Page 68 of Endurance

“Don’t worry about it. It’s not worth it,” I tried to assure. However, inside I was seething. I never wanted to slap someone as much as I did Milo. He was an asshole—plain and simple. There was no other word to describe him.

The three of us exited the totor home and made our way back to the track.

“Things are moving along pretty quick, Sloan. Have you talked to your doctor or physical therapist about all of this?” I inquired as we walked.

“Not yet.”

“Why do I get the feeling that you’re not going to?”

“I’ll think about it. How long are you two planning on sticking around the track?” he asked, clearly trying to change the subject.

“Not much longer. I thought Gabby and I could take a quick walk around the inside corridor, maybe stop at the gift shop, then leave for the airport.”

“So, I’ll see you later then?”

I shrugged.

“Possibly. The day sort of flipped upside down on me. I haven’t thought much past bringing Gabby to the airport.”

Sloan stopped walking, forcing Gabby and me to look back at him.

“Gabby, if you don’t mind,” Sloan said as he grabbed my hand. “She’ll be right back.”

Without warning, Sloan all but dragged me a few yards away toward the spectator stands until we rounded the corner into a small secluded alcove behind the seating area.

“Sloan, what are you—” I protested but was immediately silenced when he pressed my back against the concrete wall.

I gasped, but he stifled any protest I may have had by covering my mouth with his. Within a matter of seconds, heat exploded through my veins. His kiss was deep and demanding. I didn’t care about who might walk by and see us or about what they might think of a returned celebrity racer caught in a liplock with his PR agent—all that mattered was the passionate power of his lips on mine.

I surrendered to him, allowing his tongue to push past my parted lips. Pulling my hips sharply against him, he forced my back and neck into a slight arch and angled his head to get better access. He groaned against my mouth, the vibration causing my nipples to stiffen in response.

“God, Kallie. I’ll never get enough of you,” he murmured, then continued to ravish me like a starving man who couldn’t get his fill.

I reached up to tangle my fingers through his dark waves, pulling him closer and encouraging him to take more. But much to my regret, he broke the kiss and pulled slightly away. I was breathless from the electrifying sensations coursing through my body, leaving me charged with nowhere to go.

“Well, that was some goodbye kiss,” I joked in between pants as I tried to catch my breath.

Pressing his forehead to mine, his blue eyes bored into mine with such intensity that goosebumps formed on my arms.

“That wasn’t a goodbye kiss, Kallie. That was a promise of later.”

Stepping back, he flashed me one of those lopsided, sexy grins I loved so much, then turned and walked out toward the track. I was left momentarily stunned. Shaking my head to clear it, I followed his path only to find Gabby staring at Sloan as he passed by her. She had a look of total bewilderment on her face.

“What the hell was that all about?” she demanded. I shrugged sheepishly but didn’t answer. I couldn’t take my eyes off Sloan as he sauntered away. I didn’t want him to go, yet I couldn’t stay. All I knew was that, after I dropped Gabby off at the airport, I would be counting down the seconds until I experienced Sloan’s promise of later. It was crazy how much I always looked forward to our time together. He’d quickly become the reason my sun and moon rose and fell. He was why the stars seemed to twinkle a little brighter and…

Oh my God.

A heaviness began to build in my chest, welling in my throat until I thought I might choke. And at that moment, a sense of perfect clarity burst forth.

I’m falling in love with him.

I knew when I agreed to pursue this thing with us, it would be risky. My emotions had a mind of their own, and I knew I could fall for him. I just never anticipated I would fall this hard and this fast. The realization crashed over me like a tidal wave, crushing me upon impact.

At first, I was flooded with happiness—until the brutal reality washed it all away as I remembered the gypsy’s words. Gabby may have told me that Austin paid the fortune teller to say those things, but what if it wasn’t all a ruse? What if her words were a real premonition, and I was setting myself up to be broken? If that was the case, it was too late to turn back now. I had a full heart—full of blossoming love for a man who I wasn’t sure would love me back. Our relationship was supposed to be temporary. I would be going back to D.C., and if all went well, he’d be going back to his first and only love—racing.

I didn’t know how much time had passed, but I was brought to attention by a hand waving in front of my face. I blinked and focused my gaze on a wide-eyed Gabby.

“Sorry, Gabs.”

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