“I’ll think about it.”
“Well…think quick because she needs you.”
“What do you mean?” My hands tighten into fists.
“She’s still in danger.”
“What the fuck are you talking about?” I rip the remote from his hand and click off the television.
“Colton wants you back on her security, starting tomorrow.”
“Why? What’s going on?”
“The threats have started up again. They sent pictures. Some from the track…others at her home, through windows, from over the fence in the back.”
“Why the fuck didn’t you tell me?” I jump to my feet and start pacing the room.
“Relax, man. We just found out. She’s okay. We have Chris watching her right now.”
“I need to see her. Fuck!”
“See who, Daddy?” Kiely stands at the edge of the room with a frown.
“Nobody, Sweet Girl.” I stride over and pick her up in my arms. “Can you watch Kiely for a bit? I need to talk to her.” I turn to my brother, who’s wearing a crafty smile.
“We’ll be fine here. Go finish what you started.”
“Daddy, where are you going?” Kiely asks.
“I have to go to work for a little bit.”
“Are you coming back?” Her worried eyes search mine.
“Little one,” my voice cracks, “I’m always coming back.”
“Promise?”
“Promise.” I kiss her on the tip of her little wrinkled nose. “Can you stay with Uncle Sammy for a little bit?”
“Is he taking me to the park?”
“Your uncle was just saying how much he wants to take you to the park,” I tell her.
“Yay!” Kiely wiggles from my arms, and I set her on the floor. “You’re the best, Uncle.” She runs over and jumps on his lap, making him groan when she bounces too hard.
Fucker, he mouths over at me as Kiely spreads her arms wide around his neck and smothers him in a toddler death grip.
I’ve been so fucking stupid. I need to make things right. I won’t let anything happen to Charlotte…not on my watch. I need to show her how important she is to me.
Time to stop dragging my feet and show my sexy little fireball what it’s like to race for the checkered flag.
Hammer down, Charlie…I’m coming for you.
Chapter Eighteen
Charlotte
I don’t care what anyone says, time and distance do not soothe a broken heart.
Every day grows harder and harder. I have to force myself to get out of bed each morning because sleeping at night is such a struggle. The most menial tasks are a drudge. I’m immersing myself in work, keeping focused on racing, but no matter what I do, I can’t stop thinking about Jace.
I set a bowl of microwave popcorn down on the coffee table, and settle on the couch with my red Solo cup. It’s race time, so I click on the television, hoping to take my mind off Jace for a while. I take a sip of my cheap, store-bought wine because I’m a classy girl drinking boxed wine from a plastic cup.
With most of the team in Long Beach this weekend, I have time away from the track, which is not a good thing when you’re miserable. I’m trying to forget him and move on. I was fairly productive today. I went for a late morning jog before coming back to do a much-needed house cleaning.
Team Donavan is leading in points so far this season. I should be excited, but sitting here with the silence of an empty house, all I want to do is cry. I’m so tired of being sad and teary all the time. I was never an overly sensitive girl. It’s not who I am. I must be due for my period. Great!
I place my fancy drink on the coffee table next to the popcorn and stretch out my legs. I close my eyes, letting my mind drift back in time to when I was with Zach, and we raced Formula 1. My thoughts are unsettling, and I’m feeling a twinge of guilt. I’m not sure I knew what love was when we were together.
Don’t get me wrong, I loved Zach, and always will. He was my first everything. He taught me how to trust and let someone into my iron heart. He was my protector when things went south in Formula for me. He was always so good to me, but we were young. I’m not sure I was truly in love because what I’m feeling with Jace is soul-crushing. Tears well up in my eyes as I twirl his ring between my fingers. I’m dishonoring his memory.
I squeeze my eyes closed, starting to surrender to my drowsiness. I’m just dosing when the doorbell chimes. “Dammit,” I groan, jumping up from the couch, annoyed.
I cloak myself with the chenille throw because it’s suddenly freezing in here. I pad to the door, wondering who dares to disturb me when I’m doing something so important like naptime.
I peek through the peephole on the door. “Shit.” My heart hammers in my chest at the tall, handsome wall of a man on the other side. What the hell is Jace doing here?
I hesitate, running my hand over my matted hair, attempting to fix the messy bun. Half my hair is up, the other half running wild. I curse under my breath, knowing it’s no use trying to tame the mess.
Putting on a brave face, I punch in the code and turn off the alarm. I look down at myself, rethinking the outfit I chose after my shower. I’m not sure why I thought it was a good idea to throw on sweatpants one size too big, and the most worn-out T-shirt I own. The bright pink fuzzy socks really tie in the ensemble.
“Jace?” I say in a heavy breath, keeping my eyes trained on him. I open the door slowly, concealing most of my body behind it. In my artfully disheveled, first wave of the zombie apocalypse look, Jace is staring at me like I’m the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen.
“You should ask who it is before you open the door,” he grumbles, his tall frame and broad shoulders taking up most of the doorway.
I study his handsome face, immediately noticing his weary eyes. I want to reach out and trace my fingers over the few days of dark scruff. Gazing up at him calms me. It also infuriates me. I want to smack the tiny little smirk right off his face. Then maybe kiss him. Gah! I’m losing my damn mind.
“I saw you through the peephole.” I roll my eyes and huff, gripping the doorframe for dear life.
“Are you sick?” His forehead creases as he studies my appearance, focusing an extra few second on my breasts.
“I was…chilly.” I wrap the blanket tighter around me, making sure my peaked nipples are covered. I swear they’re only hard because of the air conditioner. It’s scorching hot today, and I must have put the air too high while I was cleaning. “What do you want?”
“We need to talk.”
“I think we’ve said everything that needed to be said.” I step out from behind the door and square my shoulders.
“Please, Charlotte,” he pleads, his arms tucked at his side.
“Why did you come here, Jace?” I say with a heavy sigh.
“I…I have some things I need to say.” He awkwardly raises a bouquet of pink, yellow, lavender, and ivory wildflowers, wrapped in brown paper I didn’t notice he was holding.
“I don’t want your flowers.”
“Kiely wanted me to give you this.” He ignores me, his body flinching. “She drew you a picture.”