Page 58 of Racing Hearts

“Later, if you’re good,” he promises, both of us lost in each other’s eyes until a honk makes him jump.

I flip the driver off as I guide Evan inside, my hand automatically going above his head as he slides in, and I shut the door behind him. Hurrying around, I reach over and fasten his belt—a habit.

“Aww, you two are so cute.” Lally grins, popping her head between the seats. “It’s nice to finally meet you. Should we call you asshole or Alek?”

“Alek is fine,” I mutter, embarrassed as I glance back. “Belts.”

“He’s all bark and no bite. Well, some bite,” Evan teases as he reaches for the radio and flips through the music. I let him as I pull out into traffic.

My cheeks heat as I focus on the road, but his friends just laugh. “Nice ride,” Tommy says. “You build it?”

I nod, unsure what to say. I’ve never been good with the social side of things or small talk, and I worry I’m doing it wrong.

“Nice, love the artwork. You should do some dope paintings on other cars. People would pay for it.” He nods, and I glance at him in the rearview mirror.

“I do it for some friends. I’ve thought about it,” I tell him. The subject is something I’m interested in, so I find myself relaxing. “I can always show you one day.”

“Hell yes, I’m down for that.” Tommy grins and nudges Lally. “I like him.”

Lally smiles, but she watches me closely, and I know she won’t be won over so easily. Evan told me a lot about her, and I’m glad he has her. She’s very protective, which I like.

I focus on the road. I mapped the drive earlier when Evan texted me the party address, so I leave him singing along to the radio as we drive, Lally and Tommy chatting away in the back.

It’s . . . nice.

My hand drifts from the stick to his thigh before I remember we aren’t alone and I snatch it back. Grinning at me, he grabs my hand and laces our fingers together, uncaring about his friends. It shouldn’t make me float, but it does. I like that they know about us, plus they seem nice. There was no judgment, no teasing, just acceptance, as if Evan liking me was enough.

Lifting his hand, I kissed the back of it at the next light. “I missed you tonight,” I admit quietly.

“Did you?” He kisses my cheek, his voice coming before he leans away. “Then we can spend the night making up for it.”

Grinding my jaw at the hungry look in his eyes, I jerk my gaze back to the road before I do something super inappropriate. Laughing, he tightens his hold on my hand as I pull onto the street the party is being held at. I’m not usually one for a frat party, but Evan invited me so I’ll go.

If it’s filled with idiots, though, I might just have to kidnap him. There is only so much sports talk I can handle. It surprises me when we pull up outside and see jocks there. “I didn’t know you were a jock kid.”

“Evan is friends with everyone,” Lally supplies happily. “He’s all about breaking stereotypes. Equal rights and all that.”

My eyebrows rise, and he shrugs as he gets out. I meet him around the front of the car, itching to reach for his hand, but I shove mine in my pockets. The grass is filled with students, some waving at Evan. There’s no flying under the radar here. I don’t know why I thought Evan was an outcast, but it seems he knows everyone.

I must look overwhelmed because Lally loops her arm through mine and leans in as she drags me after him and Tommy to the huge house where music is currently playing. “Don’t worry, it gets easier, and I found the perfect response to the drunk jocks. No matter what they say, just say ‘no way,’ and drinking makes it easier to enjoy. School experience and all.” She grins at me, letting me in on the secret.

“I don’t drink and drive, especially with Evan in the car,” I mutter, “but I’ll try the no way thing.”

“Evan! You came!” a big burly bastard calls out. He’s currently helping an upside-down guy drink from a keg.

“Hey, Liam.” Evan waves. “Nice party.”

“You know it. Have a good night, man.” He turns back to the bros surrounding him as I stare.

This is for Evan, I remind myself.

When we get inside, Evan steers us away from the packed dining room that has become a dance floor and to the back porch, where there are some couches surrounding a fire pit. The music still blasts out here with people drinking and partying, but it’s chiller than inside. Lally pushes me down and grabs Evan, shoving him down next to me. “We’ll get drinks!” she yells and then drags a confused Tommy away.

Evan is pressed against my side, so I move away slightly, not wanting him to worry. He arches his brow but turns to face me. “First college party?”

“First and last probably,” I admit.

“Not your scene, asshole?” He smirks, leaning in to hear me better.

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