Free All Fired Up by Kristen Painter Page A

She dangled the keys. “Remote control. Cool, huh? My dad bought this car for my mom so it’s loaded. Heated seats, navigation, satellite radio, all that stuff.”
    He nodded, not sure what she was talking about. His gaze snagged on the words on the back of the car. Volvo S60 R. He did not know what the S60 R meant but Volvo he understood. Was that supposed to be humorous? His sense of relaxation ebbed.
    She went around to the right side and opened the door. “Go ahead, get in.”
    He put one foot inside. “Is this vehicle truly safe?”
    “Cars don’t kill people, people kill people.” Mirth sparkled in her bronze eyes.
    If she jested, he failed to see the humor in her words. He lifted his foot back out. “Perhaps we should walk.”
    Rolling her eyes, she smiled. “Bad joke. Sorry. It’s safe, I promise.”
    Still wary, he sat. The softness of the tan leather on the seats impressed him. What did a vehicle like this cost? She climbed in behind the wheel that protruded out on the other side. After shutting her door, she fastened a strap across her body.
    She pointed towards his side. “Shut your door and I’ll help you with your seatbelt.”
    He pulled the door shut but the idea of being strapped into this contraption made him want to get out again. The word Volvo was written again on the wheel in front of her. He pointed to it, hoping she could help him understand. “What is the meaning of this?”
    “That’s the kind of car it is. It’s a Volvo. Like I said, very safe.” She nodded as if she believed what she told him.
    He leaned back. “If it is safe, why is it named ‘I roll’?”
    “I roll?” She wrinkled her forehead.
    “Here.” He drew his finger beneath the word Volvo. “In Latin this means ‘I roll’.”
    “You read Latin?” Her lovely arched brows shot up.
    “Aye and I do not wish to roll in this or any other vehicle.”
    “We aren’t going to roll, except on the wheels, the way we’re meant to.” She looked back at the emblem. “Are you sure that says ‘I roll’? I always thought Volvo meant safe or something like that in Swedish.”
    He crossed his arms. “Do you read Latin?”
    She rolled her eyes heavenward and bobbed her head. “Do I look like I read Latin?”
    “Then you cannot argue with me.”
    She stuck her tongue out. Heat flashed along his spine at the gesture. He wanted to suck that tongue into his mouth but dug his fingers into his thighs.
    Oblivious to her effect on him, she kept talking. “Okay, fine, it means ‘I roll’. I promise you have nothing to worry about. Unless you don’t put that seatbelt on.”
    He shook his head. “I will not be harnessed.”
    “Sorry. It’s the law.”
    “The law cannot see me in this vehicle.”
    “They can if they pull us over. Do you want to pay that fine?”
    “Nay.” He sighed, displeased to be reminded of his lack of coin. “How does this work?”
    She unbuckled her belt, then reached across his lap and grabbed his. Her hand brushed across his stomach, leaving a small trail of fire in its wake. He inhaled as the craving for her ignited inside him. After the gentle seduction of her fingers in his hair, he wanted more. Never had a charge made him feel this way but never had a charge treated him so kindly. So humanely.
    The belt clicked into place and she sat back, unaware of the war he fought to control his body.
    “Ready?” she asked, snapping her seatbelt back into place.
    “Aye.” For more of you.
     
     
    He had only just let go of the dashboard when she parked the vehicle and turned off the engine.
    She grabbed her purse. “I’m just going to run in and get a coffee and I’ll be right back out. Do you want one?”
    Grimacing, he shook his head. “I do not like that drink, but I will come with you.”
    “I’ll just be a minute. Why don’t you stay here and listen to the radio?” She turned the key and punched the power button. A soft wailing filled the car.
    He frowned. “What is that