Crash into You (Pushing the Limits, #3)(117)

“I like that,” she says. “But don’t you think business will be better in the city?”

I smile. “We’ll be so good that people will flock to us just from our reputation.”

Rachel kisses my jaw, sending shivers along my spine. She cuddles into me. “I love you.”

My heartbeats become lighter and happier. She’s alive and loves me. “I love you.”

She sighs, showing some heaviness. “I miss driving.”

“I know.” I wish I could tell her when she’ll be able to do it again. I sit up straighter as the thought washes over me. “Come on.”

I gently help her back into the passenger side and jump into the driver’s seat. I start the car, and we both cringe at the sorry state of the engine. I press the clutch, take her hand and place it on the stick shift. “I can’t give you the complete feeling of being behind the wheel, but I can give you control. This car ain’t moving without you.”

That brilliant smile lights up her face. “How fast are you wanting to go?”

I shrug. “Your choice, but I don’t have problems with speed.”

Keeping our eyes locked on each other, Rachel shoves the car into First. I lift off the clutch as I step on the gas.

*





Acknowledgments

TO GOD: 1 CORINTHIANS 13: 11–13

For Dave—For all those nights you took me to the top of the hill and we watched the lights shining below and for letting me know at all times exactly where I belonged.

Especially for A, N and P—I hope the three of you always love each other as West, Ethan and Rachel did.

Thank you to...

Kevan Lyon—You always bring a sense of calm and a smile to my face. This journey would be impossible without you.

Margo Lipschultz—Thank you seems too small of a phrase for all the support, care and love that you show me and my characters. You continually go above and beyond what’s called for and I want you to know that I appreciate everything you do. You are truly amazing, Margo.

Everyone who touched my books at Harlequin Teen, especially Natashya Wilson. I’m so honored to work with such amazing people who have the ability to make me smile!

Drew Tarr (Street & Strip Performance), Terry Huff (Ohio Valley Dragway), Tommy Blincoe, Jason “Jayrod” Clark, Frank “Frankie” Morris and Anthony “Red” Morris—I appreciate your taking the time to answer my questions while I was plotting this book and for helping a non-car-person understand not only cars, but drag racing.

Especially for the people I met at Ohio Valley: Your love for the sport, Ohio Valley Dragway and the people who race there was evident every time we talked. You can expect to see me in the stands.

A special thank-you to Jennifer L. Brown for being brave enough to teach me how to drive a stick shift and for allowing me to learn in her car!

Mike Ballard—Thank you for sharing your incredible wife with me every other Wednesday and for taking the time to introduce me to your friends at Ohio Valley.

Colette Ballard—For loving Noah, Ryan and Isaiah, and being that ear when I needed someone to listen, and for talking when I felt like being silent.

Angela Annalaro-Murphy—You have no idea how much I appreciate our friendship. Thanks for the years of laughter, tears, prayers and more laughter.

Kristen Simmons—Because you loved Isaiah and Rachel just as much as I did. Meeting you has been one of the best parts of this entire experience!

To my continued support system of my crit group/Wednesday-night family—Kelly Creagh, Bethany Griffin, Kurt Hampe and Bill Wolfe—and the Louisville Romance Writers. Also, to Shannon Michael for the continued friendship and support. I love you guys!

Again, to my parents, my sister, my Mt. Washington family and my in-laws...I love you.





Look for West’s story, coming soon from Katie McGarry! Turn the page for an exclusive two-chapter sneak-preview of TAKE ME ON...





West

“JESUS FUCKING CHRIST!” I SLAM on the breaks and practically push the pedal through the floor as I will my SUV to stop. My tires squeal, my body whiplashes and the car jerks to a halt. The headlights spotlight a girl. Her arms protect her face, and I try to process that she’s still standing.

Standing. As in not on the ground.

Not dead.

One thing went right today.

The relief flooding through my body is quickly chased by a strong helping of anger. She jumped out in front of me. Not taking one look. Jumped.

She lowers her arms, and I’m met by the sight of wide dark eyes. Her wild mane of light brown hair whips across her face as the wind picks up. She blinks and so do I.

She glances over her shoulder and I follow her line of sight into the shadows. Panic sweeps over her face and she stumbles, acting disoriented. Shit on it all damn day, what if I did hit her?

I throw the SUV in Park and, as I open the door, she points at me. “Watch it!”

Watch it? She’s the one who stepped out in front of me then froze like a damn deer. I launch out of the car. “Sidewalks, chick. That’s where you stop. Not in the middle of a street!”

With a shake of her head, she tosses her hair over her shoulder and actually steps into me. If it was anyone else, such a movement would send rage from the tip of my toes to my fists, but instead I smirk and cross my arms over my chest. She may be tall, but compared to me she’s a tiny thing, and for the first time today, I find amusement. I’ve seen that type of fire burning in people’s eyes a million times in my life. Just never from a girl, and never in eyes so hauntingly gorgeous.