Substitute Seduction (Sweet Tea And Scandal 2)

“Now I’m not just obsessed with your mouth,” she said, sounding drowsy, “but with your dick, as well.”

Harrison’s jaw dropped. Had she really just said that? Did her society friends have any idea this woman existed? He didn’t think so. In fact, if he had to guess, he’d say that London hadn’t realized the depth of her wantonness until recently.

“It’s happy to hear that,” he murmured, sliding his arms around her and pulling her firmly against his body. “And so am I.”

Nine

With her left hand firmly clasped in Harrison’s right, London’s heart picked up speed as he angled the Mercedes onto the driveway and streaked through the Crosby Motorsports entrance gate. Above them, the company logo flanked by the four Crosby team car numbers welcomed employees and fans alike.

London had been silent through most of the thirty-minute car ride, content to listen to Harrison narrate the history of his uncle’s rise to being number three on the all-time winner’s cup victories list for the racing league. And number two in modern-day wins. His teams had won at least one championship-level race each season since 2000 and Jack had ten owner’s championships.

Tonight they were heading to an end-of-the-season party for the six hundred employees who’d assisted Crosby Motorsports in achieving its third-place cup finish. It was London’s first official appearance as Harrison’s girlfriend and all day she’d been queasy as she grappled with the potential repercussions of how far she’d let things go.

The flash drive Everly had given her was a psychological burden bearing down on her heart. Each day she didn’t use it was another day she hadn’t betrayed Harrison. The woman who’d agreed to take revenge on Tristan was someone she no longer identified with. And what did she really owe Everly and Zoe?

Fifteen buildings made up the four-hundred-thousand-square-foot state-of-the-art facility that supported four full-time Ford teams. Walking hand in hand, London and Harrison neared the company’s heritage center. The site of the original race shop when the company was founded in 1990, the building housed Jack Crosby’s extensive car collection.

The flow of guests swept them into the building and past several exhibits, which Harrison explained were popular fan destinations. Freestanding bars had been placed in strategic locations so the guests could get a drink ahead of the dinner being served in a giant tent erected outside.

“Some night I’ll bring you back here and give you a proper tour,” he promised as they strolled hand in hand past rare cars.

“What’s wrong with now?” she asked him.

“I misspoke. I meant an improper tour. Have you ever wanted to make out in the back of a rare 1969 Chevy Camaro?” He hooked a thumb at the bright orange car beside them.

She shot him a droll look even as her cheeks heated. “Do I seem the sort of girl who’d ever have that sort of fantasy?”

Even as she spoke, however, the place between her thighs tingled. She imagined herself grinding on him in one of these vehicles, steaming up the windows and watching his face as he came. What was he doing to her? London shivered in pleasure while his fingers pulsed against hers as if he’d read her mind.

“I suspect you’ve already done things with me you never imagined.”

He wasn’t wrong and she gave a little shrug. Before she could figure out what to say, however, a young man approached them asking if Harrison would come meet his grandmother. She was a huge fan and hampered by arthritic knees.

“Go ahead,” London said. “I’m going to find the ladies’ room.”

“Meet you back here?” He glanced toward the Camaro. “You can consider my offer while I’m gone.”

“I’ll be waiting,” she replied.

Ten minutes later she returned to the spot to await Harrison, unsurprised that he hadn’t made it back. From what she’d seen of him at the track and when they’d encountered his fans out and about, he was always happy to sign autographs and take photos.

The blend of adrenaline junkie, focused athlete and all-around good guy had slipped through London’s defenses. His daring and honed reflexes were remarkably sexy, yet the fact that every second behind the wheel could result in disaster somehow made Harrison relaxed and calm.

His composure was a complete contrast to the emotional minefield London found herself in. Happiness. Guilt. Responsibility. Selfishness. She wanted to bask in the joy of her growing connection with Harrison, but worry and obligation tormented her. Allowing herself to blissfully date Harrison while Zoe waited in limbo for Tristan to suffer couldn’t last much longer. Time was nearly up. She had to act even if that meant she would be compelled to end things with Harrison.

As if summoned by her thoughts, Tristan appeared in her line of sight. He strolled through the swarm of people as if he was the most important person in the room. He didn’t radiate confidence as much as blare it. Several women and some men followed his progress and London couldn’t blame them. The perfection of his strong, chiseled features, styled hair and powerful build made it hard to remain immune.

In his elegant charcoal suit, he looked broader-shouldered than Harrison, although she suspected his bulk wasn’t all muscle. London knew firsthand the strength in Harrison’s lean body. He was honed and sculpted by hours of mental and physical training.

Tristan looked less like a hungry cheetah and more like a sated lion. Either way he was dangerous. Which was why she felt that she’d been punched in the solar plexus when he caught her staring at him. Almost immediately he shifted direction and made a beeline for her. Cursing her lack of subtlety, she slapped a pleasant expression on her face as he neared.

“We meet again,” Tristan said as he entered her space, eyeing her with an interest he hadn’t shown during their first encounter. He held out his hand. “London, isn’t it?”

“Yes.” She gave him her hand and resisted the urge to yank it away as his fingers slid over hers in a way that was overly familiar. “I’m surprised you remembered me. We met so briefly at your aunt’s charity function.”

“You’re a stunning woman.” There was no mistaking the sensu

al glow in his eyes. “I remember thinking I’d like to get to know you better.”