Page 93 of First in Line

He looks like the cat that got the cream as he straightens up.

“What’s that taste?” I wonder, licking my lips. “Strawberry?”

His grin widens. “Is it still your favorite?”

I nod, unsure what to make of the fact that not only does he remember, he’s been chewing on this gum in anticipation of this kiss. He knows me too well, even after all this time, and it’s a little scary.

Without another word, he takes my suitcase from my distracted grip, and his free hand comes around my back to lead me outside. Among the line of taxis and cars dropping off or picking up friends and family, I notice a particularly extravagant one—a collectible from the sixties if I had to guess. Sure enough, Jax’s assertive steps bring us to it.

“Discretion isn’t really your forte, is it?” I ask with amusement as he opens the trunk.

“The 1966 E-type is a classic,” he dismissively explains.

As he handles my suitcase, I admire the elegant, sleek shape of the car. The deep green bodywork is all elegant curves, stretching forward like an animal about to jump. It’s the embodiment of its logo, a leaping jaguar.

Jax returns to open the door for me, as always, and I get seated in the soft, golden-brown leather. He quickly joins me and gets rid of his gum, using the wrapper he kept in his pocket. I don’t have time to see it coming when he reaches over the space between us to pull me into him, gracing my lips with a famished kiss. We’re a little more sheltered than earlier in the airport, so I allow myself to melt into his embrace. Anyone out there could see us if they tried, but I decide they’re likely all busy, focused on catching their flight or securing their ride to wherever they’re going.

By the time he releases me, I’m a needy, trembling mess, and I’m more aware than ever that coming here was a mistake. A few days in paradise with him? I’ll never want to leave.

“I’m glad you decided to come,” he murmurs, his gorgeous face still inches from mine while his hand cradles the side of my face.

“I’m glad I came, too,” I respond truthfully.

Yes, this is a mistake. But one I’ll get to enjoy a lot. I’ll deal with the consequences of it later.

He gives me one last, adamant peck and gets us on the road. “How was your flight?” he wonders.

“Great. First class definitely ruined coach for me. I don’t know how I’ll ever go back to my peasant life.”

“Was it your first time?”

“Yes. I don’t travel much.”

“Well, I’m glad I was part of this first experience for you.”

“You were a part of many of my first experiences, Jax.”

He smirks at that, a little too proud of himself.

“We’ll be there in four hours,” he explains as we’re exiting the airport grounds.

“You really are insane. I could have gotten on a bus or something. You didn’t have to come pick me up in person.”

“And pass up an opportunity to spend four hours alone with you, princess? Never.”

I chuckle, shaking my head. “Won’t the FIA be mad at you for missing media day?”

“Eh, I told them I had a personal emergency. They’ll fine me and get over it. What the hell was I going to say, anyway? Yes, I’m pretty sure I’ll win this one too. Not just because I’ve won all the races so far this season, but because I’ve won in Monaco five years in a row. They all know this shit.”

I laugh at his cockiness. “And there I was, thinking you had such powerful neck and shoulders to withstand the 5G turns, but it was to hold that big head of yours all along, wasn’t it?”

“That, and so you can’t choke me with your thighs when I’m feasting a little too good.”

Heat immediately blooms within me, starting from my core all the way to my cheeks. When I meet his eyes, they’re full of mischief and promises.

This won’t be a restful vacation, will it? I’ll be going home more tired than when I left.

“What did you tell your boss?” he asks as he pulls onto the highway.