Slip Up (Taking Chances Book 3)

by TC Matson

  “I know.” His grin is genuine. “But I want to. Have a good day.” He places a kiss to the side of my head and strolls back to his rental SUV.

  I open the practice, flicking on the lights, turning on the computer, and preparing the coffee. I’m setting out more paper cups by the water cooler in the waiting room when Dad comes in.

  “Good morning, sweetheart,” he sings, giving me a hug.

  I smile into his chest, pulling in his lemon and bergamot cologne that reminds me of being a kid and rushing into his arms when he came home.

  He leans back, placing his hands on my shoulder, and leveling a caring look on me. “You sure you’re ready to work?”

  “Yes, Dad. I need to do things to keep my mind busy. I’ve only been sitting at home, and we all know that’s not good for my thoughts.”

  He hums deeply and nods. “Okay then.”

  The few hours I’m here fly by and before I know it, Ashley’s curly brown hair comes springing through the door. Not ready to go home and face my thoughts just yet, I swing by the diner to see Kirsten and take a seat in her section.

  “How was work today?” She eyes me curiously, setting down my Sprite.

  “It went by too fast. I need another job,” I titter.

  “Fast is good. Better than dragging out and making eight hours feel like an eternity like this place.”

  “I missed you last night,” I tell her.

  She decided a week was long enough and that it was time for her to go back home and me to get back to a routine. I’ve always wanted her to move in with me, but she swears it would tear our friendship to shreds because we’re too much alike with a lot of differences we wouldn’t agree on. I’d want gray walls, and she’d want bright blue to give it a bright vibe.

  She purses her lips playfully. “I missed the hell out of my bed.”

  I laugh and then give her my order so she can get to her other tables.

  Sexy Husband: How mad would you be if I ate lunch with a beautiful blonde?

  My heart drops.

  Me: I don’t know how to answer this.

  Sexy Husband: I’m pretty sure the anger on your face just answered it for me.

  I’m reading the message when Declan slides into the booth across from me with a sexy grin. “Let me start with—I’m married and I’m only eating lunch with you so I don’t look like a complete loser at a table alone.”

  Sinking my teeth into my lip, I fight to keep from grinning. “Are you following me around town?”

  A deep chuckle rumbles from his chest and he shakes his head. “There isn’t much to choose from in this little town.” He clasps his hands and leans forward on his elbows. “Have you tried their Mac ‘n’ Cheeseburger here? Phenomenal.”

  I study him through narrowed eyes. “You’ve eaten here before?”

  He lifts a shoulder nonchalantly. “Maybe. Maybe not.”

  Kirsten sets a glass of tea in front of him and places a bowl of lemon slices beside the cup. “The usual?”

  I cock my head to the side and give him a look. He laughs. “Okay. Maybe one time.”

  “Kirsten? How many times has Declan been here?” I ask, never taking my eyes away from his gleaming gaze.

  “Oh,” she squeaks. “There’s an order up. I need to go get it.” She cackles as she scurries away.

  Declan leans back, tossing his arm over the top of the booth. “Did you know George Holliday’s dog escaped from the back yard and terrorized the neighbor’s goats a few days ago?”

  Although he’s keeping a charming stoic face, I do not. I bust out laughing. “No. I didn’t know.”

  “Interesting story. You should’ve been here when I overheard him telling it to John and Frank.” He grabs a lemon slice and squeezes the juice into his tea, discarding the rind back into the bowl. “How was work?”

  “Good. Speaking of, when do you go back?”

  “Depends.”

  “On?”

  Kirsten picks this time to bring my food along with Declan’s Mac ‘n’ Cheeseburger. She winks at me and before I can say anything, she rushes away again.

  Declan takes his knife and pokes my burger. “What the hell is that?”

  I look to my food and then back to him. “It’s a cheeseburger.” Duh.

  He cuts his in half and holds it out for me. “Yours is boring. Try this. Your life will forever change.”

  He holds it as I lean up and awkwardly take a bite. I don’t know where to look. Looking at him in the eyes will be weird. The burger doesn’t seem like the place. If I close my eyes, I could miss and bite his fingers. His tongue darting out and swiping across his bottom lip decides for me. I sink my teeth in while staring at his mouth. Cheese explodes, oozing down my chin and awakening my taste buds. It’s a delicious balance between flavors and textures.

  His eyes are smiling as he watches me wipe the mess off my chin and from around my mouth.

  “Brilliant. Isn’t it?”

  Still chewing, I nod covering my mouth. Note to self—pay attention to the burger next time so I know how big of a bite I’m actually taking. I take a sip of my drink. “Wow. That is pretty good. I never thought about putting macaroni and cheese on a burger.”

  He feigns shock, pressing a palm to his chest. “Then you haven’t lived, Amelia Palmer.”

  I giggle at his dramatics. “How do you stay lean when you eat like that? I would blow up.”

  “I’m constantly moving, plus I enjoy a good workout a few times a week.”

  “I didn’t know you worked out,” I admit.

  His brows raise as he shrugs and smirks. “A lot of cardio so I can fit in my suit. I’m not out to bench three hundred pounds and I skip leg day on the regular because I justify running for a leg workout.”

  “Did you work out when I was…” I trail off. The past tense causes a black hole to open up in my chest and swallow my heart.

  “Not as frequently. You kept me busy in other ways.” His cocky grin says the words he doesn’t. Sex. And a lot of it. “Not all tracks have a gym close by.”

  “And Norman lets you?”

  “Scowls as he babysits.”

  Declan devours the burger and consumes half his fries. I barely eat half of mine, which is a huge improvement. Since losing the baby, I haven’t had much of an appetite. After losing a quick argument over him paying for my food, I hug Kirsten and give her an evil eye, silently promising to deal with her later, before I push out into the sidewalk.

  “What’re your plans for the day?” he asks, peering down at me with so much hope.

  “I don’t really have any.”

  “Are you up for ice cream? Although I have no clue where to go. You’ll have to show me where.”

  When I asked for time, it’s precisely what I wanted. I don’t know if I can handle his life. I don’t feel like I have a place in it without giving up my dreams. And I’m not sure that’s what I want. Not anymore.

  I look away. “Not really. I think I want to go home.”

  He reaches out and hooks his pinky in mine. “How about dinner tonight? We can call in.”

  Swallowing the emotions in my throat, I blink up to him. “Not tonight.” I pull my hand from his and wrap my arms around my waist.

  He rubs his lips together, looking around before returning his gaze back to mine. “I had a good lunch. Thank you for that.”

  I nod. “Me too.”

  I don’t look at him when I climb into my car, scared he’ll see the emotions in my eyes. Nor do I take the chance and glance to him when I pull away from the curb to see the emotions in his. I know he’s watching. I can feel it.

  True to his routine, around eight, I see his silhouette through the window sitting in the swing under the glow of my front porch light. I do what I didn’t do last night. I go to bed without seeing him.

  TWENTY-SIX

  Waking up, I pad through the house and right out the front door where Declan is sitting with coffee. Taking it, I sit on the opposite end of the swing and sip on it. />
  “What are your plans for the day?” he asks.

  “Nothing other than having dinner with my parents tonight.”

  Coyly, he flashes a grin. “Get dressed. I’d like to take you somewhere.”

  I hold up my coffee cup. “Can I get more coffee in me?”

  “You can drink it on the way. Go get dressed.”

  The excitement in his tone sparks excitement in me. I head inside, leaving him on the porch as I spend more time than I should getting ready. After throwing a few waves into my hair with the curling iron, I pull it into a messy ponytail and then dress in a pair of jeans and a peach-colored shirt. I apply a little bit of foundation to smooth out my blemishes, and smile. Perfect…but for what?

  Grabbing my purse and my coffee, I exit the house. His gaze roams my body before grinning.

  After forty-five minutes of small talk about nothing important, my heart leaps out of my chest and my mouth hangs open as we pull into Kart Rate. His chuckle fills the cab of the SUV before he exits. He meets me at the front and clutches my hand, squeezing it as he peers down at me.

  “You shouldn’t be nervous. You’re a pro by now.”

  I bark a laugh. “Several laps doesn’t brand me a pro.”

  He winks as he pulls the door open and then leads us to the counter where we’re met by Chris again. They shake hands and we’re told we have to watch the video again before we can step onto the track. The video is the same as before, going over the rules and what the lights and flag colors represent. Just like last time, Declan pays no attention to it. I can feel his gaze anchored on me and it makes a tingle crawl over my skin, causing goosebumps.

  Once we’re suited, Declan helps me with my helmet. This time it’s cute—black with hot pink accents. His is just plain black, like last time. I love how his eyes look. Bursting with excitement, the spark in them highlights the lighter hues in the deep swirls of a million shades of browns. Behind them—love.

  “You pick, sweetheart.”

  “The first one,” I grin up to him, repeating what I said the first time we were here. “Seventeen.”

  I climb in and he buckles me up. He’s watching what he’s doing and I’m staring at the side of his helmet, feeling electricity with every graze of his fingers along my suit. He pulls the harness tight and winks at me before getting into his kart and securing himself.

  “You good? Nervous?” he calls out over the engines.

  I give him a shaky thumbs up. Then I grip the wheel and give it gas. Slowly, I pull onto the paved track. My heart is thundering in my chest as adrenaline mixes with fear. Declan pulls up beside me, his eyes laughing at me.

  “Gas, sweetheart. Give it gas,” he shouts.

  I’m sure I’m doing under ten miles per hour, but it feels like one hundred. After the first lap and getting the feel of the kart and track, I give it a little more. Declan’s kart is beside me and he guns it, causing his kart to lurch forward, but he lets off again.

  Screw it.

  I shove my foot to the floor. A scream escapes me as my kart jolts forward, but I don’t let up. I slide around a right-hand curve and into a left, gripping the wheel with my life. I can hear Declan’s kart behind me and when we hit the straightaway, he nudges up beside me and into a tight left-hand turn. Somehow, I keep him at bay, behind me. I don’t know if he’s letting me win or if I’m putting up a good enough fight, but he’s not able to pass me.

  After a few more laps, I pull back into the shoot. My body is shaking as he releases my harness and helps me get to my feet.

  “You let me win,” I laugh as he pulls my helmet off.

  He tugs his off too. His short brown hair is a mess on top. The smile on his face radiates from his eyes. He licks his lips before scraping his teeth along his bottom lip and god…it’s the sexiest thing. A pool of desire settles in the pit of my stomach.

  “No, sweetheart. That was all you. Your defense is pretty damn good.”

  I smack him in the abs. “No way I beat the NRA’s golden child. Admit it.”

  His brow quirks, but he doesn’t answer me. Instead he grabs my hand and tugs me to the two-seater. He shoves my helmet back down and straps me in. Last time, I was petrified. This time, I’m grateful he can’t see me grinning.

  Even as excited as I am, I still let out a squeal when he floors it and we rip onto the track. He doesn’t let up, skidding around the corners and slipping into the short straightaways. I’m gripping the handle beside my seat and the one in front of me. My laugh alternates between screams and true elation, high from speed.

  My breath is ragged when he completes several laps and then parks us. I close my eyes, dropping my head to the back of the seat.

  “You good?” he asks as he unsnaps my harness.

  He offers me his hand and helps pull me out. Our gazes meet and lock. He takes off my helmet and then his, never tearing his eyes from mine.

  “You alright?” he repeats.

  I’m worse than alright. I’m horrible. I’m high on the fun, from being crazy over him, in love, and realizing this will forever be my life. Always a race. Always speed. I’m opposite of all of that and it’ll only be a matter of time before it won’t be enough for him.

  I smile. “Yeah. That was really fun.”

  He tilts his head, bringing his face closer to mine, studying me. “Do you want to drive the two-seater?”

  I burst out with laughter. “No. You’d be bored.” In more ways than one.

  Once he thanks Chris, we pull out of the parking lot heading back toward my house. The ride here was full of talk, but the air feels different on the way back. Thicker. Heavier. And we’re not talking. No words are exchanged until we pull up in front of my house.

  “Thank you for today.” And I mean it. I needed the laugh.

  “You’re welcome, Amelia.” His tone is sullen and he looks out the window toward my house instead of at me.

  “Okay… Well… talk to you later?” I don’t know why I’m pulling at strings. I should just go.

  His head nods. “Yeah.”

  I push open the door, casting a glance over my shoulder at him. He’s staring at the steering wheel and never lifts his head as I exit.

  I’m quiet, pushing around the food on my plate. Momma made Salisbury steak and gravy with mashed potatoes, one of dad’s favorite meals. I helped her set the table before supper, making small talk, but my mind is on Declan and how everything switched.

  “Honey, what’s wrong?” Dad asks.

  “Nothing.”

  Momma titters under her breath. “He’s been with me for so long, he knows nothing means something.”

  I fall quiet, pushing a piece of meat into the mashed potatoes and then back out, then back in.

  “Have you decided what you’re going to do, or are you going to string him along?” Dad asks, accusations in his eyes. And it hurts.

  “I’m not stringing him along. I’ve been honest with him. I told him I needed time. I needed to think,” I bite.

  Dad places his fork down on the table and leans on his forearms. “Are you? Are you thinking? Because it doesn’t look that way to me. You’re spending time with him without thinking and then dropping him the moment things start to get heavy.”

  I gasp. “You don’t know what you’re talking about. And why are you on his side?”

  “I think what your father is saying is maybe you and—”

  “I’m saying she needs to hear him out. She needs to talk to him. About his feelings and not just hers,” Dad snaps.

  Tears begin to swell. Why is he taking Declan’s side?

  “You’ve seen him, Sandra. Day in and day out trying hard to get her to see him.”

  Confusion pulls my brows. “You’ve seen him?”

  Mom clears her throat. “He’s been by a few times.”

  “As much as I hate how you two started, how you went against everything your mother and I raised you to be, I hate seeing how cold you’re acting. You two should be in love, supportive of each other,
leaning on each other. For God sake’s, Amelia. While you’re grieving over the loss of your child, he hasn’t had time to because he’s too busy holding on to you and desperately trying not to let you go. What is it you want? Do you love him? Because if not, it’s time to get off the ride.”

  “I do love him,” I admit bravely with wet cheeks.

  Dad slams his hand on the table. “Then why are you running him through the mills to be with you? Why are you letting him hurt?”

  I jerk to my feet, shoving the chair back. “Because I’m scared!” I shout. Dad startles. “I’m scared, Dad.” My tone softens with a crack.

  Dad rubs his forehead with his fingers, looking away. “I shouldn’t have berated you, Amelia. I’m sorry.”

  “Amelia. What are you scared of?” Mom’s warming voice has an edge to it.

  “Everything. He’s always gone. Always surrounded by people who don’t want me there. I married him and know nothing about him.” I drop my head back, blinking to the ceiling. “Next thing I know I’m pregnant and then I screwed that up. I’ve got one more year of college and while I’m chasing my dreams, he’s living his. I’m in the way of his and he’s in the way of mine. When I’m with him…” My words trail off as the lump in my throat tightens.

  “Marriages aren’t always easy. I’ve told you this. No relationship has a constant up. We adapt, Amelia, because we’re human. We work through tough times and make the best of them. You know what your problem is?” Mom raises to her feet, leaning her palms on the table. She doesn’t look mad, only determined. “You have always pictured your life one way. Every little detail of what it should be. What it should look like. And if something comes in that you didn’t picture, you shut it out. Like you’re doing with Declan. Instead of what it should be, how about what it could be.” Mom smooths her skirt and straightens her shirt. “Now I’m only going to ask you this one time. Do you love him?”

  “Yes.”

  “Do you want to be with him?” When I hesitate, she continues. “Don’t look at what’s standing in your ‘should be’ picture. Look into your heart. Do you want to be with him?”

  “Yes.”