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“How’s the fix coming along?”

I jerk out of my thoughts and stare over at Toby, who has his arms crossed over his chest. He’s giving me his usual angry look. I still haven’t figured that guy out. Damn him. I will get the better of him eventually. He has me curious, that’s for sure. I give him a bright smile even though he’s giving me a glare.

“It’s fine.”

He raises his brows. “Fine?”

“Yes.” I nod. “It’s fine.”

“Tazen asked when it’ll be complete.”

“Tell my hunk of a boss, that if he wants to know that, he can ask me himself.”

I get back to work and listen to Toby’s grunt. I smile and focus on the task at hand. I might also be thinking about what I’m going to take for our weekend away. We’re going to a charity di

“Are you being difficult, angel?”

I grin at the sound of Tazen’s voice. His hand slides around and lands on my stomach, pulling me back into him. “No, I said it’s fine. That’s an answer.”

“I’m thinking you’re pushing me to bend you over another car.”

I shiver. “Maybe I am.”

He presses his lips to my neck and we hear the grunting of the guys around us.

“Fuck, take it outside,” Rick mutters.

I grin and turn, reaching up and hooking my arms around Tazen’s neck. Then I lean in and kiss him. I make it deep and hard, with loads of tongue.

“Jesus,” Drasco yells. “That’s sick.”

“It’s awesome.” Kellan laughs.

“Fuck,” Toby grunts.

I pull back and see Tazen is gri

“I’m going to leave early today. I need to get a dress.”

He shakes his head and I frown.

“We’re going to a charity di

His lips quirk. “I already got you one.”

I blink. “You got me one?”

“Yeah, I got you one.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “You got me one.”

He chuckles. “Okay, my sister got you one. I gave her your size and she got you one, well, it’s actually three so you can choose.”

My mouth drops open. “Three?”

“Yeah, baby, three.”

“But … I don’t need three.”

He leans down, brushing his lips against mine. “Only the best for my girl.”

His girl.

That feels nice.

“Yes, but … three?”

He leans back with a wolfish grin. “That’s three for me to peel off.”

I slap his chest. “You’re an animal. And … you got your sister to do it!”

He shrugs. “She thought it was fun.”

“Okay, well, I’ll be sure to put them all to good use.”

“You won’t be wearing any of them for long,” he says, spi

“Aye aye, boss.”

He walks away with a chuckle.

I get back to work with a smile.

*   *   *



The plane ride to L.A. isn’t long and we arrive just as the sun is setting. I’ve never been here before, so I’m fascinated as we drive through the busy streets. We arrive at our hotel and check in. Tazen has pla

The hotel is beautiful, but I did notice Tazen didn’t go over the top with the room. I think he did that for me, and the very idea makes my heart swell. He doesn’t want me feeling uncomfortable. It is a nice room, though. It has a massive king bed, a beautiful patio that overlooks the lights of the city and a seriously awesome bath. As soon as we shut the door, I drop my bags and rush out onto the patio.

Tazen is behind me in seconds, wrapping his arms around me.

“You like it?”

“It’s amazing,” I breathe. “So pretty.”

“Yeah, I liked living here.”

“Why did you leave?” I ask, twisting so I’m facing him.

“Florida has better clientele for racing—so therefore more business for me. And more opportunities to build racing cars.”

“You made a good choice. What time is di

“At seven. We have an hour.”

“An hour?” I cry, turning and rushing back into the room. “Oh no.”

He laughs, sitting on the bed and kicking his boots off. He watches in fascination as I rush around the room, pulling out clothes, showering, doing my hair and getting dressed. He doesn’t move from his spot as I do. When we have only ten minutes to go, he showers and changes, like I’m making a big deal out of nothing. Damn him for being so casual. I’m dying of nerves.

“Ready?” he asks.

I’m pacing by the door, of course I’m ready.

He laughs, I glare.

“Come on,” he says, taking my hand and leading us out. “They’ll love you.”

We get into the elevator and I turn and glance at myself in the mirror. My dress is black, but it’s not tight or short. It’s snugger fitting around the bust, but flares out at my waist and goes to my knees. My shoes are the only pair of heels I own, and they’re sling-back pumps, also black. I left my hair down and did some basic makeup. I look nice, but I feel so out of place.

I don’t do dresses.

“You can get back into your jeans later,” Tazen teases.

My god, he knows me so well. My heart melts.

“Not fu

“Maybe,” he says, placing a hand on my lower back and leading me out of the elevator. “But baby, they don’t hate you.”

“Dammit,” I grumble. “Why do you have to be so sweet?”

He flashes me a grin and we exit the hotel. We catch a cab to a nice restaurant in the middle of Hollywood. It’s quaint and looks like it serves delicious food. I’m fidgeting like mad as I wait for Tazen to point out his family. He leads me inside and then waves towards a group of four people. I look in their direction and my heartbeat starts thumping harder.

The older woman, who is clearly his mother, Regina, is an attractive, raven-haired beauty. She’s tall and slim, wearing a nice halter dress in red. She’s got a man on her arm, who I’m assuming is Tazen’s stepfather, Josh. He’s handsome, with salt-and-pepper hair and kind, blue eyes. To his left is a younger woman, who I am assuming is Retro. She’s … well … Retro.

Her hair is bright blue. No kidding. She’s wearing a black-and-white polka-dot dress that looks like it belongs in the fifties and she’s got sleeve tattoos up her arms. She’s gorgeous though, there’s no denying that. The man standing next to her must be Tazen’s brother, Kellian. He is as good-looking as his brother, with his long dark hair and dark brown eyes. He’s got a more gentle face than Tazen, not as rugged, but he’s handsome as hell.

We stop in front of them and I’m concerned I’m going to throw up on someone’s shoes. I’ve never met someone’s parents before. What if I say something wrong? What if they hate me and demand that Tazen find someone better? I want to gag. Instead, I force a smile as their eyes take me in. Tazen lets go of my hand and hugs them all, sharing back pats and kisses.

Then he steps back and wraps an arm around me.

“Mom, Josh, Retro and Kell, this is my girl, Qui

Oh boy.

“Oh Tazen,” Regina says, stepping forward. “She’s beautiful. Hi, Qui

She reaches out, pulling me in for a hug. Well, I guess Tazen’s mom likes me. That’s a good start.

“It’s lovely to meet you too, Regina.”

She smiles warmly at me, and Josh extends his hand. “Josh, good to meet you, Qui

“Hi, Josh.”

“Finally, I’ve been waiting for this moment,” Retro says, throwing herself at me. She pulls me in for a hug, then steps back and studies me. “Gosh, you are pretty.”

I laugh softly. “Thanks, so are you!”

She touches her hair and grins. “I know.”

Kell rolls his eyes and extends his hand. “Pleased to meet you, darlin’.”

Oh boy. Charmer like his brother, too.