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Olivia stepped over to the passenger side, but didn’t get in. “Just in case you’re thinking of kidnapping or axe murdering me, be warned that I can defend myself.”
I was a little taken aback by her statement, but I understood that getting into a stranger’s car was a big thing for a woman. “Do I give off that kind of vibe?”
She folded her arms. “No. But an axe murder never does.” She lowered herself into the passenger seat.
This woman was tough. I figured I would have to work extra hard to get through her exterior. I shut her door and sank into my side as she hooked up her seatbelt.
“So, are you going to let me in on what we’re doing today?” One of Olivia’s eyebrows arched upward.
“Nope.”
Her scowl was adorable.
We headed out to the place where I intended to share one of my passions with Olivia. We both exited my car and I met her at the bonnet where I held out the extra baseball cap I’d brought along with me. “Welcome to the Auto Club Speedway. It’s race day, baby. I hope by the end of today, you’ll have as much love for octane as I do.”
She made me wait and I felt tiny under her gaze. Finally, she stepped forward. “Show me.”
I lowered the cap onto her head and took her hand. It was tiny, just like the rest of her, but it felt right tucked into my own.
With the tickets I bought online, I was able to jump the line and find our seats quickly. The crowd cheered while Olivia watched the Indy cars fly around the speedway.
“That’s another flawless lap by Donovan!” the announcer shouted over the loudspeaker.
Olivia’s expression was unreadable.
“What do you think?” I asked.
“It’s . . . I dunno. This is my first time coming to any kind of racetrack.”
I leaned close to her and whispered, “I’m glad I could be the first to pop your cherry.”
Olivia smirked. I could see the blush on her cheeks. “Sorry to say, mate, but someone else got there way before you.”
I chuckled. Damn, this woman was amazing. She surprised me at every turn. I was looking forward to getting to know her better and better.
“What is it about cars driving around in circles that gets your engine revving, Emmett?” she asked.
“These aren’t just any cars. They’re Indy cars. They’re high-speed death machines that require the driver to be in top physical and mental form. These guys are athletes at the top of their game, and I guess I admire their fortitude. It reminds me of how we have to be in the military.”
“Is that why you drive a sports car of your own?”
I nodded and pointed to the cars. “It’s the closest I’ll ever get driving something like this.”
“It has nothing to do with the purr of the engine? The smell of the fuel in the air?” Her own purr was sexy as all hell.
I narrowed my eyes at her. “Is that what you’re getting out of this experience?”
She bit her bottom lip and nodded. I noticed her leaning toward me.
“What else are you getting out of this experience, Olivia?” My voice became husky as my body was affected by her nearness.
“That maybe you’re not an axe murder.”
“Oh, is that all?”
She shrugged. “That maybe I should ignore my head for once and listen to my heart and take a chance on you.”
The bills of our caps collided. I turned my head to the side so I was close enough that I could feel the wisp of her breath on my face. “Why are your head and your heart in a battle over me?”
