by Dora Hiers
Mason scooted his chair closer and dipped his head back to gaze at the star-studded sky.
A powerful desire to reach over and run her fingers over the stubble along his jaw, to touch him, came over her. What would it hurt? Instead of stifling the urge, she gave into it.
He pressed his lips against the tender skin of her palm, burning a trail to her wrist—
He stopped abruptly and settled their twined hands on top of her leg. “I made a few mistakes with a past relationship, Remi. I don’t want to make the same with you. I want to do this right.”
“You’re talking about your ex-wife.”
Surprise flitted across his face, and then acceptance. He nodded. “Yeah.”
“Are you referring to marrying her in general?”
“That and so many other things. Like not putting God front and center in our relationship. If I had done that and not rushed things, I would have saved myself a lot of heartache.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“Patience isn’t one of my strong traits, I’m sorry to confess.”
“That doesn’t sound like you.”
“That’s because I learned my lesson. The hard way.”
“I’m sorry she hurt you.” And she was. She dug her free hand into her pocket, tugged out some candy. “Want one?”
He smiled and accepted the chocolate-peanut butter treat. “Is this the equivalent of kissing a boo-boo?”
She’d prefer kissing him, but she wasn’t about to tell him that. Instead, she unwrapped the candy and popped it into her mouth while he did the same.
His deep, melodic voice drew her back to his profile again as he stared off into the darkness, regret lining the hard ridges of his face. “For so long, I prayed this one prayer. For a wife. For someone to come home to. A soul mate to share my life. When Lisa came along, I thought she was the answer to my prayers. But I should have known better.” Remi felt, more than heard, his sigh.
“How could you have known that she wasn’t an answer to your prayer?”
“She didn’t share my faith.” His gaze connected with hers and lingered, as if beseeching her to understand. “That much was obvious from the beginning, but I ignored it. Thought she would change once we were married.”
“And she didn’t?”
He shook his head. “No. She gave up all pretense after we were married.”
Remi certainly understood that. The camera brought out the best in her father. He’d reserved the worst for home.
“I want what my parents and my friends have.”
“What’s that?” She angled her head to study him, curious. This was the first time he’d mentioned his parents.
“The love of a lifetime. A solid relationship centered around their faith and their love. I won’t settle for less the next time.”
A fierce longing for the same ignited within her, zapping all the way from her toes to her head. She pushed it down. Absolutely not. She couldn’t.
He was an athlete, a public persona, and extremely handsome. He probably had women hanging all over him most of the time. “You’ll find it. I’m sure you get a ton of female attention. There’s bound to be somebody for you in that crowd.”
He scoffed, more like a loud bark, and shook his head. “No. Definitely not.”
“Why not? Are you trying to tell me that you don’t have a huge female fan base?” Here it was. The moment of truth. Would he be a man of honor or lies?
He dropped his head before spearing her with his dark gaze. “Actually, I get more female attention than a man has any business with.”
There. She knew it. But now she was confused. How could a man of honor and faith have women hanging all over him? The two didn’t seem to go together.
“But I’m not interested in any of those women, and my friends will confirm that I don’t allow groupies to get anywhere near me.” Serious brown eyes, dazzling with the warm color of roasting coffee beans, drilled into hers.
“No?” She gulped. Could he hear the frantic beat of her heart?
What happened to that barrier of protection, that giant wall of privacy, she’d erected around herself to keep from getting hurt?
Mason Mulrennan had crashed right through it, that’s what.
He shook his head, a slow back and forth motion, while he raised her hand, caressing the sensitive spot of her wrist with his lips again. “They only care about the size of my wallet. Not in getting to know the real me.” He thumped his chest. “That’s why I didn’t correct your original assumption about me being a vet, Remi. I hoped, I prayed, that finally I had a fighting chance to meet someone who didn’t know my name.”
He looked down for a few seconds before wounded eyes lifted to meet hers. “Someone who might eventually be interested in me for just me.”
She swiped at a tear trickling down her cheek. She knew all about people trying to get at her for what she could give them but in her case it wasn’t her wallet. It was news reports, magazine interviews, any scoop on her father. And then the general public assuming the worst about her family based on what they read or saw online.
They didn’t know squat. They certainly didn’t know the pain, the deep emotional wounds that their words inflicted. The consequences, like Carson’s absence and the hole his leaving meant for their family. And for Jillian.
Or Remi’s social disorder. How a simple dinner like tonight’s caused such fear and anxiety that she’d considered catching a flight back home this afternoon. If it hadn’t been for Michelle’s kindness and Mason’s continual popping in and out to check on her during his times on the track, she wouldn’t be here now.
“Come on. I’ll walk you back.” Mason tugged her up from the chair, and Goliath bolted off the ground, his tail waving.
They walked in a companionable silence. The whine of the motors, the soft padding of their rubber soles on the grass, Goliath’s pants, and the occasional RV door closing was comforting. Not as peaceful as hearing the animals munching or their tails swooshing at the sanctuary, but…comfortable.
Or was it just because she was with Mason?
“Hey, Mason!” A male voice yelled, and a metal fence rattled. “Mason Mulrennan! How about an interview before the race tomorrow?”
Goliath assumed a defensive stance and ripped off a few ferocious barks.
Remi startled. The air whooshed from her lungs, and she almost tripped.
Mason waved a hand in the air in acknowledgement, but his other arm tucked around her waist, bringing her snug against his side. He leaned in close. “It’s all right, sweetheart. The gate’s locked and secured. He can’t get in.”
He veered away from the main walkway and led her along a hidden, private path, tucked in the middle of RV’s, Goliath trotting beside them.
She stole a sideways glance at Mason. His determination to protect her was obvious in the tight line of his lips, the clenched jaw, the rigid set to his spine. Even so, his grip was gentle.
“Here we are.” He stopped walking and tugged her against his chest. Citrus and spicy berries, lavender and wood mingled with the cool outdoors to send her pulse to skittering and her heart to racing. In a good way, not from the fear the reporter invoked a few minutes ago.
Yes, indeed. Mercy! The man in front of her was totally responsible for this spike in her pulse.
Her arms somehow managed to find their way around his neck. Had he put them there?
His head dipped agonizingly close, and his lips finally met hers. The perfect balance of sweet from the chocolate and spicy from the steak sauce. Mmmm…
He pulled back too soon and pressed his forehead to hers. “Good night, sweetheart.”
“Night.”
He opened the door for her, and she slipped inside the RV, lit only with a night light in the kitchen area. She locked the door, and then rolled back the shade.
Mason headed toward his place, his wide shoulders powerful and confident, his back straight. Until he bent over to pat the top of Goliath’s head.
; The racecar driver wasn’t ashamed or embarrassed to show his vulnerability, and so far, he’d been a man of his word, a man of honor and faith, and the night hadn’t been that scary. She’d actually enjoyed spending time with Mason’s friends. And being with Mason was so much sweeter than spending the weekend alone. Maybe this is what healing looked like.
Thank You, God.
14
“He’s gonna get the checkered flag!” Charlie bolted off his seat on top of the pit box, hands clenched around the rail. “Go, buddy! You’ve got it!”
“What?” Remi squealed and rose to lean against the rail next to the crew chief. Mason was still a few cars back from the front. How could Charlie predict that? “Mason’s going to win?”
“Sure looks like it.” He tore his gaze from the race to glance at her briefly. “He’s had a few close races lately but no wins. You must be the lucky charm.”
“Ha! Not hardly. This is awesome teamwork, pure and simple, and Mason’s excellent driving skills.” She would hardly consider herself anyone’s lucky charm, let alone Mason’s. She turned her attention back to the car speeding toward the finish line.
“Go, Mason, go!” She chanted, not bothering to scream. Mason wouldn’t hear her, and she’d only blast poor Charlie’s eardrums.
“There’s a certain pretty lady cheering you on, buddy. Go get ’em.” Charlie’s voice sounded clear over her headset.
She gaped at the crew chief, but Charlie only chuckled. Her attention returned to the race, and Mason’s severely dented car. Did the car have enough oomph to make it to the flag first?
She held her breath. Finally, Mason zoomed past the last driver that stood between him and the win, staying well to the inside. The cars raced underneath the checkered flag, waving above them.
Laughing, she threw her arms in the air.
“Woo-hoo! Yeah! Thanks, everybody. Great job today!” Mason hollered through the headset, clearly exhilarated. Across the track, Remi made out Mason’s fist pumping through his open window.
“Backatcha, Mason. That was some spectacular racing. Way to steer clear of Salinger.” Charlie tugged off his headset and faced her. “Let’s go.”
“Go?” Fear churned in Remi’s belly as she pulled off her headphones.
Charlie moved to the stairs and turned to extend a hand.
Remi’s legs refused to cooperate. “Go where?”
“To see Mason.”
“Oh. Okay.” She was good with that. More than good, she confessed to herself.
She followed Charlie, slogging through the masses of racing teams, keeping her gaze glued to the crew chief’s back, ignoring the swarm of bodies as they scurried to prep the cars to leave the track.
A bead of sweat trailed down the hollow of her spine. These men and women were just trying to do their job. No cause for alarm. If she kept telling herself that, she might be all right.
There was a break in the crowd, and she angled around Charlie to peer ahead. Caught a glimpse of the throng hustling in the same direction as them. Men and women toting cameras and microphones. Her heart plummeted, and her brain zapped an instant message to her legs.
No!
She wasn’t going in there. No way.
She slowed her pace, allowing Charlie to widen the gap between them. He must have noticed that she wasn’t directly behind him because he glanced over a shoulder, eyebrows raised in question.
“I’ll catch up with Mason later.” She couldn’t stop the trembling that rattled her shoulders and limbs then her teeth started chattering. Would Charlie notice?
He turned around to face her, his head slanted, his expression uncertain. “Are you sure? Mason will want you to be there.”
He wanted to please his boss, but she couldn’t help him. This was just asking too much.
She nodded and waved him on. “Yeah. I’m sure. You go. I’ll be all right.” And she would be. Once she reached the sanctuary of her home and was surrounded by her beloved animals instead of this horde of reporters. How she would manage that, she wasn’t sure yet, but she’d find a way even if it meant renting a car and driving all the way back to Harrison.
She turned around, scanning for the entry to the RV parking. So many people rushed by, jostling her from all directions. She closed her eyes, blotting them out of her vision, her pulse hammering with every bump and elbow to the back. She pressed a hand to her forehead, nausea welling up her throat. She had to get out of here.
God, thank You for letting Mason win and allowing me to see it. But I can’t take this crowd anymore. Please help me find a way home.
A light touch landed on her shoulder. “Remi?”
She swung around. Somehow managed to lift her eyelids, heavy with fear and tension.
“Oh, Sam. Hi.” Her voice came out husky. She sniffled and swiped her face with the back of her hand.
“Why aren’t you celebrating?” He flicked his head toward the mass of people thronging around Mason and the prized car.
She didn’t dare follow his gaze. “I—”
Wait a minute. Sam had been headed in the opposite direction. Was the pilot her ticket out of here? Maybe he could get her to the airport. She could take it from there. “Sam, are you on your way somewhere?”
“I’m fixing to shuttle a few guys to the airport. Why? You need something?” His look was curious and friendly.
He could help her.
Thank You, God! You sure do work fast. “Do you think I could catch a ride?”
“Sure. Can you be ready in,” he glanced at his watch, “say, ten minutes?”
She nodded. She would be happy to leave right now if he gave the word.
“Good. Meet me at the same spot where I dropped you off.” He started to walk away then swiveled, as if he forgot something. “But, fair warning that it’ll be a while before we leave for home. I have to make a couple trips back and forth before everyone’s at the airport and ready to go, and Mason has to stay for the interviews.” His eyebrows sloped together, and a frown marred his face. “Mason may want you to wait—”
She shook her head, cutting him off. “No. That’s all right, Sam. Something’s come up, and I need to get home. I’ll take care of the return flight, but thanks. I’ll be ready and waiting for you.”
You’ll take care of that, too, right, God? You’ve gotten me this far. I trust You to get me all the way home.
Now that the immediate area had thinned out, she looked around for the RV entrance. There it was. She hustled to Michelle and Geoff’s RV to collect her bag and write Mason a note.
A good-bye note.
She was a coward. But if God loved everyone like she’d heard in chapel that morning, then He loved cowards, too.
****
Where was she?
Mason ignored the woman in front of him, clutching a microphone, waiting for the camera guy’s signal. She could wait.
He scanned the crowd, searching for any sign of a certain dark-haired beauty, the only female he really wanted standing next to him.
He spotted Charlie, but he walked into the circle alone. Remi should have been with him. Disappointment slinked into his gut.
Charlie clapped him on the shoulder. “Great race, buddy.”
“Thanks. You, too. Where’s Remi?”
Charlie took off his cap and scratched the top of his balding head. “Funny thing, boss. We were headed this way, and then she said she’d meet up with you later. She looked pale, like she didn’t feel so good. I figured she might’ve needed to use the restroom.”
Not good. He opened his mouth to respond—
“In three. Two. One. We’re live.” The reporter turned her full attention on him.
He fielded her questions, forcing a smile to his face, but that was next to impossible.
What was going on with Remi? Was she sick? Had she stayed with Charlie the entire race? He should have warned Charlie about her condition and given him a code to relay over the radio.
As the interview tapered off, he scrubbe
d a hand across his whisker-heavy jaw. Impatience made his answers terse and brief. He longed to get back to the RV and check on Remi.
“So would you like to tell us about your latest love interest?”
Mason’s head snapped back to the reporter, and although he smiled, his tone turned frosty and firm. “My personal life is off limits. I hope you all enjoyed spectacular racing today. Thank you.”
He turned away from the microphone, signaling the end of the interview. Now to get the pictures out of the way, so he could check on Remi.
****
“Thanks for coming to get me, Camdon.”
Parked in the arrival lane at the airport, her brother stood next to the open passenger door. A couple cars waited further up the lane, but mostly the airport was deserted and quiet.
Camdon held out his arms, and Remi stepped into them, drawing comfort from his strength. Finally, she pulled away and slid into the car’s leather seat, the warm air coming from the heater and the comfort of her brother’s kindness putting an end to her trembling. She stowed her bag on the floor. “Sorry to drag you out of bed.”
“I wasn’t in bed yet, so it’s all good. But even if I was, you know I’d still come for you.” He shut her door with a quiet click and walked around the back of the car, his long jean-clad legs sliding in the driver’s seat with ease.
How did her brother do it? How did he manage to stay strong while she and Carson fell apart at the seams? She sighed and hugged her arms. Her voice came out hoarse. “What were you doing still up? It’s after midnight.”
His shrug was his only response as he put the car in gear and concentrated on the road.
Ahhh. Light bulb moment. She slapped a palm against her forehead. “You were expecting me to call, weren’t you?”
His head flicked toward her briefly before angling back to the road. “Actually, you lasted a lot longer than I thought you would.” Pride and— was that amazement? —tinged his voice.
He turned onto the entrance ramp to the interstate. Just a few more minutes and she’d be home. Far away from the fast cars and the swarming media with their giant cameras.