Love, Utley (Love Letters #1)

The cop makes an impressed noise. “I’ve got all the information I need to write up the incident. Both cars look drivable to me, so I’ll have everyone clear out and contact their insurance companies.”

“Sounds good.” Maddox nods.

As the officer strides away, Brandon and our other two coworkers walk over to us.

“You guys alright?” Maddox asks the trio as a whole.

They all nod with sounds of agreement.

Maddox looks down at me and releases my hand, then sets his on my shoulder. “You feeling steadier now?”

Even though the summer day is nearly too warm, my hand feels cold without his holding it.

But the move is brilliant. Genius-level thinking. Because if I’d jerked my hand out of his, like I’d wanted to when I saw Brandon looking, it would have looked like an act of guilt. But now, well, now he just looks like a concerned boss. Maybe a little misogynistic by only checking on me, the one female. But to his credit, I was the only one acting like I needed help.

“I’m good.” I look to the other three, trying to act normal. “Sorry. I sorta just…” I lift my shoulders, Maddox’s hand still there. “Freaked out.”

“Totally get it.” One of the guys snickers. “Brandon’s driving does that to me too.”

“That wasn’t my fault!” Brandon throws his hands up. “If that fucker—”

“Chill,” the second guy laughs. “He’s just messing with you.”

“Whatever,” Brandon grumbles. “The cop said we could go, so let’s go.”

Maddox keeps his hand on my shoulder. “Head back and get whatever you need from the office for the weekend, then head home. We’ll call it an early day for everyone.”

“Thanks, Boss Man.” The first guy grins.

“Just trying to avoid any more excitement today. But take it easy, drink lots of water, and if any of you start to feel sore, go to the doctor.” His hand slides across my shoulder to the top of my back, applying a small amount of pressure. “Alright?”

“Yeah. Okay.” The two guys agree as Brandon scowls.

“Come on, Hannah.” Brandon tips his head toward his car. “Let’s go.”

The thought of getting back into his vehicle makes my palms tingle.

“She’s with me.” Maddox’s tone leaves no room for argument. And I have no intention of arguing. “I’d offer to take more, but my car only seats two.”

Brandon’s scowl deepens as the other guys turn their attention to Maddox’s expensive-looking sports car.

“See ya at the office,” I say before I let Maddox guide me toward his vehicle.

After two paces, his hand leaves my back as he steps away. But a moment later, he’s back, handing me my purse.

“Oh, thanks.” I take it, glad one of us remembered.

Maddox just hums a reply.

I know this is a bad idea— getting into a car with Maddox Lovelace— but it feels like less of a bad idea than forcing myself back into Brandon’s car.

Bright side of this whole mess? I can avoid ever having to ride with Brandon again. Since I’ll just claim I’m still traumatized.

Go figure though. The one time I take Brandon up on his offer of lunch, simply to get away from Maddox, I end up in a car accident with the first and then riding alone with the second.

Maddox walks me to the passenger door and reaches past me to pull it open.

His car sits low to the ground, so I let my suddenly exhausted body fall into the seat.