Traction - Dani Rene Page 0,26
all man. The bitterness of the beer he had still on his tongue as I tangle mine with his. Slowly, ever so gently, he turns all the way over until he’s hovering over me, and I’m lying back on the cool sand. But nothing can quell the ache swirling in my belly.
“I want to do this,” he tells me earnestly with affection swimming in his gaze. The harsh crash of waves on the shore, along with the magical starry night, makes this seem like a fairytale, and it would be so easy to get lost in the fantasy, but I know it’s dangerous.
“You enjoy living life in the fast lane,” I whisper as he presses his lips tentatively to the corners of my mouth. “I’m used to a slower speed.”
“Then we’ll take it as slow as you’d like,” Kayden promises before kissing me hard. His mouth molds to mine, his tongue owning mine, and his body cocooning me, causing warmth to travel from my head right down to my toes. The heaviness of him keeping me pinned down to the ground. I tangle my arms around his neck, holding on for dear life because this roller coaster is going to throw me off course.
When the cool breeze picks up, Kayden breaks his connection to me. A smile dances on his lips as those eyes watch me.
“What?” My voice is a husky whisper.
“I think you’re absolutely exquisite,” he tells me. “I can’t believe you would ever think anything other than that.” He’s not joking. His expression is serious as he kisses me quickly once more before he pushes to his feet, holding out both hands to me. I accept, and he tugs me to stand before wrapping both arms around my small frame.
It’s suddenly chilly, and a lightning strike shoots from the clouds, thunder rumbling in the distance, causing me to jump.
“Oh, god.” I laugh when Kayden looks at me curiously. “Sorry, I’m not a fan of storms.”
“Let me take you home,” he offers, grabbing my hand and leading me back to the car. Once inside, he doesn’t start the engine immediately. Instead, he looks over at me, a grin on his face. “I don’t know how this is going to work, or even how we’re going to be around each other at work, but trust me when I say this isn’t a one-night thing at all,” he insists.
I want to nod, but for a moment, I ponder his words, praying he’s not lying. If he had come into my life a few months ago, I would’ve run in the opposite direction, but right now, I want to give him the benefit of the doubt.
“I’ve never … I haven’t really had a boyfriend before,” I admit shyly. “So, this is new to me.”
Teal eyes widen. His mouth opens then closes. I almost expect him to tell me to forget it, that he doesn’t want to deal with someone inexperienced, but he doesn’t. He nods, then says, “Then I better be on my best behavior.”
“Just don’t be an asshole,” I snap, livening up the banter because I don’t like the seriousness of the air between us.
“Me? An asshole? Never going to happen, speedy,” he tells me with a chuckle, using the name he calls me back on the track.
“You’re so original.” Rolling my eyes, I earn myself a poke in the ribs, the lightheartedness taking over the rather serious conversation from the beach.
“I still want to know all there is to know about you, Haelee,” Kayden says, before starting the car. I know he’s going to need to know where I really came from, who my birth mother was, but for now, we’ll allow that part of my life to remain a mystery.
“What time are we training tomorrow?” It’s the weekend, but I’m hyped to get back behind the wheel. Even though today was a bust after our fight and our kiss, I can’t wait to see his face when I race him around the track again. I know Kayden is good. I’ve watched videos of his races online. But me beating him that first time was most definitely a fluke because there is no way I would’ve gotten by Kayden Mercer.
“Tomorrow, I’m taking you on a date,” he informs me. “Colton said we should be back on Monday, so we have the weekend to go on a few dates.”
“A few dates?” My brows furrow in amused confusion.
Kayden shrugs. “Yeah, I see it as at least four—Saturday we can do lunch, then