Page 94 of Glitter Rose
For the first time, I’m the one controlling where we go.
Not Knox, not Gabriel, not the zombies.
Me.
A rush of something like joy, something like power, overcomes me.
“Good job, Thumper.” I hobble up and down on the seat. “We’re doing it!”
“Turn’s coming up,” Knox says. “Ease off the gas, brake gently, and turn the wheel in the direction you want to go.”
I follow his instructions, and the car glides around the bend with only minor wobbling. “I did it! I’m fucking driving!”
“Eyes on the road,” Knox says automatically, but he grins. “And yes, you are.”
I pick up speed, the wind rushing through the cracked windows. “How fast can Thumper go?”
“Let’s stick to basics for now.” Knox’s hand covers mine on the wheel. “Remember, we’re still in zombie territory.”
We drive for miles, Knox gradually introducing new skills. Three-point turns in a wide spot in the road. Parallel parking between two logs he drags into position. Reverse, which makes Thumper grumble in protest until I get the hang of it.
“See that tree line?” Knox points ahead. “Pull over there. Let’s take a break.”
I ease onto the shoulder, putting the car in park before taking my hands off the wheel. Pride swells in my chest. “How’d I do?”
“Not bad for your first time.” He leans across the console, kissing my cheek. “Natural talent.”
“Thanks.” I stretch my arms above my head. “Does this mean I get a gold star? A certificate? Special driving privileges?”
“Special privileges, definitely. Cars are useful for all kinds of things, you know.”
“Oh yeah?” I twist in my seat to face him fully. “Like what?”
“I can think of a few things.” His hand finds my knee, fingers drawing lazy patterns up my thigh. “Now that you’re healed…”
Heat that has nothing to do with the summer dayflushes through me. “Are you suggesting what I think you’re suggesting?”
It’s been too many weeks of careful touches and chaste kisses while my body mended. Weeks of Knox treating me like I might shatter if he breathed too hard.
Being so super extra careful, it was starting to be annoying.
“Depends.” His gaze drops to my lips. “What do you think I’m suggesting?”
I unbuckle my seatbelt, bending across the center console. “That Thumper might be a good place for activities that don’t involve driving.”
His mouth finds mine, three months of being together doing nothing to dull the electricity that sparks between us at every touch. I hang awkwardly across the gearshift, the position less romantic than movies.
“This is—” I break away, laughing as the steering wheel digs into my side. “Not as sexy as I imagined.”
“Backseat.” He already opens his door. “Much more practical.”
I follow his lead, climbing to the backseat from the front. He joins me, his larger frame making the space suddenly much smaller.
“Better?” He guides me into his lap so I straddle his thighs.
“Much.” I loop my arms around his neck, peering down at him. “Hi.”
“Hi yourself.” His hands settle on my hips, thumbs slipping beneath the hem of my tank top to find bare skin. “Proud of you today.”
