Eight and a half years earlier...
The sound of her high-pitched squeal made me grin. It was filled with pure, unfiltered happiness, mixed with a rush of adrenaline. It sounded like goddamn music to my ears.
My foot pressed down on the clutch, and I quickly geared down, my fingers moving with practiced ease. As my hand twisted the steering wheel sharply, we took yet another sharp turn, kicking up dust and grass in our wake. Then, without missing a beat, I slammed my foot down on the gas, sending us shooting off down the open field even faster.
Her squeal turned into laughter—loud, carefree, and utterly intoxicating. When I glanced over at her, I saw nothing but pure joy radiating from her face. Her big hazel eyes sparkled, and her lips stretched into the widest smile I had ever seen. Her
