Page 18 of High Velocity

“I do, actually.Got a good nest egg, and I’ve already been looking at plans.Know any good builders?”

“I do, actually,” Owen echoed, smiling.

Another hour passed with plenty of conversation before Charli said she’d better go and get some rest.She offered Harvey a ride back to his shop, but he said he’d catch a lift from one of the guys.

“You head out, be safe, and sleep well.I’ll see you in the morning,” he said.

“Sure thing, boss.”Charli kissed his cheek and began goodbyes to everyone, who once again welcomed her before wishing her a good night.

“I’ll walk you to your car,” Roark said.

Charli nodded as she gave Owen a final hug.“Give my love to Glenda, and I’ll see you all Saturday.”

“Good night, girlie.”

Charli grabbed her dad’s cut and started toward the fence.She was surprised when Roark took her hand in his.She looked down at their linked fingers then up at him.He quirked a brow.

“You good with me holding your hand?”

“Yeah.”She faced forward, feeling her lips stretch with her smile.

When they reached her car, Roark pushed her against the driver’s door and claimed her mouth.Charli moaned but quickly got on board, kissing him back with earnest.His hands roamed down her sides, grazing her breasts before settling on her hips.He was hard.Again.And he ground his erection into her, lighting her up.

“Ask me to come over tonight,” he rasped, licking into her mouth.

She couldn’t think straight, could only respond by twirling her tongue with his before sealing her lips over his mouth.

But Roark pulled away, his face hovering above hers.“Ask.Me.”

Charli blinked rapidly, clearing the lust-induced haze he’d put her in.His fingers dug into the flesh beneath the edge of her top as he pressed his body to hers.

“Come over tonight.It’s—”

“I know right where you’re at,” he said, as if knowing she was about to tell him the location.Suddenly, he backed up, his stare burning into her.“Take a breath.”Another step back.“I’ll see you soon.”

She nodded and watched him distance himself before turning around and striding away.Charli took that breath, and then another before she felt steady enough to climb into her car and safely drive home.Mercifully, the drive was a short distance, and once parked beside her RV, she rested her head against the seat, taking a moment to calm herself.

Was this happening too quickly?Would this be a mistake to have him in her bed so soon?

No.If she’d learned anything from life so far, it was to never pass up an opportunity for what you wanted.And she wanted Roark.For how long?That remained to be seen.

That depended on him actually, because Charli could picture long-term.Sure, there was a lot to relearn about the man, but she wanted that.Wanted to know all there was to know about Roark and what a future might look like together.

She exited her car and went inside her temporary home, eagerly anticipating Roark’s arrival.