Page 69 of Rush

The car lurches forward, and I move easily into the inside lane, before there’s a mass bottle up at the start. Jerking my steering wheel, I cut off another guy trying to slide into my space. My tires grab the road just as we make our way into the first turn. The Chicago skyline flashes in my side window before disappearing behind me in a plume of dirt and gravel.

Holding my position, a red Porsche 911 and I stay neck in neck, battling it out for the lead, a black Mercedes tight on my bumper. Smiling to myself, I lightly tip the wheel, causing my back end to swing back and forth. The other car backs off an inch, which allows me to gain momentum and take the lead, forcing the Porsche behind me. Headlights flash in my rearview, trying to distract, but my focus is already on the last two curves. There isn’t space for two cars to pass through, the narrow bend barely allows for one car. The boxier Corvette behind me is going to have a tough time without scratching rock.

My fingers tighten on the wheel, holding it firmly to the right, as I take the curve, finding the sweet spot in the middle. Gunning out of the turn, the front of my car lurches, the back tires spinning as I drive for the finish line. I can see the flag waving in the air, signaling the end. Shifting into gear, my foot presses the pedal to the floor. The world outside my windows blurs in lights and color. My adrenaline peeks, and I feel the rush of my impending win. There is no competition as I race over the finish line. Loud cheers erupt around me, the crowd heading over to celebrate the last race of the evening. I only have eyes for Sam, who is still standing off to the side with Braysen and Luca.

Prowling towards her, I watch as her blue eyes widen, catching onto my intention. I need her. Sam bites her lip and rushes over to me. She launches her body into mine and I catch her easily. Both of her legs wind around my waist, her arms circling my neck. One of my hands dives into her long hair while the other grips her ass. Our mouths crash together in a frenzy, our tongues meeting and dancing together. The crowd fades away until it's only her and me.

When Sam pulls back first, it's to take a breath. Her eyes are now shining, her cheeks are flushed, and her lips are extra red and puffy. Exactly how I love to see her. “I love you, Pretty Girl.”

Her legs squeeze me tighter. “I love you too. That was one heck of a race, Kane.”

“Alright we get it!” Braysen calls from nearby. “You love each other. Put my friend down now.”

Sam giggles, looking over her shoulder at our small crowd. Beside the guys stand Romeo and Kalai. Setting Sam back on the ground, I turn her in front of me, my arms across her chest, and walk her over. Everyone congratulates me and Romeo on the race. I watch everyone interact, seeing my two worlds collide into something amazing.

“Not bad,” the man says before shaking my hand. I smirk at him. His not bad just made him a half a million dollars richer tonight. “Chicago seems to agree with you.”

Glancing at Sam, seeing her happy, relaxed and enjoying herself, has my heart squeezing in my chest. “It would seem so.”

“Maybe you won’t be giving it up as soon as you think?” he says, and this time, I shrug. I love racing. I enjoy the adrenaline and the win. The cash is nice too.

My gaze fixates on the woman who holds my heart inside her body. Who has already given me so much. I like racing, but I’d give it up tomorrow if she asked me. If her job and her dreams make it impossible to continue, I have no problem putting down the keys.

“The future is always changing,” I tell him noncommittedly. Romeo is a smart business man. He is also a husband as of two months ago when they finally tied the knot, and now he’s also a soon-to-be father from what Kalai has shared with Sam.

“I’m in talks with the PWHL team in New York. We’re thinking of becoming season ticket holders.” Romeo scratches along his jaw and I bust out laughing. The man instantly took a liking to Sam just like his wife. Both were there to see her team in the NCAA tourney.

“Always a good investment.” I slap him on the shoulder, and we walk toward our women.

My hands slip around Sam’s waist, and I bend down, trailing my nose up her neck to her ear. “Let's take a drive.” She turns over her shoulder and mischief sparks in her eyes.

“They're having a party for you, we can’t leave.”

Smiling behind her head so she can’t see me, I whisper, “They won’t miss us if we’re a little late.”

Her body relaxes against mine and she turns in my arms, her hands circling the back of my neck. “Okay. But a short drive. Kalai has been talking this place up and it's our last night out.”

My face sobers and I lean down pressing a quick kiss on her lips. “I loved being in Chicago with you, but I am ready to get home to our little girl.”

Sam nods. “Me too. Let's celebrate tonight, and tomorrow, we get all the Dylan hugs and kisses."

I kiss her forehead and squeeze her hard. “Sounds good to me, baby.” I really can’t wait to celebrate with her later.

Taking Sam’s hand in mine, I tug her behind me to my car. After opening her door and helping her in, I catch Braysen’s attention with a whistle. He tosses a box in the air, and I catch it, pocketing the contents easily before throwing it back. The transaction is quick, and when I slide in next to Sam, she’s none the wiser.

“Where are we going?”

“Just a drive around the city.” I shrug. “We didn’t get much sightseeing in.”

“We’d have to leave the hotel room for that.” She smirks and I take her hand in mine, kissing her knuckles.

“I saw all I needed to see.” I wink at her, my body growing hard remembering just how her perfect, naked body looked. “I saw the bathroom counter, the jacuzzi tub, the shower, the bed, the floor, and the chair with the view of the skyline.”

“Jameson!” She laughs, reaching over to pinch my shoulder. I don’t miss the way her thighs press together or her cheeks blush.

“I’m just saying, I have lots of good memories of Chicago. This is probably the best trip I’ve ever had here,” I tell her, as we finally pull onto the main city streets.

Sam hums next to me, her eyes taking in the lights and buildings. “What would make it the best trip you’ve ever had here?”