Axel - ON HOLD

Chapter 12

Axel

I'm not working this morning, and I have big plans.

So, I shower and down some coffee, then I get dressed and head out.

I say hi to Buck when I get downstairs. He's not overly busy at the moment, which is why I'm not clocking in until later. He's standing by his work bench with a coffee and the newspaper, the radio playing in the background. Everything's quiet, but it's still early.

"You working this afternoon?" Buck grumbles from his coffee mug. "I got an old Mustang in need of a rebuild. Said I'd have it ready by Thursday."

"Sure." I nod as I head out. Seth isn't here either, and I know he doesn't exactly have a work schedule. He comes by when he feels like it. Maybe he'll show up today, maybe he won't.

I hop into my car with one destination in mind; the fucking Thornton Mausoleum. I still haven't checked the labyrinth out yet, and I am eager to know if any of my old books I left down there are still readable. I drive out of the parking lot and on to the dirt road leading away from Bucks, wondering if I should just take the not-so-secret passageway into the labyrinth from the Thornton House pool house basement, rather than wasting my time going through the actual labyrinth itself. But my deliberations don't last long when a familiar jeep passes me on the road.

I slam on my brakes immediately. This road only leads to one place.

What the hell is she doing out here?

Looking for me?

With no hesitation, I turn in the road and drive back the way I just came, needing to know why Maya is on her way to Bucks.

I ease into my usual parking spot, watching as she hops out of her jeep in front of the garage. She looks around, taking the Auto Shop in, and I notice she's clutching a piece of paper in her hands as she nervously approaches the open garage roller doors. Buck steps out, coffee cup in hand, and they start talking as I get out of my car, shutting the door loudly behind me. Neither of them turn to look at me as I approach.

"No problem at all, it'll take around ten minutes." I hear Buck say as he smiles at Maya. She isn't facing me, so she doesn't know I'm just behind her.

"Thank you so much. Officer Cox pulled me over last night, he told me to come to you." Maya replies, and Buck huffs out a short laugh.

"Barry always sends people my way. I should really thank him for the business." Buck continues smiling at Maya as he walks towards her jeep. She turns around, ready to walk with him, but her feet seem to forget how to move at the sight of me. It's all I can do to hold back a smirk. That, and a fucking erection.

She looks incredible today. Casual as fuck, wearing plain blue jeans and a cream knitted sweater. Fall is well and truly upon us. She can't get away with those skirts and cropped tops anymore.

It's my first time seeing her since I decided I want her. Since I admitted I never fell out of love with her.

I spend about two seconds considering how best to play this, before deciding I don't wanna spook her by being anything other than my usual witty, sarcastic self.

And I better throw in a little asshole too. 

Can't do too much too soon, Axel.

"Admit it, you just can't stay away from me, can you?" I cross my arms over my chest and cock my head, looking down at her as she steps up to me.

"What are you doing here?" She demands in a low voice, twisting slightly to look around me at Buck's retreating back. He isn't listening to us.

"I work here." I answer flatly, watching as her eyes widen in surprise.