I knew this bodyguard shit was stupid. I don’t have time for this back-and-forth with Jace. I don’t have time to start anything with him or any guy for that matter. But dammit, I can’t stop thinking about him. The way he makes me feel safe. He eased my mind when it was all messed up over seeing Mason. It felt so good to be in his strong, protective arms. So needed. I’m alive when he kisses me. So fucking alive.
I need to remain focused. Concentrate on racing. This is the opportunity I’ve been working for my entire life.
But man does Jace make my heart race. Forget him. He’s right—we need to keep things professional. The only racing this girl will be doing is on the asphalt. And maybe a few time trials with my vibrator.
Fuck you, Jace. Get out of my head before I do something stupid.
Like fall for you.
Chapter Nine
Jace
I’m thankful Charlotte’s sister interrupted us. Otherwise, I’d be balls deep inside her right now. It’s what we both wanted tonight, but it wouldn’t have been the smartest thing to do.
There are so many reasons why getting involved with Charlotte is a terrible idea. She’s in danger and I’m supposed to be protecting her. My head is already tangled up in this woman. She’s not some random one and done girl, and it’s about all I have time for right now. No, Charlotte’s someone I could quickly lose my self in.
It’s my own damn fault. I couldn’t fight the temptation. Not when I already knew what her sinful mouth tastes like; how sweet and enticing that pussy of hers is. I know how her beautiful, warm body feels underneath me—those silky legs wrapped around my waist—it’s pure addiction. I can’t get enough.
I want to know what those big full lips feel like wrapped around my cock, as she stares up at me with those kaleidoscope eyes. I want to twist her long, silky black hair around my fist as I—Fuck! I finally got my ungovernable dick to calm down ten minutes ago, and now I’m harder than a ball-peen hammer thinking about her. I need to get a grip.
I offered an apology, though I wasn’t sorry, and got the hell out of there as fast as I could. From here on in, Charlotte Brooks is off-limits. I’m here to do a job, not trip head over heels for some sexy as fuck race car driver.
Thing is; I can’t bring myself to leave.
Not sure if I’m still revved up over the kiss or the fact she’s in danger. I stop at a gas station on the way home and buy myself a giant cup of coffee.
I can’t stop myself when I double back to her house and send Chris home. Now I’m parked in front of her house, with my unruly dick being a fucking traitor. I’m so fucked.
I thought my head was messed up before I met this woman. When she opened up with me tonight, I could tell it was difficult for her. I don’t share my shit either, but hell, I had the urge to start dishing out all my confessions like I was on a Dr. Phil show.
I’m just not ready, and not sure I ever will be. One more reason I need to stay away? Charlotte Brooks doesn’t need to get involved with some retired, Marine head case carrying a ton of baggage. I need to get my head out of my ass and do my job.
Sitting here in this quiet truck cab is not a distraction from all the things I’m feeling right now. I open the glove box and snatch the file Sammy gave me. Before it gets any later, I pull out my phone and dial my brother.
“What’s up?” he answers on the third ring, sounding out of breath.
“Interrupting something?” I chuckle.
“Jesus, man, you always did have shitty timing.”
“You got a sec?”
“I picked up, didn’t I?”
“All secure here. I think someone was in her house. I can’t be sure because nothing seemed out of place.”
“Shit. Okay, I’ll let Colton know.”
“Why didn’t you tell me her boyfriend died in a fiery crash, right in front of her eyes?”
“It’s all in the file I gave you. Didn’t you read it, man?”
I let out a harsh breath, and click on my mini Maglite. “I’m looking at it now.”
“You need to take this seriously,” he scolds.
“I got this…okay?” I pause for a moment, scanning the house. “I need a favor.”
“Spit it out. I need to get back to my date.”
“I need any information on the boyfriend’s brother. His name is Mason…” I quickly scan the papers in the folder on my lap, trying to prove I have my shit together—at least a little. “Shaw…Mason Shaw. I think he’s a racer too. He had on a ball cap the other day with the Winston logo on it.”
“Is he a problem?”
“I don’t know yet. I don’t like him.”
“Okay. I’ll get it to you first thing in the morning. Anything else?”
“That’s it for now.”
“Make sure Chris watches her place like a hawk.”
“I sent him home.”
“Why?”
“I’m taking his watch tonight.”
“What’s going on with you two?”
“Nothing. I don’t sleep anyway. I’m just more comfortable doing it tonight.”
“Christ! Are you fucking her?” He lets out a sigh that sounds a lot like disappointment. Yeah, me too, Brother.
“Chill out, man. Just get me what I asked for.”
“Yeah, yeah, sweet dreams, baby brother.”
“I love you, big brother…I have naughty dreams about you at night.”
“Fuck you, asshole. And Jace?”
“What?”
“Don’t think I didn’t notice, you didn’t deny it.”
“Fuck off, Brother.” I disconnect the phone, chucking it on the seat next to me with a sigh.
I pop the lid off my extra-large black sludge, burning my top lip as I take a generous sip. Not sure how I can drink it, but I need the caffeine rush if I’m going to stay awake. It tastes like shit, but it’s still better than the crap we drank over in Afghanistan.
I lean my head back against the headrest and close my eyes. I inhale a deep breath, still able to make out her faint scent lingering on my clothes. Fuck, she smells good.
I stare at the clock on the dashboard, fighting the guilt I’ve been hanging on to for so long. I need to take this job seriously before someone else gets hurt. I can’t have a repeat of what happened in Peshawar.
The ringing of my phone startles me, and I set the coffee back in the cup holder. I stare at the number, knowing I can’t avoid her forever. I’m usually pretty good at ignoring my obligations, but for some reason, seeing the number light up tonight feels more like a blessing.
“Hey, Jenny. Everything okay.”
“Kiely’s fine, but she wants to know when she’s going to see you. I gave you a couple of weeks, Jace.”
“I need to see her too.”
“She misses you.”
“Tomorrow. I’ll be there after work. We’ll talk about everything.”
“She’ll be thrilled.” Me too. There’s a long pause. “Jace?
“What?”
“You know I love taking care of Kiely, but…”