“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be grilling you when we’re having such a good time,” he says in a deep, soothing voice.
“Are you worried about my racing?”
“Not really.”
“We’ll make it work, Jace.” I lock eyes with him. “I love spending time with you guys, and I promise to make you both a priority. Sure, there are going to be days we don’t see each other. And I’m pretty certain; I’ll be missing you both like crazy on those days. Plenty of the guys have families, and they make it work. I have no doubt we can do this. Let’s just take it one day at a time.”
“You’re right. I don’t want to pressure you. Let’s just have fun today.”
“You know…I don’t imagine I’ll be racing for the rest of my life, but…I’ve always dreamed one day I’d win a big purse from a race. Enough to buy an awesome motor home, so if I had a family, they could travel with me. Maybe when the kids weren’t in school, we’d travel the country together. Like an adventure, you know?” I pause for a moment. “Is that silly? I never told anyone that.”
“I like that dream.” He kisses my forehead. “I really like that dream.”
“Daddy…Daddy…can I have lemonade?” Kiely charges toward us, blessing us with her usual exuberance. “That boy’s mommy bought him a lemonade. Can Charlotte buy me one? Charlotte, will you be my mommy?” Whoa.
“Oh…uh…um.” Tough crowd today. Jace and I continue to blink at each other for a long moment before we both burst into laughter. Kiely thinks it’s hysterical, too, so she starts laughing along with us. Good, God, I’m in trouble.
“Let’s get you some lemonade, little fireball.” Jace lifts her onto his broad shoulders and holds out his hand, waiting for me to take it. I snatch the backpack, and Jace winks at me when I look up at him and smile. So much trouble.
I let his hand completely engulf mine, knowing there’s no turning back. I’m already too far gone. Seeing the way he loves his daughter is my undoing. It makes me want to walk around his kitchen in bare feet, caressing my growing belly.
What the hell is happening to me?
The drive back to my place is short. Jace continues to roll his eyes as Kiely and I have fun singing at the top of our lungs, until she decides to watch a movie on her iPad with her headphones. She’s exhausted from the day, and I’m surprised she hasn’t fallen asleep yet.
I’m tired myself. I lean my head back against the headrest, hoping to stay awake long enough to get Jace alone again later. I just need to pack a small overnight bag quickly. I’ll follow them back in my car since I have an early track time in the morning.
Jace wanted to take me tomorrow, but he has no one to watch Kiely until she starts preschool in a few days. I told him he was being ridiculous, but Jace ended up calling Chris to pick me up in the morning. I don’t see why I can’t drive myself and meet up after.
I glance down at my phone, just as we pull into my driveway, and read the message from an unknown number.
Unknown: Hey, it’s me, Lilly. So…I kind of locked my keys and phone in the car. I’m using a friend’s phone. Any chance you could take a break from your HOT bodyguard and bring me the extra set from the house?
ME: Where are you?
Unknown: The Starbucks on Sierra Drive.
ME: Sure. *rolling eyes emoji* Jace is just dropping me home. I’ll be there in ten minutes.
Unknown: You’re the best sister ever! *heart emoji*
ME: Whatever!
“Who’s that?” Jace inquires as I shove my phone back in my bag.
“It’s Lilly. She locked her keys in her car,” I sigh.
“Where is she?
“She’s at Starbucks. I’ll run her over the spare set, and come right over to you. It’ll only take a few minutes.”
“I don't see why you need your car anyway,” Jace grumbles.
“We’re not discussing this again.” I roll my eyes.
“Fine, stubborn,” Jace sighs. “I’ll follow you.”
“Jace,” I protest. “Go home and order the Chinese, and I’ll be right behind you.”
“Daddy, I’m cold,” Kiely whines.
“Because you thought it was a fun idea to run through the sprinklers at the botanical garden area,” Jace mumbles, shaking his head, and I can’t help my smirk. Jace is going to be gray by the time this kid is a teenager.
“I’m starving,” Kiely grumbles from the back seat. “My tummy hurts.”
“Jace…take your daughter home. I’ll be right behind you. Get her fed and ready for bed. I have plans after dinner for us.” I cock my head at him, wearing a grin. We were supposed to go out for Hibachi until Kiely decided to get wet and cranky, so we opted for Chinese takeout, and an early night for Kiely. We can stay up late and play. I glance to the back seat, making sure Kiely is still engrossed in her movie. “I can’t wait to get you alone tonight.”
“You’re trying to distract me,” Jace growls, when I lean over in my seat and rub my palm over his thigh.
“I’m going to do dirty things to you,” I whisper in his ear. “I can’t get enough of you. The quicker I get my things, the quicker I’m back to your place, and we get Kiely fed and ready for bed.”
“Daddy! Tummy hungry.”
We separate, both of us chuckling. “Is it me, or did she sound a little scary?” I say, still whispering. Jace is quiet for a moment.
“I’ll be fine,” I assure him. His chiseled jaw clenches, his firm lips are irresistible, so I lean in for a kiss. “I promise.”
“Fine.” Jace lets out a slow breath. “I’ll watch you go in. Don’t forget to set the alarm.”
“Promise.” I snag his stubbly chin in my palm and steal another kiss. “See you soon, handsome.”
“Daddy, I have ice cubes on my clothes.”
“You better go before she turns into a zombie or something.” I chuckle as I exit the car, waving goodbye to Kiely.
“Text me when you're on your way!” Jace bellows into the night air after he rolls down his window.
“Yes, Dad.” I blow him a kiss.
Jace watches until I enter the house before he pulls out of the driveway. I quickly reach for the light switch since the house is in complete darkness.
The first thing I do is shut the alarm and turn on some lights. I enter the kitchen and grab Lilly’s spare key from the bowl on top of the counter. I head to the laundry room off the kitchen and empty my dirty clothes from last night’s bag into the basket. I think about putting a load up, but remember I’m in a rush.
I walk down the short hallway to my bedroom in the back of the house, and suddenly remember I forgot to set the alarm. “Shit.” I figure it will only take a minute to throw some clothes into a bag, so I enter my room. The sooner I grab a few things, the sooner I can—
I freeze when footsteps from behind me grab my attention. Goosebumps sprout down my arms. Did Jace decide to follow me?
“Oomph.” Before I have a chance to turn around, a swift blow to my back shoves me down hard onto my hands and knees. “Ow.” I grab my wrist, feeling the sharp pain immediately. “What the fuck?” I shout, still holding my throbbing wrist. I rise on to my knees and glance up, ready for a fight.