Page 37 of Kiss & Collide (Racing Hearts #2)

S ince Chase hadn’t heard from Violet since she’d said she was heading to Reece’s private party, he just decided to head there.

He’d been walking toward the elevator across the dimly lit lobby, some kind of electronica pounding in his ears, when he caught sight of a familiar flash of ivory skin and jet-black hair to his left, half hidden around a corner. Violet.

He’d taken all of a single step in her direction when he realized she wasn’t alone. He went still as he registered who was with her.

Ian. Here in Las Vegas.

Violet and Ian had been standing close together, eyes on each other, so wrapped up in whatever was going on that they were oblivious to everything and everyone around them.

Ian’s hands had been on her, sliding up her bare arms, and Violet …

she was just standing still, just staring at him. Then he had leaned in to kiss her—

Chase hadn’t stayed to watch anymore. He’d seen enough.

He’d gone straight back out the way he’d come, not stopping until he’d caught up to his driver and slipped into the back seat.

Now his head was pounding and he felt ill, panicked. They’d seemed to have kind of a breakthrough the other night, but maybe it had only felt that way to him. They hadn’t declared themselves exclusive. Not even close. He couldn’t even get Violet to admit out loud that they were dating.

Maybe Ian had followed her here, but what if Violet had invited him?

He leaned his head against the leather seat, closing his eyes.

Misery settled heavily in his gut. His chest felt tight, but he bitterly reminded himself that he had no right to be angry.

She’d warned him. He just hadn’t wanted to listen.

She hadn’t promised him anything. He knew her well enough to know she didn’t believe in promising herself to anyone. Not even him, apparently.

And he suddenly felt tired of trying, if she didn’t even really want him to.

His phone buzzed in his pocket, but he was past hope that it was Violet. Whatever she was doing right now, he was the last thing on her mind. When he looked, it was Madison again.

The premiere is a red carpet thing. Lots of press. I felt like I should warn you. I totally understand if that’s not your scene.

He stared at his phone for a beat, rubbing his thumb over the rounded corner. Violet had told him he needed to get better at the game if he wanted to run in the big leagues. Okay, game on. Before he could talk himself out of it, he typed out a response.

Sounds fun. Email me the details. See you there.