Page 38 of Fast and Dirty

“Better?” I ask, and she nods thoughtfully.

“Actually, yeah. A little bit.”

“How about some good news?” I ask. “I bet I can cheer you up.”

“Really?” She raises an eyebrow, probably searching her brains for what I could possibly have to tell her.

“Prestons’s Uncle Ted called,” I start and her head drops back with an exasperated sigh.

“Oh my God, how can my bag of dicks ex’s uncle calling you possibly cheer me up?” She brings a hand to her eyes and I pull it away so she can look at me.

“Kira, he says we can keep it,” I tell her quickly.

“What?” She looks back up.

“He’s actually a pretty cool guy. He’s not mad at all that you took it, in fact he’s happy you left Preston at the altar. He says if I can fix it up, I can keep it.”

Kira’s head rears back slightly as she blinks rapidly. “He did?” I nod. “I hate to ask this, but why would he do such a thing?”

“Something about how you’re the only thing he ever liked about his rich, spoiled little snot of a nephew, who wouldn’t know the first thing about a classic car,.” I shake my head, still in disbelief myself. “I think he liked the idea of sticking it to Preston by not holding you responsible; letting him think he supplied you with a getaway car,” I chuckle. “Anyway, I get to do what I want with it now and I’ve already got a plan.”

“Well, but… why would you want it?” She looks up confused.

“I can fix the damage and fully restore it for under twenty grand. I’ve already crunched the numbers and found the parts I need. When I’m done, it can go for at least seventy-thousand at auction. ”

Her crystal blue eyes go wide at this. “So…?”

“So you’re off the hook with that car!”

She gasps, cupping her hands around her mouth. “Oh my God are you serious?” The words are muffled but the elation comes through all the same. When I nod, she drops her hands and jumps into my arms, hers wrapping around my neck. “I can’t believe this, this is incredible!” she exclaims, while I try not to make a show of breathing in her mesmerizing scent - and keep the result from showing behind my jeans. “But why would you do this?” She pulls away enough to look up at me.

Here’s where I tread carefully. She wants to earn her way in life now and doesn’t want handouts. That’s not even close to what I’m doing here and I needto make that clear.

“Are you kidding? This is a dream come true for me,” I explain. “I’ve never restored a prestigious vehicle before. I love the idea of taking this on.”

Kira gazes up at me, her blue eyes bright, searching my face before those thick lashes lower and she’s up on her toes kissing the hell out of me.

16

KIRA

My tongue is enjoying the caress of West’s and his lips are soft and delicious against mine. The endorphins of the good news he just gave me only heighten the sensations making me feel tingly all over, of course including my nether regions. He smells fresh and clean with a manly musk and a splash of gasoline. And though we’ve taken things way past this point before - twice - I realize how amazing it is just kissing him. Before, I didn’t stop to take it in as that bastard bitch in my panties was in control but now she’s sitting down there pleasantly confused. Holy fuck, West is a good kisser. And his arms… oh my god that was the first time anyone has ever calmed me down with ahug.

When it comes to thanking him for what he is doing for me, a kiss is pretty pathetic when you think about it.

“I’m sorry,” I say breathlessly, trying to break away but his hands come up to my face and pull me back into the earth-trembling kiss. He’s actually been pretty touchy feely with me since the start, no matter who’s around and before my mind can wander to what the rest of the town must think of it, I decide I don’t care. I like the way he is with me and if he doesn’t care who sees, neither do I.

West slowly draws his face away, his lips lingering on mine until the last second before placing one last gentle peck.

I let out a dreamy sigh from both the kiss and the weight that’s lifted.

“You know, I don’t know what I’m going to try next for work, but, you don’t know the stress you’ve taken away with this,” I marvel up at him. “Whatever I end up doing I can just focus on helping pay my way.”

His brows stitch together as he sways in place. “Well yeah, but there won’t be a huge hurry once I’m done. The profits will definitely sustain you for a good while, especiallyhere.”

“What are you talking about?” It’s my turn to look confused.

“The profits from whatever the Rolls goes for. That will help you big time.”

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