She laughed. “Well, I wouldn’t go that far after only one day. Maybe give me a few weeks to see if I stick to it first.”

Adam’s insides twisted. He didn’t like that she thought she didn’t belong in his world. Nor did he like the idea of any of his clients quitting on him. But for some reason, it bothered him more to picture her doing so. Why? He wasn’t sure. Maybe it was because of the bet he had with Kurt. After all, Adam hated to lose. But he wasn’t about to let her quit. He’d just have to keep her motivated and working toward her goal.

He glanced at his watch and cringed. “I didn’t mean to be here this long. I’m going to have to run, literally, or I’m going to be late. I have to meet another client in fifteen minutes.”

“Want a ride? I’m heading into town. I’m going to the post office to check the store’s mailbox.”

“That’d be great.”

“I’m parked over there,” she said, gesturing across the open field to the green Honda Accord in the parking lot.

Adam nodded. “All right. Wanna race?”

Preslee didn’t hesitate. Hell, she didn’t even wait around long enough to answer him. She just lit out for her car. The unexpected move caught him by surprise, and he stood there blinking at her backside for several seconds before a smile cracked his face in two and laughter rumbled from his chest. He’d only said it in a joking manner. He hadn’t expected her to take him up on it.

But since she did…

Adam gave chase by launching into a full-tilt run. He had to. He’d accidentally given her one hell of a head start, and it was the only way he was going to catch up, much less beat her. For someone who claimed not to be in good shape, Preslee was much quicker on her feet than she gave herself credit for. He was in great physical condition, and it still took him a good distance to catch up and pass her. Even then, he only made it to the car a few seconds before she did.

“You won,” she said, panting heavily as she headed for the driver’s-side door.

He scowled at her over the hood, breathing only a little harder than normal. “And you cheated.”

She laughed as she opened the door. “No, I didn’t. You didn’t say when to go.”

“Exactly. You’re supposed to wait for that part.”

One shoulder raised nonchalantly. “Well, you should’ve been clear about the rules.” She blew out another hard breath as she slid behind the wheel. “When you ask someone to race, you should be ready. It isn’t my fault you weren’t prepared.”