Burn for You

by Marquita Valentine

  I take off my hat and set it on my knee, looking everywhere but at him. “A lot of people would disagree with you.”

  “A lot of people can kiss my ass. It’s bad enough our boys come home fucked up, worse when a woman comes home that way.”

  “So you’re saying that despite everything being your fault, that it was really Judith’s for trying to divorce you, and my mother’s for suffering from PTSD?”

  “I’m saying that what I did was wrong, but I didn’t make your mother take her own life. She’d taken up with another when that happened, and it was his baby, not mine.”

  I grit my teeth, staring at the track now. “Jesus. Not that bullshit story.”

  “It’s the damn truth. I had a vasectomy after Walker. I’m shooting blanks, son, and have been for years.”

  My gaze jerks to his. “Why do want me to believe this so badly? You have two other sons already. Go make their life miserable.”

  Remington’s eyes cloud up. “Haven’t you had someone that meant the world to you, but no matter what you did or said, it didn’t make a difference? Yet, you kept trying.”

  I swallow, tapping my fingers on my leg. Yeah, I knew how that felt. I’d put up with it for five long years, and then again after Mia was born. But this wasn’t the same.

  “You know what the definition of stupidity is—trying the same thing over and over while getting identical results each time.”

  “That’s not—”

  “You know what the hell I mean. For once in your life, just say I’m sorry, Beau, and be done with it.” I jump to my feet and start to stride away. “All these woe-is-me stories just piss me the hell off.”

  “I’m sorry, Beau.”

  “Yeah, yeah.” I keep walking.

  “Did you hear me—I’m sorry for ruining your life. Roni’s, too.”

  I pause. “I heard you.”

  “And?”

  I let Remington stew a bit before I answer. “It’s a start.”

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Landry

  I dress Mia in a frilly red and white polka-dotted dress with a matching hat, then take a picture to text to Paisley and Beau.

  Beau immediately responds while Paisley, normally first, stays silent.

  I frown and finish putting the touches on my makeup. Another fluff of my hair, and I smooth down the dark red dress I’m wearing. It has spaghetti straps, hugs me in places that normally I’d say no way to, but Beau had really, really liked it—if the way his mouth had dropped when I tried it on before he left had been any indication.

  And he said it matched the color of his car.

  Something I’m guessing is not an accident, since Yvette is the one who sent it over to me, along with matching shoes that are made by Valentino.

  There’s a knock on the door. After scooping up Mia and her diaper bag, I head outside to the waiting limo. It doesn’t take us long at all to get to the VIP section, though the streets are crowded.

  Judith and Remington are waiting for us when we arrive. Judith kisses my cheek and takes Mia while Remington nods and throws back a shot.

  Grateful she doesn’t mention the night I came home a mess, I look around the private box, noting the luxurious accommodation, the sumptuous banquet of food, and the Romanov Industries logo.

  “Go enjoy the race, Landry. I’ll watch Mia for you,” Judith says. “They supplied everything we could need for her.”

  Sure enough, there’s a high chair, portable crib, a play gym, and tons of toys. “Wow.”

  Judith waves me on. “Go, go. The race is about to start.”

  Remington hands me a pair of binoculars, and we head outside. “He’s number seven.”

  “That’s good luck,” I murmur, holding the binoculars up. “Will we be able to see the entire race with these?”

  “No, once they round that corner, we’ll have to go inside and watch. But it’ll be over before you know. By the time you get comfortable, Beau will be crossing the finish line.”

  I smile, my heart speeding up as all the cars get into position. The lights change, and then they’re off in a cloud of smoke and squalling tires. I scream for Beau, not caring if anyone is looking at me, but then I hear the roar of the crowd. They like it as much as I do.

  Beau’s car disappears out of sight. I press the binoculars up against my face harder, as if that will help me see further.

  Remington grabs my elbow. “That’s our cue, Miss Basnight.”

  “You can call me Landry,” I say as we head inside.

  He lets go of me. “I know, but I’m trying to be respectful.”

  Judith gives him a pleased smile, before she kisses Mia’s head.

  I pat his hand and turn my attention to the large, flat-screen television. “Good job.”

  *** *** ***

  Beau

  I shift, taking the first turn without a problem. The car handles like a dream, the slightest pressure practically makes her a mind reader. A trickle of sweat goes down my face, but I don’t care.

  It’s not from nerves, it’s from the excitement... from the adrenaline and knowing that the woman I love is cheering me on from the stands. Everything I’ve ever done in life has led up to this moment. Not just with Landry, but with racing.

  I push all thoughts of Landry aside. I have to concentrate on the course, on the driver in front of me.

  My blood is pumping, the sound of the engine purring is music to my ears. The wind rushes over me and I lean in.

  I spy an opening in lane two. It’s tricky and I could end up in the wall or the bay. But this is my chance to break away from the pack. This is my chance to prove I’m more than just trailer trash from North Carolina. This is my chance to be more.

  I. Take. It.

  My car shoots forward, squeezing by my competition with barely an inch to spare. We round another curve, and I see the finish line.

  “I’m going to win,” I say, confidence making my foot heavy and my handling of this machine light.

  “You’re going to win,” my crew chief says into my earpiece.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I see a hunter green car come up on my left side.

  “Oh, hell no.” I downshift and cut hard to the right.

  The crowd roars.

  I pump my fist.

  I’ve just won the entire fucking race.

  As I slow the car to a stop, I tear off my helmet and search the swarm of people. Though I want Landry here with me right now, it’s best she’s not. The place is going crazy.

  My crew helps me out of my harness and congratulates me. I give out hugs, sincere thanks to the crew, and then begin an interview with the press.

  “Beau!”

  I crane my neck, a familiar flash of red behind the barriers making me smile. “Hang on, baby. I’ll get you.”

  “Who is that?” the reporter asks, camera panning.

  Landry waves, and then hugs Mia tightly to her. She waits for me to do exactly what I say. God, but she takes my breath away. “My life.”

  Breaking away, I jog to them and jump over the concrete barrier, taking them both in my arms. I kiss Mia’s head, and she squeals happily.

  “Congratulations, Beau,” Landry says, pride shining in her hazel eyes. “I knew you would win.”

  “You did?”

  “That’s what Montgomerys do. That’s what my man does.” She grins, the ducks her head, suddenly shy.

  In front of everyone, I lift her chin. “That’s right, baby doll. I’m your man.” Then I kiss the hell out of her.

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Beau

  Landry twines her hands in mine as I sink deep inside of her. In celebration of winning, we get a night alone, in a hotel room with nothing but a big bed and room service on demand.

  Our mouths meet, sweat gathering on my back and brow as I thrust inside of her. Tonight, it’s different. It feels so fucking good that I can taste it. Taste her.

  Her bare walls surround my dick, clenching hard. I roll my hips, wanting
to be deeper, even as I promised her I’d pull out. She trusts me to keep my word, just like we’re trusting each other by taking this chance.

  “Spread those thighs a little wider, baby,” I murmur in her ear. “I need to be real deep in you.”

  She lets go of my hand and clutches at my back. Her neck arches, and I scrape my teeth along the vulnerable skin there. “Feel so good,” she moans.

  Her hands wander down to the small of my back, pressing hard. I surge against her, wishing this moment could last forever. Wishing I could come inside of her like this.

  I trail my fingers down her body, to where we are joined and touch her swollen clit. She cries out my name, and it’s the sweetest, sexiest thing I’ve ever heard. I join her, not even a minute later, remembering to pull out at the last second.

  The very last second.

  After we shower and curl up together in bed again, I lay with her in my arms, drowsy and sated.

  “I love you, Beau,” she says.

  “When we get home, I want to marry you,” I say, tenderly caressing her face. “I want to make you mine, give you my last name, and have you in my bed every night. I’ll ask for permission from your parents, first. Then I’ll ask you all proper-like so you can actually tell people without blushing, because I love the hell out of you, Landry Basnight.”

  Astonishment lights up Landry’s eyes. “You want to marry me?”

  I bite the side of my lip, worrying on my lip ring. “Yes.”

  “Then ask me proper-like, Beau Montgomery, and I’ll give you an answer,” she says, so sassy in her response that I laugh.

  “Yes, ma’am.” Then I kiss her.

  *** *** ***

  Landry

  “It’s good to be home,” I say as we land at Charlotte-Douglas International. “Feels like we’ve been gone forever.”

  “Almost a month,” he says.

  Thirty minutes later and we’re back at his house. Mia’s playing on the floor, practicing crawling while Beau sets up baby gates at the bottom and top of the stairs. “Why did I buy a two-story house?” he groans around the screwdriver in his mouth.

  “You wanted to live in a monstrosity.”

  “How about fifty acres and a farmhouse?” he asks.

  “Give me an apple orchard and you got yourself a deal, mister.”

  “Anything for you, future Mrs. Montgomery.” Beau grins and gets back to work.

  I can’t help, but grin back.

  Beau did get around to asking me properly. After talking to my dad, getting his parents to babysit Mia, and buying a ring, he took me out to a beautiful restaurant on the less touristy side of Monte Carlo. Over dessert he got down on one knee. Of course, I said yes, and he slid the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen on my finger.

  It had been beautiful and magical. A complete fairy tale for a girl used to an ordinary life.

  With a little dreamy sigh, I check my phone again and frown. There’s still no word from Paisley. Judith said she had called a couple of times to talk to Mia while we had some impromptu alone time.

  “Tomorrow, I’d like to take you and Mia to meet my parents and little brother in person,” I say, suddenly shy. And scared. So far, no one has reported that we got engaged, but I know it won’t be long.

  “And Meagan.” Crossing the room in a flash, Beau takes me in his arms. “That girl has been texting nonstop since we reached stateside.”

  “Well, she is my best friend, and I barely had time to talk to her while I was in Monaco.”

  “I’ll talk to Paisley.”

  Leaning back in the circle of his arms, I look up at him. “I’m worried about her, Beau. She hasn’t talked to Mia in days. It’s not like her.”

  “Most likely she’s throwing a fit, because I didn’t ask how high when she ordered me to jump.”

  “Beau.” I give Mia a pointed look before turning my attention back to him. “She’s still her mother.”

  “I know it.”

  “Please talk to her. If you want me to come with you, I will,” I say firmly. I mean it. “Mia deserves to have the two of you—the three of us—get along for her sake.”

  “I’ll go talk to her tomorrow morning. First thing,” he promises.

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Beau

  For the life of me, I can’t figure out why Paisley hasn’t demanded to see Mia or why she hasn’t just shown up, unannounced. I mean, she lives only four houses down.

  A part of me suspects it’s because she’s been with Austin and is unable to form coherent sentences, much less take care of her daughter.

  The gate opens when I pull in the drive, and I park my truck in my usual spot. Normally, I would have brought Mia with me, but Landry suggested I talk to Paisley alone. The faith and trust that woman has in me makes me want to get down on my knees and thank God for her.

  Paisley’s dad opens the door, his normally pristine appearance severely rumpled. His hair is sticking up on one side and his shirt has seen better days without stains.

  “Is everything okay?” I ask.

  “Not really.” He takes off his glasses and polishes them. “But now that you’re here, it will be.”

  I hate this part. I know Narron expected me to always be there for Paisley but I can’t, not anymore. I have a fiancée now, and while I’m completely open to parenting with Paisley, I don’t want her to be in my marriage.

  “I’ve come to check on her. My fiancée, Landry, said Paisley hasn’t been returning her calls.”

  “Your fiancée?” He stares at me blankly for a minute. “Then who’s going to take care of Ley-Ley? I can’t... it’s the same cancer that took her mom.”

  What the hell? “I thought her mother killed herself.”

  “She did, but it was because she was in so much pain. She couldn’t take the suffering.”

  “And now you’re saying that Paisley has it, too?”

  He nods, tears slipping from the corners of his eyes. He still hasn’t put back on his glasses. “She doesn’t have much longer, Beau.”

  I break out in a run, taking the stairs two at a time. Throwing the door to Paisley’s room open, I stride inside, pissed and scared as hell.

  But the sight of her, sitting in a chair, stops me. She’s thin, everywhere, and her face is more pronounced as she turns to look at me. Her blue eyes are dull, but they light up just a bit when she recognizes me.

  A lump the size of Texas fills my throat. “Why didn’t you tell me?” I demand, unable to comprehend that the girl I once knew is hooked up to every medical device known to man.

  “Because I didn’t want to intrude on your happiness,” she says, without a hint of sarcasm.

  “Telling me you’re sick isn’t intruding.” I take her cold hand in mine. For the first time, I really notice how fragile it is. Will any of the machines in this room help?

  “My doctors and my dad are insisting on all this, but I’m only humoring them,” she says as if reading my mind. “I know my time on this planet is almost done.”

  “Nah, you got plenty of time.”

  “I don’t, actually.” Paisley’s blue eyes lock with mine. “I picked her for you, with Kimmie’s help, you know. I picked her for you and Mia as soon as I found out there wasn’t a cure.”

  I swallow. “You picked Landry out?”

  “Not like that. I was looking for a girl like her.” She sighs and her breath rattles in her chest. “It was pure luck that she called Kimmie for a job.”

  “But I wasn’t going to hire her.”

  “I know. That’s why we had to concoct a story about poor Mrs. Williams.”

  I stare at her, unable to comprehend what I’m hearing. “You orchestrated this entire thing?”

  “Love makes me crazy, Beau. You know that.”

  “What about Austin?”

  Paisley shakes her head slowly. “He took off a long time ago, as soon as he found out. He couldn’t stand the thought of me going bald. It really freaked him out.”

  “That
asshole.” How could he leave her like this? Who the hell cared if she were bald, as long as she got better? “I’m here for you, in whatever way you need. I swear it.”

  She touches my face. “You always did like to be a knight in shining armor. Must be why you drove a Ford instead of a Chevy.”

  “You know me,” I say, my gut twisting at the sounds of the chemo dripping and the monitors beeping. Her bedroom has been converted into a hospital room. It doesn’t even smell like Paisley anymore.

  “Promise to tell Mia about me when she gets older.”

  “Tell her yourself.”

  “Beau,” she says in a voice I recognize. “Don’t.”

  I don’t love Paisley anymore, but this hurts worse than anything I’ve ever felt before. The pain of her dying, like this, is killing me. “Why don’t you show that damn cancer who’s the biggest bitch around here?”

  Paisley starts crying. It’s deep and gut wrenching. “I don’t want to die. For years I thought I did, but now I don’t.”

  Carefully, I take her in my arms and switch places so that her thin body is in my lap. “Then live, honey. Live for Mia. She’s going to need her momma for so many things. I won’t know what to do.”

  “Landry will,” she says. “She loves Mia almost as much as you and I do, and as time goes by, she’ll love her like her own daughter.”

  “Stop talking like that, damn it.”

  “My sweet boy,” she whispers, and for once, it’s not an insult. “I wish I could tell you if Mia was yours, but the truth is, I don’t know.”

  “I don’t care. I stopped caring a long time ago.” Tears drip from my eyes and nose, but I don’t give a fuck. “Mia is my daughter.”

  “I had a lawyer draw up papers giving you custody. Austin won’t fight it, because I told him you were the dad. He always thought you were, so Mia means nothing to him,” she confesses.

  “She means everything to me. I don’t need a paternity test. Ever.”

  Paisley starts crying harder. “Damn Landry Basnight and thank God for her. She’s getting the best of you and me.”