Race For Love by Nana Malone

suggest in any way that she may not make a full recovery, she doesn't need to hear it. Isn't that right, Kisima?"
    Okay, not like she liked him, but that was awesome.
    Derek darted his glance between them before he said, "I'm going to go ahead and take this to my room, and give you guys some privacy.”
    She shook her head. "You don't have to do that."
    Christian missed the cue. "Actually it would be nice to have my girl all to myself. For a bit." Emphasis on the “my.”
    Derek's easy-going countenance shifted slightly, like he was thinking up ways to kill Christian. But then the smile was back. "I'll leave you to it and get settled. Kisima be ready to work in thirty."
    Christian balked. "But you just got here. Surely you can't expect her to just jump in."
    "I can and I do." Both men squared off.
    Kiss put a hand on Christian's arm. "Why do I feel like I just got a golden shower. I keep telling you I'm not into the freaky shit." Derek barked out a laugh, then restrained himself immediately. Christian just looked irritated.
    When Derek's footsteps faded along the expanse of hardwood floor, she turned her glare to Christian. "What the hell is wrong with you?"
    He shrugged. "I don’t think I like the guy."
    "What are you talking about?"
    "There's something about the way he looks at you."
    She gestured at herself and the chair. "You mean with pity and derision? Come on. You're being crazy."
    "I feel it. I'm telling you. Maybe I shouldn't go on my trip. Give you a hand around here. Maybe find you someone else. Clearly this guy doesn't know what he's talking about."
    Christian had been planning this trip for over a month. Gifford Racing wanted him at their London headquarters for planning meetings for the upcoming season. "Go, it's important. I'll be fine. I need to do this."
    He slid his gaze around. "Maybe, but if you need me..."
    She shifted in her chair and winced at the pain along with that lingering look he gave her. What the fuck was that all about? "I know where to find you. Bring me Cadbury's chocolate, the one with hazelnut."
    He kissed her forehead and she fought the urge to shrug him off. Why was it she was more anxious to get to training than she was to stay in Christian's arms?
    "Of course." He held on a breath too long like always. He was so close that for one terrifying moment, she thought he was going to kiss her. But he didn't. "Kiss, there is something else."
    "Oh yeah?" She inched her head back so they weren't in such close kissing range.
    "I was thinking, when I get back, we can go out?"
    "To celebrate me driving again? I'm down for that." She smiled but still tried to buy her some mere inches. She loved him, but there was friendship, and then there was close-talking friendship. And they were not there yet.
    He sighed and shook his head. "No, uh, more like a date. But we can make it a celebration too."
    Shit. For months she'd sensed the subtle change in their dynamic and she'd let it go because she didn't want to do the awkward, awful thing. She cared about him and didn't want to hurt him. "A-a date?"
    He nodded. "C'mon, Kiss. We've known each other forever and we care about each other. Not to mention that neither one of us seems to be able to make it work with other people."
    Yeah, what about the hot and heavy stuff? He was missing the most important component. "Christian, I don't think—"
    He shook his head. "Look, how about you don't answer now. Think about it and give me an answer when I get back. Either way, dinner's on me. But, I hope you say yes."
    As she watched him walk out, all she could think was that she had one more unpleasant task to look forward to.

6
    "' S up , D3?"
    Derek smiled as he cradled his phone between his shoulder and ear and unpacked his bag. When their father had married Sarah, Dylan had given him the nickname because all three kids had D names. Delilah, Dylan and Derek. He was the youngest. The name had stuck.
    "What's up, asshole? So am I actually going to see you now that I'm