Before I can stop myself, I move closer, wrapping my arms around her from behind. She stiffens for a second before melting into me, and that’s all the confirmation I need.
“I’m sorry, B,” I whisper, using the nickname I gave her years ago. “I want to make it up to you.”
She turns her head, and suddenly, we’re too close. Our lips are inches apart.
“You want to make it up to me?” she whispers, her breath warm against my lips.
“Yeah,” I breathe, my eyes locked on her mouth.
She studies me as if searching for an answer, then lifts her hand, cupping my jaw with the gentlest touch. My eyes close at the sensation, my pulse hammering in my throat. When I open them again, she’s already making her terms clear.
“Prove to me for two whole weeks that you can keep it in your pants and that I’m the only one you want on and off the track. Then we’ll talk.”
A challenge. One, I fully intend to win.
Chapter Thirteen
Izzy
The sharp tang of dirt and motor oil lingers in the air, but it’s the familiar scent of him, Xavier, which threatens to overwhelm me. His body is solid behind mine, arms wrapped around my waist like he owns me. Like I belong here.
I should pull away, but I don’t. Instead, I drag in a deep breath, hoping to steady the pounding in my chest. My gaze locks onto the track, watching Dad navigate the turns with flawless precision, dirt spraying behind his tires as he inches closer to another win.
My deal with Xavier sits heavily on my mind. Two weeks. Two weeks of pretending this isn’t a mistake. Of letting him in enough to prove he can handle me, but not enough to get hurt.
I don’t know what I was thinking when I said that. Maybe I wasn’t thinking at all. Maybe I’m tired. Tired of pretending I don’t notice the way he looks at me, the way my body reacts when he gets too close.
My fingers twitch at my sides as I resist the urge to lean into him. To let my guard down, even for a second.
Dad takes the lead and the win, and the crowd erupts. My pulse jumps with excitement, a grin stretching across my lips asI turn my head to glance at Xavier over my shoulder. “He did it again! Are you coming?"
Xavier’s hand is warm in mine as I pull him toward the winner’s circle, ignoring the way it sends an electric jolt up my arm. This is excitement. That’s all.
Dad sweeps me into a hug, spinning me around like he used to when I was little. His laughter vibrates in my chest, and I can’t help but giggle. For a moment, everything is simple. Easy.
“X, come on!” I call, motioning him over.
He steps in beside me, but his touch is anything but innocent. His palm rests way too low, fingers brushing my ass in a slow, deliberate squeeze. My breath catches, and I know he feels my body shiver. The smug bastard. I shoot him a look, but he stands there, relaxed, hand resting on my waist like it belongs there. LikeIbelong tohim.
The camera flashes, capturing this moment in time.
I need space. Slipping out of his grip, I busy myself congratulating my dad, making sure my voice is steady. X and my dad exchange words, but I’m too distracted to listen until I see the way dad yanks Xavier in, his voice low and serious. “If you hurt her, I will kill you. Understand?”
A lump forms in my throat. I turn away before I can process why it makes my stomach twist in knots. Xavier doesn’t plan on hurting me, but that doesn’t mean he won’t.
As dad heads off to load up the trailer, I glance at Xavier, still lingering beside me. My pulse races at the heat in his gaze, at the way his blue eyes stay locked onto mine.Don’t do it, Izzy. Don’t give him an inch.
I bite my lip. “What are you up to tonight?” My voice is too sweet, too casual.
His lips curve into a knowing smirk. “Loading up and heading home. Busy couple of weeks ahead.” He throws an arm around my shoulders, pulling me in as we walk.
Damn it.The moment is ruined the second I spot her. Lisa. Xavier’s latest mistake. She struts toward us like she owns the place, completely ignoring me as she places a manicured hand on his arm, her nails trailing up his skin. “Wanna come party with me?”
I go rigid under Xavier’s arm. The audacity. The sheer disrespect. Xavier tenses beside me, pulling me closer. “No thanks. I’m with Izzy.”
It doesn’t stop her. “Oh, c’mon, Xavier. You know you’ll have fun with me.” Lisa’s voice is syrupy sweet, her fake lashes fluttering. “This stiff virgin can’t show you a good time like I can.”
I freeze. My stomach drops. I shove against Xavier’s chest, trying to put space between us, but he doesn’t let go. My skin burns, and my cheeks flush, but I refuse to let her see how deep the words cut.
