“I am going to the gym.” I glance at Lilly’s fluttery swoon-like eyes, and I’m shocked little heart emojis aren’t popping out of them. I’m about ready to kick Jace in the shin and make a run for it. “Racing is a fast-paced sport.” I place my hands on my hips for effect. “Besides nerves of steel, it requires you to be in tip-top shape.”
“You look like you’re in pretty good shape already.” I try to ignore the way Jace’s gaze roams up and down my body.
“So you’re just going to follow me everywhere?” I sigh.
“Uh…that’s what a bodyguard does,” he says in a condescending tone, like I’m obtuse.
“Whatever.” My shoulders slump at Mr. Bossypants in defeat. “I guess you can take the car today.” I dangle the keys like a dog treat in front of my sister’s googly eyes.
“Yes!” She pumps a fist in the air. “There’s a reason why you’re my favorite sister.” She quickly rises from her seat and snatches the keys from my hand.
“Be careful.” I give her a stern look.
“Yes, Mom.” She presses a swift kiss to my cheek before parading past me, with a knowing smile so wide; I’m surprised her face doesn’t crack. I want to wring her neck, but I don’t because I love her. “Bye, Jace!” she shouts, already headed for the door. “Good luck.”
“Let’s see if you can keep up,” I mutter, following Lilly’s path to the front door, leaving Jace and his annoying smirk standing in the kitchen. I make sure to let the door slam behind me.
We remain silent the entire ride to the gym the guys on the team recommended. The sweet, leggy blonde behind the counter eagerly signs me up for a standard membership, as Jace stands behind me, scowling the entire time. If he thinks he is going to disrupt my daily routine, no way, mister.
After Ms. Bubbly finishes rattling through her welcome spiel, I scan my new key tag onto the computer screen. I head through the turnstile entry when it beeps with a green light. Her sparkly blue eyes grow wide as saucers in a panic, and she leans over the counter when Jace tries to follow me. “Uh…you can’t go in there with her, sir.” The woman holds up her hand, causing Jace to roll his eyes. “You have to be a member.”
“Guess you’ll have to wait out here.” I shrug my shoulder, not trying to hide the smirk on my lips. “Bye, Jace.” I don’t bother staying for his response.
Five minutes later, Jace is standing next to my treadmill with his arms crossed and an annoying grin on his face. “Nice try, Charlotte.”
“I guess you bought a membership?” I say in a breathy voice.
“Did you think I wouldn’t?”
“What are you going to do, work out in jeans?” I shoot him a smug grin before glancing down at his thick, muscular legs. I’m pretty sure I’d enjoy watching Jace work out in any type of clothing.
“I’ll watch for today, next time I’ll bring some gym attire,” Jace huffs. “I’ll be right over here.”
“So you’re going to stand around watching like a creeper?”
“Pretty much.”
“Have at it.” It’s an effort to avert my eyes as he walks away. Good, Lord, the man’s ass is fine in those fitted Levi’s.
Jace parks against the wall for the entire hour while I work out. I try not to pay attention to him and the way his shirt fits across his sculpted chest. He surveils the room for threats like he’s in the FBI. Every once in awhile, I catch him staring at me with a hungry expression.
I usually do a two-hour regimen, alternating between the treadmill and the bike to strengthen my core and stamina. People don’t realize racing is a tremendous strain on your body. Physical and mental endurance is critical in racing. I keep my workout short today because it’s hard to focus with Jace staring. He better get used to being here because I need to do this at least three times a week to ensure optimal performance on the track. I won’t let him throw me off my game.
I thought the workout would be exactly what I needed to relieve some of the pent-up tension building when I’m around Jace. Big fat no. I’m irritated at the way he still has my body on edge. I do plenty of stretching after I finish doing some squats, giving him a perfect view of my ass. Might as well have some fun and torture him a bit too.
After the gym, Jace follows alongside me through the parking lot. He walks around his truck and opens the door for me, getting a face-level glimpse of my ass as I climb in.
“I’m capable of getting in by myself, thank you.”
“Just being gentlemanly.” He slams the door abruptly.
When he hops in the driver seat, his tempting woodsy scent fills the cab of the truck. I have a strong urge to lean over and kiss the shit out of him. I don’t know if it’s his cologne or bodywash that smells so good, but it’s pissing me off from the inappropriate tingles rushing through my body. It’s hard to deny our attraction.
“Candy bar?” Jace mutters, leaning over me, reaching for the glove box. He pulls out a 3 Musketeers bar, unwrapping it halfway, dangling it in front of me. “I share.”
“I just worked out, and you’re offering me chocolate?” I scoff.
“You haven’t eaten yet?”
“I’ll grab a salad at the track when the guys order lunch.”
“Suit yourself.” He takes a considerable bite of chocolate-covered nougat, which happens to be my favorite candy bar. My mouth waters as he chews obnoxiously. The man is infuriating.
He still hasn’t started the truck as he continues to eat the candy bar facing forward. “We should talk?” he mutters with a mouthful.
“Do you have to make so much noise when you chew?” I hiss, unable to look at him.
“Are we going to pretend the other night didn’t happen?”
“I think that’s a good idea.” I turn in my seat facing him; not realizing his face is so close to mine. “Don’t you?”
He shoves the last piece of chocolate in his mouth, crumples up the wrapper, and throws it on my side of the floor. “Why did you leave the other night without saying goodbye?”
I sigh. “Isn’t it obvious, Jace?”
“Not to me.”
“We were finished. I was trying to avoid the awkward goodbyes.”
“Who said I was finished with you?” He reaches up and brushes a loose strand of hair behind my ear. My heart beats fast, and I’m having trouble focusing. He strokes his rough knuckles over my cheek, causing goosebumps down my arms.
“Jace,” I say his name in a whisper. He so close and my lips part, giving him the approval he needs.
He slides his hand to the back of my neck, pulling me closer. Though this is a bad idea, I can’t seem to move or put up a fight. His lush lips crash down on mine, and he kisses me urgently. A soft sigh emanates from my throat.
Dipping his tongue inside my mouth, he tastes delicious: like chocolate and sin. Staying away from him is going to be damn difficult when he kisses like this. I’ve already had one taste, and I must admit, I want more. He’s a really good kisser.
My nipples pebble underneath the material of my shirt, and a rush of heat flourishes low in my belly. I can’t hold back the moan from the pleasurable attack.