Read Online Speed of My Heart by Erika Trevathan - Free Book Online Page A

amusement.
    "Tell me you don't think you're getting me in a... racecar ?" I was practically stuttering in disbelief because, really, he didn't know me at all if he thought I was setting one foot in a car that I was quite sure would be going at breakneck speeds. I couldn't find one redeeming possibility in that scenario.
    "Come on, Mara. Live a little. You never know what will steal your heart in life if you don't open yourself up to the possibilities."
    Cole's eyes were lit with such excitement that momentarily I forgot about my fear, and instead became entranced by the intense passion radiating off of him. It was obvious that racing kindled the kind of fire in him that not much else could compete with. I was pretty sure if I was ever going to truly know him, I'd have to be a little more open about this whole racing business.
    I took a deep breath and smiled over at him nervously. "Alright, I'll give it a shot." I stopped and gave him a warning look. "But, only if you’re driving and you promise not to give me a heart attack with the speed thing."
    I tried not to be dazzled by the heart skipping smile I was rewarded with. Cole slid his hand into mine, meeting my eyes with his. "Do you trust me?" he asked, suddenly all seriousness.
    I thought about that for a second, giving myself an opportunity to really test the feeling out where Cole was concerned. Almost immediately, I realized that I did trust Cole. It was more of an intuition than anything, but the feeling was strong. And surprising, considering the fact that trust and guys were not something that I really believed in anymore.
     
    I smiled back at Cole. "You know what? I do trust you."
    A quick look of relief flickered in his eyes and he gave me a different kind of smile. One that was full of a meaning I couldn't quite identify.
    Before I had a chance to really ponder it, Cole opened the door to his jeep, stepping out. "Well then, be prepared for the time of your life," he announced.
    I tried to keep the look of doubt off my face as I climbed out of the car and walked with him into the large building that gave access to the track.
    I said a silent prayer as we heading inside that I'd walk back out of the same building... alive. Judging by the sounds of engines roaring on the track outside, I'd need every bit of help I could get.
     
    *  *  *
     
    “They’re just going to let you drive one of the cars?” I asked once we were inside. Cole grinned over at me. “Yes, this is where I got my start.” Cole nodded to what appeared to be several classrooms to our right. “They have passenger cars here so you’ll be able to ride with me; let you experience a little of the thrill I get from racing.”
    I swallowed. “Seriously? I could have taken your word on that, you know?”
    Cole gave me a “look”, which I completely ignored. “I’m really nervous about this.”
    Cole reached over, taking my hand in his and dragging me along with him. “You’ll love it,” he promised, and I could tell he wasn’t going to take no for an answer.
    I sighed heavily and let him lead me into what I was pretty sure would be a nightmarish experience.

CHAPTER 10
     
    Before I knew it, we were out on the track and Cole had coaxed me into a scary looking black and red race car. Even scarier, I was being strapped into the passengers seat of the car with some kind of freaky five point harness that only further convinced me of what a death trap this was. Not to mention I had to climb into the beast through the window.
    Trying to get my mind off of what I was about to do, I took advantage of the close proximity to Cole while he was strapping me in, to let my gaze roam over his classically handsome features. It was hard not to admire the perfect angle of his jaw or the way his lips had just the right amount of fullness. I took a second to be jealous of his naturally dark eyelashes. Why couldn't mine be that long and sooty looking without the help of mascara? I studied his eyes as he