by Jenni Linn
I laugh. “What are you up to?”
“Just hanging at Wes'.”
“Okay. Give me a call when you're alone, then.”
“I can be alone, just give me a minute.” I hear rustling through the phone and Wes' voice. “I'll be right back,” she tells him. “Okay, I'm alone. Spill.”
“Wellllll...” I drag out, happily.
“You had sex!” she whisper-shouts.
I laugh.
“You did! You little slut!” she jokes.
“No, no. I didn't. Wes isn’t near you, right?” I ask.
“No, I'm in the bathroom. He doesn't care anyway.”
“Okay...” I say low into the phone. “I will just say this, Chase has very talented fingers.”
Taylor screams into the receiver. I have to pull the phone away from my ear, “Oh my little Veronica is growing up,” her voice becomes weepy, “Did you..orgasm?” she whispers the last word.
“I did. I definitely did.”
“Did you see his penis?” she blurts out.
“Tay!” I shout.
“What?” she asks innocently, “It's big, isn't it?”
“I mean, I don’t have anyone to compare it to but it felt big.”
“I knew it.” she yells, causing me to laugh out loud.
There's a light knock on my bedroom door. “I gotta go,” I inform Tay, then quickly end the call before she protests. “Yeah?” I yell out. The door opens slowly, revealing a head of dirty blond hair. His blue eyes find mine as he moves into the room.
“Hey, what are you doing?” I whisper.
He smiles as he moves towards me, “Vin told me to come get you. Pizza's here.”
“Did he really?” My hands move to my hips.
“Uh-huh.” He closes the gap between us, and his lips meet mine instantly--like it's something he's been wanting to do all day. It's greedy, yet sweet, and it ends way too soon. He pulls away, but his arms remain wrapped around me.
“I doubt he meant for you to do that,” my voice comes out low.
He shrugs with a smile that lights up his face, and it's beautiful. “I'll take what I can get.”
“You're something else, Chase Daniels.”
“Veronica Russo, you're my something else.”
Those words cause my lips to break into a wide smile; a smile so big it hurts. “My own personal McSwoony,” I whisper. His head falls back as laughter bursts from his throat. “What?” I ask, “The name is quite fitting.”
“Is it now?”
I nod.
“I'll make you swoon.”
“Hmmm sounds naughty,” I say playfully, but his gaze quickly conveys pure lust. His face moves forward and my eyes close, expecting another wonderful kiss, but instead there's a quick sharp pain on my neck. “Ow!” I yelp, my hand rubbing the area. My free hand swats at his shoulder.
“Love bite,” he laughs and releases me, “We better get out of here before they come searching for us.”
“You better not have left a mark!” I whisper shout as I walk after him out of my room.
“Nah.”
“Finally,” Vin says as we walk into the kitchen, where the rest of my brothers are gathered around the center island.
“She was on the phone. I felt rude interrupting,” Chase shrugs off, coming up with the half-lie quickly.
“Uh-huh,” Vaughn laughs.
“Pizzzzaaaa,” I sing and move towards the pizza box. I don't even bother with a plate, I just pick up a slice and take a hefty bite.
“So, you gonna race this weekend?” Vance asks, and I turn around to see his eyes on me.
“Oh, me?” I ask. “No way. I just got her back on the road.”
Vance's head bobbles up and down. “I figured.”
I move to take a seat at an open stool, tuning out the conversation that the guys are having about this upcoming Friday night. My eyes wander to each guy as I munch on my slice of pizza--they linger a bit longer on Chase, rightfully so. As I do, it occurs to me that everyone in this room is aware of the secret relationship between Chase and I...except Vance. Vaughn and Vin probably wouldn't have known if it hadn't been exposed this morning, but it's almost a relief that it's out. It gives me the confidence I need to move forward with letting Vance know. I can only hope it goes smoothly.
Lucky
My knee bounces as I wait for my sergeant. I’m racking my brain to find a reason why they've called me in this morning. The only thing I can come up is that they're deploying me again. I'm hoping not, but I don't see any other reason for this impromptu meeting. The door opens behind me and I stand to attention. “Daniels,” he says, as a way of greeting.
“Sir.”
“At ease.” He moves behind his wooden desk and takes a seat, placing the manila folder in front of me. I return to my seated position in the chair in front of his desk.
“Well, Daniels, I won't drag this out. I'm sorry, but I gotta tell you we have to send you out. We have a situation at the border, and we need some more soldiers on staff. Word is a massive drug shipment is happening, and they need all the men they can get. I know you just returned not that long ago, but you'll be within the states. I don't have a timeline for you but I'll try my best to have you back home in a timely manner.”
Damn.
“When do I leave?” I ask.
“Wednesday.”
Shit. That's less than a week.
“Any questions, Daniels?”
“No, Sir.”
“You are dismissed.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
I leave the office and know that the first thing I have to do is tell Veronica. The last time I left it wasn't nearly this hard; it was pretty simple. I had no one here that cared enough whether I stayed or not. The thought of leaving her makes my heart hurt. We are just beginning, and now we have to put us on hold. Would she even want to wait for me? Even with me being as selfish as I am--I want her to wait-- I'd never ask her to. Fuck. This sucks. I grip my hair in frustration. The last thing I want to do right now is to go to work, but I have to. I also have to inform my dad of my deployment.
The drive to the office doesn't take long, and I'm sitting at my desk before even realizing I walked up here. My mind is in an entirely different world. I better get this shit over with. I pick up the phone and dial my father's secretary.
“Mr. Daniels office, June speaking.” My father’s secretary answers.
“Hey June, it's Chase. Is my father in?”
“Yeah, but he has a meeting in ten.”
“I won't be long,” I tell her simply and hang up. I want to get this over with. I approach his office on the other end of the building. June is sitting at the open desk before his. “He's right inside.”
“Thanks, June.” I open the door, my father seated behind his desk looking over papers pauses to look up. “Chase,” he says in greeting and continues moving papers. “I have a meeting, let's make this quick, yeah?”
“Yeah, no problem. I'm being deployed,” I tell him, bluntly.
This news actually makes him still, his blue eyes meeting mine. “You just returned.”
“Yeah,” I shrug, “I'm needed elsewhere.”
“What about the company? You're needed here!”
“Unfortunately, they own me. I have to go.”
“I still don’t understand why you joined the Army when you have a promising future here. I'm going to have to fill your position until you return.”
“Yeah, I figured that.” I ignore his first comment.
“You don't seem to be saddened by that.”
“I understand. You have to do what you have to do.”
“Alright then. When do you leave?”
“Wednesday.”
“Wednesday? That's in five days!”
“Yeah, I'm aware.”
“They don't give you much notice, do they?”
“Apparently not.”
He curses under his breath. “I'll figure something out.” And with that, it seems
I'm dismissed. I leave his office, close the door behind me, and make my way back to my own. I sit behind my desk. Telling my father wasn't as bad as I thought, but I'm dreading having to tell Veronica. This isn't what I envisioned. I knew I might’ve been called again, but I didn't think it would be this soon. I wonder if anyone else from my unit got called out, too. I ponder on it for a minute before snapping myself out of my thoughts. I need to get this work day over with.
I immerse myself with paperwork until it’s time to call it quits. I leave the office and try to stay positive. I want to enjoy this night. I've decided to hold off on telling Veronica until tomorrow, or maybe even Monday. Tonight is the last race weekend for the year. The weather is dropping week by week and we're lucky winter held off this long into October. It could also be my last Friday with Veronica, and I don't want to sullen the night with my impending departure.
Ideas of how to tell her run through my mind on the drive home, which is depressing. I decide to stop thinking of it altogether and embrace the night. I quickly change out of my clothing, and get into something more comfortable than my pressed shirt and slacks. I jump into the Z. I shoot a text to Vance, who informs me he’s not home yet. He thinks the rest of the guys should be, though. I smile and select Veronica's name. She answers immediately.
“Hey!” she answers enthusiastically.
“Hey, you.” I put the phone on speaker and start the car.
“What are you doing?” she asks, “You driving?”
“Yes ma'am. I'm on my way to you.”
“The best thing I’ve heard all day.”
That makes me smile. “I'll do you one better when I get there.”
“Can't wait.”
“Me either. I'll see you soon.”
“Kay.”
The call ends, and I press on the gas to get to her faster. My heart is beating wildly, and there's a tickle in my stomach. I'm turning into a goddamn lovesick puppy. I laugh at myself. I haven't been this happy since...well, since ever. The thought that I have to leave her slams into my happiness like a fucking meteor. Damn it all.
Minutes later, I'm parked next to Veronica's RSX. The front door opens as I step out of my car. V comes running toward me, and I brace myself for her enthusiastic greeting. She doesn't disappoint as she lunges herself at me, her long legs wrapping around my waist. “Well, that was quite the greeting.”
“I missed you,” she mumbles. I kiss her forehead and move us towards the house.
“I missed you, too.”
I climb the few steps to the front door and pause as she releases her legs from around my torso. She stands on the top step, which ends up making her level with me. I scan her beautiful face, committing it to memory--every single feature. “What?” she whispers.
My hand moves to her cheek, feeling her soft skin. “I am the luckiest guy in the world,” I breathe, and her lips break into a smile before moving to capture my mouth into a hungry kiss. This only confirms what I just told her; I am most definitely the luckiest guy in the world. Her hand moves to the back of my neck and her touch causes my body to quiver.
“Get a room!” someone shouts from inside the house, causing our kiss to falter. We break apart.
“Sorry.” She smiles.
“That's nothing to be sorry about,” I tell her. She only sniffles and grabs my hand, pulling me inside behind her.
“That looked painful,” Vaughn says from the couch. Veronica smacks him in the back of the head while passing behind him.
“Ow!” he shouts, his hand instantly moving to rub at the spot. Veronica continues to pull us past the living room and into the kitchen. She pauses and turns to me, pressing a quick kiss to my mouth. “Last one.” I smile, knowing what she means. Vance will be here soon, and we have to keep our cool. That was something else I momentarily forgot about, but I know I need to talk to Veronica first, then tackle the Vance issue.
Within the next twenty minutes, everyone arrives and we're lounging in the living room talking about Wes' bets while Vance changes.
“Easy money,” Wes dismisses a rumor Vin heard. My eyes move to Veronica, watching her sexy lips as she speaks with Taylor. I love those lips. Heavy footsteps descend from the stairs as Vance moves down them. “Alright, let's roll,” he announces. We all move to stand and make our way out the door. “V, you driving?” Vance asks as she slips on her jacket.
“Yeah, why?” her eyes glance towards me while he shrugs on a hoodie, then moves back to her brother.
“No reason, just wondering.”
She shrugs and moves out the front door behind him. I'm curious as to why she felt the need to look my way. Does she think I’d be mad that she's driving? Veronica is a car girl, through and through, and I already knew that about her. It’s no surprise that she'd want to drive her car--she's been without it for so long. Sure, I'd love for her to ride with me, but I get it. She lingers outside the door and moves with me as I exit. “It's okay if I drive?” she asks low.
“Of course.” I wink at her, which causes her sexy lips to widen into a beautiful smile. Damn. I'm so lucky, I think for the millionth time tonight.
Let’s Race
As usual, Taylor sings loudly and horribly the entire way to the track, but I barely notice because I'm enjoying myself. I've missed driving my car so much, and a small part of me wants to run tonight. I've been having a mental battle with myself--to run or not run. The chances of something breaking are slim, since so much has been repaired, but there's always a chance. It's the last night to race for the year, and the track won't be open again until late May. I pull up next to Chase's Z and put my car into park. I guess I'll see what the night has in store.
As I exit my car, a thunderous roar erupts from behind and my head snaps towards the source. A trail of classic cars are pulling into the parking lot; there has to be at least ten of them. There’s all kinds of beautiful, old school muscle. Chase appears next to me. “Damn,” he mutters. I nod because it's a glorious sight. I glance towards my brothers who are also watching with appreciation. The muscles park about three rows behind us and take up almost a whole row. My eyes zero in on the yellow Camaro--it’s just like the one at the junkyard. The rumble ceases as each car is shut off and their drivers exit the cars.
Our group gathers in front of our cars, and it slowly grows. Like flies on shit, the girls appear out of nowhere. Some familiar, some not. Chase pays no mind to any, and it's extremely satisfying. I lean against the front of my car and listen to the guys talk. A few others have joined us to ask Wes about his build. The announcer welcomes everyone to the last race of the season, thanking all for the support.
“This yours?” a male voice scares me, and I about jump out of my skin. He laughs and apologizes. I glare at the stranger to my left.
“Yeah,” I answer him while taking in his appearance. A hat is resting upon his head, but I can see his dark hair peeking out on the sides. He's tall--taller than me at least-- and slightly built, but not bulky. He's cute in an unconventional way. If I had to guess, I'd say he's in his twenties but I've never seen him before.
“Nice. Don't meet many legit car chicks. What does she run?” He nods to my car.
“Just had some stuff done. Last I ran in the high fifteen’s.” I shrug.
“Not bad. You going to run tonight?”
“Not sure. Just got her back. I don't know if I wanna risk it.”
“Now is a perfect time! You gotta break her in.” He smiles, his eyes move above my shoulder towards my right, and I feel a presence at my back. “Hey man,” the kid greets.
“Hey,” Chase’s voice is deep, “Who're you?”
“Oh,” He laughs a little and puts out his hand. “I'm Kyle.”
Chase reaches around me to shake his hand. “Chase. This is V.”
“Nice to meet you guys! Which is yours?” He asks Chase, whose hand is now on my arm.
“The Z.”
“Nice man, she's sexy! What do you run?”
“I'll find out tonight.
”
Kyle nods.
“So, where are you from?” I ask him. “I've never seen you around.”
“Ah. I just moved here, heard about this place and thought I'd check it out.”
“Oh that's cool. What do you drive?” I ask curiously.
He points over his shoulder. “I have the Camaro.” I glance around him at the new generation, black Camaro parked a couple of spots down.
“Awesome. Have you run it yet?”
He rubs the back of his neck, “Nah, not yet.”
“Yo. What's goin' on over here?” Vance joins us. “Hey man, who're you?” he asks Kyle. The pressure of Chases' hand leaves my arm. I'm saddened by the loss.
“Hey, just chatting with Chase and V here. I'm Kyle.” He reaches his hand out to Vance, who obliges and gives him his name. They get on about the track, cars, and the local area; seeing as Kyle is new in town.
“Why don't you and Chase go for a run?” Vance suggests.
Chase chuckles, “He'd destroy me, dude.” Kyle beams.
“He's never ran, and you need to test out the Z. Doesn't have to be for competition, just fun.” He shrugs. “You in?”
Kyle lights up, “Hell yeah!” It's sweet how excited he is.
Vance looks to Chase for his answer as I look behind me. “Sure.”
Kyle moves away towards his car. Vance slaps Chase on the shoulder. “Give it all you got man!”
Chase smiles wide, then moves towards his driver’s side. He glances at me before getting in, and I throw him two thumbs up. I watch him as he reverses out of the spot, then join the rest of the gang when he's out of sight.
Taylor slides up next to me. “Who was that guy?”
“Just someone racing,” I shrug, “Says he just moved here. He seems friendly though.”
The talking around us seems to cease; their stance has gone from relaxed to on guard and my brows furrow as I take in everyone around me. Vance's face becomes hard as stone, and he mutters a few choice words. A drawn-out ‘damn’ comes from Vaughn,which causes me to turn at what has grabbed their attention. “Oh shit,” I gasp. Why today.