by TL Mayhew
Just as Dante is about to shut the door, I call out to him. He pauses looking between Kye and me before stepping just inside.
“Did you get your car all straightened out? He didn’t ruin anything, did he?”
He shakes his head. “It’s fine. Seems the guy knew what he was doing and didn’t strip out any bolts or anything like that. We just put a new bearing on and put her back together.”
“Are you doing a test run today?” Kye asks.
“Just the one against you,” my brother says with a wide grin.
Kye grunts, although I think it’s to hide a laugh. “Good luck, man… and I truly mean that.”
Dante nods. “Good luck to you,” he responds, before stepping outside and closing the door.
I turn over and lay my chin on Kye’s chest, searching his eyes curiously. Trying to gauge his reaction to my overbearing brothers yet finding some humor in it as well. “Well, that was interesting,”
“Not as interesting as this,” Kye says, flipping me onto my back and smothering my squeal with his lips on mine.
Not wanting to go back to the hotel last night, we had Lawrence bring all our things from the room here. Once delivered, he took up watch outside my childhood home.
There’s not much reason to though. William and Alicia were both arrested for many different counts. The main one, kidnapping, a felony, which means they’re locked up for a very long time. And since they’d both traveled over state lines, they were considered high risk with no bail.
I think Lawrence feels a little guilty not being here when I was taken, even though I’ve reiterated over and over it wasn’t his fault.
After our morning romp, we shower and dress quickly, then head downstairs where Dad and Dante still sit at the table. The others have already headed over to the track.
I kiss Dad on the cheek before heading over to get a plate of food.
He stands and follows me into the kitchen. “Hold up there, let me have a look at your cheek.” Turning my head this way and that, he examines the small area of bruising. “Well, it’s looking better today. How does it feel?”
“It’s tender, but I’m okay, Dad, really.”
“My tough little tomgirl,” he says affectionately and I raise a brow.
“I guess that’s better than baby girl.” I laugh.
Kye steps up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist. “Yeah, I’m sorry to say, Mr. Shaw, the title of baby girl has an entirely new meaning now.” He lowers his lips to the curve of my neck.
“For heaven’s sake. I think I’m going to lose my breakfast,” Dad tosses over his shoulder as he leaves the room.
We both laugh. “C’mon, let’s get something to eat. I’m starving.”
“You should be,” Kye says, smacking me on the ass.
With Kye in his fire suit looking sexy as hell, and me in my coveralls, we tell my dad and Dante goodbye and that we’ll see them at the track, before exiting the house and climbing into the SUV.
“Are you nervous?” I ask, once seated inside.
“About the race, no…”
I’m not sure what he means by his response and when I glance at the side of his head, I notice he’s deep in thought. I squeeze his hand. “Is there something you are worried about?”
He turns a dark stare on me. “Yeah, leaving you alone while I’m stuck in a hunk of metal going a thousand miles per hour around a track.”
This isn’t how he should be feeling or what he should be worrying about before a race. “Please don’t worry about me,” I tell him, touching his cheek. “I’ll have four brothers, a dad, and your pit crew there to protect me, Kye. I don’t want you distracted before the race.”
He nods, but I need his attention and a verbal response before I’ll believe he heard anything I said.
I press on his cheek, turning his gaze on me. “Promise me… I’ll not be your distraction before the race.”
His lips are on mine in an instant. “Baby, you know I can’t promise you that,” he mutters against my mouth. “What I can promise is, whenever I think about you it will only be good thoughts.”
On a huff I nod against his lips. With one last small kiss, he pulls away and we sit in silence, our hands the only thing connected.
Chapter 34
We pull into the racing parking lot and drive past the ticket window, where a crowd of people wait to get in. The drivers’ entrance is farther around the curve, but the crowd isn’t any thinner.
In fact, there are velvet ropes separating the path from all the women waiting to get a glimpse of Kye, just outside the door we’ll be going through. My body stiffens when I see the news reporters have also gathered.
Kye recognizes my reaction and pulls me against him. “Just stay close,” he says, as Lawrence opens the door.
As soon as we step from the vehicle, they close in on us. Having Kye’s security detail with us helps ease my nerves a bit but doesn’t calm them completely.
“Kye… Kye… over here!” someone shouts.
There’s a news camera and reporter only a few feet from where we stand. “KFTB Sports news. Kye, how are you feeling? Are you nervous, this being your first stock car race and all?”
“We love you, Kye Kingston,” a group of girls shout from the side.
He ignores all of them and tucks me under his arm, pushing me toward the door. Just before it shuts behind us, I hear someone shout out, “Who’s the girl?”
Kye lessens his grip on me and I take in a deep breath, relishing in the quieter space of the tunnel. “What was that all about?”
“Just something you get used to after a while. They’re only interested because I have a sexy woman in one of my company’s uniforms, on my arm, and I’m driving a stock car today. News is news, right?”
I can’t fight the wide grin that spreads from ear to ear. “I think someone called me sexy.”
“You absolutely did,” he retorts, pulling me closer. “You are very sexy, baby.”
I squeeze his hand and he looks down at me, his hazel eyes clear and focused entirely on me. “This is your first stock car race and here you are calming my nerves, but I haven’t asked how you’re doing.”
“Woman, this shit is in my blood. I couldn’t be any calmer,” he confirms, and although he grins, I’m not sure he’s telling the entire truth. I let it slide for now, but plan on trying again before he gets in the car.
We weave our way through various halls until we find the large sign that reads sixteen. We realize at the same time our pit is the same number as the one on his car. “It’s a good sign…”
“No pun intended,” we say in unison and both laugh as we head down to where the car is parked.
Davis is there, readying all the electronic equipment but when he sees me, he stops what he’s doing and walks over, extending his hand. “I’m glad you’re okay.”
I thank him and Kye steps in, giving him an approving nod. “Hey, man,” Kye greets him, letting go of my hand so he can extend it to the younger man.
They chat about the race, other drivers, and about who they think will be Kye’s biggest competition. That’s when I hear Dante’s name and they both look in my direction.
“So, Dante’s your brother huh?” Davis asks.
I smile proudly. “Yes. And he’s incredibly good at what he does.”
“I’ve heard,” he says, leading me over to the equipment and handing me an air wrench. “I guess you’ll be interested to know they’ll be pitting right next to us.”
I glance over the wall and for the first time recognize my brother’s car. Other than its sharp white color, different sponsors, and a different number on the side, it’s the exact car Kye will be driving.
I’m not sure if the location of their pit is something my father planned or if it’s just a coincidence, either way I’m excited to know my brothers will be just on the other side.
“That tool isn’t in your hand just to make you look like a mechanic,” Robert says. “It’s actually mean
t to tighten and loosen lug nuts on a car.”
My eyes light up when I see him coming from the back. He closes the distance between us and throws an arm over my shoulder. “I hear that you’re not only a great mechanic but also one hell of a fighter,” he says with a wink.
“Just a great mechanic?”
His laugh is deep and throaty. “The team wouldn’t have been the same without you, little one.”
“Thank you,” I whisper against his side before heading over to the car.
It feels weird being here, yet comforting in a way. Jumping back in and doing what I love with a great group of guys is just what I need to set my mind at ease. I check the tire pressure and lugs on each of the tires. Everything is perfect and ready for the track.
Just as I finish, a familiar voice shouts over the wall, “Berkleigh Shaw, get your ass over here and give your brother a hug.”
It’s Dru.
I turn toward the wall but don’t see him.
“Up here.”
When I glance up, I see him part of the way up, next to the bleacher stairs. I turn and head toward the short wall, intent on jumping over, but Kye catches my arm. Shaking his head, he points me in the direction of the way we came.
I grab his hand and drag him along with me. We make it around the doors and head up the stairs. With my man moving a little slower than I’d like, I release his hand and rush the rest of the way up the steps, practically knocking my brother over the rail as I jump into his open arms.
He swings me from side to side then puts me down and holds me at an arm’s length. “Damn, girl! You look good, even if that uniform is from the dark side.”
“Berk… hey!” Dex calls from the other side of the bleachers and he comes barreling toward us, wrapping me in his arms. “Dude, I’m glad you finally made it.”
Once his eyes go to the man standing at my side, I’m forgotten news. “Still a huge fan,” my brother offers his widest grin, taking Kye’s hand, and shaking it without waiting for him to offer.
“Where’s Dad?” I ask, trying to distract him.
Dru nods up toward the VIP suite and the four of us head that way.
Daine is standing just outside, talking it up with another guy I don’t recognize. When he sees Kye and me, he glances at our joined hands and his expression softens. I release Kye long enough to properly hug my brother.
He shakes Kye’s hand and then pats him on the shoulder as we step through the door into the suite. It warms my heart knowing my brothers have accepted him. It may be because of everything that has happened, but I’d like to think it’s also because they want me to be happy.
Once inside the room, I see my dad looking out over the track and I head toward him, but my steps falter when I hear my name called.
The familiar sound of his voice warms my heart and when I turn to my right my breath hitches. Josh is standing no more than a few steps from me. My grin goes wide, and tears sting my eyes as I rush over and wrap my arms around him.
He’s stunned at first, most likely memories of my reactions from the past, but after a beat he returns my embrace.
I’m the first one to pull back and look up into his eyes. “How?”
He glances over my shoulder and I follow his stare to where Kye stands and he flashes me that perfect smirk.
“I was more than happy to oblige his request,” Josh says, drawing my attention back. “I wouldn’t have missed your first race for the world.” He leans in closer so only I can hear. “My dear, I think that man loves you.”
Even if I haven’t heard it from his lips, I think he does too.
I give him one last squeeze. “Thank you for coming. It really means a lot to me.” Then I take a step back.
“My pleasure. Now head on over to your dad, it seems he’s been waiting for you.”
When I turn around, I find Dad still looking out over the crowd and the drivers getting ready for the race. I touch his arm and he covers his hand with mine.
“Berkleigh,” he says, his focus on something in the distance. “When your mother left, I did everything I knew how so that you’d grow up a strong independent woman. One who knows how to protect herself and who wasn’t afraid to follow their dreams.” He turns, faces me, and takes my hands in his. “Sweetheart, you check all those boxes. And really I couldn’t be prouder of you.”
I’d thought all my tears had been shed yesterday, but a few stragglers escape down my cheeks now and he pulls me in for a hug.
Kye steps up behind me, wrapping an arm around my waist.
“Son, I’m not sure I’ve had a chance to say this, so now is as good a time as any. I sure do appreciate you and what you’ve done for my sweet girl. If anyone is going to put my son in his place out there on the track, it might as well be his sister’s…what, boyfriend?”
Kye’s eyes flit to mine and I offer him a wide smile. But Dad calling him my boyfriend isn’t the only thing that has me smiling, it’s also when he catches Kye’s arm.
Kye turns and Dad stretches out his hand. “Thank you.”
They come to a common agreement in that stare. One that says I’m their girl and they’ll do whatever it takes to protect me.
At that Kye and I head back to the pit. It’s not a big race for him. Just a standard first-timer in a stock car, but I imagine he’s not about to let anyone beat him, not even my brother.
That same brother calls me over and I lean against the wall between the two pits. He checks on how I’m doing, and I wish him luck, giving him a quick hug before we head back into the pit where guys are talking quietly about last night.
“You guys are worse than gossiping women. Seems someone here has a race to win.”
“Yeah me,” my brother calls from the other side.
“In your dreams, Shaw,” Eric counters before sliding up next to me and throwing an arm over my shoulder. “You sure gave everyone quite the scare. We’re glad you’re still with us.”
“Me too,” I tell him. “Me too.”
Chapter 35
Kye is settled in his car and Robert hands him his helmet. He revs the engine then gives a thumbs-up before merging out on the track.
Chills settle over my skin as I put my own, required by the track, helmet on and listen to Robert’s voice coming through the speakers.
“Good luck, man. You got this.”
It’s the last thing I hear before a roar of engines filters through the line as the flag is waved.
We watch with anticipation as the cars head into the first turn and hit the straightaway. Dante is in the lead while Kye is a few car lengths back. I glance over to Robert and he shrugs, as though neither of us knows what’s going on inside Kye’s head and why he’s hanging back.
“Everything good?” Robert asks.
Silence fills the line and I wonder if he’s turned off his mic. Robert encourages me to say something.
“Kye?” I ask.
“I’m here, sweetheart. Just getting a feel of her before I make my move.”
Robert and I let out a combined sigh of relief then keep our eyes on the track, watching as they make their rounds. The monitor shows Kye’s laps are running about fifty seconds. It’s slow and highly unlike him.
The thought of what my dad had said about him being reckless enters my mind at this very moment.
I take a step forward and glance up at the VIP suite. He catches my glance and offers me a smile and a thumbs-up before directing his attention back to the track.
“Car sixteen is making a move on the outside,” I hear the announcer on the loudspeaker shout.
“That’s it. Plenty of room on the outside,” Robert says.
Kye passes one, then two cars, before swerving back to the inside where he’s now in position number two behind my brother.
They stay like that for the next hour and a half. Each pitting at the same time when a caution flag goes up. There’s no time for chitchat when he comes in, the guys and I are beside the car changing tires and refueling, and Kye gets bac
k on the track a good five seconds before my brother.
It puts him in the lead.
My brother settles in behind him and they pass each car seamlessly. It’s a sight to see for sure. Almost as though their moves have been choreographed.
By the time they’re coming into the final lap and the man on the platform has the checkered flag up on the stand, my heart is close to beating out of my chest.
The fast pace. The noise. The excitement. Everything combined is giving my lifeforce a workout.
They come into the final turn, a few car lengths ahead Dante and Kye are running side by side. I chance a glance at the monitor, and it reads 200 mph.
They’re within feet of the finish line.
The flag comes out but when it waves everyone goes quiet.
It’s too close to call.
Once all the cars have crossed the finish line, time ticks by painfully slowly as each one paces the track at snail speeds.
Everyone is on the edge of their seat.
“And we have a winner. Kye Kingston has won the race by mere inches. Putting our track favorite, Dante Shaw, in second place. Congratulations, guys, for a well-run race,” the announcer says.
Before I get a chance to even realize what’s happening, the guys are jumping up and down high-fiving each other. Eric lifts me up, twirling me around. “He won! Kye Kingston actually fucking won.” Setting me down, he helps me with my helmet then tugs on my coveralls. “C’mon. Let’s go see him in the winner’s circle,” Eric tells me, bounding off in that direction.
I follow, trotting behind them, letting them soak up the glory in honor of our boss.
Kye sits proudly outside the driver’s side window, just like in the picture in Grady’s office. His grin multiplied tenfold as he waves to the crowd. After he’s shaken hands with the few people around him, he searches the mob until his eyes land on mine.
He’s jumps down from the car and stalks toward me.
Cameras and all eyes in the crowd follow him as he does.
He cups my cheeks and places his lips on mine. The thousands of people who came here today thinking they’d only see a race, go wild. Screaming and shouting at our public display.