Race to His Heart

by Sara Noble

  “Do you still like Cuban food?” Connor asked as they pulled into the parking lot.

  “Oh, yeah. I’ve been craving a dish of ropa vieja for weeks. I can’t believe you remember this little place.” Maddie seemed more relaxed and comfortable with him, like they had never been apart for more than a minute. It was natural and relieving; Connor couldn’t deny it.

  “It’s the best restaurant in town,” Connor replied. He hopped out of the truck and jogged around to the passenger side so he could open the door for Maddie. She smiled at his kind gesture and took his hand as she slid down off the seat. They were taken to a quaint booth toward the back of the restaurant. Little red twinkling lights were strung about and hung sporadically from the ceiling. Connor allowed Maddie to scoot in first and then, like a gentleman he placed the worn cloth napkin across her lap. The hostess lit a candle in a red glass jar that sat in the center of the tablecloth, illuminating a crimson glow around them. The flame danced in the dim restaurant and Connor admired the way it made for a romantic mood.

  While Maddie read the menu, Connor reflected over the events of the day. He couldn’t remember having that much fun with a girl, ever. Maddie was truly genuine, unlike anyone he had ever met. He was impressed at how much she matured over time. Infatuation had rolled over him like a tidal wave.

  The pair ordered their food and chatted while sipping on goblets of sangria. Connor gazed adoringly into Maddie’s hazel eyes. Her lashes fluttered while she spoke; something he remembered her doing the night before. He watched her pouty lips and fantasized about kissing them softly.

  “What do you plan to do during the off-season?” Maddie asked after they finished their meal.

  “Sleep,” Connor answered and grinned.

  Maddie arched her eyebrows. “Really?” she asked. “I thought you would say something like, travel the world or renovate your house.”

  “Well, maybe I’ll sleep while laying on a tropical beach somewhere.”

  Maddie giggled. “Wish I could do that.” She set her glass down on the table and looked Connor in the eyes. Her face fell grim. Something was bothering her, he could tell.

  “Were you scared the other day, when you were almost caught up in that big wreck during the race?”

  Connor sighed. “I try not to worry about it. Then I see it happen behind me and I suddenly get a sick feeling in my stomach. I seriously thank God when I’m not involved in those pile-ups. But yeah, it’s scary. I’ve been in wrecks before and it’s no fun. It’s risky, for sure. That’s probably why it’s so thrilling, because you know that one wrong move can send you spiraling through the air.”

  Maddie’s expression was full of concern. “I always worry about you,” she said quietly. “I couldn’t imagine how your parents would feel if something happened.”

  “My mom already has blood pressure issues and I go and make it worse by having one of the most dangerous careers known to man.”

  Maddie sat quietly; she dragged her fork across her nearly empty plate of rice and chicken. He couldn’t help but wonder why Makaela never showed the same concern as his old friend sitting beside him.

  Connor broke the silence. “Let’s order dessert!”

  “Sounds good,” Maddie replied, and the elation returned to her face. She slid over closer to him in the booth and peered at the dessert menu that he held in his hands. They agreed to split a slice of coconut rum flan and ordered another carafe of sangria. Connor watched her eyes light up as she savored the taste of her first bite of the flan. It pleased him to witness her enjoy herself yet again that day.

  “This is absolutely delicious,” Maddie admitted.

  Connor dug his spoon into the dessert. “Mmm…you’re right,” he said when he tasted some for himself. “Wonderful. I did good picking this place tonight, didn’t I?”

  “Yes, you did good, Mr. Gray.” Maddie sheepishly smiled at Connor. He could tell she was into him just as much as he was into her. They were cautious with each other through their light flirting and they both knew that one problem stood in their way. Connor could tell that he having a fiancée bothered Maddie. Yet she couldn’t turn me down tonight, he told himself. He was glad she didn’t. Connor could also sense what little bond he had left with Makaela unraveling. He admitted to himself that she was wrong for him; she was only with him because of his status. He simply couldn’t ignore the closeness he felt with Maddie. His heart was leading him in a totally different direction.

  ***

  The afternoon storm clouds lingered in the sky when Connor and Maddie decided to take a stroll through the Julington Creek Prosperity Park. The gray puffs looked menacing and occasionally rumbled above the town. The humidity was up and Connor could feel it drench his entire body. His clothes clung to his skin and salty dew dotted his forehead and neck. He nervously wiped it away with the back of his hand, hoping Maddie hadn’t noticed he was suffering. Either way, his nerves were starting to get the best of him. An apprehensive, yet anticipating feeling swirled around his center.

  A nagging question escaped his lips. “How come you don’t have a boyfriend?”

  Maddie sighed. “Long story.”

  “Tell me. I have time.” Maddie stared at the ground as they continued walking in synch with each other. “Well, okay,” she hesitated. “I did have one, but things went bad and I left him.”

  “What happened?” Connor couldn’t imagine why anyone as sweet and lovely as Maddie would be single, or even why any guy would let her get away.

  “His name was Billy and we were living together. We had talked about getting married someday. He never proposed, but he did promise to spend the rest of his life with me.”

  “Sounds pretty typical,” Connor said.

  “I was happy, until I caught him cheating. I was oblivious at first. I thought it was normal for a bartender to be at work until four in the morning every night. Then one night, I decided to surprise him when the bar closed. I was going to help him clean up so he could leave early and we would have a little more time together.” Maddie sighed. “So, I showed up and everything was dark and the bar locked down. I noticed his car in the employee parking lot, so I approached it and expected to find him inside, getting ready to leave. Instead I found his boss, Gina, straddling him in the back seat.” She became despondent after she drudged up the old memories.

  “Damn, that sucks. Sorry I asked.”

  “No, it’s okay. I’ve come to terms with it. I realized that it was never meant to be. It did take me a while to get over him, though. No one deserves to find the person they love being unfaithful. Hearing about it is one thing; actually discovering them in the act is another.”

  A sinking sensation hit Connor right in the gut. He knew Maddie was worried about Makaela finding out that she was spending time with him. The guilt tore at him, and for only a short moment, he felt horrible that he was there with Maddie and not with his fiancée. But something more powerful dominated his good judgment. He knew he was going to cross a line and that Maddie would give in, as well. He wanted it to happen, he wanted to make that mistake. Would it even be a mistake, he wondered? Why would fate take him there, to that exact moment with a girl that seemed so perfect, so genuine?

  Thunder rumbled above in the dark clouds.

  Connor saw the pain in the girl’s eyes. Maddie teared up then turned to hide her anguish. He waited quietly while he contemplated his next move. And just when he couldn’t contain himself any longer, he cautiously rested his arm across his old friend’s shoulders to comfort her. Her scent grabbed him and hypnotically pulled him closer for more. He felt torn. Feelings of guilt swarmed from within, but her vulnerability and sadness beckoned to him. Being with Maddie felt so comfortable and familiar; he just couldn’t let his feelings for her slip away. Yet, he still had commitments to live up to. The roller coaster of emotions left him quiet for a long minute.

  “I’m sorry I made you relive that,” Connor finally admitted. “I had no idea that something like that had happened to you.
” All of the somber talk had left him feeling uneasy. “Do you want to go sit down?”

  Maddie nodded and let the depressing expression disappear from her face. Connor looked up and noticed a gazebo at the center of the park. It sat on a tiny, man-made island in the center of a pond. A rustic wooden bridge connected the structure to the pathway that wound around the rest of the park. “Let’s go there,” he pointed and led her in that direction.

  The park was looking more and more desolate as the storm moved closer. The rumbling became frequent and the smell of rain and sea remained in the air. The sound of summer locusts buzzed all around them.

  “I really don't want to get wet again,” Maddie said as she eyed the looming sky. She took a seat on the bench inside the gazebo and patted the spot beside her.

  Connor sat down. “Why? It's just rain.”

  Maddie smiled enticingly at him. “I’m wearing white, Connor. When white gets wet you can see…” Her voice trailed and she shyly looked away.

  He chuckled. “Oh, I get it.” Connor envisioned all the beautiful things he would see if Maddie’s dress became soaked against her tan skin. The uneasiness he felt only moments before began to fade away. It was replaced with a very warm, pleasant feeling in the seat of his pants. He scooted close to her and felt a small spark as their arms touched.

  “So, what’s your story?” Maddie asked, appearing a lot calmer once they were sitting comfortably and alone. Her bright eyes gleamed in the sudden lightning strike that skimmed in the dark sky before them.

  “My story?” Connor found himself flustered after she tore him from his fantasy. For a short moment he considered jumping into the cold pond to settle things down.

  “Yeah, you obviously aren’t completely dedicated to your fiancée, if you know what I mean.”

  Connor let his eyes wander and then fixate on a family of mallard ducks as they swam around the edge of the island. They quacked harmoniously while floating on top of the water. If only my life were as simple as a duck’s life.

  Maddie rested her hand on top of Connor’s, which sat on his knee. He looked down, flipped his hand over, and squeezed her gently. His thumb stroked the soft skin on her palm that glowed with warmth. He decided to not hold back any longer. He liked her; he liked her a lot.

  “I don’t know anymore,” Connor said, ready to open up to her. “There are times when I feel like I am right where I’m supposed to be, with my job and my personal life. Sometimes I like the flashing lights and the reporters. I like having money to do whatever I want with and spend on other people. I love to travel the country, visit the other tracks, and make new friends along the way.”

  “So you like the perks, I get it,” Maddie said. She stared at him with hungry eyes as he continued.

  “And then there are times,” Connor went on, “that I want a simpler life. I kind of want to go back to school and study sports medicine or physical therapy.”

  “So why don’t you?” Maddie interrupted. She stroked his fingers softly as he thought. The sensation made the hair on his arms raise up. The passion within was growing hotter.

  Connor shrugged his shoulders. “There’s just not enough time right now. I would have to retire or take a few years off. I would lose all of my sponsors by then, and maybe even my team. And my parents would bitch about it, I’m sure.” It was hard for him to concentrate with the fire that began burning so fiercely inside of him.

  “You need to do what you want to do, what your heart feels is right.” Maddie scooted herself closer to his body and rested her head on his shoulder. The intensity of her closeness caused Connor to shudder with desire.

  “I know. I just don’t want to disappoint everyone.”

  “You still didn’t answer my question.”

  “Makaela,” Connor remembered. His brow wrinkled slightly in the fading light.

  “Do you love her?” Maddie asked blatantly.

  Connor was quiet at first, but then he answered. “I thought I did.” He paused again. “Maybe I fell in love with the way she changed my image.”

  “But you don’t connect with her, do you?” Maddie let her fingers trail down his forearm to his fingertips and then slowly back up again.

  “No,” Connor said quietly. “There’s something missing. I can’t talk to her. Not like I talk to…you.” He could feel something charge the air, something magical.

  Maddie tilted her chin up and looked into Connor’s wistful eyes. He felt her heart beating and her chest rise and fall with each breath. He reached his free hand over and delicately swept his fingers along her jaw. He let a finger hook under her chin and then pulled her face to his; she didn’t resist as she closed her eyes for the moment. At last their lips pressed softly into each other. Connor opened his mouth slightly and inhaled her breath. He savored the way her mouth tasted like coconut when he kissed her again, that time more passionately. He barely noticed the thunderous booms that echoed around them.

  The rain began to fall in buckets around the gazebo. Giant drops plummeted into the pond, serenading them with nature’s song. Connor and Maddie melted into each other, completely lost in the moment. He held her close and kissed down her neck and on her dewy shoulders. She whimpered softly under the sound of the splashing raindrops.

  Intensity kept building inside of Connor. He wanted her more than anything at that moment. He wanted to slip the dress off of her body and graze every inch of her with his lips. He wanted to feel her skin against his, and most of all, he wanted to make love to her the way that she deserved.

  The kissing and the necking went on for as long as the thunderstorm had lasted. The thunder ceased and they both took a moment to rest and take in all that had just happened. The chill of the nightly sea breeze began to set in and Connor felt the goose bumps rise on his skin. He held Maddie snug in his arms, allowing her to hear his own heart beat. He kissed her forehead, her cheekbones, and then her earlobes.

  “Mmmm…that tickles,” Maddie whispered, for the first time in several minutes. She giggled softly while Connor made his way down her neck and shoulders.

  “I can’t help it,” he said in between pecks. “You’re just so delicious.”

  “You don’t taste too bad yourself.”

  Connor brought his lips back to Maddie’s face and tenderly kissed her. He wanted to relish every second, every breath that he spent with her. She was the only thing that mattered at that moment.

  Maddie took his moist face in her hands and slowly pushed him away. She gazed into his hazy eyes. He seemed to be floating up to heaven.

  “What happens now, Connor?” Maddie asked.

  Connor stared back at her, contemplating his reply. “I…I don’t know. I hadn’t thought that far about it yet.” He was so stuck in the moment that it hadn’t occurred to him that he would have to address his other responsibilities.

  “I see,” Maddie said solemnly. A disappointed look cast over her sweet face.

  Connor sighed. She probably thinks I’m looking for a one-night stand. “This isn’t what you think, Maddie.”

  “I know. You’re better than that,” she answered as if she read his mind. Connor watched her think and wondered what was she was going to ask of him. Then she asked.

  “Consider me, please? You know, as a possibility.”

  Connor wrapped his arm around Maddie’s small frame and pulled her close. She rested her head back against his chest so he could stroke her wavy hair. He loved the way it smelled, so clean and fresh.

  “I won’t forget you, Maddie,” he replied to her question. “Just give me a little time to think about this.”

  “Okay,” she whispered and they enjoyed the soothing sounds of the chirping crickets until the summer rain shower had ceased.

  Chapter 5: Maddie

  “So, you’re telling me that you went out on a real date with Connor Gray?” Melissa squealed, a little too loud. She flipped the switch on a blender full of crushed ice and coffee. The coffee shop was packed with its usual morning customers wai
ting for their cup of Joe.

  “Shhh! Don’t scream it!” Maddie ordered over the loud crunching and whirling of the machine. “It’s a secret!”

  Melissa turned the blender off and poured the drink into a plastic cup. “This is scandalous, you know. You’re playing with fire.” She gave Maddie a look of disapproval. She remembered all too well that night Billy was found in a compromising position with his boss. It had nearly killed Maddie and suddenly the shoe was on the other foot.

  “I think he really likes me, Mel.”

  “He is engaged! He probably was just feeling a bit lonely this weekend and wanted a piece of ass.” Melissa slid the blended coffee drink across the bar. “Blended vanilla latte for Diane!” she screamed across the shop.

  “I’m telling you, he’s confused right now. I don’t think he wants to marry her.” Maddie tried hard to convince her friend she wasn’t dreaming. “And I know him. He’s not going to use me as his booty call.”

  Melissa threw down her coffee stained rag. “You don’t know him anymore. He’s different. He’s famous. He knows he can get away with telling you what you want to hear so you will give him what he wants.”

  “I didn’t give him anything. I didn’t sleep with him,” Maddie defended herself, quietly.

  “Not this time, but when he comes back to town you will. And then he’ll go back to his fiancée and you’ll never hear from him again.”

  Maddie’s eyes grew moist. “Why don’t you want to be happy for me? I really like him and we might have a chance.”

  “A chance for what? He’s a professional race car driver. He travels the country nine months out of the year. When will you ever see each other? Even if he did leave his fiancée, you would still come second over his career. You know this, Maddie.”