All Good Things(87)

"I can't wait until later."

He threw his head back and groaned. "You will be the death of me."

I pushed myself up on my tiptoes and kissed his chin. The brush of stubble against my lips sent a thrill through me as I imagined how it would feel against the softer, more sensitive areas of my body. That was a thought for later tonight, I chastised myself with a sharp shake of my head.

"Take me for a drive." I begged.

"Come." He tugged my hand. "I've been here before. They know me well."

I frowned. "They do?"

He chuckled. "You're not the only one with a need for speed."

I bumped his shoulder with mine. "I didn't think you were one to let loose like this."

He frowned, looking down at me with deep blue eyes. "Have you not noticed my collection of cars? They're all built for speed. Did you think I purchased them to sit and collect dust?"

"Um," I shrugged. "Maybe."

"That is a preposterous assumption, Olivia." He scolded teasingly. "You should be ashamed of yourself."

I laughed. "Yes," I nodded through my blush. "It is preposterous. You'll just have to teach me a lesson."

His shoulders stiffened and he hissed in a deep breath as he looked down at me. Horror mingled with, what I believed, was arousal in his eyes. His hand tightened around mine and his brow furrowed, marring his handsome features with a look of stress. "What did you say?"

I fumbled for words. What did I say to set him off? "I was teasing you, Jace."

He nodded, looking pale. "Of course."

"Jace," I frowned. I didn't know what to say, or what had made him so tense. I had only been teasing...but he had looked at me with...appalled hunger?

"They are waiting." He nodded to the tall industrial building and forced a smile. "Come."

My attention wavered as a tall, bald man, in his early forties started walking toward us. His eyes were filled with laughter as he stared at my hand tucked in Jace's. His eyes scanned my face and he nodded. My heart knocked in my chest.

"Jace Rush." His burley voice carried over the airwaves and Jace nodded in response. "It's been a while. I was wondering when you were going to come around for your next fix."

I cocked my head to the side. "Fix?"

Jace laughed, shaking hands with the bald man. "Olivia, this is Kyle." Kyle extended his hand and I shook it.

"How do you do?" His eyes scanned my face again and I blushed under the scrutiny.

"Fine, thank you." I swallowed my nerves. "And, yourself?"

"Oh, I'm great." He grinned, released my hand and looked back at Jace. "You here to race the Veyron?"

"We are." Jace nodded. "Olivia will be my passenger today."

Kyle winced. "You know we can't let you take her out with you, Jace. It's too dangerous."

"I will pay whatever I have to pay to get her into the seat next to me." Jace spoke easily and I blushed bright red. This was, so not, how I saw our date unfolding.

"Jace, it's really okay." I ensured. "I don't mind watching."

He looked down at me with fierce determination and heady confidence. "You're coming with me, Olivia."

"Jace, think about this." Kyle said roughly. "I've seen you drive. You're good. But, if you lose control...you aren't walking away. Do you really want to subject her to that possibility?"

"You know I won't take the same risks with her beside me, Kyle." Jace spoke with venom. "She's coming with me."

Kyle shook his head uncomfortably before setting steely eyes on me. I squirmed. "You'll have to sign a waver."

"Of course." I smiled unsurely and Jace tightened his hold on my hand.

"Come on, then." Kyle turned his back. "Let's go sign your life away."

***

I stared through the windshield at the track ahead and wiped my moist palms on my thighs for what felt like the thousandth time. I was nervous. My seatbelt was buckled and the car was stationary. I thanked the heavens for small mercies as the low rumble of the engine drowned out the rampant beating of my heart.

Jace frowned. "We don't have to do this."

I shook my head. "I want to." Especially after he paid all that money to get me into this seat beside him. There was no way I was backing out now.

"Are you sure?" Jace asked. He revved the engine and the Veyron growled, a sweet seduction of my senses.

"Oh," I smiled breathily. "I'm sure."

"Hold on." Jace grinned...and then he floored it.

The Veyron shot off like a black arrow from the pavement and into the air. I stared straight ahead as the rubber claimed the asphalt. My entire body felt as though it were defying gravity as I was pulled back into the seat, molded to the leather. My heart raced in my chest as exhilarated excitement consumed me entirely.