Adrenaline

“It’s okay. Honestly. Deuce and I will just have to hang out another time. I’ll talk to you later?”

His eyes filled with hurt as I tried to take a step away, but was frozen in place by his words. “Please don’t go. I won’t be able to stop thinking about you if you leave.”

My mind was racing as I tried to come up with a single reason why I didn’t want to stay. Only for the fact that I was letting petty jealousy in the way, I really was interested in what Malcolm was doing.

It was then I noticed all the people around us and I became completely aware that almost all of them were drivers. And they were all staring at us.

I took a step closer to him, trying to make light of the situation. “I’m not upset, I promise.”

“Then stay and watch the race. You’ll have a front row seat to the whole show.”

I was touched Malcolm asked me to watch the race. I’d never had a man treat me the way Malcolm did and it was refreshing. Lifting my eyebrows I asked, “Will it be loud?”

“Very.”

“Will I have to wear those ear things that go over my hair?”

“Headphones? Yes.”

I contemplated for a few seconds and looked around. “I’m not sure. I don’t like loud places.”

Malcolm reached for my hands. “I’d love to know you were sitting there watching me. It would mean a lot.”

I pressed my lips together as I took in his beautiful blue eyes. “I’m still not sure I’m looking for anything serious, Malcolm.”

His hand came up to the side of my face as I found myself leaning into it. “I’m not asking you to date me. I’m asking you stay and watch me race.”

Oh lord. There went my heart.

Before my brain could catch up with my heart, I replied, “Okay.”

The smile that spread over his face caused me to giggle like a little girl.

“You’re going to love it!” he said enthusiastically as he practically pulled my arm out while leading me back toward the track.

I rolled my eyes and let out a sarcastic groan. “Don’t get your hopes up.”

“Hope you’re not afraid of heights,” Malcolm said as he pointed up to scaffolding holding a few chairs and a bunch of equipment.

With a stunned and somewhat frightened expression, I asked, “That’s where you want me to sit?”

The evil sexy grin on his face had me searching for my next breath. “Yep,” he replied.

He was now dressed in his racing gear and I had to admit he looked hot as hell.

The amount of activity going on had my head spinning. The cars were all lined up with Malcolm’s being in the second row. He qualified third, which I thought was good, but according to him he could have done better.

Malcolm’s arm was wrapped around my waist while he talked to two of the guys on his pit crew. People walked by snapping pictures, but pretty much left him and the other drivers alone. Every now and then someone would ask for a picture or for something signed, and Malcolm would comply with that southern charm he had.

Of course, I’d seen the cocky side of him earlier when he was talking shit with another driver.

Men.

This was nothing like when I had been with Trey. If cameras were around, I was not anywhere near him. Looking back, I wanted to smack myself for being so stupid.

Malcolm’s warm breath hit my neck as he softly spoke in my ear.

“Is this too much? If you want to go sit with Dalton you can.”