Speed Demons by Gun Brooke

most hardworking people had significant others occasionally.
    Blythe suddenly realized that she was dancing so close to Evie that their thighs were brushing together. Her skin buzzed and she was afraid she might start to pant.
    “Maybe we need to sit down, Evie? I mean, we should consider your leg. Right?”
    “Aw, Blythe, and we’re having such a good time.” Evie bent down and spoke quietly into her ear, her lips sliding against Blythe’s temple and sending tremors through her upper body. “You sure? My leg is fine. Really.”
    “I’m sure.”
    “How about that drink?”
    “Or you could call for that limo buddy and have him drive us home.”
    Evie sighed. “You’re serious, aren’t you?” She pressed closer for a wonderful, short moment. “Too bad. Still, I understand that this was a lot for someone who doesn’t like crowds or being center stage.”
    Of course Evie would understand. Feeling guilty, Blythe held on around Evie’s neck as they danced toward the exit. “For what it’s worth, I loved being here with you, and the dance was the best part.”
    “I agree.” Evie magically produced a cell phone and pressed the speed dial. After a few murmured words, she looked regretfully at Blythe. “Car will be here in five minutes. At least there’s no line at the curb.”
    “Good.” Blythe reluctantly let go of her with one hand, but decided not to let the chance to keep holding her hand slip by. Dancing so close to Evie, inhaling her scent and feeling the warmth of her against her fingertips…she had felt so safe. She still did, clinging to Evie’s hand. Sooner or later she’d have to let go, but she chose not to think of that just yet.
    The limousine glided up to the curb within a few minutes. Valets assisted them with the door, and once she and Evie were inside, a strange mix of nervous calm settled between them. Blythe sat quietly watching the streetlights of New Haven that they passed by. She wasn’t looking forward to the impersonal hotel room, but at least she was in the same town as Evie.
    Furtively glancing at Evie, she found her sitting with her eyes closed and her head tilted back against the neck rest. Their hands had lost their connection when they entered the limo, and taking Evie’s hand now would have a completely different meaning. Before, it had half showed they were at the function together, yet kept people guessing, a little tongue in cheek. Now, when they were alone, with no spectators to either impress or confuse, holding Evie’s hand would be like a come-on.
    Being honest with herself, Blythe wanted nothing more than to take Evie’s hand, for all the right reasons, the obvious reasons. She wanted to bury her head against that strong, warm neck and just feel secure. To kiss those full lips and feel Evie kiss her back. As wonderful as that would be, could be, it was a dream she couldn’t dwell on.
    Still, it broke her heart to know that wouldn’t happen.

Chapter Ten
     
    The acrid smoke filled Evie’s throat and nostrils. Unavoidable, it began to choke her, made her gag and cough uncontrollably. She was in the car, with it careening and tumbling among flames of fire. Around her voices screamed and tearing, buckling metal screeched. Her harness kept her in place, and the cage inside the Viper kept its body from collapsing on top of her.
    “Oh, God.” She sobbed loudly. “Please. Make it stop. Please.”
    Instead, the car halted, but the flames rose higher around her. The sickening smell of burning flesh hit before the pain did when the fire gnawed through her suit. Crying out, Evie tried to reach the hands that grabbed for her. Sometimes the hands were those of gloved firefighters, sometimes they were small, slender woman’s hands, holding on to a camera. The light of the flash hit her eyes again and again.
    “Blythe. Help me.” Evie tried to grab the camera strap that dangled unscathed among the flames, but it stayed just beyond her reach.
    The flames had now