Page 27 of Rivals

Sutton turns to walk away, but I reach out and grab her wrist, spinning her around to face me before pinning her back against the door. I feel the pounding of her pulse and how it spikes the moment our skin connects. I feel it strong, steady and beating frantically still as I move in closer to her. “You’re always pushing me, testing me. It drives me crazy Sutton.”

“And you’re always playing this game of cat and mouse. One minute, you’re running away from me like I have the plague, and the next, you’re jamming your tongue down my throat only to act as if it never happened the next time, I see you.”

Our noses are almost touching. I can smell the scent of her shampoo, perfume and everything else that is Sutton. I don’t need alcohol to get drunk. I can do that right here, pressed against Sutton Pierce, consuming her every breath the way she has somehow started to consume me. “I’m not playing a game.”

I see the fire light in her eyes, and she yanks her hands away from my grip and attempts to push me away, but I don’t budge. “You sure as hell could have fooled me.”

“You just don’t understand how dangerous this is for us. This is a literally a ticking time bomb that we’re playing with,” I tell her.

Sutton rolls her eyes. “You’re so damn cryptic. It’s ridiculous.”

“This isn’t me being cryptic or dramatic. It’s the damn truth. That kiss did something to me, but I can’t allow it to go further than that and neither can you, trust me.” I try to force her to see how badly it’s killing me to say this. It’s the last thing I ever want to say.

She shakes her head. “I don’t trust people that I don’t know, and I certainly don’t trust people who play games and talk in circles so no I won’t trust you Rathe.”

Her cheeks are flushed and I’m fighting the urge to reach down and stroke that silky skin. It’s what I want to do so damn badly but I know I can’t. Mentally, I’m killing myself because I took a bite of the temptation and now, I’m failing to resist. I should have never let Sutton close. I should have never let her help me on the track and I really shouldn't have kissed her because now it’s all I want to do again. Screw my career, screw the contract, screw the world...which is all ridiculous because my career is all I have, all I ever wanted until my lips met hers. Without another moment of hesitation, I claim her mouth in an aggressive kiss. Our lips mold together, and I can feel her shock in her rigid muscles but slowly they release, her mouth opens ever so slightly, the invite I was looking for. I swoop in like a dehydrated man looking for water during a drought in Death Valley. My hands move to her hips, my fingers digging into her flesh. Sutton whimpers and I feel the last bit of self-control I have break.

I’m reaching for my key when I hear another door open, down the hall. I jump away from Sutton as if a bucket of ice-cold water was just dropped on me. We look like two hot messes, flushed, breathing heavily and guilty as hell. I smooth my shirt and wipe away the traces of Sutton that linger on my lips. Jowanna steps into the hallway in a leopard dress. She looks our way and smiles. “You both look great. Your outfits actually complement each other. I’m impressed.” Neither of us say anything, but we both nod in acknowledgement. Jowanna looks between us before nodding her head. “Are you two okay?”

I nod my head. “Yeah, we’re great.” I make a scene of checking my watch. “Shouldn’t we get going?”

“Yes, of course,” Jowanna tells us. I motion for Sutton to go ahead of me. She glares at me before stepping away from the door, taking the spot next to Jowanna. “I love your earrings.”

Sutton smiles at her and it’s one of those smiles that lights up the whole damn hallway. “Thank you. I love yours.”

Jowanna raises her hand to feel her earrings. “Oh, thanks. I actually made these.”

“Really?” Sutton asks, shock registered in her voice.

Jowanna shrugs. “Yeah, call it my side hustle.”

“Do you sell them?” Sutton asks.

“Sure do,” Jowanna replies, and after that the entire ride down the elevator and in the limo to the club is these two talking about earrings. Normally, I’d want to jump out of the moving car and take my chances, but I’m compelled to listen to Sutton, her questions and genuine interest. She’s truly one of a kind and I’m in so much trouble and not just because of the contract. I don’t worry about anyone but me and my family. Women are the last thing on my list of priorities, but Sutton is quickly changing that and it’s scaring the hell out of me.

Twenty-Eight

Sutton

My body is wired so tight right now that I’m afraid that if I look at Rathe, I might explode. He is so damn confusing. I thought I was the one being wishy washy, but I think maybe it’s him. Hell, who am I kidding? It’s probably both of us. I’m just so frustrated. He watches me as if I’m some sort of magnet and he can’t look away. He’ll kiss me as if I’m the only oxygen around, but then he acts as if he’s embarrassed by me. I’ve been that girl enough in my life and I refuse to play that role for Rathe McCall. I’ve got to keep my defenses up with him because clearly, he and I can’t be trusted together.

I listen to Jowanna talk about her earring business which is actually really interesting. She clearly enjoys it. I even pick out a few pairs for Evanna from the pictures on Jowanna’s phone. I know she’ll love them. When we arrive at the entrance of the club, there are cameras everywhere and I feel my body grow even more nervous. “Okay you two, it’s showtime. Now remember to smile and answer the questions. Pose for about four pictures then head inside. If they ask a question that you aren’t sure about it, just give a vague, non-committed answer. It’s the safest bet.”

The back door of the limo opens, and the crowd instantly turns in our direction. The flashes are blinding as the cameras begin to go off at lightning speed. Everyone is dying to get a picture oftheRathe McCall. He climbs out first and even though I can’t see his face I can tell he’s a natural. His muscles seem relaxed and he even gives the camera a little wave. As much as I hate to admit it, I’m a little in awe of him right now. Rathe is waiting beside the door once I manage to climb out of the limo. He discreetly reminds me to smile which I do. The flashes from the camera are even worse outside of the car. All I can see are the nonexistent stars dancing in front of my eyes. Rathe’s large, warm hand lands on the small of my back, guiding me to the entrance. When he stops to pose for a photo, I do the same. He stays beside me the whole time and even though I’m frustrated with him, and at this moment, I’m also completely thankful for him. I’m not sure I could have made it through this without his help, not that I’d tell him that.

Once we’re inside the multi-story nightclub and Jowanna has joined us we are ushered to the VIP area where the Burnout Tire launch party is being held. Jowanna leads us as she follows the manager of the nightclub, going over the schedule and what not. Rathe stays close to me and I’m not sure if it’s a good or bad thing now. I mean, a part of me wants him close which is exactly why I should be running the opposite direction. Now that we're away from the flashing cameras and spotlight I feel more levelheaded. Inside the confines of the nightclub I can hold my own and stand on my own two feet without his help.

We head up a staircase until we reach a very private area. There is a bar along the far wall and a balcony to see the dancefloor below. The plush leather furniture looks more than comfortable. “There they are!” An older gentleman with a thick accent exclaims as we step into the area. His salt and pepper hair is slicked back but his almost black eyes zone in on me instantly. The creep factor instantly settles in the pit of my stomach and crawls up the spine of my back. Somehow Rathe must feel it too, because I notice how quickly his spine straightens and as we move in closer, he purposefully places himself in front of me. The creepy guy, Raul, introduces us to the room of people. A lot of media and some of the Burnout Tire executives. I feel Rathe’s hand on the small of my back again. I chance a look at him, but all I can tell is that he is watching everyone around us. Oddly, enough I feel safe with Rathe.

As the night drags on, pictures are taken, drinks are ordered, bad jokes are told, and things seem fine. Rathe hasn’t left my side so I’m not surprised when he leans over and whispers into my ear. “I need to make a pit stop in the restroom. Will you be okay?”

I smile because it’s sweet of him to ask even though he doesn’t have to. “I’m good.”

“I’ll be back shortly.” Rathe rises and I watch as he leaves.

I stand up, restless from sitting for so long and move to look over the balcony. One of the younger Burnout Tire executives, Trevor, comes over to join me. His smile is friendly, and his blonde hair is cut so short to his head that he almost looks bald at times. “Finally, I get to talk to you.”

I tilt my head out of habit. “What do you mean?”

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