Hot Ride (Summer Lovin’)

Chapter 4

Jett

The miles blur together, the countryside a tapestry of greens and golds whipping past my periphery, but my mind remains fixated on the tantalizing woman beside me—Scarlett, my best friend's little sister, now all grown up and making it damn near impossible to focus on the road.

Her presence transports me back to those carefree childhood days when we ran wild under the open sky, thick as thieves, before life and fame came between us.

It's been ages since I could let my guard down and joke around freely like this. Our playful, charged banter is a welcome escape from the constant scrutiny of my out-of-control life.

The air between us crackles with unspoken tension. Every accidental touch sends a jolt through me. This charged silence is building, but how long can we pretend it isn't there?

My body has definitely noticed how drop-dead gorgeous Scarlett is—curves for days barely contained by that flirty little sundress.

Scarlett's bare legs are a constant distraction--smooth, tanned, and maddeningly close.Despite my best efforts to focus on the road, my gaze wanders.

Each stolen glance is like playing with fire, and I'm struggling to keep my cool. The longing to touch her, to claim her, is becoming unbearable.

Fuck.

I need to put some distance between us before I lose what's left of my self-control and do something I can't take back.

Up ahead, the road opens to a familiar lookout point. I signal and pull over onto the gravel shoulder on a whim. I avoid looking at her, afraid she'll see right through me like always.

“Thought we could take a little detour,” I rasp, my voice rough with barely restrained desire. “There's a spot up here with an incredible view.”

If she only knew it was purely self-preservation on my part. My resolve is hanging by a thread that's fraying with each passing mile.

“Sounds perfect. I could definitely use a chance to stretch my legs.” She flashes me a smile, clearly surprised by my thoughtful suggestion.

I put the car in park and make my way around to her side, opening the door for her with an exaggerated bow. “After you, m'lady.”

Scarlett rolls her eyes, but I see the grin on her lush mouth.

We stroll along the rocky path leading to the edge of the cliff. The landscape is stunning. But as captivating as it is, it doesn’t compare to the beauty of the enchanting woman walking beside me.

“Wow,” she breathes, awestruck by the sprawling valley painted in a stunning palette of gold and amber. The sun hangs low, its fading rays lending an ethereal glow to the landscape.

I steal a glance at Scarlett's profile, my heart stuttering at the way the light caresses her delicate features—the slope of her nose, the soft curve of her cheek.

In this moment, she looks almost angelic, untouchable. A fierce protectiveness surges through me, tangling with something deeper, something I'm almost afraid to put a name to.

Fuck, I'm in trouble.

Clearing my throat, I pivot to face her fully, a crooked grin tugging at my lips.

“Not a bad detour, right? Teenage me had pretty good taste.” I nod toward the Mustang, the cherry red paint gleaming in the dying light. “I've got a stash of snacks hidden away in there if you're up for making this a real trip down memory lane.”

Her laugh is bright and uninhibited, the sound wrapping around me like a well-worn blanket. “Why am I not surprised you came prepared?”

We amble back to the car, settling onto the sun-warmed hood, our hips and thighs brushing with each subtle shift. Being this close to her is both heaven and hell.

I reach for the cooler beside us, snagging a couple of cold ones. I need the icy glass to chill my overheated skin. I take a long swig, the crisp liquid doing little to quench the burning thirst inside—a thirst that has nothing to do with the stifling summer heat.

My mind is racing. Scarlett's always been the one girl I cared about too much to risk hurting.

The fact I'm entertaining thoughts of her as anything more is a massive violation of bro code. Daniel's protective streak over her has been a constant my entire life. Betraying his trust makes my gut twist.

This thing between us, whatever the hell it is, is off-limits.

And yet, I can’t help myself.

My eyes trail over the elegant line of her throat, the soft swell of her curves beneath that thin sundress. It's a fucking tease, the way the fabric clings and flows, hinting at everything I'm dying to explore.

The reckless part of me wants to push, to see how far I can take this before one of us combusts. But the other part–the part that's terrified of ruining the best thing in my life–knows better.

She catches me staring, a pretty blush coloring her cheeks as our gazes lock. There's a heat there, something molten and wanting.

Dangerous.

Christ, does she have any idea what she's doing to me?

I'm fighting so hard to control myself. Because what I want, is to put her over the hood of my Mustang and fuck her senseless.

Goddammit, this isn't how it was supposed to go. This trip was supposed to clear clear my head, not create another shitstorm.

But with Scarlett close enough to touch, smelling like flowers and sunshine and everything good in this world, I'm starting to wonder if I'm strong enough to resist her.

Or if I even want to anymore.

I stare into the distance and take a long pull from my beer.

Scarlett's laughter is low and sultry. Her nimble fingers trace a path down my chest. Scarlett leans in, tracing the outline of my cock through my jeans, teasingly slow.

Desire zips through my body like electricity as her warm breath tickles my neck.

“You’re so hard,” she whispers, her voice dripping with satisfaction.

I groan, losing myself in the sensation. “It’s because of you.”

With a growl, I grab her wrist and pull her close, our bodies pressed together as I claim her lips in a bruising kiss.

She moans into my mouth, her tongue dancing with mine. Her nipples are stiff peaks against my chest. I reach down to cup her ass, grinding her against my rock-hard erection.

I slide my hand down her thigh, my fingers splayed against the soft skin of her inner thigh. Her eyes widen, her breaths becoming shallow as I inch closer to her core. I slip my index and middle fingers inside, feeling her muscles clench.

Scarlett gasps, breaking the kiss as she looks up at me with hooded eyes.

“Fuck me,” she whispers, her voice husky with desire.

Needing no more encouragement, I lift her up, her legs wrapping around my waist as I carry her to the nearest tree.

Pressing her against the rough bark, I hike up her skirt and slide my hand between her thighs. She's soaking wet, her pussy dripping.

I groan as I slide two fingers inside her, curling them to hit that sweet spot. She cries out, her nails digging into my shoulders as I finger-fuck her mercilessly.

“Please,” she begs, her voice trembling with pleasure. “I need your cock.”

I don't hesitate, unzipping my jeans and freeing my aching cock. I tease her entrance with the tip, savoring the feel of her wet heat before slamming into her in one swift, powerful thrust.

We both cry out, our bodies locked together as I pound into her with relentless, animalistic need. She meets me thrust for thrust, her hips bucking wildly as I fuck her hard and fast. I can feel her tightening around me, her orgasm building with every stroke.

“Come for me,” I command, my voice low and dominant. She obeys, her body shuddering as she cums with a scream. I follow her over the edge, my own release crashing through me like a tidal wave. We collapse against each other, our breathing ragged and uneven as we try to catch our breath.

As I pull out of her, I can't help but feel a sense of possessiveness. Scarlett is mine, and I'll be damned if I let anyone else touch her.

I lean down to whisper in her ear, my voice low and dangerous. “You're mine, Scarlett. Don't ever forget it.”

As I snap out of my daydream, I realize Scarlett is looking at me with a questioning expression, her eyes searching mine intently.

I shake my head, trying to clear the lingering images of our charged moment from my mind, and force a casual smile.

“Sorry, what did you say?” I ask, attempting to sound nonchalant even as my heart is racing.

“Seriously, where'd you go just now? You look like you were contemplating the secrets of the universe.”

I chuckle as warmth spreads through my chest at her playful jab. “Pondering stuff. You?”

Her eyes flash to mine, brow arching. “Just pondering the physics of fitting your massive ego through doors.”

I let out a low chuckle. “Damn. You always saw right through me.”

“I did and still do,” she admits. “We’ve had some good times. Even if you were a pain in the ass.”

“You know,” I gesture vaguely with my free hand, “I've missed this.”

She glances over, her brow furrowed. “Missed what?”

Flashing her a wolfish grin, I answer, “This. You. Me. Being normal for a change.”

She lets out a wry chuckle. “You're one to talk about being normal.”

“Fair point.”

Most people tip-toe around me, afraid to say anything offensive. Scarlett's words sting, but her blunt audacity is a bracing slap to the face. At least she's being real.

She's not pulling punches or playing into my bullshit rockstar persona. Scarlett sees right through the facade to the insecure mess underneath.

And you know what? I fucking love her for it.

I let out a low chuckle. “You don't hold back, do you?”

“Why should I?” Scarlett's gaze narrows. “You're surrounded by ass-kissers, huh?”

I chuckle, shaking my head. “And you've appointed yourself for the job?”

“Well, someone has to do it,” she says, a playful glint in her eye.

I shrug. “It gets old. Real fast.”

“Must be tough, being envied and adored by millions,” she says, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Our eyes lock for a heated moment before I break into a low chuckle. God, I've missed this—the sarcastic banter, the way she calls me out on my crap without apology.

I laugh, shaking my head. “Alright, you've got a point.”

There's something about Scarlett that centers me. Strips away all the artifice and bullshit that comes with my public persona.

When I'm around her, I don't have to try as hard. I can breathe.

The realization hits me like a freight train. I want—no, I need—to keep Scarlett close. To have someone in my inner circle who isn't afraid to keep it real, who treats me like a normal human being instead of putting me on some pedestal.

I feel a sudden, almost ridiculous impulse. “You know, with your no-nonsense attitude, you'd make a hell of a manager,” I say, only half-joking.

Scarlett snorts, rolling her eyes. “Please.”

Scarlett bursts out laughing, a sound so pure and real it sends a rush of warmth straight through me. “Me, managing you? That's a disaster waiting to happen.”

“Why not? You can keep me grounded. Call me out on my bullshit when needed. Hell, you've been doing it since we were kids.”

Her laughter fades into a soft smile, her eyes meeting mine. There's something vulnerable there, something honest. “You can't afford me.”

“I've got deep pockets. Name your price.”

I grin, enjoying the easy banter between us. It's been a long time since I've been able to just joke around with someone like this.

Scarlett shakes her head, amusement dancing in her eyes. “Not a chance. I've got enough on my plate without babysitting an overgrown man-child.”

“I’m very well-behaved,” I said, feigning hurt and placing a hand over my heart dramatically.

“And dramatic,” she teases, pushing a stray hair out of her face.

I chuckle. For the first time in a long while, I feel like myself again. And it's all because of Scarlett.

Damn, maybe having her close isn't such a bad idea after all. “I could use someone like you on my team. Someone who isn't afraid to tell me when I'm being an idiot.”

She doesn't respond right away. Instead, she studies me, searching for the truth in my eyes. “You're a complicated man.”

“Maybe,” I say, shrugging. “Think about it. You and me, taking on the world together. We'd be unstoppable.”

She laughs, shaking her head. “You're overestimating my abilities.”

“Nah, you're underestimating yourself,” I counter. “You've got a sharp mind and a take-no-prisoners attitude. That's a rare combination.”

Scarlett falls silent, considering my words. “I'll think about it.”

There's a spark of interest in her eyes that tells me she's not entirely opposed to the idea. And that's enough to give me hope.