Manchester Massive

Steam poured from Tom's bonnet in the middle of Moss Side. Perfect.

"Pop the hood, babes, let mi look."

The voice came from a figure emerging from the garage across the street. When Sasha got close, Tom forgot about the car entirely.

She was thick in overalls that couldn't hide those curves, dark skin smudged with grease, natural hair pulled back. Gorgeous.

"Head gasket," she diagnosed. "Yuh going nowhere tonight."

Her garage was small but well-equipped. She got to work while Tom watched, mesmerized by the way she moved, the confidence in her hands.

"Yuh just gonna stare?" she asked, amused.

"Sorry, I just—you're—"

"Used to it." She wiped her hands on a rag. "Car's gonna need parts. Morning delivery. Yuh need somewhere to stay?"

"I couldn't—"

"Flat's above the shop. Come."

Her flat was warm, smelling of incense and home cooking. She showered off the grease and emerged in a silk robe that showed everything.

"Better," she said, catching his stare. "Yuh know, mi don't usually bring customers home."

"What's different about me?"

"Yuh got kind eyes. And a nice ass." She sat beside him. "And mi been single too long."

"That's a crime."

"Then punish mi."

That thick body in his arms was heaven. She moved with the same confidence she showed under the hood—knowing exactly what she wanted, exactly how to get it.

"Yes! Harder! Oh God, yes!"

Manchester nights had never been hotter.

The car was fixed by noon. Tom didn't leave until the following week.

"Come back," she said at the garage doors. "For maintenance."

"Weekly checks?"

"Daily."

He traded his apartment for one closer to Moss Side. Now Sasha fixes his car for free.

And fixes everything else too.

Manchester's best-kept secret: the mechanic with magic hands.

In more ways than one.