He was staring, not saying anything.
I stammered. “I mean… I’m not an expert or anything. God knows I don’t have it all figured out. I just thought it might inspire some women… It’s stupid.”
Suddenly, he launched across the space separating us, gripping my shoulders. “Don’t say that.”
“So you don’t think the book is stupid?” I questioned.
“Nothing about you is stupid, Josie. You’re so goddamn amazing. I’m so fucking lucky to have you. I love your strength, your drive. I love everything about you. I’d be fucking insane to not want my child growing inside you.”
My heartbeat sped, making me feel like I’d just run a marathon. “What are you saying?”
He smiled slow. “Let’s have a baby.”
Emotion rose inside me, clogging my throat, making my chest feel tight. “But next year, right?” I asked, because this was crazy.
Right?
Lifting me off my feet so I would wrap my legs around his waist, he said, “How about right now?”
My mouth dropped open, and he took it as an invitation to kiss me into oblivion. My head was spinning when we fell back on the bed, him beneath me. Laughing, I kissed him again. Jace rolled, pinning me under him and reaching for the hem of my shirt.
“Jace!” Gasping, I pushed his shoulder back. Lifting his head, he gazed at me impatiently. “You mean, now now?”
“You got somewhere else to be?” he drawled, lowering his head to kiss the exposed part of my flat belly. Moaning, my fingers delved into the damp strands of his hair.
He circling his tongue around my navel, and I shivered a little as he kissed his way toward the waistband of my shorts.
“We should get married first.” I panted, trying to pull his head up. “You should take some time to think about this.”
Sighing, Jace crawled up my body, lying over me while balancing some of his weight on his elbows. “I don’t need to think about it. I already know I want you forever. You and anyone else you might make me.”
Oh my God, he was saying yes. He was totally willing to give me a child right now. Suddenly, nerves assailed me. Gazing up into his eyes, I chewed on my lower lip. “We aren’t ready.”
He grinned. “Who cares? I wasn’t ready for you either, and that turned out just fine.”
“You really want to have a baby?” I whispered.
His answer was to kiss me again. Fiercely. So fiercely when I pulled back, our lips made a suction sound.
Scowling down at me, he spoke, “I’m trying to get some.”
“I have to go off the pill before I can get pregnant, Jace.”
“Practice,” he murmured, then dove back into my lips. “Nothing wrong with practice.”
I surrendered to him, to the emotions swirling around us, and to practice. Practice was pretty fun.
I was going to be a husband. And a father.
Right now, I was arriving to a weekly family dinner.
This was a far cry from the streets I used to run. A giant leap from the street rats, fast cars, and fist fights. How quickly, how drastically life could change.
Josie totally caught me off guard with the baby thing. But once I looked in her eyes, saw the desire, heard her words… I wasn’t about to say no to that shit.
Not when her desire made me desire it too.
Just looking at her now, at her flat stomach, and knowing my child could be growing inside her at any given time, it was the most satisfying thing I’d ever felt.
Seeing the giant ring on her finger was also a giant win.
These things also meant I needed to step it up. It was my job to make sure Josie was happy and had what she wanted. Starting with our wedding.
Which was why I was arriving a little early for Friday night family dinner. It was the first one since Arrow and Hopper got home from their two-week honeymoon. We were telling everyone about the wedding tonight (the baby plans were staying under wraps), but first I wanted to talk to Gamble.
I didn’t bother knocking before entering his study. Family didn’t knock. He looked up from behind his desk, a pair of black-framed readers perched on his nose.
“Lorhaven,” he said in way of greeting. “Am I late to dinner?” He glanced at the Rolex on his wrist.
“I’m early,” I said.
“Where’s Joey?”
“She’ll be here soon.”
“Is something wrong?” he asked, abandoning the papers and stack of work in front of him.
“No. I just want to talk, avoid anything that might be wrong.”
“I’m assuming this is about your engagement.” Setting his glasses on the desk, he got up and went to the cart with drinks and crystal glasses.
I made a sound. “How’d you know about that?”
Gamble pointed to the newest issue of GearShark, the one with Hopper on the cover, lying on his desk.
“That’s out already!” I burst out.
“I’m not sure if it’s hit stands. I got early copies because of Hopper.”
“And we told Emily about the engagement.” I surmised.
“I’m a bit surprised to learn about it so impersonally.”
“Yeah, I’m sorry about that. We planned to tell everyone tonight at dinner when we are all together. Joey wanted it that way.”
“You didn’t come to me, ask me for her hand.”
I lifted an eyebrow. “You wanted me to ask you first? I thought I had your approval already. You pretty much gave it when I first came here to meet you. You’ve been bitching about me putting a ring on her finger for months now.”
“I don’t bitch,” he mused, drinking some of the dark-colored liquid. “Drink?” he asked.
I shook my head. “Are you telling me you don’t approve?”
He chuckled. “Of course I approve. Congratulations, son. No one is good enough for my daughter, but you’ll be okay.” Stepping forward, he offered his hand, and I shook it.
“What a ringing endorsement,” I muttered. Really, I could give a rat's ass what he thought.
“I expect you to make my daughter very happy.” He went on.
“That’s why I’m here,” I said coolly.
“Oh?”
I took a seat near the fireplace. “Josie is excited to tell you about the wedding. But I want to make sure we’re on the same page so she stays that way.”
“Meaning what?” Gamble carried his drink back around to his desk.
“I’m not putting her through a big society wedding that’s more like a show for all your business contacts. I want her to have the wedding she wants, not the wedding she thinks you want her to have.”
He studied me a moment, setting down his glass with a distinctive thud. “I have no intention of turning my daughter’s wedding into a business affair.”
“Good.”
“I’m not sure if I should be offended or proud that you came here to lay down terms on how I should approach my daughter’s engagement.”
“To be blunt, I don’t give a shit if you’re pissed. My loyalty is to Josie and making her happy. I’m not accusing you of anything. I’m just reminding you that your daughter always wants to please you, and you need to remember that when she starts talking wedding plans.”
Approval showed in his eyes. It was nice to have, but like I said, I didn’t need it. “What kind of wedding do you think my daughter wants?”
“I’m not entirely sure. I just know she had a good time planning Arrow’s because they let her do what she wanted. It’s going to be the same for this. And I know she’s not going to want a dog and pony show.”
Gamble nodded once. “Whatever she wants she’ll have.”
“I’m not asking you to pay for it. I’ll take care of it. I just don’t want her upset.”
The first sign of that steely businessman glinted in his eyes. He sat forward. “I will pay for my daughter’s wedding. Not you. It’s a father’s duty.”
“Agreed.” I relented. “So long as—”
�
��We’re clear. I will be sure she doesn’t do something she thinks I want.”
“What do you want?” I asked curiously.
“For my daughter to be happy.”
Pushing out of the chair, I nodded. “Then we both want the same thing.”
The slamming of the front door and footsteps approaching caused us both to look toward the door.
“Dad!” Joey came rushing through, stopping when she saw me sitting there. “Jace, you got here early.”
I shrugged casually. “My errand didn’t take as long as I thought.”
She smiled, crossed the room, and pressed a kiss to my cheek. As I was tucking an arm around her, she whispered, “Did you tell him?”
“Of course not,” I said out of the corner of my mouth, noting Gamble was slyly covering the issue of GearShark on his desk.
“Tell me what?” he asked.
Joey stiffened. “You heard me?”
“Young lady, I’m not so old that I can’t hear a conversation going on right in front of me.”
“Jace and I have something to tell you,” she said.
“Go on.” He encouraged, rising out of his chair.
Josie lifted her left hand to flash the ring I’d put there. “We’re getting married!”
Gamble smiled, surprise lighting his eyes. The old dog didn’t let on even a millimeter that he already knew. “Well, it’s about time!”
He came around his desk, and Joey rushed forward to hug him.
“Congratulations, my baby,” he said against her ear while looking at me. I smiled. Joey pulled back, gazing at him. He cupped her face with his hands. “I’m very happy.”
“You are?”
“Of course! Now I know the ring is a big deal for the ladies, so let me see.”
She laughed and held it out. He lifted her hand to inspect the diamond. “Hmm, cut and clarity seem to be very exceptional. Platinum is a good choice.”
I raised an eyebrow. “You know about jewelry?”
He drew himself up. “I’m a businessman. Of course I know about jewelry.”
Joey glanced over her shoulder. “He owns a jewelry store chain.”
“I didn’t know that.” I was surprised.
“I’m a silent partner,” he said, glancing back at the ring. “Is this a custom piece by Clay Carver?”
I cleared my throat. “Ah, yes.”
He nodded approvingly. “He’s done a few pieces for me. He’s very talented.”
Geez, this man was everywhere.
“It’s beautiful, Joey. Perfect for you,” Gamble told her quietly, releasing her hand.
“Thank you, Dad.”
“So when’s the wedding?” he asked.
“Soon,” I replied.
“We don’t want to wait,” Joey explained.
“I agree. Now you just tell me what you want and how you want it, and we’ll make sure it happens.”
“Really?” Her tone sounded slightly surprised.
Gamble glanced up and caught my eye. I smiled.
“Whatever you want. But nothing too flashy, huh? This isn’t for the business pages. It’s a family affair.”
“Oh, I’m so glad to hear you say that, Dad!” Joey threw her arms around him again, hugging him close.
Our eyes met over her shoulder. He nodded imperceptibly.
You were right, he mouthed silently.
I know. I inclined my head. Thank you.
“Let’s head into the dining room. I’m famished. I missed lunch because I was on a conference call,” Gamble said, leading her from the room.
“Dad! I told you not to do that. You should have had Mary go pick you up something.” Joey scolded him.
“Nothing ruins a business deal faster than chomping into the speaker like a man with no good breeding.”
“Ugh!”
“Where are those boys?” Gamble mused as they got farther out into the hall. “They better not be late or they’re not getting dessert.”
“They’re newlyweds.” Joey excused them.
Gamble muttered something I couldn’t hear, and Joey gasped.
I grinned and hurried to catch up. I was missing the good part.
Just as I stepped into the hallway, the front door slammed again. “We’re here!” Hopper yelled. “We aren’t late!”
“You’re late!” Gamble yelled from the dining room.
“He better give me my dessert,” Arrow whined loudly. “I’m starving.”
“You’ll get dessert, babe, even if I have to bribe the housekeeper.” Hopper assured him.
“There will be no bribing in my house!” Gamble called.
I met Arrow and Hopper in the doorway of the dining room. Arrow came forward and hugged me instantly. My chest tightened just a little at his affection. I’d missed him these last two weeks.
When he pulled away, I studied his face. He looked good. Tan. Happy. Relaxed. His eyes were no longer shuttered as they used to be.
“You look good, A,” I said. “Happy.”
“I am,” he replied.
“Sit down, you bunch of ingrates!” Gamble bellowed.
Joey and Hopper laughed.
My brother and I went to join the rest of our family for dinner.
PS: After dinner, I snuck into Gamble’s office while Josie was talking everyone’s heads off about everything she wanted for the wedding. Turns out she had the whole damn thing planned in her head already. For anyone who said she wasn’t girly enough, clearly, they had no fucking clue. After unburying the new issue of GearShark, I flipped through to our rapid-fire interview and read it through.
It was a good article.
What is a Rapid Fire Round here at GearShark? It’s exactly what it sounds like! It’s where I catch up with some of our beloved racers from past issues and find out what they’re up to now! And since we here at GS love all things speed, why not have a rapid-fire round of questions? And what better issue to debut this new feature than this red-hot edition!
I recently caught up with NRR racer Joey Gamble and her boyfriend fiancé (Eek! I smell another exclusive! Keep reading for the deets!) Lorhaven, who were recently in Las Vegas for the wedding of our cover star this month.
Rather than sit down formally for this rapid-fire round, I dialed them up via phone so we could talk it out. And yes, they’re still together and still as #swagalicious as ever. It’s cheesy, I know, but I had to go there. This couple positively pours electricity, even through the phone.
This might be a quickie interview, but the news you’re hearing here first will definitely put a slow burn in your heart.
So, race fans and readers alike, let’s get firing!
GS: Joey and Lorhaven, it is so good speak with you again! It’s been a while since your sizzling cover hit our stands, and I have to ask. You weren’t a couple for that first interview, but you got together shortly after, so would you credit GearShark as your matchmaker?
L: Sure, yeah. We’ll go with that. Or maybe it was my sexy, charming ways and the fact I know my way around a racetrack.
JG:
GS: If I remember, you two didn’t get along too well in that interview.
JG: We’ve always had sparks.
GS: So besides burning up the NRR—congratulations on your impressive STATS this season—what have you been doing beyond the track?
L: I put a ring on it.
JG:
GS: Are you saying you’re engaged?
L: Yes, and I plan to speed to the altar just as fast as I drive.
JG:
GS: Another race-world wedding! Congratulations!
JG: Thank you.
GS: I have to throw it out there that we would love to have the first look at your wedding photos and maybe the ring you’ve got on your finger, Joey.
JG: I might be able to make that happen.
GS:
GS: Usually we stick to racetrack talk, but for this issue, we’re going past the #finishline to delve more into your lives beyond racing. You both up for that?
L: Depends on what you’re asking.
GS: It will be painless. I promise.
JG: Ask away!
GS: In the spirit of the Rapid Fire Round, let’s keep the answers short and sweet. First, favorite car?
L: I’m gonna have to go with the Corvette.
JG: I’m totally in love with Jace’s Lotus.
L: And that’s why I still drive it instead of a new Corvette.
GS: You call him Jace, not Lorhaven?
JG: Jace is his first name.
GS: So you do have more than one name!
L: Sure do, but only two people in my life are allowed to use it.
GS: Who’s the second?
L: My brother.
GS: What’s in your pocket right now?
L: We’re naked.
JG: Ohmigod! We are not! We’re, uh, in our pajamas… so nothing in our pockets.
L: Naked.
JG:
GS:
GS: Joey, do you like the NRR better than NASCAR?
JG: Yes.
GS: Lorhaven, what’s your favorite word?
JG: It’s probably not appropriate for print.
L: Josie.
GS: Josie?
JG to L: Really?
L: Of course, baby.
GS:
JG: My name is actually Josephine. Joey for short… Or as Jace calls me, Josie.
GS: Do you live together?
L: Of course.
GS: Are you pregnant, Joey?
JG:
L: What the fuck kind of question is that?
GS: Figured you might want to cut out any rumors about why you are engaged.
L: I asked her to marry me because I love her and for no other reason.
GS: So what about kids down the road? Think you two will have a few mini racers one day?
GS:
#FinishLine (GearShark #5) Page 22