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JARED WATCHED the women leave, unsure what to say to Dave now that they were alone. Despite their conversation a few weeks ago, Dave still didn’t seem too welcoming. Aside from her parents, Jared thought Dave was the most important one to gain approval from.
“Nice run out there today,” Jared said.
“Thanks. I like this track, even though I’m usually faster on the shorter tracks.”
“I noticed. I don’t envy guys like you and Tucker who drive like that every week.”
“I think it’s either in your blood or not. Most people don’t understand the rush. You know, the drive to get out there.”
Jared did know because Tucker had tried to explain it to him a time or two. “You sound like Tucker.”
Dave’s features tightened. And Jared had the feeling that Dave was never going to be able to let go of his rivalry with Tucker.
“I guess I must. After all, Tucker’s a driver like I am. How long have you known him?”
“Since college.”
“You two are tight?”
“He’s like a brother to me,” Jared said.
“Then I’m going to have to be especially gracious when I beat him in the points so you and Annie won’t have any problems.”
He had to smile at the cocky way Dave talked. They chatted about the upcoming race and then the conversation lagged.
“Thanks for coming to the party tonight. I don’t know if Tucker would have done it.”
“Well, he’s not known for being a gentleman like I am,” Dave said wryly.
“Are you really that nice all the time?” Jared asked.
“That’s a deep, dark family secret and I’m not sure you qualify yet.”
The door slammed shut once again. “Why not?”
“Annie’s still not sure about your relationship,” Dave said.
A part of Jared knew the other man was right. “She doesn’t want to rush things.”
“Like she did with Malcolm. Man, that guy was some piece of work.”
“Did you like him?” Jared asked.
“No.”
“Why not?”
“He never wanted to do anything with our family,” Dave said. “He drove a wedge between Annie and the rest of us. I don’t think she’d be happy with a man who did that again.”
Jared felt the warning go through him. How hard was he willing to try to make the Jenners like him? If he failed would Annie walk away from him?
“Thanks for the warning.”
“No problem. I like you, Jared. That’s the reason why I’m telling you this.”
He wasn’t too sure about Dave liking him. But he believed Dave loved his sister and was looking out for her. That made him want to listen to whatever advice the other man had to offer. “Anything else?”
“Nah.”
Dave saw a buddy of his and moved on to talk to him. Jared watched the Jenner family, wondering at the dynamic that kept them so close. Was he doing the wrong thing by trying to fit into Annie’s family?
“Want to dance?” Annie asked, coming up behind him.
“Yes. I’d love that.”
He led her out onto the dance floor. The band leader looked over at them as Jared pulled Annie into his arms. The song they were playing ended.
“This next song is for Jared.”
Jared glanced at Annie as the band started to play “Come Away With Me.” He drew her closer. It had been an eternity since he’d last held her in his arms.
He couldn’t resist kissing her. Her mouth opened under his and he told himself to take it slow, but slow wasn’t part of the program with this woman. She was pure feminine temptation and he had her in his arms. He slid his hands down her back, wishing they were alone.
Her fingers drifted over his shoulders and then slid down his back. He growled deep in his throat when she leaned forward against him.
She took control of the kiss, then she pulled back, resting her head on his shoulder as he danced her around the floor. The worry that he’d felt at Dave’s words increased as he realized that he had no real idea how to keep her.
He’d hoped somehow that gifts would be an asset to wooing her, but they weren’t. She liked them, but she was just as happy when he didn’t give her jewelry. He’d hoped that maybe winning over her family would be a bonus, but according to Dave that wasn’t going to do it.
He’d hoped that their lovemaking and the closeness that was growing between them would be enough. But now he was very afraid that it wouldn’t be.
And he wasn’t ready for the NASCAR season to end. He wasn’t ready for her to go back to her life and send him back to his. Though he had no indication that she was leaning toward ending their relationship after the race at Homestead.
