?Chapter 1602:


    “Brady?” she eximed incredulously.


    “In the flesh,” Brady confirmed, his heartbeat faltering momentarily. “My identity remains intact in your memory?”


    “What kind of question is that?” Colleen’sughter rang out with genuine amusement. “Memory impairment hardly afflicts me. Our previous encounter spanned considerable hours, and your striking appearance hardly qualifies as forgettable. How could recollection possibly fail?”


    “Hmm.” A delicate crimson tinge colored Brady’splexion. Difort manifested in his theatrical throat-clearing as he redirected attention toward her disabled vehicle.


    “Mechanical malfunction?” he inquired perceptively.


    “Indeed.” Displeasure creased Colleen’s forehead. “Urgent transportation needs dictated purchasing a pre-owned vehicle… Barely established ownership, yetplete operational failure greets me.”


    “Mind if I take a look?” he offered.<fn8ce3> Readplete version only at find·novel</fn8ce3>


    “By all means, proceed!” she implored with palpable relief.


    Brady rolled up his sleeves and leaned over the open hood, inspecting the engine with a practiced eye.


    After a brief moment, he straightened up. “It’s a spark plug issue,” he said matter-of-factly.


    “Huh?” Colleen blinked, confused. “What am I supposed to do now?”


    “You’ll have to call a tow truck and get it towed to a repair shop,” he exined.


    “Ugh, that’s such a hassle,” she muttered with a sigh.


    Brady gave a small nod. Seeing the frustration on her face, he offered, “You’re still settling back into Srixby—this kind of thing can be a pain. Want me to help you call a tow truck?”


    “Yes, please!” Colleen answered without hesitation, so quickly it caught Brady off guard. He raised an eyebrow. “You trust me that easily? What if I’m up to something shady?”


    More chapters just for you gα?ησv????s


    “What’s there to be afraid of?” Colleen said, shaking her head with a rxed smile. “You’re Hadley’s little brother—that makes you a brother to me, too.”


    A brother to her… The words settled uneasily in Brady’s mind.


    Brady frowned, just barely. That title didn’t sit right with him.


    Masking his reaction, he forced a smile. “I’ve got it. I’ll make the call.”


    “Thanks, Brady,” she said with genuine warmth.


    Brady dialed the towpany and made the arrangements. “Just hang tight—someone’ll be here soon.”


    “Alright,” Colleen replied, nodding.


    When the tow truck pulled up, Brady took care of everything. Colleen only needed to sign her name on the paperwork.


    “That’s it,” Brady said, dusting off his hands.


    Once the car was hauled off, Colleen let out a long breath, relief washing over her.


    Brady turned to her with curiosity. “So, where were you headed just now, Colleen?” He motioned toward his car. “Come on, I’ll give you a ride.”


    Colleen hesitated—not out of manners, but real concern. “Are you sure? I don’t want to disrupt your ns.”


    .


    .


    .