Page 27 of The Hotshot vs The Reporter

“Tomorrow,” he says softly and leaves, the ache in my heart only growing larger.

Damn, I really did want him to stay.

Which means it’s a really good idea to let him go.

CHAPTER13

SOREN

I’m back in my house in Kansas City after flying back with Royal this morning. It wasn’t exactly weird on the plane with him, but it was quiet.

I can’t believe he kissed me.

I really can’t believe I kissed him back.

I was stunned stupid when he pulled my body into his and crashed his lips down on mine, but not for long. No. I wanted it.

I wanted so much more.

I wanted to explore every inch of his toned body, but then he was pulling away, and I saw the shock in his eyes at what he’d done. And then, all I wanted to know was why.

Why did he kiss me? I didn’t see one hint of attraction before that moment, but maybe I missed something.

Or maybe it’s like he crudely said—that he was just horny.

But I don’t think that’s it. I felt something. Something that had my gut turning and my mind spinning during that kiss. It was real.

But I also meant what I said. I won’t be a experiment for anyone. Questioning your sexuality and exploring it, that’s great. But if he’s just another fuckboy who’s going to jerk me around... Yeah. Not so great.

But that kiss...

Damn it.My fingers absently move to my bottom lip as I slowly drag my finger across it, replaying the kiss in my mind.

I let out a shuddery breath and then try like hell to shake it off.Okay. Focus.

I log onto my Instagram using my phone and find a picture I took during the first race this past weekend. It’s a good picture of the whole track with the main focus being Royal’s car.

But as I go to type up the caption, I pause.

I didn’t like all the aggression and hatred my followers had when I posted the picture of us at the amusement park—dating or not—which we’re, for sure,not. It doesn’t matter. And okay, maybe he’s been a total asshat in the past—at least from my perspective.

But I’m starting to see a different side to the Hotshot.

Or maybe he just scrambled my brain with that kiss.

Ugh!

Quickly, I type out a caption.

Spent my weekend at the track! You all, maybe I had it all wrong... or maybe I didn’t. But I’m starting to see a different side to Royal Dutton, and perhaps by the end of this, you will too.

I try not to think too much before I post it, then decide to go take a quick shower before I need to leave. Because Jenny informed me that the racers she and Cash Phillips represent will be at the local animal shelter today for their annual event.

I shower quickly and drive to the animal shelter, noting all the fancy, extremely expensive cars parked outside. I can’t shake the smile off my face at that. They’re ridiculous.

But my smile is goofy.

I climb out of my very practical—probably boring to them—car and walk inside, my phone in hand because Jenny asked me to take pics. I walk into the shelter, and of course, the first person I see is Royal.

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