Page 36 of Hot Ride

I stare at the keys in my hand, the cool metal digging into my palm. Jett’s prized Mustang—the car he’s loved and babied since we were teenagers—he was going to give it to Daniel all along.

A shaky laugh bubbles up as I realize who Jett is—loyal, humble and generous to a fault. Of course Jett would make this grand gesture—handing over his beloved Mustang like it’s no big deal.

But it is a big deal. At least to me.

“I need to find him,” I blurt out, the urgency building inside me.

My brother nods, seeming to read my mind. “Go get him.”

I clutch the keys tightly, the metal biting into my skin as I hurry down the porch steps.

I park the Mustang outside the pie shop, my heart racing. I spot Jett through the window, slumped in a corner booth under some invisible weight, a half-eaten slice of cherry pie before him.

I stride inside, the bell announcing my arrival, and slide into the booth across from him. “Is this seat taken, or can anyone join the pity party?”

His head snaps up, surprise flickering across his face before a lazy smile spreads across his lips—a shadow of his usual grin, but enough. “What are you doing here?”

I lean across the table, fingers brushing against Jett’s calloused hand as I steal a forkful of his cherry pie. Heat rises in his chiseled cheeks as I slowly lick the tines of the fork clean, savoring the sweet tang.

“Thief,” he breathes out, voice low and husky, his smoldering eyes burning into me.

My lips curl into a wicked grin. “Mmm, worth it.”

Jett’s gaze drops to my mouth, as if drawn there by an invisible thread. His lips part, the tip of his devilish tongue peeking through. It’s enough to make my heart race and my pussy clench with need.

We’re in a diner, people all around chattering and scraping forks on plates, but it feels like the world has shrunk to just this corner booth.

Shifting in my seat, I purposely brush my calf against his under the table. Jett’s eyes darken, pupils blown wide. He leans in, his arm resting on the tabletop as he lowers his voice.

“You’ve got a little—“ He gestures vaguely at the corner of his mouth.

Before I can react, Jett reaches across the table, thumb grazing my bottom lip as he swipes away the crumb. Jett’s thumb lingers a beat too long, and I can’t stop the shiver that ripples through me.

My tongue darts out instinctively, savoring the taste of his rough skin. He freezes, eyes locked on the intimate gesture.

But before I can fully pull back, Jett’s hand cups my jaw and he presses his lips against mine in a searing kiss.

I gasp into his mouth, my fork clattering to the plate as I wrap my arms around his neck.

My breath hitches as he trails light kisses along my jawline and down to my neck.

“I want you,” he whispers against my skin, sending shivers down my spine.

I moan softly and tilt my head back to give him better access as his hand moves higher up my thigh.

Things are about to escalate, but the sound of a clearing throat interrupts us, shattering the moment.

Jett pulls back, jaw clenching as he rubs the back of his neck self-consciously. “Yeah, about that...”

I shift uncomfortably, silently cursing the interruption and the sudden rush of cold where his touch had been.

“So...” I clear my throat, desperate to regain my composure. “Your car.”

Jett blinks, thrown by the subject change.

“Why would you give Daniel your prized Mustang? That thing is your baby.” I tease lightly, relieved to steer us into safer conversational waters.

A lopsided grin tugs at the corner of his mouth. “She may be my first love, but you know how it is with high school sweethearts. Had to let her go eventually.”

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