Page 16 of High Velocity

Roark snaked his hand around the back of her neck.“Hey, you didn’t leave.You were taken away.If it’d been up to any one of us, it never would’ve happened.”

Charli could only nod, still a bit choked up with emotion.Not to mention still worked up over what just took place between them.

“Tell me about your car.”

“My car?”Charli asked in confusion at the abrupt change in topic.

“Yeah, that way I’ve got a reason why we been lingering in here.”He winked.

“And the bulge in your pants won’t give a thing away,” she sassed.

Roark’s eyes narrowed before slamming his mouth to hers once again.It was a demanding, open-mouth, scorching kiss that set her ablaze.All over again.But all too soon, he pulled away, giving her an unreadable stare.

“We aren’t done.”

“No, I don’t suppose we are,” she whispered.

Roark let her go, and Charli held firm instead of leaning toward him like her body wanted.

“I’ll see you out there.Expect the Club to be out there, eager to meet you.”

“Wh-what?Why?”

“Because they usually come out after the kids’ race, do a bit of their own and make a night of it.Dad may be retired from his position, but he’s still a respected member of the Club, and I’ve no doubt he’s already informed the Prez about your presence and what it means to him.”

“And what does it mean to him?”she asked, hating that she sounded so meek.

Roark cocked his head and screwed up his mouth.“Really, Charli?Like you have to ask?”

“I do, Roark.I haven’t been here in twenty years.Hell, my father isn’t even a member anymore, and my presence—”

He was in her face in a flash, causing her to take a step back.He followed, once again pressing her against the wall.

“Your father willalwaysbe a member of this Club.And your presence means the world to Dad.To others.”

“To you?”

He remained silent as he scanned her face before meeting her gaze, his eyes softening from their hardened state.

“To me,” he said, voice gruff.He kissed her, only this time it was tender.Reverent.“Fuck, you smell good,” he said softly after his lips left hers.“I could eat you up.”Roark sighed.“But tell me about your car.”

A chuckle escaped Charli, and she gave him the rundown of the car’s specifics.When done, Roark continued to stare at her, his sexy mouth curving with a smile.

“Anyone ever tell you, you’re impressive as hell?”

She felt her smile take shape and her insides melt at that comment.“You’re the second, right after Dad.”

Roark smiled bigger, nodded, and stepped back.He set two of the leathers down and slung his over his impressive torso.“See you out there.”And then he was gone.

Charli slid down onto the arm of the loveseat she’d been standing next to, willing her body to relax.Ha!Good luck with that.She’d just had an orgasm and more kisses in the span of a few moments than she’d had in years.It left her rattled.And aroused.God, did she want that man!

Blowing out a breath, Charli pushed off the seat and returned to the bathroom.After using it and splashing cold water on her face for a second time, she fluffed her hair and gave herself a quick pep talk.

“This is what you wanted.You’re back.You got this.”

She nodded at her reflection, turned, and walked out of the trailer.And froze when no less than twenty pairs of eyes focused on her.Owen approached and put his arm around her shoulder.

“Come meet the family,” he said gently.