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Griff chuckles softly and pulls away. “You’re wanted at the starting line, birthday girl.”
We join the girls. The scent of singed rubber and motor oil hangs in the air, triggering a flood of happy memories—afternoons learning how to drive, nights watching my brother and his friends race. This was the perfect place to celebrate my eighteenth birthday.
Excitement shimmers all over Hayden’s eager face as I approach her. “Ella said I can test the BMW on the track.”
I flick my gaze toward Ella, who shrugs. “I’ll ride shotgun.”
Griff keeps his arm around me while we watch Hayden ease her car to the starting line. Like she’s done to me and everyone else she teaches, Ella has Hayden back up and approach the line several times until she gets it just right.
Laughing, I stare up at Griff. “Ella did the same thing when she taught me.”
But he’s not watching Hayden’s BMW. His adoring eyes are focused on me.
“What’s wrong?” I ask.
“Nothing.” He leans down and kisses my cheek. “I love you,” he whispers against my ear.
Emotion ties a knot around my throat. My heart thumps faster. Nothing will ever top this birthday. “I love you too,” I rasp.
He pushes my hair off my cheek. “I don’t think I’ve ever not loved you, but?—”
“This is different,” I finish for him.
He nods once. “Yeah, a lot different.”
He’s so serious. Almost sad.
“Is that my birthday present?” I tease, poking my finger against his side.
“Nope.” He drapes his arm over my shoulders and tugs me closer.
“Wait, maybe we shouldn’t?” I shift and pull away slightly. “Everyone’s here.”
He slides his hands around me and strokes the bare skin exposed by the low back of my dress. “Let them enjoy the show.”
My heart thumps. “You don’t mean that.”
“Yes, I do.”
“I don’t want Remy mad at you.”
“He’ll get over it.”
Remy gave permission for us to date. Getting cuddly in public, in front of all their friends, might be a different story.
Then again, I’m the birthday girl. If I had a cake and candles in front of me right now, this would be the wish I’d make.
I loop my arms around Griff’s neck and pull him down for a long, slow kiss.
Griff
“This is now officially the best birthday I’ve ever had,” Molly says when I release her.
“You mean that?”
“Yup.” She leans up and kisses me again. “We can do this in the open today. And not just because of Remy.” She raises her eyebrows and wiggles them a few times.
“It’s not even my birthday, and I’m getting presents too, huh?” Finally telling her I love her and hearing it in return was enough of a gift.
