Page 128 of My All American Girl

“I’ll probably always be an adrenaline junkie, but now I can do it on my terms.”

She tilted her head thoughtfully. “Cars, though? Why not motorcycles? Or horses?”

I laughed, picking at my meal. “Why not, indeed? I hadn’t really considered other options. I guess cars seemed like the first logical step after planes. Motorcycles aren’t my thing. I need some metal around me. And horses? No. No real control. When I’m dealing with a plane or a car, I’m controlling things. The car won’t get hangry or buck me off.”

“Ah, a control freak.” She smiled.

“Maybe a little.” I shrugged. “You’re one to talk.”

“The idea of you racing is ridiculously exciting,” she said. “I want to be there watching. And then when you climb out of the car wearing one of those sexy racing suits and you’re all hot and sweaty, I want to run out there and kiss you in front of God and everybody.”

“You’re painting quite the picture,” I said.

“Right?” She grinned, finishing off the wine she ordered. I nodded as I chewed, unable to keep a grin off my face as well.

“The suits are really that sexy?” I asked.

She nodded enthusiastically. “They’re not too far off from flight suits. And flight suits are hot as fuck.”

Our playful banter continued as we finished our meal. We stayed talking and laughing together long after our plates were cleared away. We talked about traveling to new places, experiencing new adventures, and building a life together. The more we talked, the more certain I became that I had made the right choice. I had been thinking about it for a long time, and yes, I was still a little apprehensive about what my future held in store, but she was worth going after.

After dinner, we headed back to her house. We held hands and stole a kiss or two at red lights. I pulled to a stop in her driveway and cut the engine. I wasn’t sure what to do next.

“Looks like my dad left,” she said quietly.

“Maybe he’s taking some time to cool off,” I said.

“Would you like to come in and meet my mom?” she asked.

“I’ve met your mom,” I reminded her.

“Meet my mom as my boyfriend,” she clarified.

“I’d like that,” I said. “Are you sure that’s a good idea? I don’t want to start trouble.”

“The trouble is already started.” She shrugged.

“Then let’s do it.”

We walked inside holding hands. Sarah’s mother and sister were in the kitchen making tea. They looked up as we entered, their expressions curious.

“Hi, Mom, Meg,” Sarah said, forcing a smile. “This is Dean. Dean Ryker.”

Sarah’s mother, Mrs. Thomas, smiled warmly and stepped forward to shake my hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Dean. I’m Karen, and this is Meg.”

Meg, on the other hand, crossed her arms and gave me a scrutinizing look. “Hi,” she said curtly.

“Nice to meet you both,” I replied, trying to stay positive despite the tension in the room. Clearly, the sister didn’t like me. She must take after her father.

“We were just about to have some tea, would you like some?” Karen asked.

“Please.” I nodded.

Karen poured tea for all of us before gesturing for us to go out on the back patio. We sat down and the silence stretched out uncomfortably until Karen spoke up.

“So, Dean, what are your plans now that you’ve left the Air Force?” she asked, her tone genuinely curious.

I took a sip of my tea, gathering my thoughts. It was clear Mo told her. I wondered what else he told her. “Well, for now, I’m focusing on supporting Sarah. She’s got an incredible career ahead of her, and I want to be there for her every step of the way.”