by M. L. Broome
“Did you enjoy the food?” Ryder asks, pressing a kiss to my palm.
“Very good,” I lie, forcing yet another artificial smile. “Do you really need me with you on the circuit? Won’t I be in the way?”
The smile fades from his face, his grip tightening. “You’re never in the way. I need you by my side during the race. You’re my cheerleader. You’re my wife.”
Ryder has a plethora of people at his beck and call, both on and off the track. Still, his words warm my heart until I glance down at our entwined fingers and the chill immediately returns.
“Where’s your ring?” The band he slipped on last night, promising me he wanted the world to know the truth, is no longer on his hand.
Ryder clears his throat, averting his gaze. “I took it off earlier today. I didn’t want the press hounding me with questions—”
“About your wife.” A fat tear rolls down my cheek as reality sinks in. I’m not even an afterthought. I’m a secret.
“It’s not like that. I promise, I’m going to tell them soon. Right after—”
“The next race. I’ve heard that one before.” Rolling my shoulders, I call upon all my strength to present a strong front. Facade, don’t fail me now. “You don’t have to tell them anything. You don’t owe them an explanation of your private life. It’s probably better you don’t say a word. I’m not much for the limelight, anyway.”
“Gigi, I know how it looks but I swear, I’m not hiding you.”
“I never said you were, but you just did.” Slipping my fingers from his, I fold them in my lap.
Strike four, and this time, it’s the final out.
Chapter 17
Ryder
I stretch out, my hand drifting to the opposite side of the bed, but instead of Greer’s soft curves, all I feel are the cool cotton sheets.
The woman is always awake before the sun. Likely on her third cup of coffee by now.
Sitting up, I rub the sleep from my eyes and grab my phone. Half-past seven. Time to get moving.
First order of the day? Driving to Colton’s house and getting Greer’s ring. Then I need to get on my damn knees and beg the woman to give my sorry ass another pass.
I’ve screwed up royally the last couple of days. It’s not intentional, but what does that matter? My actions have hurt the woman I love, and it’s time to make amends.
The last few days blur together, a whirlwind of frenetic activity as I plan my comeback to my former life. Before Greer, I only had myself to worry about—my needs and desires sat shotgun—a perk of being single. But now, my life is about more than just me. When I married Greer, we became a package deal. A team. The only issue is I’ve kept my teammate in the dark since regaining my sight.
I’m one hell of a lucky guy to have a woman like Greer by my side, and I’ll be damned if I let my stupidity drive a wedge between us.
With a sigh, I dial Francine. Time for another press release, and this time, I’m ensuring the world knows about my wife. The look on her face last night when she noted I wasn’t wearing my wedding ring gutted me, as did the distance between us for the rest of the evening.
I know a press release won’t fix things, but it’s a start.
But the phone slips from my grip as I notice something lying on Greer’s bedside table.
Her wedding band.
It sits atop a folded piece of paper, and I know what it’s going to say without opening it.
“No, no, no,” I mutter, my heart pounding as I snatch the note.
* * *
I have two requests. The first is that you continue to be your amazing, remarkable self. The second is that you’d better not die on me, Ryder Gray.
Do you know how hard it is to leave you? To step away from the only man I’ve ever loved? I would never ask you to choose between me and racing, but I can’t stand idly by and worry if this race will be your last. That this time, luck might not be on your side.
I leave all my luck with you because the world needs you. You might not realize it, but you’re a hero. The ultimate comeback king.
But the truth of the last few days is that there isn’t room in your life for me. I’ve never been one for parties and late-night festivities. In some weird way, I’m grateful for the accident, because it allowed me those months where it was just us. You and me against the world.
Now, you’re on top of the world again, and I’d like to think I played some small role in that. After all, I wouldn’t let you quit. Sometimes, stubbornness pays off.
Thank you for showing me how to love. Deep down, I always knew it would be you who could unlock my heart, and you’ll forever hold it.
Be safe, my prince.
* * *
All my love,
Gigi
* * *
“Ryder,” a voice booms out from the phone. “Did you butt dial me?”
Grabbing up my phone, I realize with a start that I never ended the call to Francine. “Sorry, I—”
“Are you okay?”
The paper slips from my fingers, drifting back to the mattress as my mind attempts to comprehend what’s happened. Am I okay? Not even remotely close. “Greer left me.” I’m not sure why I’m disclosing this news to Francine. We aren’t terribly close, but right now, my shock outweighs any need for discretion.
I expect words of comfort, but I’m met with silence.
“Francine, are you there?”
“I’m here, Ryder, and I’m sorry it came to this, but what did you expect to happen? You refused to publicly acknowledge her as your wife and then you gallivant with some random bimbos at the club.”
“Whose side are you on?” I bellow, my anger careening into the red.
“You don’t want to know.” Francine releases a loud sigh into the receiver. “I’m simply offering you a different perspective. You didn’t notice Greer’s face that day when you called off your announcement, but I did. You devastated her, but she kept quiet. Tried to be supportive. I promised her you would make it home for the dinner she had planned, the one you swore you wouldn’t be late for, but then I find out the next morning that the guys took you out to get shit-faced.”
“We were celebrating.” I bite out the words, unable to fathom that Francine is siding with Greer.
“Wasn’t that what the dinner was supposed to be? A celebration of your recovery with the woman who took care of you these last couple of months? A great way to thank her, Ryder. Blowing her off in lieu of dancing the night away with other women. I won’t tell you that your behavior is acceptable, because it isn’t, although I hope you can patch things up. Greer seems like a very kind woman, from the few moments we spent together. She deserved better than what got from you.”
“A kind woman who left me a Dear John letter and snuck out in the middle of the night. She’s a real winner, Francine.” I click off the call, unable to listen to her—my hired help—tout Greer’s attributes.
Time to find a new publicist.
My anger carries me through the next couple of days. That, and a few glasses of whiskey. For a brief moment, I consider calling one of my former bed buddies, but I can’t stomach the idea of sleeping with another woman.
Greg arrives this afternoon, but first, I have to meet with Mr. Givens. He called yesterday, with an urgent request that we sit down for a serious chat. No doubt he’ll have some choice words for me and my current financial predicament.
Strolling into the granite building, I throw up a wave to his receptionist before heading back to his office.
Mr. Givens, Marty to his friends, glances up from his coffee, motioning to a chair. “Have a seat. How are you feeling?”
“I can see, but my wife left me.”
“I know.” He clears his throat, sliding some paperwork across the desk. “Greer asked me to draw up annulment papers.”
My breath catches at his words as the severity of the situation settles over me. This isn’t some passing grievance or tantrum. Greer is serious. And because I didn’t sign
a prenup, I’m now in serious trouble. “She asked my lawyer to draft annulment papers? That’s fantastic. How good of her,” I hiss, unable to control my rising fury. “Can’t wait to see her list of demands. How much is she asking for?”
“Nothing.”
My head flies up at his reply, and I snatch the papers, scanning over them. “Nothing?”
“No alimony, no payout, no claim to any real estate or cars. Nothing.” He shifts back in his chair, studying me. “Trust me, Greer didn’t want me to draw up the agreement, but she couldn’t afford an attorney. Asked if I might consider the request as a favor. She thought I might help this go away quietly for you, so you would never have to let the world know you were married. I must admit I pegged her all wrong. She was never after your money.”
Just like that, the anger slides away, and the grief takes hold. Dropping my head into my hands, I realize I’m more blind now than I was before. Suddenly, it’s so clear. All Gigi wanted was reassurance she had a place in my life. In my world.
What did I do? Showed her all the ways she didn’t. Inadvertently playing on her fears of abandonment by leaving her alone when she needed me most. In the last couple of months, she never asked for anything except my love. But in my rush to reclaim my former glory, I forgot about the one woman who ensured I got there.
“Are you okay?”
“No,” I admit, scrubbing my face with my hands. “I screwed up and lost the most important thing in my life.”
“She loves you very much, that was clear. After she refused any type of settlement, I inquired if she had a nest egg, considering she’s been caring for you for the last couple of months. To quote Greer, she has neither a nest nor an egg, but assured me she would get back on her feet. She’s in the process of setting up interviews and mentioned she’s staying with her Mom until she can afford her own apartment. I offered her a settlement that I considered fair, but she unequivocally denied it, stating you don’t pay someone to love you. That woman has a great deal of pride and an enormous heart. She’s a class act, Ryder.”
Every statement slams into me like a fist. My life, to the outsider at least, is picture-perfect again. I’m on top of the world, complete with new endorsements, pending interviews, and television slots. The money is pouring in. Not that I had any financial woes before the accident.
But Greer? Her life is upside down. She gave up everything to be by my side and now she’s worse off than before. Yet, she still asked for nothing.
Mr. Givens slides a pen across the desk. “All I need is your signature, and I’ll get the paperwork filed.”
I snap from my thoughts, shaking my head at his request. “Not so fast. I have a few changes to make first. I’ll see that Greer gets my list of demands.”
My lawyer’s eyes widen as he sits forward, resting his elbows on the desk. “What are you doing, Ryder? The woman has a boatload of debt, a crap car, and nowhere to live. She has nothing to give you.”
“Yes, she does. The only thing I’ve ever wanted. Her.” Standing up, I suck in a deep breath, feeling my resolve strengthen. “I’m not annulling my marriage. I’m saving it.”
For the first time since I’ve known the man, Mr. Givens cracks a smile. An honest to God, genuine smile. “I like the sound of that. Keep me posted.”
After leaving his office, I drive to the local watering hole, intent on discussing my plans with the one man who can understand my plight.
Colton.
Slipping onto the barstool, I motion to the bartender for a drink, managing a smile for my friend and mentor. “Hey, Colton.”
“Damn, it’s good to see you back again,” Colton remarks, offering a toast.
“It’s good to see everything.” The words are true, although the one thing I want to see most in this world is once again several hundred miles from my side, and it’s all my fault.
“Ready for the race?”
Drumming my fingers against the bar, I consider how to best answer his question. “I am, but I think this may be it for me.”
To my surprise, Colton looks anything but surprised. “I had a feeling you might say that.”
“Really?” Here I figured he would flip the script, coming up with a list of reasons I should stay firmly planted in the driver’s seat.
“That was no fender bender, buddy. You almost died, Ryder. Plus, you’re married now, with a wife who no doubt is terrified you will die. I’ve been where you are. That exact same spot, with all the crazy fucked up emotions about what to do with my life. I thought I couldn’t live without racing, but when it came down to it, I couldn’t live without Rylee. Once I got that idea through my thick skull, it was a no-brainer.”
“Greer left me,” I spit out, staring down at my half-empty glass. As if anyone ever found answers there. “I messed up, Colton.”
Colton swivels in my direction, clicking his tongue against his teeth. “Does this have anything to do with those photos circling the internet? Please tell me you didn’t screw any of those women.”
“Of course not. I would never do that to Gigi. The photos sure as hell didn’t help, but it was more than that. She is scared I’m going to die, and I can’t promise her I won’t. Plus, I never announced our marriage and wasn’t wearing my ring. So she feels like a dirty secret, but one who was good enough to take care of me when no one else would. Just an all-around cluster fuck, compliments of yours truly.”
Colton swigs back his drink. But I know him. He’s buying time, searching his brain for the right answer. A fix to this mess I’ve created. “It’s no guarantee, but if Greer loved you enough to put up with your array of bullshit these past few months, she’ll likely give you another chance. Do us all a favor, though, and stop screwing shit up. Rylee is going to have your head for this one.”
“Don’t I know it.” It’s true. Rylee has been my confidante for years, the big sister I never knew I wanted. She knows all about Greer, and she’s going to kick my ass into the next county when she hears the news.
“Are we going to announce your retirement, or are you still weighing your options?”
“Let me get through this race first.” Am I stalling? Yes, but right now, I’m so mixed up I don’t know what I want. That’s not true. I know I want my wife back, and I’ll do whatever is necessary to ensure it happens.
“Fair enough. Keep your head in the game.”
“Eye on the prize.” Only difference? This time, I’m eying a different prize.
A smile splits my face as I spy the beat-up van with New York plates parked in my driveway.
Greg has arrived.
Just in time.
Strolling across the pool area, I knock on his door, enveloping Greg in a bear hug the moment it opens. Sometimes you don’t realize how much you miss a person until they’re no longer in your life. It’s like that with Greg.
With Greer, it’s agony.
Now, I have to plead my case and pray Greg will help me salvage my marriage.
We settle onto the patio with glasses of lemonade instead of beer. Greg insists that it’s fine if I want to crack open a cold one, but why risk it? My friend just completed rehab. I refuse to dangle that carrot in front of his nose.
Leaning back in my seat, I cross one booted leg over my knee, considering my approach to this conversation.
Greg beats me to it.
“I visited my mom before I left New York. Imagine my surprise when Greer opened the door.”
“Did she tell you she left me?” I struggle to speak the words aloud, as if every time I give them breath, I’m also giving them strength.
Greg nods but doesn’t offer any further information. Looks like he’s waiting for me to spill my guts.
Here goes nothing.
“I didn’t do anything with those women, Greg. I swear.”
His eyes widen as he sucks down half the contents of his glass. “What women? Do I even want to know? Don’t forget, she’s my sister. Job or not, I will kick your ass if you cheated on her.”
; Raising my hands, I attempt to ward off his growing fervor. “Some overly exuberant and handsy fans got close one night at the club. The media got a few shots and went to town with it. It looked bad, but it really wasn’t. Then Mandi showed up, and of course, they snapped a photo before security showed her the door.” Running a hand over my beard, I shake my head. Time to own my shit. “It looked bad. Greer was so upset when she saw the photos. She had every right. If our roles were reversed, I’d be furious.”
“Jillian would have my balls in a vise, are you kidding? Greer let you off easy.”
Huffing out a breath, I swing my gaze to meet Greg’s. “She left me, remember? What did she tell you? What reason did she give?”
“Honestly? She didn’t, simply mumbled something about not fitting into your world and promptly changed the subject. Typical Greer.”
“She is my world, Greg.”
He fixes me with his dark stare, mouth pursed in a thin line. “You sure about that? It doesn’t look good from where I’m sitting. I’m sure you didn’t mess around with those women, but the whole secret wedding and keeping everything on the down-low, it stinks.”
“She wants an annulment, but I’m not giving her one. I’ll fight her for years if that’s what it takes. I want another chance to make her happy. Put her first. Everything got so screwy after the accident. I never treated her the way she deserves and now, she thinks I’m like every other man.”
“She knows you’re not like every other man. I think that’s messing her up even more.” Greg huffs out a breath, his eyes skyward. “She’s had hangups since Dad left Mom, and they often get the better of her.”
“Gigi told me years ago she wasn’t built for relationships or love. I set out to prove her wrong, but I mucked it up then, too. I had her, Greg, and I let her slip through my fingers. I lost her.”
“I doubt it.”
“She’s gone, isn’t she?” I snap, my emotions getting the better of me.