Mz Mechanic Read Online Free Page A

elbows on the railings. Alexia did the same. In high school, they’d exchanged no more than four sentences, but tonight it felt like she’d known Shawn for ages. She needed a friend like that. One that she could talk to easily. Not that she was on his level or anything. She was still the smart little poor girl living on the other side of town whose dad had big dreams for his daughter. Alexia had big dreams for the Reilly business and she wanted to see them become reality.
    “So, besides your business, what else have you been up to?”
    “Just the business. I’m operating it and working there, basically. That’s all I have time for right now until I can hire more folks and we start the expansion.”
    “Oh, come one…you don’t take time out to play?” he teased.
    She shook her head. “Nah…never heard of it.”
    “I hear ya. I’m working the sixty hour work week, so I’m no stranger to all work and very little play.”
    “It’s rewarding though. To see your business take off so quickly.”
    He turned, facing her again. “What about home life? I’m pretty sure your boyfriend misses you a lot.”
    She grinned. “Are you asking me if I have a boyfriend or just assuming?”
    “I’m asking,” he said, slowly.
    “I’m not attached…to anyone.”
    “Then you’re basically free with no one telling you when to come home or that you work too much.”
    She glanced down at his left ring finger. There was nothing there. Not a mark, impression of a ring…nothing. “Sounds like you’re talking from experience. Disagreements with your significant other, maybe?”
    “I’m not married.” He shook his head. “Never have been. Not attached either at the moment. But there have been others. Sixty hour work weeks and a love life just don’t mix.”
    “And that I will agree with you on, Mr. Morgan.” Alexia knew this all too well. Even as a lawyer, her dating life was non-existence. She preferred it that way. There was no one to answer to and she wouldn’t ever have to worry about becoming too attached.
    “Which reminds me…I have an event to go to tomorrow night. A chance to network with some business owners which may generate some leads for me and my firm.” He shrugged. “You know…one of those bring your spouse along events. I’d go, but—”
    “Let me guess…” She pressed a pointer finger to her lip, pretending to be in deep thought. “You don’t have a date.”
    Shawn threw his head back and laughed loudly. “Geez, you’ve turned into shy and timid to direct and feisty.”
    “It’s the only way to be in this dog eat dog world. I learned along the way that if you let people run over you, they will.”
    “You’re definitely right about that.” He nodded. “But look, I’m not trying to run over you…”
    She lifted an eyebrow at him. “It’s better to be direct with me.”
    “Alright.” He shrugged. “I’ll start over. I’d like to invite you with me to an event. A lot of business owners and industry professionals will be there.”
    “I’ll have to think about it.”
    His posture and surprised facial expression told Alexia that he wasn’t expecting that answer. “I’ll give you a moment, but I’ll need an answer by tonight.”
    “I already have plans. I need to make sure that breaking them will be worth my time.”
    “Oh,” he said, curtly. “I can assure you that attending with me will be well worth your time.”
    “You’ve always been sure of yourself, Mr. Morgan.”
    “I know what I’m capable of, Ms. Reilly.”
    “Don’t speak to soon. I’ll have to see.”
    “Does that mean you’ll come with me?” he asked, eagerly.
    “Yes.”
    Shawn’s smile was priceless, and she felt the corners of her own lips turning up in content.
    Over an hour passed when Alexia realized that they were one of the few people remaining at the reunion. Evidently while they were outside on the balcony talking about almost everything under the sun that had occurred over the last