Page 92 of How You See Me
Tears glisten but don’t fall. She’s too brave for that.
“Josie. Are you ready to kick this fear in the ass?”
“I want to. I’m tired of it controlling me. But—”
“Nobuts. If you want things to be different, it’s time to act. What are you going to do?”
Her spine aligns, determination locking in, and her hands drop to her hips. “I’m going to show up for myself and conquer something new and petrifying.”
I kiss her forehead. “That’s my girl.”
“Aww. I am?” She melts at the words, pushing a tearover the edge.
I brush it away with my thumb. “Yeah. I think that’s a done deal.”
She launches herself into my arms and wraps around me. “Finally. You’ve been mine for a long time. You just didn’t know it.”
Before I can respond, question, or even process what she said, she kisses me hard, stealing my strength and the last piece of my heart.
She drops back to her feet without warning, fierce and beautiful andall mine.
“Are we going to do this or stand here kissing all day?”
“Both sound like viable options. Your call, warrior girl.”
“Conquer fear first.” She takes my hand. “Get my kiss reward in private so we can do it right.”
A wicked smile emerges. “I love the way you think.”
“Okay, Staff Sergeant.” Stepping back, she squares her shoulders and presses her arms tight to her body. “I’m ready for my mission. How do I face the enemy and kick it in the buttocks?"
Chapter 20
Josie
Riding in the go-kart with Hayes is already one of my favorite memories. We do this kind of thing every day—ride in intimate spaces, just the two of us—but there’s something different about this.
The way he tucks me against him in the tiny compartment, his thick, muscular legs claiming most of the space. The way one strong hand grips the steering wheel while the other calmly cups my inner thigh as if he has to touch me. My arms wind around his inked bicep, holding on as much for comfort as to savor the feel of him.
The first time around the track, he goes slow, picking up speed the more I adjust. But on our last lap before time runs out, all rules and considerations have flown out the window.
I’ve screamed, braced for impact, and banged my elbow and head on the cushioned frame more times than I can count . . .but I’m still laughing. I haven’t panicked—other than a few racing heartbeats when I lowered into the kart the first time—and I’m taking in the reckless fun like I’ve encouraged him to do along this way.
And Hayes’ big, goofy smile hasn’t faded once. When a teenage driver flips him off on the way by, his laughter rings out, deep and uninhibited. I fumble for my phone and take a picture, needing to capture this rare, beautiful joy he’s wearing so naturally.
It’s not only his happiness that touches something deep inside me. It’s knowing how much he deserves it.
And the best part of all?
I’m falling for Hayes Montgomery at landslide speed. He makes it impossible not to love him. I wish I hadn’t been so set on taming his outer grizzly for so long. I almost missed the cushy teddy bear he hides underneath.
Back at the starting line, Hayes secures the brake, then reaches over to frame my face with both hands. He kisses me hard. It’s quick and intense, like he can’t help himself.
“You’ve got this,” he whispers.
“It’s my turn?”
“Yep.”
