Thad stands and I swoop in, grabbing Danger by the arm. “Ready, sweetheart? I really wanted to get on the road so we could get to Indy sooner.”
Danger stands, hooking one arm around my waist. “Sure thing.” And then he leans in and kisses my neck. “I just can’t get enough of this woman.”
I smile, and then we walk away. I give a quick wave to Lilah on my way out, putting my hand up to my ear telling her to call me.
“I want to apologize to Colton before we leave,” Danger says to me once we’re out of the ballroom.
“Oh, I saw them leave the ballroom earlier.”
Danger’s face appears dejected. “I heard they’re doing the race circuit too, so they might be somewhere else along the way.”
“So his wife owns Corporate Cares?” he asks.
“I don’t know if she owns it, but I know she works there. Why?”
Danger smiles. “No reason. Let’s get out of here.”
Danger and I spend the next thirty minutes checking out and loading our car, before we’re once again on the road.
Neither of us has mentioned what happened at breakfast earlier. I don’t dare bring it up because I really don’t ever want it to happen again. Maybe I should let him know that.
“You can’t touch me like that again in public. We’re supposed to be a respectable couple. In love.”
Danger just focuses on the road, silently thinking about who knows what. Maybe he’s not even thinking. And then finally, after a few moments he says, “Did you not like it?”
I did. “I didn’t,” I lie. “It isn’t something I would ever do in public. I have a reputation to uphold.”
Danger laughs. “Well, I have a rep, too.”
“Yes.” I fold my hands in my lap. “And it’s the thing we’re trying to change for your sake. You want to win, right?”
He rubs his thumb and forefinger over his eyebrow, tugging the hair absentmindedly . “Yeah, I do. Sometimes I just can’t help it.”
“Why?” I’m no therapist, but maybe just talking it through can help Danger with the reasoning behind his rambunctious ways.
He shrugs, eyes on the road. “Let’s just say I have a lot of madness in my head, and sometimes the crazy acts help calm it.”
I wasn’t expecting that answer. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“It means that when I’m being reckless it makes me feel alive.”
I laugh a little. “And all the other times you feel dead?”
He stares at me for a second before his eyes hit the road again. “Maybe not dead, but I don’t really feel alive either. Like just a void of everything.”
“That’s not a good way to live.”
He laughs. “Tell me about it.”
“So right now, right now you feel a void?”
He doesn’t say anything, just keeps driving for a few minutes. I guess he’s not going to answer, and I guess that’s fine. I’m sure I pried too far.
He doesn’t have to talk to me. This is an assignment. One to prove to my father that I can do business.
Before I can say anymore on the subject, Danger steps on the gas. “What are you doing?” I ask.
“Being a little reckless.” He smiles as he goes even faster.
I’ve grown up in the racing world. I even know how to handle my own with an Indy car. And I can drive fast, too. But I’m smart about it. I’m not one to disobey the speed limits on the interstate like Danger is right now.
“Slow down.” I grab the handle along the top of the door.
“Oh come on,” he says, speeding even faster, “I thought you wanted to feel alive.”
“I don’t think dying is a good way to feel alive.”
He laughs, and the sound only intensifies my fear. This guy is bat shit crazy. He sets his hand on my thigh with his other hand on the wheel as he speeds down the highway.
Thank god there’s no other cars around on the road.
“You’re insane.” I’m not going to lie, his hand on my thigh is making my heart pound. I’m sure it’s the fear.
He inches his hand up my thigh, and under my skirt as his speed continues. His eyes are on the road, his speed close to one-hundred miles per hour and his hand steadily inches closer to the center of my legs.
And the higher he goes, the more I want him there. This is maddening.
I want Danger’s fingers on me. I spread my legs a little, letting him slip freely past my lace panties.
He moans his approval and slides a finger over my slick skin. “All this wetness for me?”
“Slow down,” I warn, trying not to enjoy his finger as it traces over me. “Please.”
He laughs. “You don’t like living recklessly?”
“No, I like living, period.” I push his hand away. “Now slow down.”
He lets his foot off the gas and we start to slow. “Better?”
I twist my body as much as I can in the seat and angle myself so I’m facing the window. “Don’t talk to me for the rest of the way.”
Danger laughs again. “I was in complete control the whole time.”
Chapter 9
Danger
We stop around midnight so I can get a little sleep before driving the rest of the way to Indianapolis.
“I’m just going to call my father while you get the rooms,” Monterey says, stepping away from the car and putting her phone up to her ear.
I head into the lobby, smiling at the blonde behind the counter. “Two rooms, please.” I wink at her just for good measure. Or maybe because I’m used to winking at pretty ladies. Or maybe it’s because I’m fucking tired and want to get a bed, soon.
She taps at her computer. “I’m so sorry we’re all booked up. We may have one room available for the night.”
I slide my company card across the counter. “Even better. One bed?”
She nods. “Yes, I have a king available.”
Normally I’d fight the clerk, beg her to find another room, maybe even check a neighboring hotel, but instead I crack a grin at the thought of sharing a room with Monterey. I’ve decided I like getting a rise out of her. And sharing a room should do it.
I grab the key and head back out to the car, sliding into the driver’s side to pull around the back of the building where our room is.
The motel is one of those right off the highway deals where all rooms face the street.
Monterey’s back in the front seat, her phone call to her father obviously over.
“What did Daddy Dearest say?”
“I just let him know we’ll be there tomorrow. He has a lot of things to go over with you at the track. So I figured I could drive the rest of the way so you can get some more rest.”
I start the engine, pulling through the parking lot. “I like that idea.” I park the car right in front of our room, and step out.
“Pop the trunk. I need my bags.”
I do as she says, popping the trunk and pulling out her roll luggage and then pulling out my duffle. I still haven’t told her about the one room, and I’m actually looking forward to the moment she finds out.