“Because there are a million things I’d like to do to you and I asked nicely.”
I snort. “The hell you did.”
Cash looks up at me, trying his best impression of innocent. On him, it’s just mischievous and deadly for my sex drive.
“Please.”
“And would we be going out or staying in for that fun?”
“Going out,” he says, “Most definitely going out.”
I’m a little bit disappointed.
“I’ll have to make a call.” Rob might lose his head and I’m sure I’ll hear about it from Briggs, but I look once more at Cash—this is going to be worth it.
After calling into the office and feigning an illness, a quickie with me riding Cash on my sofa, a few secretive phone calls by Cash and instruction that I cannot wear a suit, he pulls into an almost empty parking lot of Atlanta Motor Speedway. My stomach instantly drops. Not exactly the date—day—I had in mind.
“What exactly are we doing here?” I ask, confused.
For real, though, what are we doing here?
He shoots me a winning smile. “You’re just gonna have to wait and see.”
I’ve never liked being on the receiving end of those words. He hops out of the car and has my door open before I can do it myself. We cross the parking lot and he takes my hand. For today, we can pretend.
“Just a hint?”
“Exhibit A is: four wheels, goes fast, and needs a strong hand to guide. How’s that?”
“Objection, evidence needs to be material.”
“That’s all I got, counselor. Sue me.”
“You’re a terrible lawyer.”
“I have nothing worth getting.”
He leans in to whisper in my ear.
“But if I did, it’s a good thing I have you, isn’t it?”
We enter the raceway and, to my surprise, it’s empty. Thousands of seats, and it’s just us and the pit crew on the speedway. Two cars shine in the sun, and a man leans against one.
“Cash, my man.”
“Luke it’s been ages. Thanks for coming out.”
“Don’t think for a second that I did it for you—I wanted to see the girl who snagged the professed bachelor Cash Gardner’s heart,” Luke says, focusing just on me.
“It’s taken some work, let me tell you.”
“Over dinner?” Luke offers.
“Thank you dickhead,” Cash says, slapping him a little harder on the shoulder than probably needed be. Way to make it more awkward, Cash. “I’ll remember that next time you need a favor. Luke was a bartender while he tried to get his racing career off the ground.”
“And clearly it did. So if you’re ever looking to trade up…”
His hair is brown and thick hanging over his grey eyes, giving him a rakish look. If Cash is a manwhore, this man would be a step above. I’m halfway surprised there isn’t a line of ladies waiting to drop their panties for him. “Ignore my friend there, I’m Luke Stein. Race car driver. Millionaire. Available.” He says with a wink
There’s a wild side to him that makes me think he’s more dangerous than Cash. I could survive with Cash, but Luke, no way. The stories these two probably have to tell would make a sailor blush.
“Dude, I am right fucking here,” Cash laughs with a hint of warning.
“Savannah,” I say, taking Luke’s outstretched hand.
“Anything else with that?”
“Nothing you need to know.” Luke holds his hands to his heart like I’ve mortally wounded him. Right, because that’s likely to happen. “So are we here to race or just shoot the breeze?” I ask.
“Feisty. I like a girl who can cut to the chase, but are you sure you can handle a car by yourself?” Luke asks. “Because I will be more than happy to ride with you.”
“Not happening, Luke,” Cash interjects.
“I think you both are insane if you think I’m not driving,” I say, hopefully with enough conviction they both know I am serious.
I walk down the steps, leaving both boys stunned. “Well, are you two coming or are you just going to stand there?”
After about an hour of me getting lessons on safety and watching Cash and Luke race all around the track, I’m all suited up and buckled in. One of Luke’s crew goes over the final overview of the car.
“You’re going down,” I say to Cash through our opened window.
“All ready did that this morning, Savy,” Cash says with a wink, then slides his helmet on. I can’t help but smile. He is turning out to be the best break up cure ever.
“What are you guys laying down for this race?” Luke asks. When neither of us answers, he goes on. “Can’t have a race without a bet. Since both of you seem incapable, I’ll handle it. Cash, you lose and I get a kiss from your girl here.”
“What?” Cash and I both say at the same time.
“This is what happens when neither of you step up to the plate.”
“I win, you come home with me tonight,” Cash says casually looking at me. “I lose and you spend the night alone.”