by Terri Lane
“Okay,” Terry patted the side of my bike and moved away. “Well, I guess I’ll see you on the other side then.”
He snaked backwards into the crowd, leaving me the necessary time to get my head in the right place. Usually I spent this time thinking about the track, the turns, the other riders, but today there was only one face in my mind. A beautiful red head that had intrigued me from the word go.
The moment that Karly crashed into my life, I knew everything would change, but I had no idea how much and in what way. I assumed she’d be a nuisance, someone I could barely tolerate, but actually what she’d become was someone I could barely stand to be without. Her face made me smile, her laugh cheered me up, her body was something that I wanted to hold for days. We shared vulnerabilities, fears that we wouldn’t readily share with the rest of the world. In a small way in the short time we’d spent together I’d been more real with her than I had been with anyone else before, and I had a feeling that it was exactly the same for her. There was something that drew us to one another, something that fixed us there, and that had to be important enough to risk losing everything for, didn’t it?
Maybe it really was love, but the only way I’d find out was by winning this damn race. If I didn’t, we’d never be given the opportunity to see what life could be like together.
No one would have ever thought that I would be the guy to fall in love, I was probably described as a playboy, the sort of man that was destined to be alone forever, and until recently I would’ve been happy with that title. I never cared for anyone, I didn’t think there was a single woman alive on the planet who could hold my focus for longer than five minutes, but now I couldn’t imagine being with anyone else. It was insane, but probably about right considering the spontaneous, fast paced way I’d lived my life so far.
My heart tore loudly in my chest, my mouth ran dry with terror, my fingers were trembling. Anticipation bulldozed through me like a whirlwind tying my emotions up in knots…
Then the gun shot rang out, and it was time to go.
I kicked the accelerator and zipped the bike along the track I was extremely familiar with, but that now felt brand new. People went faster than me, I could already see that there was more talent on The Track than I’d had to face before, but I didn’t let that dent my confidence. It didn’t change the fact that I needed it more, that I had someone seriously worth fighting for.
Cheers burst out from every angle. I didn’t know who they were for, but I allowed my brain to imagine that everyone was rooting for me to win, that they wanted me to make something of my love story, that they needed me to be happy. It was all utter bullshit of course, Grace was probably in among those people, cursing me into the ground, but I had to admit that it helped.
It was also pretty cool to see myself going pro, to think about myself in the big leagues, finally making something of myself. That image spurred me on too, I just hoped and prayed that it was enough…
Chapter 15
Karly
The yelling hadn’t stopped. Maybe it was naïve of me to assume that I could come home to find everyone calmer and more rational now, but they weren’t. Dad was still going off, calling me names, and Shelley was unfortunately backing him up way more than she should’ve been.
If there was ever a sign that I didn’t belong here, then this was it. Although if I hadn’t come to the city at all, then I never would’ve met Leo. Much as things had gotten messed up, I couldn’t regret having him in my life because he’d made me see things very differently. Sure, our experience came with a lot of pain, but soon enough I hoped I would mostly recall the good times.
I didn’t bother saying goodbye as I dragged my case out the front door, I didn’t think it would be appreciated anyway. Luckily I hadn’t gotten around to buying lots of stuff for my ‘fresh start’ yet, so I could still travel light. I wouldn’t be able to stay long at Annie’s, I certainly didn’t want to outstay my welcome, so this was so much better.
“Karly?” To be perfectly honest, I’d given up on the idea of ever seeing Leo again, so his warm tones were a shock to my ears. “Where are you going?”
My face heated up as I realized I looked a little like a petulant child running away from home. I didn’t want Leo to think that I was abandoning him at the first sign of trouble. “Oh, well I thought I’d stay at my friend’s place for a few days, just until things blow over.”
“Well that is a shame,” judging from Leo’s smirk he didn’t seem too offended, “because I was hoping that you’d come and stay with me.”
Huh?
“But unfortunately for you, you live in the house that I’m trying to avoid.” I tried to giggle, to make light of the situation, but the noise that came out from my mouth didn’t sound like I wanted it to.
“Is it though?” He cocked his head to one side and continued on with that smirk. “Because as far as I’m aware I have a new address. One that comes with a new job too.”
“What?” I no longer cared about seeming dumb, I had no idea what the hell was going on here. “What on Earth are you going on about?”
“Okay,” he grabbed my hands and stared deeply into my eyes. “So, tonight I raced again, and it was a big race.” I was torn between being annoyed that he’d gone off to race after our horrible day, and utterly curious. In the end, the curious side of me won out. “And although it was a tough one, I won. But this was a different race, a legal one. It was being run by a scout who wanted to sign some new racers for their professional team.”
“Oh my God, are you going pro now?” This was all too much, but I was extremely excited for him. This was incredible news.
“I am, but it’s more than that too. I won a hundred grand and I bought us a home.” He wiggled a set of keys in my face, making my heart leap about in my chest. “Now I know it’s soon to be thinking about moving in together, but we can’t remain in this house anymore.”
I pursed my lips thoughtfully, wondering if I was going to jump from one bad ship to another. I wanted this, God I wanted this so badly, but I also needed to be smart.
“As a trial?” I asked, wanting to know if he’d be willing to do that. “Just to see how things work out?”
“Yes, as a trial, of course I know this is insane. If things don’t work out, I will happily use my new money to help you get a place of your own.”
This was too good to be true, I almost couldn’t believe my luck. “Then how could I say no?” I chuckled. I held out my hands to him and he fell happily into my embrace. “I can’t believe it, this is really happening.”
With that Leo grabbed onto my cheeks and he pressed his lips against mine, solidifying everything.
“Can I tell you something else?” he asked against my lips. I nodded, unsure if I could say anything else. “I’m falling for you,” he whispered. “I think I might be in love with you.”
A tear pricked in my eyes, I felt overwhelmed with happiness. “You know what, I love you too.”
And with that I felt like I finally had my place in the world. It was unexpected, certainly not the person I thought it would be with, but I was happy all the same. It seemed like this was going to be my very unusual happy ever after.
THE END
Bonus Full Length Stories
We have included 20 special bonus novellas and short stories from various romance genres for your pleasure. Happy reading!
= Bonus Book 1 of 20 =
A Billionaire’s Agreement
“Order up!” Nick yelled, hitting the bell and saving Kayla from the conversation that she was trying to get out of with one of the regular diners. At twenty-two, with auburn curls that hung down her back and deep brown eyes, Kayla Lyon was a favorite among the regulars at Nick’s Diner in Kirkland, Washington. The out-of-the-way diner was a favorite with locals, and almost always busy.
Kayla grabbed the hot plate, taking it and a pitcher of water to table four. James Reeves sat in the same chair he always did, gracing Kayla with the same smile he had been fla
shing her over the last few months. Blond haired and blue eyed, James was handsome and available.
And Kayla wasn’t the least bit interested.
“Hey, beautiful,” James said by way of greeting, putting his cellphone down and giving her his undivided attention. “I see you’re working hard, as usual.”
She smiled, doing her best not to slap him upside the head with his plate.
“Are we doing this again, James?” she asked lightly, trying to hide her irritation.
“Every day until I wear you down and you agree to give me a chance.”
“I told you already,” she said, filling his water glass. “I don’t date customers and I don’t date men old enough to be my father.”
He laughed, completely undeterred.
“Don’t you think you’re exaggerating? I’m only thirty-eight. Hardly your father’s age.”
“I never met my father,” she shot back, her tone still light despite his persistence. “But you’re sixteen years older than me. It’s not that you’re old, it’s that I’m much too young. I promise you, we have nothing in common.”
He was opening his mouth to argue, but another customer looked up from his meal, a cue to Kayla that he needed something. She assessed his needs as she picked up James’ straw wrapper from the table and shoved it into the pocket on her apron that she kept paper trash in.
The man needed a refill and was probably ready for some more pancakes. Endless pancakes were the bane of Kayla’s insistence, but Nick insisted on them, and the diner made a killing on people buying the platter that they came with. She smiled at the ridiculousness of it all. Kayla bought the same box of pancake mix from the store and she knew that the industrial sized box Nick kept on-hand was only five dollars. It was a smart gimmick, and one that was quite popular with the breakfast crowd.
She refilled the man’s water.
“More pancakes?” she asked.
“Just one,” he said, indicating his full belly.
“Of course,” she said, flashing him a radiant smile.
“You sure do make a morning easier to face,” the man said, though without any of the creepiness of some of the other “compliments” that Kayla was often on the receiving end of. Most of the customers managed to tell her she was beautiful or friendly or whatever they enjoyed about her without being patronizing. For the most part, Kayla enjoyed the attention. She worked long hours for less than most of their customers spent in a week on fancy coffees and eating out every day.
Their smiles and occasional flirting made her day go faster, and Kayla was thankful for the distraction they provided. Spending forty or more hours on her feet each week was hard enough, but hating every minute would have made it downright intolerable.
The morning crowd gave way to the lunch crowd, followed closely by the early bird dinner crowd.
Nick looked up at her, and Kayla knew immediately what he wanted. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the same conversation that they had pretty much once a week.
“Sara called in sick. Can you stay ‘til close? I can’t afford to pay you overtime, but the tips are always good at night.”
“Don’t worry about it,” she said, happy to make more money, but wondering how she was going to make it through another six hours until ten after working since six in the morning.
She took a short break while things were calm, and Nick hit the floor, making the rounds with the customers and making small talk while Kayla put her tired feet up and closed her eyes for just a moment. She had fifteen minutes and all she could think of was how soft her bed was going to feel.
Her break ended too soon, the alarm on her prepaid phone letting her know that it was time to get back to it. Only six more hours to go, and new faces were already piling into the diner, eager to have their stomachs filled and to indulge in a little friendly banter with other locals.
Her feet were killing her when she rushed back to the back, putting in orders and filling pitchers to refill drinks around the dining room. Nick gave her a smile and a nod.
“Doing good,” he said, his go-to compliment.
Kayla was his only full time employee, and he treated her well-enough. He could be gruff at times, but he worked every day the diner was open and rarely closed the doors. Since his wife had passed away, the diner was everything, and Kayla imagined that the older man was worn out sometimes. But being home was lonely, and Nick Stanton hated being alone.
Kayla could understand being lonely. Her own one bedroom apartment was silent when she finally got home each night, but Kayla was usually so exhausted that she ate a sandwich, took a shower and crashed. There was no time to be lonely. Kayla had dreams, and those dreams weren’t going to pay for themselves.
***
Kayla walked hurriedly down the dark street, away from the nice townhomes that lined the streets, around the corner and two more blocks to her rundown apartment in the older part of town. She jogged up the short, cement staircase and unlocked the door to the lobby.
Her mailbox was full, as usual. She dumped the sale papers in the recycle bin and took the stack of bills with her, sighing heavily at how many there were.
Another staircase led to the long hall. Each step was torture on her sore feet, and she was glad that the next day was her day off. She would probably spend it sleeping and trying to figure out how to pay her bills, but that was life.
She unlocked the door and tossed her keys on the kitchen table, along with her mail. Too tired even to think about eating. She went straight to the shower. The bills could wait, and so could the world. She was exhausted, and she needed to wash the smell of greasy food from her long hair.
The water was cold and showed no signs of heating up. She gritted her teeth, frustrated that the building was still having issues with the water heaters. She made a mental note to fill out another repair request, but she knew that it would get fixed when the building manager got to it and not another moment before.
Kayla took the fastest shower she ever had, shivering when she got out and wrapped her large fluffy towel around herself.
Her bed beckoned, but Kayla couldn’t sleep with the unknown sitting on her table in a pile of nonthreatening envelopes.
Dressing quickly, she made her way back to the kitchen. She sat down and pulled out her checkbook. She opened each bill one by one, balancing her check register after each check was written, heart sinking with each transaction.
When it was all finished, a stack of stamped envelopes replaced the pile, and Kayla’s world was balanced again. She used her phone to transfer what she could to her savings, leaving just one hundred dollars in her account for food for the month. It wasn’t much, but she often ate at work, and Nick never charged her for the food, even if it was two meals. She was sure that it was because he didn’t pay her close to what she was worth, but with her background, this was the only job she could get.
She looked at the balance on her savings account, feeling proud and defeated all at once. Slowly and carefully, she had saved over ten grand in a relatively short amount of time. By foregoing unnecessary expenses like cable, internet and a fancy phone, she had been able to squirrel away money. She needed four times that before she could start nursing school, but she wasn’t going to put her efforts down. She was going to do it, even if it took her awhile to get there. She was only twenty-two; she had her entire life ahead of her.
Finally, able to breathe without the bills hanging over her head, she shuffled through the small apartment, turning off lights and making her way to the bed. It was really just a box spring and a mattress on the carpeted floor, but Kayla wasn’t picky. The mattress was comfortable and she reasoned that she couldn’t lose things under her bed if there was no under.
Flopping onto the bed and pulling the heavy blanket up to her chin, she moved around until she found the sweet spot, and closed her eyes.
Her cellphone chirped and lit up the dark room. She picked it up, irritated that she had forgotten to turn it off. Nick’s text glared a
t her from the bright screen. She groaned.
One of the other waitresses was out tomorrow, the only day Kayla had off besides Sunday, when the diner was closed. Thursday was supposed to be her day to recuperate, and she didn’t know if she could stand another long day after working sixteen hours today.
How many hours? Kayla texted back.
Just five to close, Nick responded.
Kayla sighed. At least it was dinner and only five hours. She couldn’t stay over if she wasn’t coming until the end of the day, right?
She wanted to say no, but she knew that she wouldn’t. Nursing school wasn’t the medical school she had dreamt of since she was a little girl in foster care, but it was her dream. Every chance to work was more money in the bank and one step closer to a job that could get her out of this town and onto a better life.
See you at five, she texted, turning the phone off as soon as the message sent. She needed her sleep and until it was time for her to be at the diner, she wasn’t going to do anything but sleep and relax. It was almost midnight. If she went to sleep now, she would wake up on her own by eight and she would have a few hours to work on the housework that needed attention. The diner was noisy and people were constantly talking to her. The quiet of the building’s laundry room was always a welcome silence, and Kayla was sadly looking forward to the time alone.
Her head was spinning with everything that she needed to get done to make her dream a reality. Money was only part of it. She still had things that she needed to accomplish before she could throw herself into school. Maybe she would look into online classes at the local community college and see if she could save money by taking her general classes there instead. She would have to do her coursework in the public library, but it was worth it if the difference in tuition was thousands. She could take Biology 101 anywhere, right?