Page 72 of Wreck Me

My fingers shake as I pop the lid off. A shiny black car key gleams up at me. ‘What’s this?’

‘I said I’d teach you to drive, didn't I?’ He shuffles closer. Close enough that his scent surrounds me. ‘You’re going to need a car to practise in.’

My jaw drops. ‘You bought me a car?’

‘You didn't think I’d teach you in the Ferrari, did you?’ He grabs my hand and stands, tugging me to my feet. ‘Come on, it’s outside. Let me show you.’

Words fail to form on my tongue as he leads me through the hall to the front door. I barely even register the cold draught as he yanks it open.

A sleek, black sporty-looking Audi is parked in front of the steps.

‘Happy birthday, princess.’ Excitement exudes from his every pore. ‘It’s an R8.’ He says it like I’m meant to know what that means.

‘What do you think? Do you like it?’ He slips an arm around my shoulder and ushers me out of the door. My feet are bare but I’m too shocked to care.

‘It’s too much.’

‘It’s not, trust me. I know you want to travel, but I thought while you’re stuck here until graduation, you might like a bit of freedom of your own.’

‘That’s ridiculously thoughtful. You’ve given me so much. You’ve saved me in ways you can’t even begin to comprehend.’ He’s put money in my bank account, bought me clothes, and taken me into his home. If I worked for him my whole life, I could never repay him.

‘I’ve got a feeling you’re the one saving me.’ He turns to face me, pulling me into his chest. His hands cup the back of my arms and rub away the goosebumps. ‘After my last relationship, I struggled to let anyone in.’

‘Your relationship with Cynthia Van Darwin? I saw pictures of you together in the papers.’

‘Yes, Cynthia was,’ he pauses for a second, ‘dishonest. She had a different agenda.’

My gaze falls to the floor. I haven’t been fully honest, but not because I have a different agenda.

James continues obliviously. ‘After we split, I wasn't myself. Not by a long shot. You’ve brought me back to life. I love the way you find joy in everything. It’s something I could learn to do. ’

His words warm my insides. ‘I thoughtyouwere supposed to be teachingme.’ I nuzzle into his neck and rake my fingers over his scalp.

‘I’ll teach you everything I know.’ His pupils glint.

‘Yeah, when I’ve learnt to crawl properly,’ I joke.

‘Oh, honey, I’d never make you crawl to me.You’rethe one who brings me to my knees.’ He nudges me back inside. ‘Get dressed. We’re going for a spin.’ His fingers skim the plane of my lower back.

‘I’m supposed to be meeting Avery for lunch,’ I admit. ‘I wasn't expecting you back until later.’

James exhales a heavy breath. Frown lines crease his brow. ‘I should have said I was coming home. I wanted to surprise you.’

‘It's the best surprise ever.’ I reach up onto my tiptoes, inching closer for a kiss. His intoxicating cologne could be bottled and sold as a female Viagra.

‘I was hoping to get some alone time with you before the ball tonight.’ His lips touch mine and a hit of heat sears my soul. ‘If I’d have known it was your birthdaywhen I got the invitation, I never would have agreed to go.’

‘Nonsense. It’ll be nice. What time does it start?’ I sink back onto the soles of my feet.

‘Eight o’clock. Do you have a dress?

‘I have several.’ I mentally rack my brain for which one would be most appropriate.

‘You’ll need a ballgown. I’ll arrange an appointment with Martha for this afternoon. You’ll need something… spectacular. You know every eye in the place will be on you, don’t you? And that’s before they realise you’re my girlfriend.’

I love his confidence in me. But, mostly, I love being called his girlfriend.

‘My parents will be there. And Caelon and Isabella. My mother is still peeved she didn't get to meet you at the nightclub. Be warned, she can be a lot.’ His eyebrows raise skywards.

---