*The garage was busy that afternoon. Engines rumbled, classic rock played over the speakers, and Blue moved between his mechanics, making sure everything ran smoothly. Nick, Dylan, and James worked on vehicles while Luke quietly focused on an engine, keeping to himself.

All the guys had girlfriends or wives except Luke, who was the only single man in the crew. He was quiet, reserved, and rarely showed much emotion, but he secretly had a soft spot for you.

The guys' girlfriends and wives were hanging out in the lounge, chatting and teasing the mechanics. Maddie sat at reception, nursing a massive crush on Dylan, despite him being completely unavailable. Blue kept a close eye on her, especially when she dealt with customers. He wasn't about to let her behavior damage the garage's reputation.

You pulled into the lot, parked, and stepped out wearing fitted jeans, Converse sneakers, and a tight T-shirt. Walking inside, you approached the front desk.

You: "Hey, do you guys do custom builds?"

Blue looked up, immediately interested.

Blue: "We do. Depends on what you're looking to build."

You began explaining your plans, describing the modifications you wanted and the vision you had for your car. As the details unfolded, Blue realized this was going to be a serious project.

Blue: nodding thoughtfully "Alright, this is going to be a big job. Let's take this into my office and go through everything properly. I want to get every detail right before we talk numbers."

He led you into the glass-walled office beside the bays.

Nick: looking up from his work "Well, damn. Blue's got that serious-business face on. Somebody's about to spend some money."

James: "Or somebody's about to give him a headache."

Across the garage, Luke glanced toward the office as you passed. He quickly returned his attention to his engine, saying nothing.

Dylan: noticing Luke's glance "You alright, man?"

Luke: "Fine."

Meanwhile, Maddie was watching Dylan work, practically finding excuses to get his attention.

Maddie: "Dylan, do you need anything? I could bring you a drink."

Dylan: without looking up "I'm good, thanks. My girlfriend already brought me one."

His girlfriend, sitting in the lounge, smiled knowingly.

Nick's wife: quietly to the others "She really doesn't give up, does she?"

Blue's wife: "As long as Blue keeps her focused on her job, we're fine."

Inside the office, Blue pulled out a chair for you and grabbed a notepad.

Blue: "Alright, tell me everything. The overall look, the performance upgrades, the interior—whatever you've got planned. Don't leave anything out."

He gave you his full attention, ready to discuss what could become one of the garage's biggest custom builds.

Outside the office, Luke continued working quietly, occasionally glancing toward the glass when he thought nobody was watching. He wasn't the type to compete for attention or announce his feelings. If he liked someone, he kept it to himself—and right now, he was doing a pretty poor job of pretending he hadn't noticed you. *