Total pages in book: 162
Estimated words: 158872 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 794(@200wpm)___ 635(@250wpm)___ 530(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 158872 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 794(@200wpm)___ 635(@250wpm)___ 530(@300wpm)
“Please act surprised,” Hayden begs. She pulls her cell phone out of her purse and taps out a message.
“I’ll try.” I grin at her and open my door.
There’s a hush in the air. With all the vehicles we passed, there should be some noise coming from the area around the racetrack. I sniff, catching the scent of grilled meat. Eraser’s Uncle Pax is usually bellowing out orders when he’s manning the grill. Even from this distance, I should be able to make out his gruff rumble.
We follow the path to the racetrack area through a break in the bleachers and turn to the left, toward the barbeque area.
“Surprise!” a bunch of people shout. Shiny chunks of purple and red confetti rain down on me from above.
I burst into the biggest smile and can’t stop laughing.
Hayden jumps up and down next to me, her long blond hair bouncing all over the place. “Happy birthday, Molly!”
Remy rushes up to me first, pulling me in for a hug. “We didn’t surprise you at all, did we?”
“No, but that’s okay.” I kiss his cheek. “I’m so happy. Thank you.”
Griff picks me up and spins me around. “Happy birthday, Muffin.”
I pepper his face with quick, happy kisses. “Thank you.” My whole body’s buzzing from the excitement of the day. I throw my arms around Griff’s neck and seal my mouth over his. This kiss is slower than a friendly hello. He tastes like spearmint, and I part my lips for more. He tightens his arms around my waist, lifting me slightly.
“All right. You’ve got other guests,” Remy mutters.
I sigh and pull away.
Slowly, Griff releases me, letting me slide down his body while his hands push the skirt of my dress down so I don’t flash the entire party.
“Thanks.” I fuss with the swirling fabric, then perform a little spin. “What do you think?”
“You’re stunning.” He rubs his hand over his chin while staring at my legs. “Will you be comfortable taking a few laps around the track later?” He gestures vaguely over his shoulder toward a few cars parked near the starting line. One of the drivers steps on the accelerator so hard, the car rocks back and forth. The roar of the engine drowns out everything.
“I brought sneakers with me,” I shout, lifting my foot to show off my silver, holographic, platform ankle boots. “These just went with my dress better.”
His lips curve in amusement. “They look cute.” His gaze travels higher, lingering on the hem of my dress at mid-thigh. He clears his throat. “Maybe cute isn’t the right word.”
“Griff, stop hogging our birthday girl.” Juliet playfully elbows him aside and pulls me into a hug. “Happy birthday,” she murmurs.
“Thank you.” I squeeze her extra tight, so happy she’s here. “Where’s the little guy?”
“With Dex and Emily.”
Griff raises a curious eyebrow and Juliet shrugs. “He offered.”
“I’m glad you’re here,” I say.
Griff stays by my side while I meander around, saying hello to everyone and accepting birthday hugs. Someone decorated the length of the bleacher wall with red and purple streamers and a big “Happy 18th Birthday, Molly!” banner. The warm happiness glowing in my chest burns even brighter.
We finally reach the grill area, and Uncle Pax leans down to give me a hug.
“Happy birthday, Molly.” He slides his gaze over Griff. “You need me to put him to work?”
“No. Thank you for letting them have the party here.”
“It’s Eraser’s place more than mine now.” Pax turns his head and coughs. “But you’re always welcome here to celebrate anything you want.”
I lean up and kiss his stubbly cheek. “Thanks.”
He waves a spatula toward the party. “Don’t even think of doing any work today. Go have fun with your friends.”
My girl gang’s hanging out with Ella and Juliet on the track near the starting line. Kyla squints in our direction, lifts her hand, and waves.
“Hey.” Griff stops walking and turns toward me, resting his hands on my hips. “I have a special present for you later, but I couldn’t bring it here.” He nods toward the parking lot.
“Oooh, is it a present for both of us?” I wiggle my eyebrows at him.
His forehead wrinkles in confusion. “Sort of.”
Okay, he didn’t get that I was hinting at finding a secluded spot to make out.
“I don’t want to take you away from your party and your friends,” he says, “but I’d like to give it to you tonight.”
My mind races through the possibilities. A ride on his motorcycle? Alone time at his apartment? That would be a perfect gift.
He glances at the parking lot again. Is he thinking of leaving right now? Then he leans down and kisses my neck. “I’d also like to have you to myself for a few minutes at least,” he whispers. The clear desire in his words rains over me in sparks of electric energy.