Quarter Mile Hearts(41)

The whole car shrinks in size once he climbs in and slams the door. The smell of him surrounds me, more potent than ever before, because we’re in an enclosed space. The deep breath I take serves to calm my pounding heart as well as an excuse to breathe in the gorgeous scent of him. Armani mixed with… god knows what? Sexy male?

He looks to check that I'm okay, but his eyes dip down to my legs. The skirt barely covers my decency, and his scowl is back.

“Just drive,” I grumble, and after one last lingering look, he fires up the GTO.

At the sound of the V8 engine, a frisson of excitement passes through me. He’s done more to the car, but I hardly have time to appreciate the modifications before we pull up outside The Three Monkeys. That's the downside to living in a small town; it doesn't take long to get anywhere. Really, none of us should own a car; we should walk everywhere.

Max kills the engine and turns in his seat to look at me. He opens his mouth and then closes it, his eyes skimming down my dress, or what constitutes a dress in Beth's eyes.

“Let's get this over with.” I sigh as I reach for the door handle. In a flash, he is out of the car and standing at my door, pulling it open and holding out his hand. I've figured it out now. I swivel in my seat and lift both legs out to set them on the ground, keeping my knees together as I stand. Pleased that I've maintained my dignity, I look up and flash him a satisfied smile. He grins down at me, and that genuine bright smile does something to my insides, practically turning them to mush. I've never seen him look so sincere, and I begin to see what Beth meant when she said it was all a front.

Taking the hand he offers me, I let him lead me up the steps to the door. Before he pushes it open, he stops and turns to me, pushing my hair over my shoulder. His finger brushes against the tender skin of my neck, and my heart jumps into my throat.

“Before we get inside and everyone falls over in shock, or lust, at the length of your dress, I just want to say how stunning you look.” His words blow me away. Then I look into his eyes and fight to breathe properly. Impossibly dark eyelashes fan his dark brown eyes, and he looks at me with something that I don’t recognize. Something I’ve never seen before. Not in Max’s eyes or anyone else’s for that matter. He thinks I look stunning? What the fuck? I don’t think anyone has paid me such an amazing compliment.

“Uh, thanks. You look pretty hot yourself.” And I freeze as my brain registers what my unchecked mouth has said now. Fuck. His lips curve into another panty-dropping, sexy as sin smile and his arm slides around my waist to hold me closer.

“Oh, do I now.” His deep voice washes over me, and my eyes flutter shut when he leans forward. I wait for his lips to touch mine, but they don’t; instead, they brush fleetingly over my forehead. The force of that whisper of a kiss travels down the length of my body, and my toes curl in my peep toes.

“Ahh, I…”

“No, you don’t. You can’t backtrack now. Hmm, this evening just got a little more interesting.” He winks at me, and I let go of the breath I was holding. “Let’s go.” His fingers intertwine with mine, and before I can question him or pull them out of his tight grasp, he pushes open the door to the bar. I try to hide behind his body, feeling very self-conscious and naked. Wait until I get my hands on Beth.



• • •



The reaction when we walk into the bar together is comical. Jaws drop for a number of different reasons. All the guys under forty drink in the sight of my long legs and short ass dress and have to put their tongues back in their mouths. Aaron looks like he’s ready to thump the first guy who makes a move on me, and all the women, even the ones who should know better, zoom in on the fact that my fingers are entwined with Max’s and scowl at me. Beth rushes forward, dragging Aaron with her.

“You look amazing. I’m so glad you’re here now.” She hugs me, and her mood has certainly improved. I look over her shoulder at Aaron, and he confirms my suspicions that she’s been drinking. At least it’s relaxed her. Then she grabs Max in a hug but pulls back when he half-heartedly returns it.

“Are you to blame for the dress she’s wearing?” He looks pointedly at her, and I wish he’d just get over it.

She gives him a sly smile. “No, actually. Nothing I have would fit Leigh, she’s too tall. This one’s on Sugar.” She turns and points to where Sugar is sitting at one of the table and waves.

“So, it’s meant to be that short?” He looks down at my hemline again.

“Yup.” Beth can’t hide her amusement at the disgruntled look on his face.