Throttled (Dirty Air Series Book 1)

But most importantly, Noah Slade, the love of my life.

I gather up courage as the song continues because I want to let her know. Because I never want another day to go by without her hearing it.

“I love you.” My voice rasps over the music

“I really like you, Maya. I want to spend every day with you, both in here and out there once you let me. Will you be my girlfriend? Officially?”

noises you save just for me when I kiss you, or the smiles you give me when no one is looking. I’m serious about trying it all with you. No holding back. I even met with someone to talk about my own issues and reservations, because when I do something, I go all in.”

“I’m probably going to marry her one day. I think she’s the one.” I say the words with confidence.

But I also know there’s more. I like being around you, especially when you give me all your attention. I like when you film me without asking because you’re afraid of me saying no, even though you can get me to agree to anything. I love the way you laugh almost as much as the way you find your shoes interesting when you get nervous. I really like the special

“Well, I have changed, and I want to try to give you what you want. Spending all that time alone, I realized I want what you want. To spend time with you before and after races, like going on dates, hanging out at events, being lazy in bed together after mind-blowing sex. Give me all the strings attached.” The thought of rejection makes my stomach drop.

But I also spend time going to therapy.

Yup. Let that sink in for a second. Me in therapy.

“Will Noah Slade ask Maya Alatorre on a date?” I flinch at my pathetic pick-up line

The same hand wraps around the back of my head and pulls me forward. My eyes snap open. His clean scent surrounds me and muddles my thoughts. He doesn’t give me another second to think before his mouth is on mine, soft lips pressing against my own.