’s mouth dropped open when she saw the emerald green Jaguar approaching. The attendant stopped the car in front of them and got out. He opened the passenger door and waited for Ana to get in; however, she stood firm, her expression incredulous. Ben opened the trunk, tossed in her suitcase and closed the trunk with a flourish. He went ‘round to the passenger door, and as he motioned Ana to get in, said cheerfully, “Climb aboard! We’re chasing the light.”

Ana’s expression was still one of shock. “Seriously?” she exclaimed, “Surely you don’t expect me to drive a sports car— and on the left side of the road! I can barely function with a standard three gear transmission, let alone what I imagine is four or maybe five in this four-wheeled museum piece.”

Ben had to laugh at the brief diatribe, and then said, teasing, “Are you insulting my baby? You can be sure that it’s up to snuff in every way.” She hesitated a moment before speaking. “We need to get a few things straight. Should I get it in writing that I’ll be relieved of any responsibility for damage while driving this car?”

“That won’t be necessary. Like I said before, I have faith in your ability to rise to a challenge. I’ve seen you in action.” Ben smiled, hoping to put her at ease. “For the record, you’re not liable. Also for the record, this is a classic 1962 XKE 2+2, so I don’t race around in it like an idiot. It’s not that kind of sports car, at least not to me.”

Ana sighed, seeming relieved, and then slid into the passenger seat. With his good arm Ben pulled up the seatbelt and handed it to her. He shut the door, then hurried around to the other side and climbed in beside her. She looked things over, first running her hand over the walnut instrument panel then the supple leather seat, its color reminiscent of warm caramel.

“Have you noticed yet?” Ben asked.

“Noticed what? I’ve noticed there’s a back seat and that the whole interior seems to be top grade.”

“Do you see a gear shift?”

It took Ana a moment before she realized what he was telling her. She looked more closely and noticed the leather encased gear knob extending from the console. A bit confused, she asked again what she was supposed to see. Ben had been playing with her and decided it was enough. They had a two-hour drive ahead, if traffic cooperated.

“It’s an automatic transmission. I couldn’t help but enjoy watching you stew about having to shift.” Ana picked up on the playful glint in his eye before he continued. “This is definitely a classic car, but as I said, I don’t drive like a racer. It’s actually quite easy to maneuver.”

“So you let my angst be your entertainment, Mr. McKinnon?” Her tone was accusatory, but unconvincing. Ben could see that besides being beautiful, she was a good sport. “I’m too relieved to give you a thrashing, but don’t pull anymore stunts on me, or you’ll be driving yourself, shoulder or no.”

Ben agreed to be good, and then told Ana about the extensive work the previous owner had done on the Jaguar, which included rebuilding the engine and replacing the transmission. “I wondered why the man would consider selling it after spending so much to put it right. That might have been a red flag to some people. Fact is, I just wanted it, no questions asked. It ended up being a good deal.” He reached up and patted the dashboard.

Ana thought about his attachment to the leather jacket, and now this elite automobile. She wondered if he could relate to people in the same way, especially to a woman. There were those who could only attach to inanimate objects, the predictability and ability to control being the key. If this were the case with Ben, she would be gravely disappointed. The Jaguar’s engine turned over with a powerful growl, bringing a startling end to her pondering. It settled easily into a satisfied purr before Ben pulled away from the kiosk, exiting the dark garage and embarking on what was expected to be a few relaxing days in the country.

The commuter traffic had not eased,