“I think that college money is paying off. You’re pretty smart.” The corner of my mouth turns up.
“I understand you always protecting your heart. You don’t want to be vulnerable again, but…sometimes you need to live in the moment.”
“I think you need to drop the psychology class you’re taking.”
“I’m being serious here, Charlotte.” She frowns.
“I don’t know what we have between us.”
“The man’s crazy about you. Talk to him.”
“I don’t know.”
“You guys aren’t at the same place yet, and maybe you never will be…but don’t tell me the man doesn’t love you. I see the way he looks at you.”
“What if he hurts me?” Even worse. “What if I hurt him?”
“I know you’re scared. Maybe it has something to do with the ring hanging around your neck that you refuse to take off.” I look down at Zach's ring I’m already twisting between my fingers and let out a shaky breath. “I’ve never known you to be a quitter,” she says sternly. “If Jace is who you want—maybe you should put up more of a fight—show him you’re willing to take the risk.” Am I ready to risk my heart again? “But first, we need to drink this tequila, and you need to think about what you want.”
She pours two more shots and places one between my fingers. “Your heart will let you know when it’s time to fall in love again,” she says after the clear liquid slides down my throat smoothly.
I don’t tell her, it already has.
Chapter Sixteen
Charlotte
Everything I do reminds me of Jace.
I’ve grown accustomed to having him at my house or next to me when I work out. I miss seeing his handsome face at the track. I miss bickering over picking a radio station while he drives me around. I miss his smile. I long for his adorable broody scowl when I talk his ear off about random racing jargon that means nothing to him.
I haven’t known him very long, yet I can’t stop thinking about him. It’s beginning to piss me off. I’m trying to stay focused for Indy, but my mind keeps wandering back to him. I’m still pissed at him for not trusting me enough to tell me he had a daughter, then ghosting me the way he did. I guess I wasn’t important to him. Just another hookup.
Due to a bad storm rolling in, I’m sitting here at the track alone, while the crew pushes my car into the garage. I’ve been home over a week, and I’m still angry. We had an early morning meeting at Donavan headquarters, and now the team is headed to Long Beach, while I stay back and prepare for the biggest race of my life.
I have the rest of the day off. I can spend my spare time brooding about it, or do something productive. I’m going home to shower and change. I’ve decided to confront Jace and get some much-needed closure so I can move on with my life.
I’m not sure why I thought showing up at Jace’s house unannounced was a good idea. I’m a little shocked Sammy gave me his address so freely this morning. I made up some story about needing to give him back some items he left in my car when he was in charge of my security. I’m sure Sammy saw right through my lie, but he still had no problem dishing me the information.
I pull into the quiet apartment complex just off the freeway, wondering what the hell I’m thinking. It’s nestled in a friendly neighborhood about ten minutes away from where I live. Each unit is it’s own little townhome with well-manicured landscaping and a large balcony to appreciate the beautiful mountain view. I pass by the pristine community pool area, searching for Jace’s number.
I park my Camaro into an available space, which happens to be right next to Jace’s truck, so I’m guessing he’s home. I sit in my car a few minutes, wondering if this is a good idea.
With a heavy sigh, I put on my brave face and step out of my vehicle. I stroll up the walkway, saying hello to a passing a teenage girl walking a playful blonde-haired cocker spaniel with long floppy ears.
I stroll up the little bush-lined pathway to his front door. I stand there for a moment before I get up enough courage to knock. I wait about thirty-seconds before deciding no one is home. The door opens as I turn to walk away.
“Charlotte?” Jace looks surprised when he swings the door open. He stands in the doorway wearing dark sweatpants, and a few days of scruff sprinkled over his jaw. He must have just gotten out of the shower from the damp hair on his head. The formfitting Marine T-shirt stretching across his muscular arms has me licking my lips.
“Hey.” I jam my hands in the back pockets of my skinny jeans as we stand in the entryway staring at each other. The anger I’ve been harboring all week dissipates, and my resolve to tell him to fuck himself crumbles inside me.
“Hey.” He stares at me before glancing over his shoulder, into the apartment for a second. “What are you doing here?” He studies me.
“I wanted to talk to you.” I shift nervously from one foot to another. “This was a bad idea,” I say when he looks back into the apartment again, his body language nervous and unsure. “I should go.”
“No. Don’t leave. Come in…please.”
“Sure.” He moves aside, allowing me to step in. I’m trying to focus on my surroundings, but the smell of his cologne has my brain all jumbled as I walk past him. “Nice place,” I say nervously, as he shuts the door. As soon as I step into the open concept living area, I inhale a deep breath. “Is something burning?” I scrunch up my nose from the foul odor.
“Shit. Yeah. Kiely…my daughter, decided it was a good idea to cook Froot Loops in a frying pan while I was in the shower.” I cover my hand over my mouth, trying to hold back my laughter.
“Daddy?” An adorable little girl appears from the hallway wearing pink pajamas covered in hearts and unicorns. “Who’s here?” She hugs her stuffed bunny rabbit tight to her chest. She has dozens of tiny freckles sprinkled across her button nose and chubby cheeks. Her huge dark eyes are serious just like her daddy’s.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have come here. I’ll go,” I mutter.
“No. Wait. Hang on a second. Let me tuck her back in her bed, and we can talk.”
“Is she okay?” I question, since it’s the middle of the day, and he wants to put her back in bed.
“I don’t know.” He runs his hand through his thick hair. “She’s just getting over being sick.” He walks over, lifting her in his arms as if she’s a feather. He hugs her tight, kissing her on the forehead.
“I’m all better. I don’t want to go back to bed.” Her bottom lip starts to quiver, and her eyes become glassy.
“Shi…shoot. Please don’t cry.”
“Who’s her?”
“My friend…from work.”
“Is she a race car driver too?”
“Yes, peanut,” Jace chuckles.
“Hello.” I step closer toward them, noticing the frown on Jace’s face. I wonder how she’s heard about race car drivers.
“My daddy and Uncle Sammy know a race car driver named Charlie. They talk about it when Uncle comes to visit.”