Race to His Heart

by Sara Noble

  Connor understood and let her break down. He stayed nearby and waited out the fit before he spoke again. “You gonna be okay? Do you want me to take you back to your room?”

  Maddie inhaled and released the breath slowly, urging herself to calm down. “No, I want to be with you, if that’s okay. I just need a minute,” she said with instability in her voice. She sounded like a little girl that just had her toy stolen from a bully.

  “Sure.”

  Then Connor’s lips turned up and his eyes twinkled again. “I have something I want to say, just to clarify everything. Give you some piece of mind.”

  “What is it?” she asked, still choked up.

  “I’m sorry that I’ve been dragging you around and forcing you to keep secret about us. I hate doing it and well, I guess the only reason I did it was for my career. I had lost my feelings for Makaela a long time ago, even before you and I met up at your barbecue. I’ve always known she was wrong for me, but then again I went for it cause I thought she would help my image. And she did, in a way. I realized that I don’t want that life anymore and I don’t care if people like me or not.

  “That night at your house something captivated me when I laid eyes on you. Then we talked and it felt so natural and easy. I didn’t even have to pretend to enjoy your company. I knew from the start what I was getting myself into and I decided to just go for it. And now, well, now I think I’m falling in love with you. Every moment we spend together just keeps getting better and better. It’s not just the sex, either. It’s everything about you.” Connor stroked her cheek with his thumb. His pleading eyes locked onto hers. “You’re perfect for me and I want you in my life, whether people like it or not.”

  Maddie’s jaw dropped. His beautiful words repeated in her mind like an angelic sonnet. Sure, she had been in love before, but this was different. This was all consuming and real. This was the kind of love that only came around once in a lifetime and to refuse it, to ignore it, would be selfish and naïve.

  He said he was falling in love with me!

  Maddie felt light-headed and warm; every part of her tingled with delight. She wanted to reply, to confirm the feeling was mutual, but her voice had seemed to be caught in her throat. A crackly gargle was all she could produce.

  Connor laughed. “It’s okay, we can talk about it later.”

  Maddie managed to smile at the man who had just poured his heart out. He leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips. Her hand touched his cheek as she gave into the tender moment. “I love you,” she whispered against his face.

  “Let’s go celebrate.” Connor took her hand and led her down to the car parked out front.

  Chapter 10: Connor

  The maitre d’ escorted Connor and Maddie into a noisy and crowded restaurant to their reserved group of tables in the back. They spotted all of the crew mingling with each other, along with the team’s owner, Lucas Johnson. He was sitting in a corner chatting with Jim and Patty. The trio stopped talking when they caught sight of the couple as they entered the party area. Lucas waved Connor over.

  Barely looking at Maddie, Connor said, “I have to go to talk to Lucas real quick. Have a seat somewhere and I’ll be right back, okay.” He turned his back while he heard Jackson beckoning Maddie to join the rest of the guys at the adjacent table. He approached Lucas slowly, afraid he was about to get a lecture from his boss. His hands trembled and he bit his lip as he took a seat between Lucas and Patty. She told him. She told him about Maddie and me.

  Lucas was a bulky old man. He looked like a man that enjoyed his money and spent most of it on extravagant meals and designer suits. His thick gray mustache matched his heavy eyebrows, which wrinkled with concernment above his grey eyes.

  “Sit down, son. We need to have a discussion.” Lucas took a swig of his scotch, probably black label, and looked Connor straight in the eyes.

  “Yeah, sure. What’s on your mind?” Connor sat beside Lucas in the corner booth. He nervously tapped his left foot while he waited for the flood to sweep him away.

  “First of all, congratulations on the win for the team. It really means a lot to me how hard y’all work to make us a success. I know I’ve told you before, but I’m real proud of you, kid. Keep it up.”

  Connor nodded humbly. “Thank you, sir.”

  Lucas exchanged glances with Patty. “Now, your mother here has informed me that you got some, ah, personal issues going on. Is that right?”

  Connor swallowed hard. Oh God, here it comes. He nervously glanced around at his mother and father; they had hints of bitterness splashed on their faces.

  “Um, no sir. I wouldn’t say that.”

  Patty huffed out her exasperation and rolled eyes. “Connor, cut the crap. We are all very concerned for you.”

  Lucas eyed Maddie sitting across the jam-packed room. She was laughing at something Jackson had said and casually sipped a glass of champagne. “You know what I’m talking about, that young lady you’ve been parading around.” He lifted his glass of scotch and motioned to her with a slight nod. “She’s gonna cause trouble for you and for us. You better start thinkin’ with your brain, if you know what I mean.”

  Connor’s gaze fell to the floor. “I’ve got it handled, Lucas. There won’t be any problems.”

  “Oh hell, Connor. You’ve already got a beautiful woman about to marry you. Your fans want to see a wedding and kids! Don’t screw that up!” Lucas was agitated, no doubt, and Connor felt guilty he had upset him so.

  “I don’t want that anymore,” Connor replied, after he located his nerve. “I will handle this thing with Makaela.”

  Patty interjected. “He had a right to know, Connor. This is his team, his franchise.” Her eyes were stained with worry.

  “I understand that, but you can’t dictate my life. You can’t tell me who to marry and who to have kids with!” Connor turned and glowered at his mother. “And you! Whose side are you on? I thought you liked Maddie?”

  “I just told you I never thought it would get this far, so soon. Think about how it’s going to affect her life, as well. You both aren’t ready for this. If you want to break up with Makaela, fine. Do it. But don’t have another girl on your arm in public before that happens.”

  Lucas set his glass of scotch down and placed his hand on his knee. He ruffled his wiry mustache with his fingers, pinching it under his nose. He looked thoughtful, like he was about to bargain. “I’ll make you a deal, son. Think about this a little more before you make a bold move. At least mull it over until the season has ended. Then you can go from there. Sound good?”

  Connor’s mind was doing cartwheels. He knew he had everything to lose if he pissed off Lucas, but he wasn’t convinced he could hold back his feelings for another four or five months. It would be a miserable waste of time to pretend he didn’t love Maddie, not to mention the fact that he would have to stick it out with Makaela until then. He wished there were an easier way to go about the problem, but the only conclusion he could come to was to do as his boss directed, though he didn’t want to admit it.

  “I’ll think about it,” Connor mumbled. “Excuse me.” He left and made his way back to Maddie, but not before shooting his mother a dirty look. I’ll deal with her later.

  A shot of Jagermeister sat on the navy tablecloth and it had Connor’s name written all over it. “For you, buddy. Let the good times roll!” hooted Jackson.

  Connor picked up the glass and then slammed the shot down. He winced from the burn that trickled down his throat, but then grunted in delight. Maddie beamed at him and looked ready for one herself.

  A few more shots later and all of Connor’s worries seemed to have drowned in the alcohol. He laughed with his friends, ate good food, and forgot his problems. Maddie sat at his side the entire time, indulging herself, as well. His hand had a mind of its own as crept up her thigh many times underneath the table. He loved watching her blush as he stroked her soft skin and then explored further underneath her tiny shorts.

  Dinner fi
nished up late and the majority of the group headed back to the hotel for the night. Patty and Jim hesitantly approached Connor to say good-bye. He was so inebriated that he had forgotten about the quarrel with his mom and gave her a tight squeeze before she went to the door.

  “I’m sorry I went to Lucas about what’s going on,” Patty said into his ear. Connor pulled away and narrowed his eyes.

  “Yeah, what was that all about?” he slurred. At that moment the room began to spin a tad. Oh boy, I’m in trouble, he scolded himself while he waited for his dear old mum to answer.

  “We’ll talk about it more tomorrow.” Patty glanced over at Casey who was sitting back with his arms stretched out across the back seat of the booth. He watched both of them intently. “In the meantime, enjoy yourself tonight. But I’m warning you; I have Casey keeping an eye out to make sure things don’t get too wild.”

  Connor spun around a little too fast. He wobbled and then slid back down into his seat. “Roger that.” He laughed and then grabbed another beer.

  “Oh, Lord,” muttered Patty as she hurried out the door after Jim.

  Maddie scooted next to Connor and tilted him up so he was sitting straight. “Let’s go dancing,” she suggested. “I’m sure the driver knows of a good club that we can get into without a problem.”

  Connor grinned and nodded, but then let his eyes slide down and linger on her cleavage. He lifted one finger and pulled at her top, hoping to get a better view of what was underneath. “Whatever you want, lover.”

  Appalled, Maddie clutched at her chest and leaned back. “Sshhh! Everyone is watching us,” she hissed.

  “I don’t care!” Connor exclaimed, letting his face fall forward and into her breasts. He nuzzled them with his nose and giggled like a child. Many eyebrows rose, but no one said a word. Maddie was mortified and shoved him away with all of her might. Jackson smirked, as he couldn’t tear his eyes away from the humiliating scene.

  Maddie swatted away Connor’s wandering hands. “Come on, let’s get out of here. I bet there’s some cold bottled water in the limo. You need to cool down.” She stood and dragged him up with her.

  “We’re all coming with you,” Casey quickly pointed out. He set down his beer and motioned for the rest of the gang to do the same.

  “Fine, I’ve got nothing to hide,” Connor sputtered while he let Maddie lead him out of the restaurant. He wrapped his arm around her petite shoulders and sniffed her hair.

  “Girl, you smell so good.”

  “You’ve had too much to drink,” Maddie said, embarrassed by his behavior. “It had to have been a lot if you’re acting this… brainless.”

  “I’m just having a good time, aren’t you?”

  “Yes, but we have to be careful, remember? You motor boating me at the table was not subtle. Everyone saw that.”

  The two led their group of friends through the exit door and into the fresh night air. The evening heat instantly attacked and a little trickle of sweat ran down the back of Connor's neck. Maddie cautiously took hold of his hand, stopping him at the curb before the street. His vision was suffering, but he forced himself to focus on Maddie's concerned face as he said, “Babe, I want to be with you. I choose you. Who cares what everyone thinks?”

  Maddie stepped close, her lips hovering near his ear. “I care, Connor. I care about what happens to your career. I’m only in this if we can avoid trouble. Otherwise, maybe we should rethink...” Maddie’s voice trailed when she realized ears were listening, ears of people who gossip. She was just about to whisper the remainder of her statement when Connor stepped off of the curb and began dancing in the street.

  “Everyone! I love Maddie! Now you all know!” he shouted as he threw his arms into the air. His friends just stood and shook their heads.

  Maddie blushed. “He’s just drunk, y’all. He’s talking crazy. Don’t listen to him.”

  “We know what’s going on. You don’t have to hide it.” Jackson seemed amused with the big announcement. He had a huge goofy grin on his face.

  Casey wasn’t so thrilled. “You love her? What about your fiancée, Connor?” He glared daggers at Connor while he continued to act a fool in the street. The limo pulled up beside him just in time for Maddie to tug him by his shirtsleeve and back onto the sidewalk.

  Jackson slapped Connor on the back and said, “Hey, I think it’s great. Makaela, out. Maddie, in. Y’all look good together.”

  “Thank you, Jackson,” Connor slurred. “Now can we all get into the car before people start staring?” He swung open the passenger door before the chauffer could reach it.

  “Too late for the staring,” muttered Casey. He nervously looked around, praying that there wouldn’t be any paparazzi lingering outside of the restaurant. Lucky for them they weren’t too popular at the moment.

  Connor slid into the limo with Maddie and the rest of the crew following right behind him. He slumped over in the seat, for a quick rest, he told himself, but it was only a short moment later that someone pushed him back up to sitting position. He could feel the cool rim of a water bottle at his mouth and then heard Maddie urge him to drink. His eyes fluttered open and instantly came back to life. It was a good thing because he was on the brink of passing out in the back of that limo, and then poof! His night would be over. While Connor attempted to stay decent, Mark, another mechanic along for the ride, asked the driver to take them to a nearby club.

  Within ten minutes, the group arrived in front of a lit up building with a long line of potential patrons. Girls sparkled from head to toe like twinkling stars in the night. Their jaws dropped as Connor and his entourage poured through the crowd and right into the building without waiting for even a moment. Lights flashed and people shouted. Finally, someone recognizes me. Connor waved and grinned at the blur of faces before him. He already felt better after the uplift in his self-esteem.

  A club hostess took them to the second floor in a private elevator. “What bottles can I get started for you?” she asked in a seductive, cool voice. Her jet-black hair cascaded over her shoulders and spiraled around her voluptuous chest. Connor couldn’t help but stare at her cleavage and Maddie gave him a daunting look, complete with a tiny frown.

  “I’d like some Champagne,” Jackson called out as they sat down in a dark velour booth. A circular granite table was placed in the middle and sat the six of them perfectly. A popular club song pumped through the speakers in the wall, causing Connor’s entire body to vibrate.

  “Send a bottle of your best top shelf vodka,” chimed in Gonzo, an engineer for the 27-team, who had remained relatively quiet the entire evening. Connor raised his eyebrows and gave his friend the thumbs up sign.

  It’s time to get the real party started. Connor glanced around at the plethora of gorgeous women hovering before him. He felt their eyes burn into him as he snuggled up to Maddie, who was placing her drink order with the club hostess.

  “Water, for my friend here,” Maddie said over the loud music and pointed to Connor.

  “You cutting me off, babe?” he asked while he gently brushed his fingers under her chin and turned her face to meet his.

  Maddie smiled. “No, just taking a break.” Then she leaned over and whispered as loud as she could into his ear. “I need you decent for later.”

  A warm feeling invaded Connor’s body and tingled in his manhood. “You’re amazing. You know exactly what I want.” He kissed her shoulder and up to her neck, stopping for only a second to inhale the scent of her shampoo. Maddie squirmed; they both knew that everyone was watching. Casey glared at them. He smirked and then rolled his eyes, obviously disgusted by Connor’s display of affection.

  “Connor, stop. Come on, let’s go to the dance floor.” Maddie pushed his head away from her neck and forced him to join her out in the blur of colored lights and gyrating bodies.

  “Ooh, this should be good. I’ve never seen him dance before!” bellowed Jackson.

  The group watched as the two danced rhythmically to the thumping bass.
Maddie seemed to move like a serpent; slow and enchanting. Connor caressed her body with his wandering hands and then pulled her close so he could feel the heat against his skin.

  "You drive me wild," he said loudly into her ear.

  Maddie smiled and nodded, then grinded against him even harder.

  “You’re a bad girl.”

  “You bring it out in me.”

  “I like it.”

  Maddie froze when a bright light flashed in their faces. A group of guys, dressed in tacky silk shirts and hideous shoes, hooted while they continued to snap shots of Connor and Maddie on the dance floor.

  Pictures were bad, real bad.

  Connor shielded Maddie from their lenses, but for more reasons than just one. He was afraid he was too late.

  “Get out of here!” shouted Connor, his temper about to erupt.

  “Who’s your new girl, Gray?” taunted one of the jerks. “That’s definitely not Makaela Jennings.” His head turned for a better look of Maddie, who clung helplessly to Connor’s shoulders.

  Connor’s chest heaved. “No, it’s not and it’s none of your damn business! Now get out of my face!”

  Maddie stepped back and away from the brewing fight. She waved her arms in the air, motioning for the others to come help out with the mess. Jackson lunged through the crowd just when things were about to get ugly.

  “Back off! You don’t know who you’re messing with!” Connor hollered. Dancing club goers scattered to the outer edges of the floor, preparing to make way for a fight. Jackson flanked Connor to the right; his fists were balled up into boulders and the skin was pulled tight around his knuckles.

  “Oh, you think you guys are all big and bad just cause you know how to turn left?” shouted another with greasy slicked back hair. He imitated a driver holding a make-believe steering wheel and jerked his wrists to the left.