"What's the fascination with cars?" Xander asked.
"Power, control, agility. My god this is beautiful."
"Same reason I like women."
"Don't ruin this, Xander."
He chuckled. "Drive."
She did. She didn't ask where they were going but took the subtle beast onto the highway and let it loose, weaving in and out of traffic to test its handling. Jessi had never felt more a part of a car as she did this one. The car moved like it was made for her.
"You've got a wild streak."
She glanced at him, wondering if he was upset with her driving. He appeared unconcerned, gaze on the cars she wove between.
"This is incredible. I never want to stop," she murmured.
"Next exit," he said. "We can go for a longer drive after the signing."
"Really? My driving doesn't scare you?"
He looked at her. "Yeah. I get scared."
Her adrenaline soared at the thought of taking the vehicle out on Highway 1, the road that hugged the coast. It was filled with curves she'd take at high speed. The car gripped the road so well, she couldn't imagine how fast that was!
He pointed out a Barnes and Noble, and she was shocked to see the crowd outside the store. A line went around the building to the mall and along one side. She started to ask if they were there for him when she realized they were all women. Some were dressed like vampires.
"Wow. You really are famous," she said, surprised. "You want me to drop you off at the front?"
"If I didn't think you were going to steal my car, I might."
"I'm not after your car!" she replied.
"You'll understand if I don't trust you out of my sight." He settled his gaze on her. "Park in back. We'll go in the employees' entrance."
She rolled her eyes and guided the beautiful car around back. They got out, and she lingered, sighing in happiness at the pleasure she was likely never to experience again after this week. She joined him and held out the keys.
"Thank you," she said with a smile. "It almost made putting up with you worthwhile."
He handed her the iPad and accepted the keys. "Repayment for the snack on the beach yesterday."
She refused to let him get to her this time, not after driving the incredible car. The iPad was open, the offending picture front and center.
"Don't delete it," he told her.
"I really don't like it."
"It's my fucking iPad and my picture."
The photo really was gorgeous. The look on her face, though, made her feel too vulnerable. Jessi trailed him into the back of the bookstore. The store manager, a middle-aged woman with glasses, looked up at him in awe. Jessi watched the awkward exchange from a small distance away. Xander handled the star-struck woman with amusement she expected and patience she didn't.