Page 30 of Racing Heat

“Cassie.” He says my name as if it’s a prayer. I turn around slowly and look up into his eyes.

“Yes” is the only word that comes out of my mouth.

He doesn’t speak. He takes away the extra space between the two of us. He grabs my coffee and leans into the Jeep, placing it with his in the cupholders. Before I ask what’s happening, I’m hauled into his arms. He pins my back against the Jeep, his lips finding mine in a frenzy. I’m not so much a participant yet; my brain is still catching up. Jase is in total control, his lips working mine. Slowly, he runs his tongue against my bottom lip, begging for entrance. I give in and open to him. As his tongue dances with mine, it hits me.

Jase is kissing me!

Jase is kissing me and he’s one hell of a good kisser. I bring my arms up around his neck and pull him closer, suddenly very aware that he’s wearing thin running shorts. He comes alive against me, just from this kiss. I moan into his mouth, wantingto wrap my leg around him and pull him closer. Feel him at my core.

But before I can, he pulls away.

“Wow,” I say breathlessly.

He doesn’t speak. Instead, he just watches me, brown eyes burning into mine.

“Yeah, wow.” He smirks. “That was what should have happened in that Jeep before we went inside, but I was too chickenshit to do it.”

I smile. “I’m glad you did.”

“Me too.” He heads back around to the passenger side and hops into the Jeep.

I breathe in and out a few more times before lowering myself into my seat. The only conversation on the ride to Jase’s house is him navigating for me. I wasn’t given an address; he just directs me turn by turn.

My eyes go wide when we pull up to his house. It’s huge. “Why do you have such a big house? How many bedrooms is this?” It’s a two story, that much I can tell. It’s a beautiful white house with black shutters. The outside is meticulously landscaped, with pretty pink flowers lining the walk. “Seriously. Why do you live in a place like this?”

“August,” he says, as if that should explain it all. It almost does, because August doesn’t do anything halfway. And he lives in luxury; everything is always the best with him. “I was living in a hotel when he found this place for me. Trust me, I know it’s way more than I need, but I kind of like it. I like having the space as opposed to the loft I left behind in Manchester.”

I nod. “Yeah, I’ll say it’s way more than you need.”

I watch him closely, wondering if he’s going to say anything about that kiss. It’s been the only thing on my mind since we started driving. Thankfully, I was able to navigate to his house without incident.

“I guess I’ll see you later at practice.” He goes to get out and then looks back at me. “Thanks for the ride.”

“How will you get to practice?” I ask him.

His brown eyes fall to the dash. “August is going to come pick me up. Take me to the car and all. I would have asked you, but I’m sure you’ve got better things to do.” And then he smiles, and I relax a bit.

“I mean, I could have…” My voice trails off awkwardly.

He chuckles. “Nah, he’s got it. Wouldn’t want to put you out. This was fun. Thanks.” And with that, he exits the Jeep.

I watch him walk toward the house. Once he reaches the door, he turns, waves at me, and disappears inside.

“Wow!” I say, doing a little dance in my driver’s seat.

I’ve wanted him to do that for so long. But…what happens now?

Chapter Eleven

~JASE~

I’m a ball of nerves when we arrive at practice. August hasn’t seemed to notice, though. He’s been busy rattling on about his new marketing plan for the team. The charity night when the girls bartended to raise money for the hospital did very well. The hospital got a nice, fat check, and the team got some great PR. Win-win.

“What’s up your ass today, man?” he asks me. “Is it your car? Did they say it’s going to be expensive to fix? Because if it’s the money you’re worried about…well, that’s your problem.” He chuckles.

Fuck if August can actually take anything seriously.

“Yeah, I heard about the car, but it’s not going to be that much. Something with the starter. It’s not a big deal. A car is being sent to pick me up so I can grab it,” I explain.