A month later Davey flew Nora, Ben, Steph, Jamie, and Lucas to Daytona. Nora was looking forward to watching Davey race. Ben was even more excited. It was all he’d talked about over the last month.

After they arrived on Friday night, Nora and Davey hung out at the hotel playing video games with the boys while Jamie went out with AJ and a few of his buddies.

She enjoyed hanging out with Davey. She hadn’t seen much of him in January because he’d spent a lot of time in Charlotte getting ready for the season. She reflected on the comfortable routine the two of them had established over the last month. He’d called every night that he’d been away. He would talk with Ben first and then ask for her. They’d catch up with each other, sometimes talking for an hour. They would chat about anything and everything, even mundane things like a conversation she’d had with a customer at the bar or a minor adjustment Cruz had made to Davey’s car. It felt as though they’d deepened their relationship through their daily phone conversations.

She and Ben had spent time with Davey during his brief trips home, but she and Davey hadn’t gotten any alone time. They’d snuck in a forbidden kiss here and there but hadn’t had the opportunity for anything more. Nora found herself obsessively thinking about the night of passion they’d shared in Alabama. Despite her declaration that she could only give him one night, she desperately longed for more.

She wasn’t sure what to make of whatever was going on between her and Davey. Picking up her controller so she could get in on the NASCAR video game, she decided that instead of labeling it or stressing over it, she would follow the approach Pap and Steph had taught her. Live in the now.

The next morning, Jamie took the boys to the Xfinity race. Davey and Cruz left to meet with their team to prep for the next day’s race. Nora had a wonderful morning of leisure—sleeping in, jogging on the beach, then strolling around town with Steph. She wasn’t used to such luxuries—staying at a nice hotel, eating out, visiting a new town—but she had to admit she’d been enjoying it.

Back in her hotel room, she got ready to meet Davey and the rest of their group for dinner. She took the time to curl her hair and carefully apply her make-up so she would look extra nice. Jamie had already offered to keep the boys tonight. Lust pinged low in her belly as she thought about being alone with Davey.

At the last minute, she changed into the dress she’d purchased earlier in the day. Pale pink, it hugged her breasts, cinched her waist, and turned loose and flowy at the bottom. She topped it off with a jean jacket, silver jewelry, and strappy sandals. After one last peek in the mirror, she made her way downstairs to the hotel’s restaurant with nerves flitting in her belly.

She had been eagerly awaiting this opportunity. But now that the time approached, fears and doubts consumed her. She wanted to make love with Davey again but what if it wasn’t as good as it had been the first time? What if the first time had been good only because it had been their first time? What if she really wasn’t good at it? Davey had suggested that her and Matt’s issues had been his fault, but maybe luck had been on her side the last time.

Inside the restaurant, she spotted Davey sitting at the bar by himself. When he caught her eye, their gazes locked for a long, heated moment. Then Davey slid off his barstool and made his way over to her.

“Hel—” She didn’t get a single word out before Davey hauled her against him and devoured her lips. He kissed her long and hard, and quivers of delight danced though her. She was so lost in his kiss that she forgot they were in public until several bright flashes made her jerk back.

A reporter shoved a microphone in Davey’s face. “Is this your girlfriend?”

“What’s your name?” a second reporter asked, thrusting a microphone in front of her face.

“How you gonna do tomorrow?” the last one asked.

The nerves in Nora’s stomach intensified but Davey appeared to be calm and collected. He plastered on a charming smile, took her hand, then turned to the first reporter. “Yes, she’s my girlfriend.”

What? She wasn’t his girlfriend. She wanted to protest, but she didn’t want to do it in front of the reporters. She clutched his hand as he addressed the others.

“Her name is none of your business,” was his response to the second reporter, and “I’m gonna kick ass,” to the third. “Now if you’ll excuse us, we have dinner plans,” he said, and then led her into a private room in the back.

Steph and Cruz were already seated and sharing a bottle of wine.

After greeting them and ordering drinks, Nora pressed a hand to her belly. “That was…intense.” She didn’t know how Davey did it. She didn’t like being in the limelight, much less being put on the spot.

Davey lifted a shoulder. “You get used to it.”

“What happened?” Steph asked, glancing across the table at Nora.

Nora filled her friend in on the frenzy of reporters.

Steph gave her an empathetic look. “I’m sorry, sweetie, but it’s bound to happen when you date a NASCAR driver.” Steph beamed at her son, but her words only added to the flurry of anxiety in Nora’s stomach.

She and Davey were dating? He’d told the reporter that she was his girlfriend.

She turned to Davey. “What did you mean by the girlfriend comment?” she asked, taking care to lower her voice. Although why she had bothered was anyone’s guess. Steph and Cruz were seated directly across from them and Cruz’s soft chuckle indicated he had overheard. Even so, she kept her gaze locked on Davey.

“I call you every night.” He gently brushed his knuckles over her cheek. “I text you every day. We go out when I’m at home,” he said, feathering his fingers through her hair. “In between, I think about you a hell of a lot and I hope you think about me too.” He touched his forehead to hers. “I’m not sure what you call that, but I’m going with girlfriend.”

From across the table, Steph let out a squeal of delight, but it barely registered. Nora’s stunned mind was taking it in. They did talk and text every day. They did go out at every opportunity and she sure as hell thought about him a lot too.

“Come on, Nora,” he said, nuzzling his forehead against hers. “Be my girlfriend.”

Before she could answer, he touched his lips to hers. He lingered there, barely making contact. Sweet anticipation built up inside her, but she expected him to draw back because they had an audience. Apparently, Davey didn’t see the problem with that. His lips grazed over hers, again and again, causing goosebumps to race up and down her arms. As he continued the soft, sensual skimming of his lips across hers, the goosebumps strengthened and shot out in all directions.

When he finally pulled back, his eyes held hers. “Girlfriend,” he repeated. This time it was more of a statement than a question.

Her head bobbed up and down in agreement. After his soft, delicious lips had just turned her world upside down, there was really no other option.

Before she could fully process what had happened, Ben, Lucas, and Jamie joined them. Over dinner, Ben and Lucas gave an enthusiastic recap of the Xfinity race. Davey and Cruz talked about tomorrow’s Monster Energy race. Davey was more demonstrative than he’d been in the past, giving her a soft touch here, an adoring look there. He’d even given her a quick kiss after she had shared her realization that racing took a lot of skill and planning. She’d never had that kind of attention from a man and it made her both giddy with joy and tight with concern.

She worried about what Ben would think and whether he would get hurt when her and Davey’s relationship ultimately ended. As if on cue, Ben glanced over and eyed her and Davey. His gaze zeroed in on their clasped hands, then he studied her face which was undoubtedly flushed. He raised a single brow in question. “What’s the deal with you guys?” Ben asked, bringing conversation around the table to a halt. The gesture was so characteristic of Davey, it made her chest tighten even more.

With no idea how to respond, Nora let out a nervous giggle.

Davey squeezed her hand, then crooked a finger at Ben.

Ben rounded the table and stopped in front of them.

Davey put a hand on Ben’s arm. “I asked your aunt if she’d go out with me,” he said, then gave her a look that was so tender it made her heart whimper. “But it’s important to us that you’re okay with it.”

Ben’s eyes widened and his mouth formed into an ‘o.’

“What do you think?” Davey asked.

“Yay!” Ben’s face split into an ear-to-ear smile. “Just like Grandma and Mr. Cruz!”

Nora sagged in relief. She was pleased not only because Ben was happy about her and Davey dating, but also because he hadn’t made any broad assumptions. He hadn’t asked if they were getting married, he’d simply responded with his thoughts on the question asked. Maybe she should look to Ben for lessons on how to stay centered in the now.

When Ben returned to his seat, Nora whispered in Davey’s ear. “Thanks. You handled that well.” She appreciated that he had taken Ben’s feelings into consideration, that he’d given Ben a voice in their relationship.

After dinner, Jamie took Ben and Lucas out to play miniature golf. Nora and Davey made their way toward the lobby with Steph and Cruz.

Once there, Steph hugged Nora tight. “I’m happy for the two of you,” Steph whispered. “You’re good for Davey and him for you.”

Were they good for each other…or would Davey break her heart? Nora shifted her gaze toward Davey and Cruz to make sure they weren’t paying attention. “I’m not sure where this is going.”

“Focus on the now,” Steph advised.

Nora gave Steph a half smile. Her friend was right. This advice—to live in the moment—kept coming back to her. She’d heard it from Steph, her grandfather, and even from the Kent’s cow. Her own experiences were richer when she focused on what was happening in the moment instead of thinking about the past or the future.

When Davey joined them, Steph kissed him on the cheek. “Night son.”

Cruz gave Nora a bright smile. “Have a good evening.” He tipped his head toward Davey. “See that our boy gets some sleep. We have a big day tomorrow.”

Cruz patted Davey on the back, then escorted Steph away.

Davey stuffed his hands in his pockets. “So….”

“So,” she said back.

“You want to go out?” His gaze trailed Cruz and Steph who were making their way out the revolving door. “Cruz is taking Mom dancing.”

Dancing was the last thing on Nora’s mind. Nerves pinged in her belly, but there was something else in there too—something low, intense, and achy. “I’d rather stay in.”

He gave her a lazy grin, making her body vibrate with anticipation. “A girl after my own heart,” he said, taking her hand and leading her upstairs.

Inside his suite, Davey helped her out of her jean jacket and roved his eyes over her pink dress. Tossing the jacket on the table, he gave a low whistle. “You’re stunning.” He wrapped his hands around her waist. “I haven’t been able to keep my eyes off you all night.”

Surprised, Nora glanced up at him. She appreciated the compliment, especially since she had never thought of herself as stunning.

He pressed her against the wall. “I’ve thought about being with you all day,” he said, his voice low and gravelly. He kissed her, soft, sweet, and lingering, then pulled her lower lip into his mouth and sucked on it before drawing back. “I’ve thought about kissing you over and over again.”

Her heartbeat quickened. She’d been thinking about those things too and was glad she wasn’t the only one. He leaned in and made good on his words. He kissed her over and over, each kiss a little softer, a little sweeter. When he drew back, her heart was pounding and butterflies were going crazy in her belly.

He caught her gaze and they stared into each other’s eyes for a few long moments. Gazing into the depths of his gorgeous blues she detected real feelings. Not an I’m-attracted-to-you kind of thing, but something far, far deeper. The intensity made her feel light as the clouds and at the same time restless as a pending storm.

He brushed his palms over her breasts, drawing her attention back to the physical. That was a better place for her to focus. When he lowered his warm hands to cup her butt, hot desire jetted through her. “I dream about how your ass feels in the palm of my hands,” he said, his voice rough.

His words chipped away at her long-held sensitivity. Tracing his tongue over her lip, he squeezed her butt. She wriggled against his hands, delighting in the new sensations.

Keeping his hands on her backside, he pressed soft kisses behind her ear, then trailed a path down her neck. Savoring his sweet words and his tender touch, quivers rumbled inside her, threatening to erupt.

“This dress….” He stepped back and gave her the once-over. “It could bring me to my knees.”

Her breath caught.

He palmed his hands along her silhouette. “And how you fill it…mmm, mmm.”

His words sang through her system. No one had ever said such things to her. Even when Matt had been trying to win her over, he’d stuck with the basics, calling her nice or telling her that her eyes were pretty.

Davey was so different. His flattery ran deep and it wasn’t always about her looks. Over the last month, he’d complimented her honesty, her kindness, her passion. She had appreciated those compliments every bit as much.

“Damn, Nora.” He pushed down one of the straps of her dress to expose a shoulder, which he lavished with kisses. “I can’t seem to get enough of you.”

Feeling wanted and appreciated in a way she’d never known, she pushed down the other shoulder strap and shimmied out of the dress. That left her wearing her newly purchased Victoria’s Secret push-up bra and matching thong.

Davey’s eyes popped as he gaped at her, practically drooling. His obvious appreciation boosted her confidence. She flicked off her bra and rubbed her breasts against his chest.

A ragged groan rumbled out of him.

She tugged his shirt over his head and tossed it aside. “Let’s get these clothes off.” She lowered her fingers to the button on his Levi’s.

He tugged down his jeans before she could get the button undone. He kicked them off, along with his boxers and shoes, then scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bedroom. “And I’ve been thinking about doing this ever since our night in ‘Bama.”

A healthy jolt of lust shot into Nora’s stomach. She’d been thinking about it too, almost obsessively. “Me too,” she admitted, as Davey placed her on the bed, gently resting her head on a pillow.

He climbed onto the bed next to her, propped up on an elbow, and brushed a strand of hair away from her face. “Now that we’re dating, we can do this anytime we want.”

She choked out a laugh. “Is that why you asked me to be your girlfriend?” Her voice was teasing, but a small part of her needed to know.

“It’s a side benefit.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “But I asked you to be my girlfriend because I’m crazy about you.” He drew her into a long, sweet kiss that made her feel like she was the most important woman in the world. When he pulled back and propped on an elbow again, she let out a whimper of protest.

His slow, lazy smile made her flutters return. This time they glided into her chest, making soft, gentle brushes along her heart. She rolled onto her side to face him.

“There’s a lot more of that to come,” he promised, moving a hand through her hair. “But back to your question. I want to be with you for a lot of reasons. You’re an amazing person.” Surprised, she blinked up at him. “I love your mind,” he said, tapping two fingers on her temple. “Your body.” He slid a hand down her side. “And especially, your heart.” He moved his palm across her chest, settling in between her breasts.

She’d never heard such kind things said about her.

Davey rolled onto his back and tugged her on top of him, then he pulled her face to his for another tender kiss. His hands slowly caressed her body—her shoulders, her back, her butt. As she relished his slow, arousing touches, another bolt of desire shot into her belly. Then it branched out, igniting every cell in her body, setting every nerve ending on fire.

As much as she appreciated how cherished Davey made her feel, her entire body vibrated with desire. She needed more…and she needed it now. She slid off him and rolled to the table next to the bed. After shimmying out of her panties, she tugged the drawer open and gave silent thanks when she found a handful of condoms inside. She grabbed one of them and tore off the wrapper.

Davey chuckled. “Is there a fire?”

She moved back to him. “Put this on.” She pressed the condom into his hand. “Now.”

Davey’s eyes heated as he choked out another laugh. “Yes, ma’am.” He sheathed himself, then rolled on top of her. “Look at me, Nora.”

He waited until she did before he slid inside her.

His eyes danced and sparked as they melted into hers. As he moved inside her with slow, tender strokes, she lost herself in his eyes, his smile, his very essence. She hoped beyond hope that she hadn’t lost her heart too.