Chapter 47
Chapter Forty-Seven
NATHAN
As soon as my agent is gone, I sprint to my truck and take off at a breakneck speed to my house where I grab a few things and ship out.
After what feels like an eternity of driving, I get to the party. Cordelia’s mom is the sponsor who’s funding the Lucky Strikers’ league qualifier run, so I’m not surprised when the GPS directs me to a large mansion.
A live jazz band is playing while waiters are weaving through the living area and outdoor patio with trays of champagne.
Inside is crowded with familiar and unfamiliar faces, but I’m only interested in one person. I spot Riley through the glass patio doors. She’s outside, standing near a telescope, watching stars with Renthrow’s daughter.
My heart tugs me in her direction, but Chris clamors out of the kitchen with a plate full of food. I’m pulled into a conversation with my teammates and my best friend. When I finally get away from them and take a step toward Riley, the team sponsor blocks my path.
Mrs. Davenport is a small, put-together dynamite of a woman who says exactly what’s on her mind.
“Are you single, dear?” She blinks at me. “If you’re interested, I can set you up with someone. I have a bit of a matchmaking talent, you know.”
“I’m sure you do, but I’m already spoken for.” My eyes shift to Riley. She’s the one staring through the telescope now. The other mechanics have joined her and are staring up at the sky.
“Ah, would that be the newest female mechanic?” the team sponsor asks.
I nod.
She grins. “Congratulations to you both.”
“We’re not official yet…” I notice Riley wandering inside and I brighten. “But I’m working on it.”
Riley sees me and a giant smile spreads on her face.
Mrs. Davenport notices and murmurs, “Keep up the good work.”
Riley makes a beeline for me while the other woman disappears into the crowd.
“You’re here,” Riley says, her face upturned.
My eyes fall on her lips and the urge to pull her closer overtakes me.
“Enjoying the party?” I ask, keeping my hands to myself.
“Actually,” she leans in and whispers, “I’ve done enough socializing. Any chance we could go somewhere quiet?”
“Your wish is my command.”
I slip my hand in hers and whisk her to my pickup.
On the way, I ask, “So… earlier, you said something about me passing.”
She turns red. “I did say that.”
“Did you mean that I’ve passed the inspection? Am I free to fly?”
We get to the car, but I don’t open the door yet.
Riley turns to me, eyes falling to my lips before meeting my eyes. “Not sure. I might need to re-test a few key things. Just to double check.”
“Ay-ay, captain.”
I bring my mouth gently to hers.
The way she sighs at the contact, the way she shifts closer to feel more of me, the way her eyes flutter closed—it feels like coming home. Riley wraps her arms around my neck, her fingertips grazing my nape as if she owns me.
Because she does.
Riley shifts away, and her lips disconnect from mine. Her eyes remain closed as she touches her mouth with a sense of wonder.
As I look at her, my heart beats so violently that I figure Cupid must have swapped out his arrows for a bazooka.
“Mm. I stand by my decision.” She blinks slowly. “You pass.”
I chuckle and resist the desire to take her lips again. If I do, I won’t want to leave. I’ll stay right here, drenched in moonlight, mouth on hers, not letting up until she’s begging for air.
I pull back, open the door for her and make a sweeping bow. “After you, my lady.”
Riley grins.
I jog around the hood and reach for the driver’s side door when a sudden, striking pain slices through my leg. I drop the handle of the door and fold over, my pulse jumping.
The pain disappears, but a tiny whirlwind of unease forms in my stomach. I stare at my leg, still feeling the dull thud even though the pain has receded.
“Are you okay?” Riley asks when I finally enter the car. “You’re sweating a little.”
I crack a joke, something about how hot she is. But my mind is occupied with that striking pain.
It must be because I went hard on the ice tonight.
Yeah, I’m sure my leg is fine.
I’m sure I have nothing to worry about.