Текст книги "Ignite"
Автор книги: Kelly Elliott
сообщить о нарушении
Текущая страница: 1 (всего у книги 16 страниц)
IGNITE
Copyright © 2015 by Kelly Elliott
Published by K. Elliott Enterprises
Visit my website at www.kellyelliottauthor.com
Cover Designer:
Lisa Jay with Lisa Jay Studio
Cover Photographer:
Shannon Cain with Shannon Cain Photography
Editing:
Nichole Strauss with Perfectly Publishable
Design and Formatting:
Christine Borgford with Perfectly Publishable
ISBN # 978-1-943633-00-5
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the written permission of the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
SPEED
Ignite
Thank you for reading Ignite.
Please consider leaving an honest review.
Adrenaline (March 2016)
WANTED SERIES
Purchase Wanted
Purchase Saved
Purchase Faithful
Purchase Believe
Purchase Cherished
Purchase A Forever Love
Purchase the Wanted Short Stories
THE BROKEN SERIES
Purchase Broken
Purchase Broken Dreams
Purchase Broken Promises
JOURNEY OF LOVE SERIES
Purchase Unconditional Love
Purchase Undeniable Love
Purchase Unforgettable Love
LOVE WANTED IN TEXAS SERIES
Purchase Without You
Purchase Saving You
Purchase Holding You
Purchase Finding You
STANDALONES
Purchase The Journey Home
JOINT PROJECTS
Purchase Predestined Hearts
For upcoming books and more information about Kelly Elliott, please visit her website at www.kellyelliottauthor.com
For exclusive releases and giveaways signup for Kelly’s newsletter
IGNITE
Books by Kelly Elliott
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Epilogue
Thank you
Playlist
VICTORY LANE, TEXAS
With a smile, I crawled out of my number thirty-seven car and stood on the window as champagne and beer hit me from all sides. “Yes!” I called out as the crowd went wild. I turned and jumped into the arms of my pit crew as the celebrations started.
Quickly setting me down, my eyes scanned everywhere for her.
Adaline Morgan.
The love of my life ever since the day she pushed me on the play ground in elementary school for pulling her pigtails.
We both had called Marble Falls, Texas home. Adaline was my best friend and biggest support of my racing since the first time I crawled into a cart.
“Emmit, how does it feel to win your first NASCAR race and here in your home state of Texas?”
Still searching the crowd, I smiled bigger when her blue eyes met mine.
Adaline.
I pinned her with my stare. “No words could describe it. I feel like I’m in a dream. Nothing is better than this.”
I did my duty and answered all the reporters’ questions. The second they cut out, Waldo Morgan, my crew chief and Adaline’s daddy, came up and gave me a bear hug. He had been my crew chief since I first started racing stock cars.
“You did it, son. I always knew you would,” he said as he slapped my back.
I shook my head. “Couldn’t have done it without you, Waldo.”
“Go celebrate,” Waldo said with a laugh as he shook my body and smiled.
With a quick smile, I made my way to Adaline, picked her up and spun her around as she laughed. Setting her down, I stared into her eyes. “We did it.”
Her hands went to my chest, causing a rush of excitement to race through my body. “You did it. I’ve always known you would.”
I cupped her face as I brushed my lips across hers. “I’ll meet you on the bus.”
With a quick kiss, I gave her a wink and turned to head back out into the crowd. Everyone was talking about how the nineteen-year-old newcomer had dominated the entire race.
Hell yeah I did. And I’m just getting started.
Nothing in the world could ever knock me down from this high.
As I stepped onto the bus, I grinned from ear to ear as my eyes fell on the most beautiful sight I’d ever seen. Tonight was going to be perfect. The ring was tucked under my pillow safely, and I had practiced what I was going to say about a hundred times in the mirror over the last two weeks.
“Hey,” I whispered as I moved toward Adaline. Standing she gave me a smile back.
“Congratulations, Emmit. I’m so proud of you.”
Adaline gazed up at me through her long eyelashes as her hands went to my chest. My body was exhausted, but I knew I couldn’t wait to be with her. My body craved hers. Adaline snarled her lip and shook her head. “You smell like beer.”
With a laugh, I kissed her quickly on the lips. “Yeah, that was insane. All the pictures and interviews were fucking amazing though.”
Adaline gave me a sweet grin. “You must be tired.”
“Yeah, but I’m going to go take a quick shower. I have one more interview and some pictures. Then it’s just me and you,” I said as I placed my hand on the side of Adaline’s face. Something passed over her face before she gave me a warm smile. I knew this was hard for her. It felt as if we fought for alone time together.
I stripped out of my clothes and I jumped into the hot shower to clean up as fast as I could.
With a towel wrapped around my waist, I made my way over to Adaline. Her eyes roamed my body as she bit down hard on her lower lip.
Fuck the interview.
I dropped the towel and pulled Adaline to me and moved my hand up her dress.
Adaline dropped her head back so that I could kiss her neck. “Emmit, your interview.”
My lips moved across her soft skin. “It can wait.”
With one swift move, I pushed her panties out of the way, lifted her and slowly sank her down onto me as I let out a moan.
Adaline wrapped her arms around me as she said, “Emmit, condom.”
The knock at the door caused me to let out a frustrated sigh. “Ignore it,” I whispered against her lips.
Adaline kissed me like it was going to be our last kiss as her hands pushed through my hair and pulled. “Emmit, condom or interview,” she breathed into my mouth.
Another knock. This time louder.
I kissed her deeper.
Another knock. “Emmit! Dude, everyone is waiting to talk to you.”
I let out a frustrated sigh as I rested my forehead against hers. “I’m sorry, Addie.”
“It’s okay. Go do what you have to do and then we’ll grab something to eat and relax for a bit.”
I pulled out of her and slipped on some jeans and a T-shirt and headed out to finish up the day.
By the time I made it back to the bus, Adaline had arranged for dinner to be delivered to us. Taking her hand in mine, I led her back to the bedroom and slowly made love to her. Dinner could wait.
My hand reached under my pillow as I took the box holding the ring out and looked Adaline in the eyes and smiled.
“Adaline, you mean more to me than anything. My life is nothing without you in it. Will you marry me?”
I smiled as I opened the ring box while Adaline stared at it. A tear rolled down her cheek as she pressed her lips together.
Her eyes met mine as she swallowed hard. “I love you so much, Emmit. But I can’t marry you right now.”
My heart dropped to my stomach as I pulled away from her and stood up. “W-what?” I asked as I looked at her.
Tears rolled down her cheeks as she wiped them away. “I was going to talk to you tonight, but then you won and I didn’t want to take away from that.”
My mouth dropped open as I stared at her with a stunned look on my face. “Well fuck, Addie. I’d say you turning down my marriage proposal is a pretty big downer.”
Adaline jumped up and pulled one of my T-shirts on over her head. She looked so damn adorable. All I wanted to do was pull her into my arms and kiss her to erase the last few seconds.
“Emmit, this is the last thing I want to do, but I need to be honest with you. I’m not sure this is the life I want. Being on the road like this and living out of this bus. At least not right now.”
My knees shook as I reached out for something to keep me from falling. “What are you saying, Addie?”
Adaline’s blue eyes looked into mine as she said, “Emmit, I’ve always dreamed of being a nurse, and I can’t go to school and be on this bus every week with you and go to school. As much as I want to be with you, I can’t give up my own dreams.”
“Addie, I want you to follow your dreams. If you want to go to school, I’ll stand behind you one-hundred percent. I can fly you in for the races, baby.”
A look of despair moved across Adaline’s face. “Emmit, I can’t be going to school and then fly out every weekend. It would be too much.”
My heart was pounding so loud in my chest, I was sure she heard it. “Okay. So we’ll figure something out, Addie. Just tell me you’ll marry me and, baby, you know I’ll wait as long as it takes.”
She shook her head and wiped more tears as she looked away. Glancing back at me, Adaline’s blue eyes looked empty as a small sob escaped her lips. “Emmit, I don’t know if it’s going to work with us being apart for so long. I know you. You’re going to want to fly in and see me or want me to fly out and see you. It will become too stressful.”
My chest tightened and fear raced through my body. “What are you doing, Addie?”
“I think we should maybe take a break for a bit. You need to get settled into this life and I need to get settled in Austin.”
“Austin?” I asked with a confused look on my face.
Adaline barely spoke. “I got into the nursing program at UT.”
“What the fuck, Addie? When were you going to tell me you were planning to leave me? How long have you known you were going to do this to me?”
Adaline pointed to me as anger filled her eyes. “Don’t you do that to me, Emmit Jerome Lewis. Don’t you dare make me feel guilty. You don’t think I’m confused as hell right now? I want to be with you. I love you, Emmit!”
With a curt laugh, I shook my head. “You love me? You love me, Addie? You’re fucking breaking up with me, on the biggest day of my career! I just asked you to marry me and you said no.”
Sitting down on the bed, she buried her face in her hands. “Emmit, I don’t want to leave you,” she whispered as I slipped on a pair of shorts and made my way over to her. I sat down next to her and dragged in a deep breath.
“Addie, I don’t want to do this without you. Baby, I want to give you the world.”
Adaline threw herself into my arms and held me tightly. “I need to do this for me, Emmit. I want to be with you too, but I need to find who I am and follow my own dreams. If I don’t I know I’ll end up regretting it and taking it out on you.”
I pinned her with my stare as I pulled back from her. “Why can’t you follow your dreams and still be mine, Addie?”
Her eyes lit up as she gave me a weak smile. “I’ll always be yours, Emmit. Always.”
I knew I needed to let Adaline follow her dreams. “Please don’t fall in love with someone else, Addie.”
Her lips pressed to mine as she whispered, “Never.”
My heart wanted to believe her, but my head knew better.
Three Years Later
STARING OUT THE WINDOW, I watched everything go by as we got closer to the track.
I was back in Texas, and those old feelings bubbled up. Anytime that happened, I usually found the closest girl and tried to push the memories away with a quick fuck.
It was either that, or get drunk. I couldn’t really get drunk when I had a race in a few days.
With a frustrated sigh, I dropped my head against the chair and closed my eyes.
Adaline.
No matter how hard I tried not to think of her, those blue eyes would pop into my dreams.
Adaline had gone back to Austin and pursued her dreams of becoming a nurse. The first two months we talked every single day. Then it slowly began to be every other day until it was twice a week. Either she was busy with class or I was busy doing some interview or sitting in a racecar. When I would call, she would be studying or too exhausted to talk. Eventually, I stopped calling. Adaline had called a few times and left voice mails, but by then I was too hurt and angry to call back. We drifted apart and started living separate lives.
My phone buzzed and pulled me away from my thoughts. Looking down, I saw it was my boss, Jack Elliot. He owned the team I had raced for since I first started my career with NASCAR.
Jack: I need a favor.
Me: Anything, Jack.
I’d do just about anything for Jack Elliot. He took the chance on a young, cocky nineteen-year-old kid whose only dream was to be a NASCAR driver. I’d never forget that. He was closer to me than my own father.
Jack: My niece is going to be with me at the track this week. Her fiancé just left for a nine-month deployment. She’s looking to get in the business on the finance side of things but wants to see how this side of racing is.
Rolling my eyes, I cursed under my breath. Great. Jack wants me to babysit his damn niece. Fucking hell.
Me: Okay, what do you need me to do?
Jack: Keep her close to you, Emmit. Show her what it’s like behind the scenes. She’s also planned a small dinner for Friday night, so I want you there and I’d like for you to escort her. You’re the only one I trust.
There was the guilt. Jack had no idea how many women I had fucked around with the last two years. Once I found out Adaline and I were no more, I went a bit crazy with every blonde, blue-eyed woman I could find when Adaline invaded my thoughts.
Me: Will do Jack. I’ll make sure she has a good time and gets her mind off her fiancé.
With a quick glance up, I saw we were pulling into Texas Motor Speedway.
Here we go.
Jack: And Emmit. Keep your hands off of her. I know how much you like blondes.
I shook my head and smiled. “I guess Jack really does pay attention,” I said to no one but me.
Me: Pulling in now. See you in a bit.
I had decided to ride on my bus instead of flying. The less time I had to spend in Texas, the better.
“We’re here, Emmit. Would you like a few minutes?” Hank, one of my drivers, asked.
With a smile and a wink, I stood up and said, “Nah, I’m gonna take Lola out. I’m sure she’s ready to stretch her legs as much as I am.”
Glancing over my shoulder, I could see into my bedroom where my one-year-old black lab, Lola, had been crashed for the last two hours.
“Lola, we’re here.”
Jumping up, Lola dashed over and stood by my side. She was the only girl I could ever count on. Always faithful and loved the hell out of me.
I squatted down and pulled her closer to me as I ran my hand over her fur. “You’re my beautiful girl, aren’t you?”
With a bark, Lola caused Hank and me to laugh. “Damn dog loves the shit out of you.”
My heart ached as I stood. Adaline would love Lola. She’d always wanted a black lab. I shook my head to clear my thoughts, I grabbed Lola’s leash and headed to the door. “Thanks, Hank. We’re gonna go for a run.”
“Sure thing, boss. Have a good run.”
I pushed the door open as Lola waited for the steps to come out before she took off toward the first person she saw.
With a quick look around, I took in all the people already at the track.
“There he is,” Jack said as I turned to look at him. My eyes widened in surprise when I saw the beautiful blonde walking alongside of Jack. Good fucking thing he told me she was engaged.
“Jack, good to see you,” I said as I extended my hand out to him. Lola made a beeline over to Jack’s niece where she promptly fell to the ground and demanded a stomach rub.
Leaning over, the blonde quickly showered Lola with attention.
“Perfect chick magnet.”
With a laugh, I turned to Jack and said, “I like her already.”
Jack slapped me on the back and said, “Just don’t like her too much, Mr. Lewis.”
“Lynn, this is the one and only, Emmit Lewis.”
Giving Lola a good pat on the stomach, Lynn stood and made her way over to me as she reached her hand out for mine. “I bet NASCAR’s star driver is just thrilled to be babysitting me.”
I shot Lynn my signature smile and a wink that melted the girl’s hearts. “It’s not a problem at all. I’ll make sure you have a good time.”
Lynn’s eyes lit up as she gave me a smirk. I wasn’t sure how to read this girl. She was engaged and her uncle, who also happened to be my boss, stood right next to her as she seemed to flirt with me. “I bet you will.”
I looked back at Jack as I cleared my throat. “I’m gonna take Lola for a quick run and then I’ll be back in time for practice.”
“Sounds good. I also want you to take Lynn for a spin around the track,” Jack said as he reached down and gave Lola a quick rub down. Lynn flashed me a bright smile.
“Before you start getting the wrong idea, I’m very much in love with Brandon, my fiancé. I was slightly star struck when Uncle Jack introduced you. I want to make sure we’re on the same page.”
A sense of relief washed over my body as I grinned and glanced at Jack and then to Lynn. “We are for sure on the same page, Lynn. Don’t worry.”
Lynn smiled as she stood straight. “Great! See ya later, Emmit.”
Lola and I stood there as we watched Jack and Lynn make their way through the crowd.
I glanced down to Lola and said, “Why in the hell are women so complicated?”
Staring at me like she didn’t have the answers any more than I did, Lola barked.
With a chuckle, I said, “Right. Let’s go for a run.”
DRIVING INTO TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY had always given me a thrill. I hadn’t been to a race in three years. Not since the night I told Emmit I couldn’t marry him because I wanted to go to college, get my degree in nursing, and have a normal life. Not one where I was trying to study from a bus driving from racetrack to racetrack.
I’ll never be able to erase the look of hurt on Emmit’s face. No matter how much I loved him, I wasn’t going to give up my dreams and follow him across the country ten months out of the year. At least not while I tried to go to school.
“Adaline, are you even listening to me?” my mother asked as the security guard waved us through to the south tunnel.
I reached for my mother’s hand and gave it a light squeeze as I gave her a forced smile. She had picked me up from the airport and had insisted we stop by the track first before she dropped me off at my hotel down from the track.
“What? I’m sorry, Momma. I was day dreaming I guess.” Clearing my throat, I asked, “Did Daddy talk to Emmit about me being here this weekend?”
My mother shook her head slowly. “He has no idea you’ll be here.”
My heart dropped as I swallowed hard. “Daddy didn’t tell him?”
Pressing her lips together, she whispered, “He tried, but Emmit tends to go deep inside himself whenever he comes to Texas Motor Speedway.”
Ouch. That hit hurt. I could see the disappointment in my mother’s eyes. She always thought I had made a mistake breaking up with Emmit.
Letting out a frustrated sigh, I looked out the window. “So, I’m basically going to show up and blind side him, that’s what you’re saying.”
With a wave of her hand, my mother mumbled something under her breath. “Oh, stop being so dramatic, Adaline. You always did blow things out of proportion.”
I stared at my mother as my mouth dropped open. “What?”
After parking the car, my mother quickly looked at me as she took in a deep breath and slowly let it out. “Adaline, just breathe. It’s all going to be okay.”
My mother opened the door to the truck, got out and walked off toward the buses as I sat in the truck.
“I’m not dramatic,” I whispered as I pushed the door open and jumped out of the truck. Reaching in, I grabbed my Dooney and Burke purse that was a present to myself for graduating nursing school, tossed it over my shoulder, and headed toward the buses.
As I walked along, I couldn’t help but get that feeling of race day excitement as I watched people go about their thing. Practice sessions and qualifying had already taken place for Emmit, so I was assuming Daddy was in his bus. A few people glanced up and smiled as they saw me walk by. Dalton Price, one of Emmit’s old pit crew guys from the earlier circuit, was one of them. Smiling brighter than the sun, he called out my name, causing me to stop.
“Holy shit. Do my eyes deceive me or is that Adaline Monroe?”
Dalton gave me a quick hug as I let out a chuckle “What in the hell are you doing here? I thought you gave up this life style?”
I felt a slight pain in my heart as I shrugged and said, “Well, I’m finished with school and all, so I thought I would come check things out.”
With a smirk, Dalton shook his head. “Check things out, huh?”
My eyes looked over his shoulder as I caught Malcolm Wallace’s stare. Malcolm and Emmit raced the earlier circuits together and were each other’s biggest rivals. It took Malcolm a year longer to move up to NASCAR and he hated the fact that Emmit had always been just a tad bit of a better driver than he was.
“You’re on Malcolm Wallace’s team now?”
Dalton nodded as he stood proudly. “Crew Chief.”
My eyes snapped back to Dalton. “What? Daddy didn’t tell me that. Oh my gosh, Dalton, that’s wonderful! I’m so proud of you,” I said as I threw myself into his arms. Dalton had started off on Emmit’s pit crew and quickly proved to be a huge asset. I was so proud of how far he had come in the short amount of time.
“Thanks, Adaline.”
“Well, well, well. Look who has decided to grace the racing world with her beautiful presence.” Malcolm purred as he walked up and slapped Dalton on the back. “I would pay a hundred bucks to see the look on Emmit’s face when he sees you. Let’s hope he doesn’t have a blonde on his arm when it happens.” Leaning in closer to me, Malcolm whispered, “He has a thing for blondes now.”
God, I forgot how much of an ass Malcolm could be.
Narrowing my eyes at Malcolm, I finally gave him a fake smile as I said, “Always a pleasure, Malcolm, but if you’ll excuse me.” Turning to Dalton, I smiled bigger and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Dalton, good luck and congratulations again. Sorry you’re working with such a dick.”
Malcolm threw his hand to his heart and frowned. “Ouch, that hurt!”
Dalton let out a roar of laughter and said, “Thanks, Adaline. It was really great seeing you again.” I walked off and made my way down toward Daddy’s bus.
I glanced around frantically. What if Emmit was dating someone? I mean, did I really think he wouldn’t find someone else? My heart was beating practically out of my chest as I stopped in front of my father’s bus. No one paid any attention to me as they busied themselves. I didn’t see Emmit’s bus anywhere, which I thought was strange.
Closing my eyes, I took in a deep breath and prepared myself for seeing Emmit with someone. My parents hadn’t mentioned anything about Emmit dating; of course they didn’t talk much about him to me. Once Emmit stopped returning my calls, I got the hint. I had dated a couple of guys, nothing serious. One guy I dated about three times before I realized I had to be honest with him. Telling him I was in love with another guy didn’t go over so well with him.
Emmit.
Me being here brought up all the memories and feelings I had buried deep down inside. Feeling the tears building, I squeezed my eyes shut.
I walked away from him and now I had to live that decision. Turning his marriage proposal down was the biggest mistake of my life.
“He qualified for the pole,” I heard my father say. I knew he was talking about Emmit and my heart swelled up with pride. If there was one thing Emmit Lewis could do, it was drive a stock car.
My eyes quickly scanned the area as I looked for Emmit. “Don’t worry, I think he’s in his bus,” a male’s voice said from behind me.
Glancing over my shoulder, I smiled as I shook my head and placed my hand on my hip. “Robby Quick. You still running around changing tires faster than any other living human being?”
“Hell yeah I am,” Robby said as he picked me up and spun me around.
I let out a laugh as I hit his back and said, “Put me down before your wife thinks something’s going on.”
Robby threw his head back and laughed. “She’s going to be so happy to see you, Adaline. My EmmyLou is seven months pregnant.”
My eyes widened as I looked at Robby. “W-what? Lou’s having a baby? Where is she? Back in North Carolina?”
Robby looked at me like I was insane. “Hell no. We got us a real nice motor home. Lou’s even converted an area for the baby. We’ll be ready to go come next season.”
I looked at Robby like he was nuts as I let out a chuckle. “You’re kiddin’ right? Lou’s gonna take a baby out on the circuit? Why would she want to do that?”
Robby’s face dropped as he pushed his hand through his hair and said, “Um, no Adaline, I’m not kidding. I mean this is my job, and it’s what I love to do. I want my family with me. And Lou loves it as well.”
My smile fell as I realized how I had just sounded. Giving Robby a sweet smile, I said, “I’m so happy for you both. You’re going to make great parents and I think it’s wonderful Lou gets to be with you, Robby.”
Robby’s smile graced his face again. He went to say something when someone called out his name. “Got to go; it’s great seeing you again, Adaline.”
Lifting my hand, I said, “You too.”
Robby took off and left me standing there. Turning to find one of my parents, my eyes caught his. My breath caught in my throat as every memory of his touch raced through my mind. Goose bumps erupted over my entire body as I tried to remind my brain how to breathe.
Emmit.
With a nervous smile, I lifted my hand and waved as Emmit stared at me. My eyes caught the glimpse of a blonde standing next to him, and I immediately felt my heart drop to my stomach.
He’s dating someone. How freaking stupid of me to just show up like this and not think he hasn’t moved on.
Emmit leaned over and said something to the blonde as she nodded and gave him a slight smile.
Emmit quickly made his way over to me in four quick steps. “Adaline,” he said as butterflies danced in my stomach from the sound of his voice. I’d forgotten the effect Emmit had on me.
“Hey, Emmit. I was just—”
Emmit took a hold of my arm and led me away. My skin was on fire from his touch as I fought to drag in air. Emmit rounded a corner away from everyone and stopped as he pinned me with his eyes.
“Just because you don’t give a fuck about this life, doesn’t mean other people hate it as well. Try thinking next time before you open up your mouth, Adaline. Robby’s already feeling worried that Lou isn’t happy, and you didn’t help the situation any.”
My mouth dropped open as I tried to form words to speak. I was both shocked and angry that Emmit would treat me this way. But I was more bothered by the fact that he called me Adaline. He’d always called me Addie. Even when I introduced myself to him back in elementary school, he decided he would call me Addie.
“I—I didn’t mean to upset him. I didn’t mean it the way it sounded.”
Taking a step away from me, Emmit whispered something under his breath.
He turned and walked off as my senses came back to me. Following him, I called out his name.
“Emmit, please wait.”
With a motion toward the blonde to follow him, she glanced over her shoulder at me, and gave me a weak smile before turning and walking off. They stopped two buses down and Emmit held the door open for her as she stepped up into the bus.
Oh God. I’m so stupid. This was a mistake coming here. All I did was bring up old feelings and clearly I was the last person Emmit wanted to see.
I need to get out of here.
Quickly taking out my phone, I pulled up Uber. I’d just head back to the hotel and stay out of the way for the rest of the weekend.
“Adaline!”
Closing my eyes, I cursed under my breath when I heard my daddy’s voice. Sucking in a deep breath, I pushed it out and spun around to face him as I put on a smile and acted like everything was fine.
“There’s my beautiful girl.” Walking into my father’s arms, I fought to hold back the sudden onslaught of tears.
“Daddy,” I whispered as a single tear somehow managed to escape my eye and trek down my cheek. Quickly lifting my hand, I wiped it away.
My father pulled back and looked me over. “Beautiful as always. Are you hungry?”
That moment my stomach decided to growl. Giggling, I nodded my head. “I guess so.”
Holding his arm out for me, my father motioned for me to walk with him. “Come on, let’s get you back to the hotel and get cleaned up. We have a dinner tonight at the club.”
My eyes glanced over to the nine-story tall speedway club. “Daddy, I think I’ll just grab something quick to eat at the hotel. I’m not really in the mood for a fancy dinner.”
My father guided me past all the buses, including the one Emmit and the blonde went into, and back over to his truck. My mother was already waiting for us. Giving me a smile, she asked, “Sweetheart, are you okay? I saw Emmit pull you to the side and say something to you.”
The lump in my throat caused me to go speechless. Clearing my throat, I plastered on a fake smile. “I’m fine, Mama. Let’s just say, Emmit wasn’t too pleased to see me.”
With a look of sadness, my mother glanced over to my father. “Don’t pay no mind to Emmit. He get’s like that before a race. Especially here in Texas.”
Daddy opened the back door and held out his hand as he helped me up into the truck.
“Let’s get Adaline back to her hotel. She needs to freshen up for dinner.” Shutting my door, Daddy climbed into the truck and looked over at my mother as she glanced back to me with a silly smile on her face.
“Oh, Mr. Elliot will be so thrilled to see you, Adaline.”
“Wait. What?” I asked as my eyes widened.
“We’re having dinner with Mr. Elliot tonight? Who else?”
My heart pounded so hard in my chest it caused me to feel sick. What if Emmit is going to be there?
Waving me off with her hand . . . again . . . my mother said, “Oh, his niece is throwing a small dinner at the Speedway Club. It will be in and out since the drivers will be there and the race is tomorrow.”
