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by Desiree Holt

  Hell. He’d been working on the damned radiator for more than a day. “How do you know this information when I work with them? I should know this stuff.”

  “Don’t worry about it.” Her green eyes glittered.

  “I will worry. I get paid to run the team, not end up out of the loop.”

  “There’s no crime in asking for help. You were bogged down and that’s what we pay them for—to work.” She tugged on his arm. “I will drag you out of here if I have to. I got us a ride with the Twenty-Seven team. They had some seats open on the Challenger.”

  “Fine, but let me change. I’m filthy.” He strode past her to the locker rooms. She wouldn’t follow him in there and God knew he needed the momentary breather. His brain buzzed with information. The year before he’d worked as a car chief—taking care of the cars and letting Bob handle the crew. When Bob had retired, the crew chief position had opened up. Eric groaned. He could handle the job most days. Today wasn’t one of them.

  He unbuttoned his work shirt as he crossed the space. The scents of sweat, motor oil and dirt wafted through the room in a pungent aroma. He crinkled his nose and stripped out of his shirt. The five minutes away from Janine gave him time to plan out what he’d say. I really like you, but it’s not you—it’s me. Wow, that sounded lame and stupid. I want to fuck without talking about racing. Direct, but it didn’t give him the change he wanted. Can we see other people? That hurt. He didn’t like the idea of her seeing someone else. She met every one of his needs and more. I’ve got more on my mind than my brain can process Ever have those weekends? God, he was screwed.

  “Megan said I never wanted to come in here. From the smell of it, she’s right. Do you boys ever use the showers, or are they for decoration?” Janine inched around the corner. “All silliness aside, Tucker didn’t call you to piss you off.”

  “The door does say men’s locker room.” He shoved his work pants to his ankles. “You aren’t a man.” Although he did have those fantasies concerning her and a strap-on… He’d keep his mouth shut for the time being.

  “Yeah, but I was never one to follow the rules.” She crept closer to him and held her hand in front of her nose. “He feels like crap for having to bring that stuff up. Sweet merciful heaven, it is ripe in here.”

  “Why did he tell you? You’re not involved in this.” He groaned. His response sounded like shit.

  “I’m involved with you and you’re the one with the issue here.” She folded her arms and squared her shoulders. “I’m going to ignore your tone because I want to help you.”

  He rolled his eyes. “Yes, I need help. I’m a stressed-out man with too much on my mind and no way to get rid of it. Oh, and I have all these friends who are so worried.” He grabbed a pair of jeans from the locker. “What’s your grand plan?”

  “For starters, I want you to take the flight to Bristol as a cooling-off period.” She sat down next to him on the bench. “Think about what Tucker said, but don’t overthink it. He’s trying to be a friend. We all want the best for you.” She rubbed his shoulder. “Damn. Now I sound like a greetings card. Sorry.”

  Eric yanked the fresh pullover shirt over his head and stared at her. He wanted to be irked with her for taking charge and turning his afternoon of chaos into order, but he couldn’t. Seeing her sort through the upheaval with poise and calm turned him on—more than he’d expected. If she wanted to help him, fine, but he wasn’t going to make it easy. “How do you suggest you help me?”

  “First of all, I’m not going to let you get snippy with me. If you do, I won’t help and I will punish you in ways you can’t imagine.” She stepped into his personal space. “Second, I’ve got a proposition.”

  Chapter Two

  Eric’s eyes widened, then narrowed. “A proposition?”

  Finally, she had his attention. She loved Eric with all her heart, but sometimes he could be so frustrating. She tucked her hair behind her ears and blew out a breath. “Yes, but I won’t tell you what it is until after the flight.”

  He closed the locker door, stood, then stepped into his loafers. “Sure? I guess. Don’t know I’ve got much to lose at this rate.”

  His gaze swept up her body and sent shivers through her. Six-foot-three inches of muscle-encased steel. He hadn’t shaved in a while. She longed to run her fingers over the stubble. She attempted to swallow the whimper, but lost the battle. She could still feel the burn from the last time he’d gone down on her. He had the tongue of a sex god.

  He grinned and his voice took on the sticky sweet tone he used when he wanted something. “Does this proposition involve you naked?”

  Perfect. She nodded. “It involves naked time, yes.” She grabbed his hand and led him to the parking lot. “What I’m talking about will help you find your inner peace.”

  She turned her face to the midday sun. The warmth radiated onto her skin. The scent of lilac danced on the slight breeze. Glints of sun twinkled on the windshields of the cars in the lot. Somewhere behind her, birds chirped. Listening to the nature around her helped her on the way to calm. Now, if she could get Eric some tranquility of his own, she’d be thrilled.

  He opened the passenger door of the truck and snorted. “So you’re using New Age shit?”

  “No.” She yanked the handle to close the door and waited for him to round the hood. When he settled in beside her, she crossed her legs and smoothed her skirt high on her thigh. He placed his hand on her leg and rubbed small circles with his thumb.

  “No pantyhose?”

  “Not in this heat.”

  “Good. I like you bare and accessible.”

  Eric drove most of the way to the airport before she decided to finish her line of reasoning. “What I’m suggesting has to do with you and me.”

  His fingers tensed and the rubbing stopped. “Janine, honey, we’ve got a good thing without a label.”

  “Yes, we do.” She scooted across the bench seat and draped his arm around her shoulders. “You’re not a commitment guy. I get that. I respect it. Whatever this label-less thing we’ve got is, that’s what I want. You’re the one I want.”

  “And you’re the one I want. So, why do I feel a ‘but’ coming?” He pulled into the parking lot at the airport and brought the truck to a stop in one of the team spots. He climbed out of the truck first, then went around the bed and opened her door. “Your explanation can’t be so simple that it doesn’t have a ‘but’ in it.”

  “No buts. I’m happy with what I have—what we have. I think it could be better, sure, but I don’t expect a ring.” She threaded her fingers through his. “I want you to keep your job and have normal blood pressure. You and Tucker are the right combo to win a championship and you can if you keep your eyes on the trophy. And, if I’m right, I know a way you can relieve your stress without bursting something.”

  “I’ll think about it.”

  “Would you believe me if I said it was going to be the best fun since strapping into a race truck?” Janine followed Eric up the stairs into the plane. Clark Henshaw from Big H Racing sat in the first row closest to the door. “Hi, Clark. So glad to see you.” She gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Thanks for letting us ride along at such short notice.”

  Clark grinned his toothy smile and finger-combed the thin patch of silver hairs covering his bald spot. “Always happy to help. Blitz sells us quality motors.” He leaned in close. “How’s Eric? He looks like someone took away his birthday.” He wriggled his brows. “Should I send him a flight attendant to make him feel better?”

  “Rough day.” Janine patted his shoulder. “Thanks again for the flight attendant, but no. You play with them.” She made her way up to Eric’s row, placed her bag on the floor between her feet and sat down. Eric already had the eye mask over his face and his hands folded on his stomach.

  She lifted one side of the mask. “Should I tell you when we’re back on the ground?”

  Eric opened his right eye. “Please. I hate taking off and landing. It’s too close to crashi
ng.”

  “You got it, even if I don’t understand why you’re freaked.” Janine could get lost in the chocolate depths of his eyes forever. She settled into her seat and opened her magazine. For whatever reason, Eric hated riding in planes. She loved being able to jet off wherever she wanted as long as Blitz had a plane going there.

  “Oh, and Clark has a thing for you.”

  “I know.” She used her most casual tone. “He can dream as long as he doesn’t expect me to want his thing.”

  “I knew I liked you for a reason.” He put the mask back into place and folded his hands on his stomach again.

  She flipped the pages in the magazine, without really paying attention to the articles. The first headline to catch her attention mentioned twenty-five simple tips for spicing things up in the bedroom. She glanced over at Eric’s sleeping form. Settling had never been her strong suit. When she wanted something, she took it. No ceiling was too high and no man out of reach. Except she loved her job at Blitz. Her schmoozing skills helped in so many situations. Representing Tucker Poston helped, too. The Poston brand sold well in stock car racing since he’d cleaned up his act. He’d married Megan and his saleability had risen exponentially.

  Janine closed the magazine. She wanted what Megan and Tucker had—strong love and respect. Eric showed her the highest highs in the bedroom. He respected her and her thoughts. She toyed with a lock of her hair. He needed that last nudge to understand that role reversal in the bedroom wasn’t a bad thing. If he’d give her the chance to show him…she’d rock his world.

  With one last glance at the article, she closed the magazine. Who needed a suggestion in an article when the real deal sat beside her? Eric towered over her when they were standing side by side, his arms wrought with thick muscle. The right amount of inky stubble dusted his strong jaw. An image of him holding her in his arms filled her mind. He loved to hold her against the door when they fucked. She crossed her legs.

  Clark clomped up the aisle and perched in the seat across from Janine. “We’re going to land in a few. Need a lift?”

  “I’ve booked a rental. He’s not wild about planes and helicopters are out of the question.”

  He grinned again and squeezed her knee. “I understand. If you need the help, holler.” He stood and gave her a visual once-over. “I’m available.”

  Janine swallowed her disdain and nodded. Clark was a nice enough guy. Decent looking, if she wanted a father-figure type, but definitely not who she needed.

  One of the flight attendants spoke over the intercom and dragged Janine from her thoughts. “Please fasten your belts. We’ll be landing in about ten minutes.”

  Janine tapped Eric’s arm. “You belted in?”

  He jerked awake and pushed the mask to his forehead. “Yeah. Never unfastened it. We here? Already?”

  “Naps make the flights shorter. Come on.” With her lone overnight bag slung over her shoulder, she led him through the terminal to the rental car corral. “All they had on short notice was sedans.” She checked the numbers in the email. “One—I have a couple changes of clothes waiting on you in the RV. Two—we’re getting a Chevy Malibu. Not much room, but it’s cute. Want to drive?”

  “They could’ve given us a Monte,” Eric said behind her. “Something we can put the top down on. I hate cars you call ‘cute’ and, although I’m not wild about it, I’ll drive.”

  She rolled her eyes and adjusted her scarf. The more she touched the delicate silk, the firmer an idea formed. The best way to reduce his stress had to do with getting his mind off whatever was bothering him. Then she’d make him talk. She glanced around the empty lot. The passenger side of the car presented the most privacy for what she wanted to do.

  “Put the bags in the trunk.” She stood tall and slid the scarf from around her throat. “I need you to do something for me.”

  “I liked the scarf where it was. Might want to use it on you later.” He slammed the trunk lid. “I can see the wheels turning in your head. What are you thinking?”

  “Wrists.” Curt, brusque and to the point. “Now.”

  Eric stared at her for a moment, his mouth opening and closing with no sound coming out. His gaze darted around, but he offered his hands.

  “Good boy.” Her hunch had paid off. His inner submissive wanted to play, and had won out against his alpha needs. She wrapped the silk around his wrists. “You please me.”

  “Janine, what are you doing? I wanted to do this to you, not me.” His voice dropped to a whisper. “I please you? Does that mean you think I’m sexy?”

  She threaded her arms around his neck, rubbing her groin over his bound hands. “I,” she said between kisses, “am in control of what we do.” She feasted on his lips, licking his bottom lip and swiping her tongue over his teeth. The tastes of mint and cola exploded on her tongue. She ground against him, pleasuring herself against his thick fingers. “And I want to do you right here, right now, sexy man.”

  Eric moaned and she backed away. Confusion burned in his eyes and colour filled his cheeks. Instead of giving him the lead, she reached forward and unzipped him. Red dusted his face and the tops of his ears.

  “You’re not worried someone will see us?” he asked in a hushed tone.

  “I’m not.” She pushed his jeans aside enough to stroke his cock through his boxer briefs. “They can’t see behind the car and, if you keep quiet, we won’t draw attention.” She worked his dick through the opening in his underwear and smeared her thumb through the pre-cum glistening on the tip of his cock. “Right now, you’re in my hands and my control. You will do what I ask of you.”

  He stared at her, but didn’t tell her to stop.

  “No coming until I tell you.” She nodded to the back seat. “Lie down.”

  Eric glanced behind her, then got out of the way as she opened the door. He fixed his gaze on her and sat down on the edge of the upholstered seat.

  Janine gave him a gentle push and eyeballed her work. “Very nice.” She inched the hem of her skirt high enough to give him a tantalising view of her panty-covered pussy. His mouth opened a fraction of an inch and his eyes glazed as she hooked her thumbs into the flimsy waistband of the undergarment.

  “You like what you see?” She dragged the panties down to reveal the top of her pubic hair.

  Eric nodded, still quiet.

  “You’re doing well.” She wiggled the panties to the ground, then stepped out of them. “Now for your reward.” With her ass in the air, Janine straddled his thigh and rubbed her nose along the thick vein of his cock. “I wore these heels just for you. Do you like?”

  He groaned and arched his hips. “Love them, babe.”

  “Good. Are you worried we’ll get caught?” she murmured. “That’s the fun. Will we?” She kissed the base of his prick. “Or won’t we?” To punctuate her last statement, she took him deep into her mouth. She used gentle suction as she withdrew and suckled on him again. Salty semen spilt onto her tongue. “You’re on a hair trigger.”

  He clenched his fists tightly until his knuckles whitened. “Been a while.”

  Janine pulled back, leaving his cock slick with spit. “Hush.” She swatted his hip. “No talking or coming until I tell you.”

  “Yes, Ma’am.”

  She crinkled her nose. Ma’am? Not going to work. “Use my name, Pet. Scoot back.” She nudged his shin with her foot. “Now.”

  Although he continued to frown at her, Eric did as he was told.

  “Wipe the scowl off your face or I won’t reward you.” She slapped his inner thigh. “You will learn to behave and obey.”

  “Yes, Janine.” Eric lay across the middle of the seat and opened his bound hands. “Please?”

  “Next time you’ll use my name when you address me and you will thank me for giving you pleasure, but don’t you dare start swearing at me.” She hitched her skirt up once more and smoothed two fingers along her slit. Juices coated her fingers and sizzles went through her body. She suppressed the shudder but allowed t
he sigh.

  “May I taste you, Janine?”

  “Not yet.” The longing in his voice resonated deep within her. Janine crawled along his thighs until she rested on his groin. His cock pulsed against her pussy. She raked her fingers down his arms, leaving a faint row of scratches.

  She caressed his cock, stroking along his length until he rocked his hips into her hands.

  “I can’t last,” he bit out. “Holy Jesus.”

  Janine inched forward enough to impale herself on his prick. Inch by delicious inch, he filled her. She fisted his shirt and tipped her head. Her hair trailed over his face.

  She wasn’t going to last either, at this rate. Janine grabbed his arms and gyrated on him. Eric helped the cause and bucked up into each movement she made. His brow wrinkled and his eyes closed.

  “So fucking good.” He wasn’t supposed to swear, but, when she had the exact same sentiment, who cared?

  “May I please come, Janine?” He shuddered from his head to his toes. “Please?”

  The orgasm built low in her belly and grew with every thrust on his cock. She measured her breaths and rode him hard. Her limbs trembled and the heat in her pussy shot straight to her brain, then settled to her heart.

  “Now. Come with me now.” Her last bit of restraint broke and she embraced the climax. Eric groaned low and loud, filling her with his sticky, hot seed. She added a few ragged thrusts and rested against his chest. The scents of his cologne and sex swirled around her. The view around her spun for a few moments and she gasped for breath.

  “How do you do it?”

  “Do what? Let go?” She rose up on her hands and kissed him once. “When it’s you and me, the rest of the world ceases to exist.” She flicked her hair over her shoulder. “You feel great, don’t you?”

  Eric nodded. “Always feel good when we fuck.” With his hands together, he stroked her cheek. “And when you do that thing with your hair, I want to come all over again.”