Four Years Ago

“Where are you taking me? I ask as he starts the car.

“That’s for me to know and you to find out.”

I playfully huff my breath, crossing my arms over my chest. He smiles, touching his index finger to the tip of my nose. “Don’t worry, I’ve got something fun planned for us.”

Five minutes later we pull into the parking lot of the F1 track. “Nothing like high speed go-karts,” he says with a wink as he holds my door open for me.

I beam a smile at him as I climb out. “I’ve always wanted to come here. How did you know?”

“It was a lucky guess, but who wouldn’t love this?” He spreads his arms wide, gesturing at the track.

“My sisters would hate this. They’re such girly girls.” I scrunch my nose up. Their love for pink makes me want to vomit at times.

“As long as you’re happy that’s all that matters.” He takes my hand, leading me inside.

I glance around the arcade, taking in all the flashing lights and smiling kids playing video games. The noise level is through the roof, although it lessens as we wander further in and move toward the back area to purchase our tickets.

Noah pays for both of us and waves his hand when I try to hand him some money. “There’s no way my girl is ever going to pay for anything when we’re on a date.”

My stomach flutters at his use of ‘my girl,’ and I wonder if he meant anything by it or if he’s just generalizing. This is only our second date. He can’t possibly mean I’m his girl.

The track is located outside at the rear of the building. We step out into the cool fall evening air to watch the races while we wait for our turn. Excitement runs through me. I’m looking forward to being behind one of those wheels.

“Do I need to go easy on you?” he questions, a smirk twisting his masculine lips.

“Hell no. Do I need to go easy on you?” I ask, poking him in the chest.

He catches my finger and then tucks that arm behind my back. He holds my hand captive, pressing our chests together and cupping my cheek with his free hand. “I can’t wait any longer to kiss you,” he says, before lowering his lips to mine. He kisses the corner of my mouth, dragging his tongue across my bottom lip, before kissing the other side.

Rising on my toes, I press my lips more firmly to his and he groans as he slides his tongue between them. He tastes like mint and man, a devastatingly sexy combination for me. He never releases my hand, keeping it pinned behind my back. I’ve never had anyone restrain me in any way before. It’s undeniably hot. My other hand slides up his back until my nails dig into the top of his shoulder.

He pulls away. “Fuck,” he says, squeezing his eyes shut for a second. “I’m sorry. I got carried away.” He releases his hold on me and pulls me into his arms for a gentle hug. “You make me lose my mind,” he admits and I like the heady feeling his words give me. I’ve never had such an effect on a guy before.

“Come on. It’s our turn.” He grasps my hand, tugging me with him to grab two helmets from the organized row on the wooden shelf. He helps fasten mine, before pulling his on. We each look over the go-karts taking our time, before making a choice. It’s a tough decision for me, but after careful consideration I decide to go with the sporty purple one with the large number ten on the hood. The one he chooses is a shiny bright blue with the number three painted on both sides.

We climb inside and get properly fastened in. He flashes me one of his sexy smirks and a thumbs up. I blow him a kiss and then focus on what’s in front of me. Both of my hands are wrapped tightly around the wheel, ready for the race to begin.

When the light turns green, I gun the engine, pressing the pedal to the floor. This damn go-kart is a dog and won’t go as fast as I want. Noah flies by me with a grin on his face and I already know how this race is going to turn out.

We race a few more times and he beats me all but once. I think he gifted me that win, though.

We move inside to play some games. I’m fiercely competitive and I’m determined to beat him at the old-school video games that line the side wall. I can’t wait to see the expression on his face when I spank Mr. Fighter at Mortal Kombat.

When we’ve finally had enough of the video games, and Noah’s had enough of my domination, we head toward the cafe that’s located in another part of this seemingly endless building. Noah orders us each a cheeseburger, and some fries and onion rings to share. He orders a vanilla shake for himself and a strawberry shake for me without asking what I’d like.

“How did you know strawberry is my favorite?” I ask, my eyebrow raised.

Staring at me in contemplation, he rakes his teeth over his bottom lip. “I’ve seen you drink them before.”

“You’ve seen me drink them before?” I question, tipping my head to the side.

He places his hand over mine on the table. “Look, I’m not some creeper who watches you all the time, but you’re hard for me to keep my eyes off. I’ve seen you drinking strawberry shakes on more than one occasion.” He smiles sheepishly.

“Wow, I think maybe I should have you take me home now before you go all stalker on my ass.” I say, then push a perfectly salty fry in my mouth.

“Going all stalker is not what I’d like to do with your ass,” he jokes, glancing down where I’m seated.

I inhale a piece of fry at his shocking words and cough. Staring wide eyed at him, I take a sip of my shake. “I can’t believe you said that.”

“Hey, what can I say? I’m not really one to hold back. You have a hot little ass and there’s a lot of things I’d like to do to it.”

“Oh my god.” I cover my face with one hand to hide my tomato red flush of embarrassment, but there’s no stopping it from happening when you have the fair skin of your Irish ancestors.

“Reagan, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable,” he says, remorse in his tone and on his face when I lower my hand to look at him. I let my hand fall to play with the paper napkin I placed in my lap when we first sat down.

“Reagan, please look at me.”

My eyes lift, connecting with his sparkling ones. “Can we forget that happened? Sometimes, I speak before I think and my mouth gets me in trouble. I’ll be more mindful of what I say from now on.”

I nod my head and then chew on my bottom lip. “I think there’s something we need to talk about. I wasn’t planning on bringing this up until a time when I absolutely had to, but now might be the way to go.” I run a hand over my hair smoothing the strands down. “I don’t have much experience with guys. If you’re looking for someone who’s going to jump into bed with you, I’m not the right girl for you.”

He shakes his head. “I don’t want you to be anyone else or act differently than you want to. You’re perfect for me just the way you are.”