Substitute Seduction (Sweet Tea And Scandal 2)

“What does that have to do with us dating?” Although he already knew the answer, Harrison wanted to hear his uncle say it.

“I’m just concerned she’s going to mess with your head if you’re not careful.”

“Because I’m not her type?” He’d already figured that out.

“Before Linc Thurston, she’d only gone out with executives and professionals,” Jack said. “I don’t think she’d have dated a pro ball player if he hadn’t belonged to one of Charleston’s oldest families. And I’m guessing the reason they’re no longer engaged is because Linc figured that out before it was too late.”

“I don’t think she’s as shallow as all that,” Harrison said, hoping he was right. “And we’re in the early stages of dating. Who’s to say wher

e things are going for us.”

Jack grunted. “Make sure you figure it out one way or another before the season starts up again in February.” His uncle frowned. “I don’t need you distracted on the track.”

“Hopefully it won’t take that long.”

Jack nodded and the two men parted ways.

Harrison headed back to the trailer, where he grabbed a quick shower. Even on cooler days like this one, the heat inside the car during the race hovered close to a hundred and thirty degrees. Since the sort of AC in a consumer vehicle weighed too much to be installed in a race car, drivers were cooled by a ventilation system that used hoses and a bag they sat on to blow air on their feet and head. With the average race lasting at least three hours, that was a long time to go without any sort of air-conditioning.

After getting dressed, Harrison slung his duffel over his shoulder and headed to the spot where he’d agreed to meet up with London and her friends. He was intrigued by the fact that Beau had his pilot’s license and that Maribelle was learning how to fly. Harrison liked the couple, finding them an upbeat counterpunch to London’s reserve.

On the heels of his conversation with Jack, Harrison reflected on his own concerns about what he was getting into with London. If all he wanted was sex, he wasn’t going about it the right way given the chemistry that sizzled between them. Take last night, for example. He’d accompanied her back to her hotel room and once again she’d put out a vibe that welcomed physical contact. But instead of backing her into the room and doing all the things he’d been fantasizing about, he’d kissed her on the forehead—not trusting himself to claim her lips—and walked away with an ache in his chest and his loins.

Appreciating the cool night air against his skin, Harrison lengthened his stride, eager to see London and hear her opinion of the race. A silver SUV awaited him near the gate that led to the parking lot. The window was down on the driver’s side and Harrison recognized Beau’s profile. The easygoing fellow was smiling and gesturing as he spoke to the car’s occupants.

“Hey,” Harrison said as he approached. “Thanks for the lift.”

“Are you kidding?” Beau glanced at his fiancée. “It’s the least we could do after the weekend we’ve had. The behind-the-scenes access you gave us was incredible.”

Harrison pulled open the rear driver’s-side door and spied London sitting on the far seat. The sight of her made his chest go tight. Damn. The woman was beautiful. Today she wore black pants and a denim jacket over a cream sweater. Her hair was bound in a loose braid with long strands framing her pale cheeks. A welcoming smile curved her full, kissable lips and he glimpsed no trace of hesitation in her manner.

Heart thumping erratically, he slid in beside her and became immediately aware of her subtle floral scent. “So what did you think of your first race?” he asked, slipping his duffel into the SUV’s cargo area. “Was it what you expected?”

“To be honest, I thought I’d be bored. Five hundred laps seemed like a lot. But it was really fun. It helped to have these two with me.” She indicated the couple in the front seats. “They explained a lot of the ins and outs of the strategy. And congratulations on your second-place finish.”

“The team had a good weekend,” he replied, unsure why he was downplaying his success. Didn’t he want to impress this woman? From everything he’d been told, only the best would do for her. “If all goes smoothly next weekend, Crosby Motorsports is poised to finish second this year.”

“So next weekend is your last race? What do you do during the off-season?”

“Rest, play and then get ready for next year.”

“How much time do you get off to do that?”

“Season starts again in February. I take a break in December to vacation and celebrate the holidays with my family. But even during the off-season I train. Both in the gym and with driving simulations to keep my reflexes sharp.” Harrison reached out and took her hand in his, turning it palm up and running the tips of his fingers over her skin. He noticed a slight tremble in her fingers as he caressed her. “I had a really great time last night,” he murmured, pitching his voice so only she could hear.

“It was fun. Thank you for dinner.” Her gaze flicked from the hand he held to the couple in the front and back to him.

“I’m sorry we had to make such an early night of it.”

“You had a big day today. I wouldn’t have felt right if I kept you up too late.” She sent him a sizzling look from beneath her lashes, banishing his earlier weariness.

Was she feeling bold because they weren’t alone?

He toyed with her fingers, imagining how they would feel against his naked body. Yet, to his surprise, the rush of lust such thoughts aroused was matched by a strong craving to find out what made her tick. He lifted her palm to his lips and nipped at her skin. Her sharp gasp made him smile. He’d begun to suspect the route past her defenses might involve keeping her off balance by pushing her sensual boundaries. He would have to test that during tomorrow’s hunt for the party venue.

“I think a sleepless night with you would’ve been worth doing badly today,” he murmured.

“I’m sure your uncle wouldn’t agree.”