by Lacey Black
He snorts like the true asshole he is. “I bet. Been a while, hasn’t it?”
Have I mentioned how much I really dislike this fucker? I cross my arms over my chest and glare. Daniels is only a few years older than me and the reigning series champion. “We’re still in the hunt for the title,” I state, feeling a little vindication when he tenses.
“Good for you,” he replies, though I can tell it’s full of cynicism. He slides his glasses back on his face and turns his back to me. “I’ll see you on the track, Cruz. In my rearview mirror.”
And then he’s gone.
“What a dick,” Fish mumbles, slapping me on the shoulder. “The best fuck-you to a guy like that will be to beat his ass on the track.”
I turn and slap my best friend’s now outstretched hand. “That’s the plan, man. That’ll be the icing on the cake. Best his ass for the title.”
Chapter Thirteen
Lena
I feel like a princess right before the big ball.
My hair is pinned on my head in a sleek French twist and my makeup is flawless. The dress I chose for tonight is a navy blue strapless number that wraps around my body and hugs my legs. There’s a slit up the side to mid-thigh, which helps show off my silver strappy shoes. The entire picture is one of sophistication and elegance.
I barely recognize myself, to be honest.
A knock sounds at the door and I look up just as Dad opens the door. “Wow,” he says, smiling from ear to ear.
“You think?” I ask, running a nervous hand down my stomach.
“You look stunning, Lena. So much like your mother,” he says, seeming to choke on his words.
Tears burn my eyes, but I blink them away, refusing to let them fall. I spent too much time in the salon this afternoon to ruin it with pesky tears. “Thank you,” I croak, clearing my throat and the emotions away.
Dad approaches me from the door, a soft smile on his face. “I have something for you,” he says, extending his hand and revealing jewelry. A pair of teardrop diamond earrings sit in his palm, along with a matching necklace, so delicate and beautiful. He places the earrings in my own palm before moving behind me. Dad drapes the necklace around my neck and whispers, “It was your mother’s.”
My fingers instantly go up to touch the gem. “Really?” I ask, glancing over my shoulder, my eyes connecting with his.
He nods his head. “I gave it to her before the awards dinner for my first championship season.” He touches the diamond at my neck. “I had always wished I could have afforded larger ones, but she swore these were the perfect size.”
I give him a gentle, watery smile. “I think so too.”
He clears his throat. “I had put them away for you to have someday, and it seemed like tonight was the perfect someday.”
Without caring about my hair, my makeup, or my dress, I throw my arms around his shoulders and hold him close. “Thank you, Daddy.”
He exhales and smiles against my cheek. “You’re welcome, Lena. Have fun tonight, okay?”
I pull back and swallow hard. “I will. Are you sure you’ll be okay tonight? With Oliver?”
Dad’s familiar chuckle sweeps through the room. “I managed to keep you alive from birth, didn’t I? I think the little one and I are going to be just fine. I’ve spent a lot of time with him today, with Mack hovering close. He’s a good one.”
“He’s the sweetest little thing ever,” I agree, a smile playing on my nude lips as I slip the teardrop earrings onto each lobe.
Dad just looks at me. “I wasn’t talking about the baby.” The meaning behind his statement hits me like a sledgehammer to the chest. “Come on, sweetheart. Let’s get you downstairs before the man has a heart attack waiting.”
My eyes widen. “Is he all right?”
He laughs. “Oh, he’s fine. Nervous and anxious to see you.” With a wink, he escorts me out of the guest room and down the stairs.
My dad is staying in the motorhome. As much as I tried to get him to take the room I have been sleeping in, he insisted I be in the house, close to Oliver. Mack even offered his bedroom, suggesting he sleep on the couch or in the motorhome, but Jim Stanley wouldn’t hear of it, claiming he was looking forward to staying a few nights in a much more updated version of the sleeper he was accustomed to back in his traveling days.
As we descend the stairs, Mack starts to come into view. First, I see the sleek, black dress shoes and tailored tuxedo pant legs. When I’m finally able to see the entire picture, it steals my breath. Mack is wearing a gorgeous black tuxedo with a black tie and a crisp white dress shirt that fits him like a second skin, and he’s staring at me, a look I can’t decipher on his handsome face.
“You look…” he starts but doesn’t finish.
I glance down, hoping I haven’t completely overdone it with this dress. I mean, he said a formal gala, so I assumed this dress was appropriate for such an event, but now, as I take in his rigid posture and his lack of words, I wonder if I chose wrong.
My dad chuckles. “I’m going to grab a cup of coffee,” he says as he leaves the room.
I watch him go, just so I don’t have to try to read into what Mack’s saying. Or not saying. I spy Oliver in his swing, sleeping peacefully as he gently moves from side to side. My feet carry me toward him, and I’m smiling as I lean down and slip my finger into his small fist. He doesn’t wake, but grips my fingertip as he usually does. Carefully, I crouch down, pause the movement, and place a gentle kiss on his hand before letting the swing continue to sway.
“Lean.” There’s so much pain in that word, the way he says my nickname. When I stand up and turn around, I don’t know what I’m expecting, but what I see is not it. He looks pained, but not in the way I was prepared for. It’s more…desire swirling in his eyes and dancing across his gorgeous face.
“Yes?” The word slips from my lips, but even to my ears, it sounds foreign.
He steps forward, invading my personal space. I’m wrapped in his scent, in a rich spicy aroma that reminds me of those fancy cologne samples in popular magazines. The ones you always smell because they’re absolutely divine, but never actually expect to smell on a human being, let alone someone as attractive as Mack Cruz. “You look positively stunning. You take my breath away.”
An instant smile breaks out across my lips. “Really?”
His hand wraps around my waist before sliding to my lower back. He leans in and I’m not sure if he’s going to kiss me or smell me. Frankly, either would be fine right now. When he takes that final step forward until we’re practically chest to chest, his eyes burn into mine as he says, “The most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
“Thank you,” I whisper.
He seems to notice the jewelry adorning my ears and neck. “This new?” he asks as his warm fingers graze my collarbone, sending goosebumps dancing on my skin and a wave of desire dampening my tiny little panties. I’ve been in his presence for all of two minutes and they’re already useless.
I clear my throat and reply, “They were my mother’s. Dad gave them to me to wear.”
Mack smiles as he looks at the necklace. “They’re beautiful and meaningful.”
I nod, the lump in my throat so big I can’t speak.
“Are you ready to go?” he asks, turning at my side and extending his elbow.
I place my hand in the crook of his arm and say, “Ready.”
He leads me to the kitchen, where we find my dad sipping a cup of fresh coffee, a distant smile on his lips. “Heading out?” he asks when he sees us approach.
“We are. Thank you for agreeing to come and help with Oliver,” Mack says, extending his hand to my dad.
When he shakes it, my dad replies, “It’s my pleasure, Mack.” His eyes flick to me. “Take care of my baby girl.”
Mack glances at me and smiles. “With my life.”
He leads me out of the house and to an awaiting limo. “What’s this?” I ask, completely stunned by the arrival of tonight’s transportation.
He looks at the shiny black car and shrugs. “I thought it might be difficult to get in and out of my truck in a dress, so I decided to rent this.” He almost looks uncertain as he glances my way.
“That’s very considerate, Mack. Thank you.”
The driver opens the back door and a loud noise erupts from the back. Mack sighs. “You may be wishing you had taken the chance with the truck after I tell you who’s all in there.”
“Lena!” Fish bellows from the open door of the limo. “Damn, girl. You look positively edible. Have you finally realized you’re with the wrong man yet?” Fish asks, winking and smiling as his best friend growls behind me.
Mack places a protective hand on my lower back and we step toward the vehicle. “I’m going to regret this, aren’t I?” he whispers, as I go to slide into the car.
I glance back and wink. “Definitely.”
My date follows me into the spacious car and takes the seat right beside me. His hand is instantly on my knee—my bare knee, thanks to the slit of the dress. “Lena, you remember Coop. This gorgeous lady is his better half, Beth.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Lena. I’ve heard a lot about you,” Beth replies, a warm and friendly smile on her red lips.
I quickly glance to Mack, curious as to what he would have said to his crew chief’s wife, and reply, “It’s a pleasure, Beth.”
Across the car, Fish clears his throat. “Did you forget about me?” he asks his best friend.
Mack shakes his head and leans back in the seat, his hand moving from my knee to rest on the seat back. “Nope, not at all.”
Fish leans forward and takes my hand, bringing it to his lips and placing a kiss on my knuckles. “You look stunning, Lena. If my dumbass friend here doesn’t sweep you off your feet tonight, you let me know, ‘kay?”
I can’t help but laugh. “I’ll do that, Fish.”
The big guy sits back and sends a wolfish grin to his best friend. “Hear that?”
Mack just relaxes in the seat. His arm adjusts so his fingers graze against my shoulder and neck. “I heard. Too bad for you I don’t plan to let her out of my sight this evening.”
The combination of his words and the subtle touches on my bare skin send tingles of lust sweeping through my body. For the first time since I got dressed, I’m grateful for the slightly padded strapless bra I decided to wear under this dress. It’s the only thing keeping my nipples from giving away just how much his words affect me.
Fish just nods. “Good.” He throws me a wink before turning to Coop and Beth and asking about their daughters.
The rest of the ride is filled with listening to tales from Coop and Beth, and the occasional question about Oliver. Mack is eager to talk about his son, sharing stories of bath times and walks around the neighborhood. Before too long, we’re arriving at The Garland for tonight’s event.
Nerves sweep through me as the door opens. Mack slips out first and extends his hand to me. Flashes from cameras almost blind me as I exit the vehicle, overwhelmed with the chaotic scene around me. There are members of the press everywhere, screaming Mack’s name and taking his picture. Our picture. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but this wasn’t it.
“Deep breath, Lean. It won’t be this bad inside. Hicks always makes a big deal of these galas, inviting all sorts of money from all over. The proceeds from the silent auction will go to a charity,” he tells me softly, guiding me across the red carpeting toward the front door.
I find myself smiling, keeping the panic at bay, and my eyes locked ahead. There’s a huge amount of comfort being on his arm, walking side by side and feeling the warmth of his body against mine. When we make it to the door, an employee holds it open for us to enter. The moment we’re inside, I feel myself relax tremendously, especially when Fish catches up to us.
“I need a drink,” Fish says, walking around us and heading straight to the bar.
“Let’s go grab something,” Mack says, guiding me inside the beautiful banquet hall used for tonight’s gala.
We head to the bar. The moment we stop, Mack is surrounded by industry representatives. He quickly falls into easy conversation about this season, last weekend’s win, and the upcoming race in Portland. He introduces me to several men and a few women as Lena Stanley, his friend from Brenton. When one woman hears me being referred to as his friend, a look of want registers on her face. There’s no way I could miss it, especially when she steps forward and digs her claws into Mack’s forearm.
“If you’ll excuse us, Lena and I were about to get a drink,” Mack states to the small group as he steps back, dislodging the viper’s claws and moving me away from the crowd.
“That was…” I start but stop myself. First off, none of my business, right? Yeah, that still doesn’t help squash the burning jealousy racing through my veins.
“Yeah, Joy has never been subtle,” Mack exhales loudly with a quick shake of his head.
“Aww, poor sexy race car driver, with single women throwing themselves at him all the time,” I tease, even though I kind of hate it a little. No, not a little. A lot.
Mack turns to face me, his hand settling on my hip. His fingers flex and dance along the top of my ass cheek. “She’s not single, Lean.”
My eyes widen at his statement. “Really?”
He nods. “Truth. Her husband is across the room trying to pick up one of the servers. Or bartenders. Or executives at the corporation. He doesn’t care, and neither does she.”
“Wow,” I say, glancing down at his trim waist hidden behind his tuxedo jacket.
He moves even closer. I can smell his cologne as the lapel of his jacket sweeps across my breasts. “Now, let’s go back to your other statement. Sexy race car driver?” His eyes dance with mischief.
I can’t help but roll my eyes. “Oh, come on. You know you are. Everyone thinks so.”
His hand moves to my lower back as he pulls me flush against his body. A gasp slips from my mouth as his eyes zero in on my lips. My hands go to his upper arms to hold myself steady, even though I’m sure he has me firmly in his embrace. “I don’t care about everyone, Lean. I only care about one woman and the fact she finds me sexy.”
I can’t breathe. Why can’t I breathe?
I struggle to get my bearings, especially when I can feel his chest pressed against mine. His minty breath tickles my cheek as I gaze up into his dark brown eyes. “She does,” I confirm, squeezing his muscular arms beneath his jacket and my legs closed to try to help alleviate the tingle.
It doesn’t work.
“Good,” he finally replies, as Fish finally grabs his drink and moves out of the way.
He turns us to the bar and waits for me to order first, but my mind is all over the place. It’s on him and memories of his amazing body as it moved with, and against, me in the shower last weekend. When the bartender raises an eyebrow, I finally order a glass of white wine, knowing I’m blushing a fierce shade of magenta.
When I have my wine and Mack has his glass of amber liquid, he guides me toward the gala. It’s in full swing with people dressed to the nines everywhere. “Come on, Lena. Let me go show you off.”
And just like that, we head into the thick of people, and for the first time in three long years, I feel exactly what it’s like to be at Mack Cruz’s side.
***
As the night starts to wind down, I’m feeling a mixed buzz of alcohol and pure Mack as he holds me close on the dance floor. We’ve been here for hours, ate dinner, socialized with his peers and associates, and danced. I even won one of the silent auction bids for a ski resort getaway. Well, technically, Mack won, considering it was his money who posted the bid, but for some reason, he put my name down on the bidder sheet.
“Everyone is looking at you,” I whisper softly, my body pressed so dangerously close to his I’ve felt his hard-on for the last three minutes.
His arms tighten around me. “No, Lean, they’re not looking at me. They’re looking at you.”
I glance
up, into those dark, soulful eyes and feel myself starting to fall all over again. The crazy part is, I couldn’t stop the tumble if I tried. Maybe I don’t want to.
“I’m not so sure about that,” I reply, trying to focus on the dance, on the fact we’re still surrounded by dozens and dozens of partygoers. “I’m not the one who’s a famous race car driver.”
“No, you’re the most beautiful woman in the room. Everyone is buzzing, trying to find out more about you. Who you are, where you’re from, and probably more importantly, what you mean to me.”
The lump is difficult to swallow around. “I can answer two of those questions, but I’m not sure about the last.”
He pulls me even closer, our chests pressed firmly together. I’m certain he can feel the pounding of my heart against his chest. His fingers move lower on my back, grazing across the top of my ass cheeks. “That’s simple,” he whispers. “You’re everything to me, and for tonight, you’re all mine.”
A shiver races down my spine as he spins me out and then pulls me back in close again. All I can do is hold on tight and enjoy the ride.
“You about ready to get out of here?” he whispers against my ear, the kiss of his breath making it almost too hard to concentrate on the words he speaks.
“Yes,” I croak in reply, my words raspy and dry.
Without saying a word, Mack escorts me off the dance floor and to our table. Fish is sitting there, chatting with an older man. When he glances up and sees us, his face breaks out in a wide grin. He nods toward the doorway and says to Mack, “Go ahead. I’ll grab the next one.” Then he glances at me and winks before turning back to the gentleman sitting beside him.
Mack picks up my clutch purse and practically drags me to the doorway. “Mack?” I say, having a hard time keeping up with his longer legs in these heels.
When he seems to realize my troubles, he stops and turns to face me. “Sorry, I guess… I wasn’t trying to drag you out of here. I guess I’m in a little more of a hurry.” He gives me a shy grin with a tinge of flushed red cheeks.
“It’s okay,” I reassure him, placing my hands on his lapel. “I’m in a hurry too, but in these heels, I’m not able to run.”