Brett had done plenty of maintenance on Jessa’s food truck in the past so Max must’ve known that Brett was a damn good mechanic. She’d even had him replace all the tires on it before she sold it as the new delivery truck for the Sweets n’ Treats bakery.

“If you’re serious about the tapping, it could be a lifter or an exhaust leak. Bring your truck into the shop, and I’ll check it out for you,” he said without hesitation.

Surprised by his reply, Max’s head snapped toward him. “Really?”

“Yeah. And if you can’t bring it in during work hours, just give me a call, and I’ll set up a time after hours to meet with you.”

“Thanks, man. I appreciate it,” Max said, offering his hand.

Brett shook hands with him like they’d been friends for years. “No problem.”

Max stood. “I’ll leave you guys alone now. Your food should be out soon.” He started to walk away but stopped and turned back to Brett. “By the way, I heard that you were thinking about buying that old car lot that went up for sale and turning it into a garage. If you do and you need any electrical work done, let me know. I’d be happy to return the favor.”

“That would be great,” Brett said with a nod. “Thanks a lot.”

As Max finally walked away, Brett sat there dumbstruck. What the hell had just happened? Had they actually become friends? Weird.

But Brett was proud of the way he’d handled things with Max. As usual, the guy had tried to push his buttons. It was exactly why he’d chosen to have dinner at the Gypsy Cantina in the first place. But Brett had been confident in his ability to stay calm and handle whatever Max dished out. Like a real man would. Besides, what better way to prove to Sidney once and for all that he was a changed man than to face his nemesis and let her see that he could control himself?

Funny thing though. He hadn’t realized how good letting go of the animosity toward Max would make him feel.

*  *  *

Who is this new Brett?

It was as if he’d gone from being a caged tiger to a cuddly teddy bear. Sidney could plainly see how hard he had worked to become a better man, and that only made her fall even more in love with him. It also left her wondering if things between them could work out after all. Well, if it wasn’t for one little problem.

Does he feel the same?