Broken Bad Boy novel Chapter 23

PERCIE

I stepped on the brake. The tires screeched. Our body whiplash as the car stopped to a halt. I was too angry to notice that the traffic lights just turned red. Damn it, Hailey.

“Are you okay?” I checked for her. She was holding her chest and breathing rapidly.

“Lee.” I regretted it right away. What was I thinking, letting my emotions clouded my judgment? I cupped her face and looked her in the eye. Everything flashed back at me, of what happened months ago when I saw the reaction in her eyes.

She blinked rapidly, constantly nodding. Thank God she always wore her seatbelt whenever she rode with me.

“I’m sorry, Hailey. I was just angry. This won’t happen again. I think you should buy a car. The sooner, the better. I can’t risk your life like this.” I stared at her in the eye longer until she gave me a reassuring smile.

“I’m okay. I was just a little bit shaken.” Her voice didn’t lie.

The horns behind us started me. I cursed silently. I drove carefully this time. I still remembered the wrecked of my dad’s car after that accident. I might be walking to campus if I used my car during that incident.

***

I’m sweating everywhere after checking Hailey’s car from the engine, carburetor, wires, interior, and tires. I also changed the oils. Her Honda Accord 2019 would run like brand new. Although it ran long miles already, that man in the selling garage didn’t actually lie. This car was worthy of her dad’s money.

“Lee!” I called while wiping my sweat off my forehead. I had to remove my white shirt before start checking her car. The garage of her father was a little a bit smaller now her car was already here.

“Pe—” She stopped when she saw me. I ignored the tingles as she checked me out sweaty, greasy, half-naked in her dad’s garage.

“Hailey, try to start it now.” I closed the hood of her car.

I was running out of patience when nothing happened. I looked back at her. Her face was a deep crimson. 

“Um—” She blinked rapidly.

“What’s wrong with you?” I asked harshly. Remember, Percie. I’m like her brother.

“Um, nothing!” She snapped, glaring at me. 

I bit my lip to hold my smile. Fine, I bite it. Nothing, just like you said.

“Then get inside your car because it won’t start by itself.” I rolled my eyes. 

I knew the key wasn’t with her, but she was already inside the car. And she didn’t ask from me. I knocked on her window while dangling the key.

She was still blushing. What was she thinking? My interests piqued me. 

“You can’t drive when your mind is in the gutter, Hailey.”

“Shut up! Just give me the key.” She offered her hand.

“Really, Hailey? Not even a thank you?” She hurt my feelings, honestly. I fished out the key from my pocket and put it in her hand. “You’re welcome.” 

I left her alone, snatched my shirt from the coat rack, and put it on quickly. 

“Lily, Hailey’s car is good as new. She can drive that to our apartment. I’m going home to take a shower. Do you need anything before I go?” 

She gave me her usual motherly smile and pecked me in my sweaty face.

“I’m sweating, Lily.” 

She just giggled. “Thank you, Percie. Why don’t you wait until dinner?.” There’s nowhere I’d rather be, but my feeling is hurt. 

“This Sunday, Lily. Promise.”

“Okay, my dear.”

I pecked her on her cheek. “Got to go.”