Текст книги "Ignite"

Автор книги: Kelly Elliott

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Текущая страница: 5 (всего у книги 16 страниц)

I GLANCED OVER TO DOUG and Jeff while we all sat around a table. The two other drivers on the Elliot race team.

Jack walked into the room with a smile on his face. “Looks like all three of you kicked ass qualifying today. I like it.”

Trying to stay focused, I pushed all thoughts of Adaline out of my head and listened to Jack.

Jack leaned against the desk as he looked at each of us. Stopping at Jeff, he pointed to him. “Third row, outside. I like it.”

“Thank you, sir.” Jeff smiled and nodded.

Jeff Harris was the son of one of the greatest drivers NASCAR had ever seen. I couldn’t really get a feel for the guy since he came over to our team six months ago. He was good, but somehow it felt like he was chasing a ghost every time he crawled into the car.

Jack pointed to Doug. “Awe hell, Doug.”

Doug smiled and glanced over to me. Giving him a grin in return, Doug looked back at Jack. “Pole position¸ Doug. Hang onto that for as long as you can.”

“Hell yeah I will, sir,” Doug said as and he Jeff slapped hands.

Jack turned and faced me. “Doug barely pushed you out of pole position, Emmit.”

A quick shake of my head, and I said, “I know. First row inside isn’t too bad, and I’m going after his ass with everything I have.”

Laughter erupted in the room as Jack slapped his hands together. “Go have fun tonight, boys. Not too much fun though, it’s race day tomorrow.”

Jack always wanted to have a few minutes with us. Most of the time it was on race day, but for some reason he wanted to meet with us this afternoon. Getting up, I headed toward the door.

“Emmit, stay back a second.”

Stopping, I turned back to Jack. “You need something, Jack?”

“Yeah. My private plane is about to land at Tri-Cities airport.”

I groaned internally. He was going to ask me to pick up his niece. Motherfucker. I wasn’t in the mood to keep her entertained again for a weekend.

“I need you to pick someone up.”

“Lynn?” I asked.

He gave me a wicked smile as he shook his head. “No.”

I look at him with a confused expression. “Do I even get to know who I’m picking up?”

Jack pushed off the desk and laughed. “I’m hoping a new employee.”

Walking past me, Jack headed for the door as I quickly followed him. The idea of a new driver on the team intrigued me as I thought of who it could be. “Another driver? Are you bringing on another driver?”

“Better hurry, son. The plane will be landing soon.”

My mouth dropped open as I stood there and watched Jack walk away. “I only have my bike, Jack!”

“I’ll have the limo there just in case, but I’m pretty sure she’ll love the bike!” Jack called back over his shoulder.

My eyes widened. No fucking way was I going to have another woman put their hands on me anywhere. Not when I was so close to getting Adaline back. Letting out a frustrated moan, I glanced around as I pushed my hand through my hair. “Great, I’m just there to be a greeter. Even better.”

Pulling up to the private hanger, I rolled my neck as I waited for Jack’s plane. It had already landed and was taxiing the runway. Seeing it pulling in, I set my helmet down and let out a curse under my breath. Why in the hell did Jack have me doing this kind of shit lately? Like I didn’t have more important things to do than greet somebody and make them feel all warm and cozy.

The door to the plane opened and I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw Adaline pop her head out.

“Addie?”

She looked back and said something to someone as she headed down the stairs. I watched as she got to the bottom and turned to thank, Billy, the co-pilot. Pulling her phone out, she began texting someone as she stood there.

I smiled when my phone went off. Pulling it out, I saw her text.

Addie: Hey. What are you doing?

Me: Looking at the most beautiful woman in the world.

Addie: I’m really hoping you’re talking about Lola.

I whistled and Adaline looked directly at me as the most beautiful smile I’d ever seen moved across her face. Picking up her small suitcase, she walked quickly over to me. Pushing off my bike, I started making my way over to her. It didn’t take her long to start running. Right before she got to me, she dropped her bags and leapt into my arms as our lips smashed together.

Our kiss turned passionate quickly as I held Adaline in my arms and she wrapped her legs around my waist.

“What. Are. You. Doing. Here?” she asked between kisses.

Forcing myself to pull my mouth from hers, I couldn’t help but smile. “Damn, Jack. He told me to come pick up someone he was hoping to hire.” Shaking my head, I kissed Adaline on the lips again.

Adaline gently grabbed a handful of hair and pulled on it. “Emmit, it’s been three years since I’ve had sex. Take me somewhere quickly. Please.”

The guilt I felt rushed through my veins as I slowly set Adaline down. “Addie, I’m so sorry.”

With a shake of her head, she placed her hand on the side of my face. “That’s all in the past, Emmit. The only thing we have is now.”

My eyes closed as I pressed my lips together and fought to say the words. “Those women meant nothing to me, Addie and if I could go back I swear—”

Adaline placed her finger over my mouth to stop me from talking. “Emmit, all I need is to be in your arms. You’re the only place I want to be, Emmit.”

I searched Adaline’s face before my breath hitched by her beautiful baby blues. My stomach felt like I was on one hell of a roller coaster.

With a raised eyebrow, I said, “There’s a Courtyard not far from here.”

Adaline’s face lit up. Reaching for her bags, I walked over to Jack’s limo driver and handed it to him. “Can you drop this off back at the track? Ask for Waldo Morgan; he’ll know what to do with it.”

The driver took the bags as I took Adaline’s hand and led her over to my bike. Pulling on my hand to stop me, I looked at her. “What’s wrong?”

Adaline was looking at my bike. “Is that your motorcycle?”

I looked between the bike and Adaline. “Um . . . yeah but if you’re not comfortable riding on it, you can ride in the limo and I’ll meet you over there.”

Adaline’s mouth dropped open. “Are you insane? There is no way I’m turning down wrapping my arms around you and the chance to go fast.”

A wave of heat moved across my body as my knees got weak. Pulling Adaline into my arms, I kissed the tip of her nose. “God, I’ve missed you.”

With a soft hit on my stomach, Adaline said, “Let’s go for our first ride.”

A low growl formed at the back of my throat as we made our way to the bike.

I took Adaline down a country road as we drove for a bit on the bike. Turning down a side road, I pulled over and got off the bike as I held my hand out for hers. With an adorable smile, she put her hand in mine.

“What are we doing?”

“Walking.”

Adaline giggled. “I see that, but why?”

With a smile, I looked at her and winked. “I just want to be with you, like we used to. Remember when we used to walk in the fields and watch the stars?”

My breath caught as I watched Adaline’s eyes as they lit up. “I do remember that. I also remember the night you put the blanket in the back of your truck thinking you were going to get lucky. That garden snake crawled over your chest and you screamed like a little girl and took off running.”

My head fell back as I laughed. “I can’t argue with you on that one. I did take off running.”

“Screaming. Like a girl.”

My eyebrows pinched together as I chuckled. “I must have blocked that part out.”

Adaline walked up to me as she placed her hands on my chest. “I’ve missed us so much.”

My lips kissed her forehead as I held her close to me while we stood in the middle of a field. Just the two of us, with no one else wanting anything from us.

When I couldn’t take the heat from her body anymore, I led her back to my bike.

“Let’s head to the hotel.” Adaline giggled as she climbed on the bike and wrapped her arms around me.

Making our way back to the hotel, we checked in and rode up in the elevator in silence. You could practically feel the heat moving off our bodies as we stole glances at each other. Stopping at the door, I slipped the key in and pushed the door open. Taking Adaline’s hand in mine, I slowly walked backward as I led her into the room. The door shut and we stood frozen as we stared into each other’s eyes.

Adaline blushed and said, “Um, I’m just going to run to the bathroom really quick.”

I swallowed hard while I nodded and made my way into the room. Looking around, I took in the large king bed, oversized chair and the desk.

Wiping my hands on my jeans, I rolled my eyes and counted to ten. Shit. It feels like this is my first time all over again. And Adaline was my first! This should be easy, Emmit. Calm the hell down.

I made my way over to the window and looked out. I wouldn’t be able to stay here all night, but we still had plenty of time since it was just mid afternoon. Time I planned on using to get familiar with Adaline’s body again.

Adaline cleared her throat and I turned around, expecting to see her still dressed and just as nervous as I was.

Taking a stumbling step backward, I hit the window and stood there with my mouth on the ground.

“Holy living shit. You’re so beautiful. You’re more beautiful than a sunrise,” I whispered, as Adaline stood before me in blue and white polka dot panties and a matching bra. Her hair hung in pieces as it framed her face. She had thrown it up when we went for a ride and it looked sexy as fuck.

Adaline gave a shy smile as she looked down and stared at the floor. “Thank you.”

I forced my feet to move as I made my way over to Adaline. Stopping in front of her, I placed my hand on the side of her face as she leaned into it. “Adaline, you and I will never be apart again. I’ll do whatever it takes to make you happy.”

Adaline’s eyes said it all as they met mine. In that moment nothing else mattered but the two of us. When her hand came over mine, it felt as if all the air was stolen from my lungs. Her touch sent a bolt of lightning racing through my entire body. It was as if we’d never been apart.

“You make me happy, Emmit. It’s always been you.”

Cupping her face with both hands, I pulled her lips closer to mine as we kissed softly. I picked Adaline up and carried her over to the bed where I gently placed her down.

I slowly pulled my T-shirt over my head and tossed it on the floor. Adaline’s lips parted open slightly as her eyes roamed my body.

With a quick tug of my belt to take it off, I unbuttoned my pants and pushed them down. Licking her lips, Adaline moaned softly as she rubbed her legs together.

“Emmit,” she whispered as her eyes widened with anticipation as they fell to my hard dick.

Moving onto the bed, I ran my hand over Adaline’s soft skin. Goose bumps covered her body as my hand moved down her leg to her foot. Lifting her foot, I rubbed it as Adaline lifted her back off the bed and hissed my name through her teeth.

I ran my tongue along the inside of her foot as she grabbed at the sheets. I loved how I was making her feel. Smiling, I decided I was going to take my time getting to know her body again. She wasn’t the same nineteen-year-old girl anymore. She was an amazing woman who had my body so turned on I was praying I would last at least a few minutes inside of her.

Adaline’s body squirmed on the bed as I moved my hands over her and kept kissing her foot. “What are you doing to me, Emmit?”

I couldn’t believe how responsive Adaline was to my touch. “Time was like a thief with us, Addie, we have a lot to make up for.”

Lifting her head up, Adaline grinned as my heart fell even more in love with her. Those blue eyes of hers lit up the room as I smiled back.

“Don’t tease, Emmit. It’s been too long.”

My lips began their slow move up Adaline’s body. Spreading her legs apart, I crawled between them and kissed along her hips as she lifted off the bed and let a low moan slip from her lips.

“I’m going to make love to you all night, Addie. Kiss your body from the top of your head to your toes.”

Adaline’s hands moved to my hair as she pulled and tugged. “Emmit, I’ve missed you so much.”

My lips moved up her stomach, I wanted more than anything to suck on her nipples, but wanted my lips on hers first. Gently laying my body over her, I placed my hands on the sides of her face and looked into her eyes.

“Do you have any idea how you make me feel, Addie?”

The look of innocence that moved across Adaline’s face had my heart pounding in my chest. Taking her lip between her teeth, she slowly nodded her head as she gave me the cutest fucking smile I’d ever seen.

Kissing her softly on the tip of her nose, I smiled as I pulled her lip out from her grasp. Kissing along her jaw, I spoke softly as I told her exactly how she made me feel. “You make me weak in the knees, Addie. You have the power to drop me to the ground with a single smile.”

Adaline’s eyes filled with tears as she moved her fingers lightly over my back.

I slowly moved my lips to her ear as I kissed and pulled on her ear lobe while she lifted her body and pressed against my hard dick. Letting out a moan, I softly spoke into her ear as I pressed down on her. “The sound of your voice feels like warmth radiating throughout my body. When your eyes look into mine you leave me breathless. Your touch causes my pulse to go insane and my senses heighten and crave you more.”

My eyes landed on Adaline’s lips as I slowly kissed her. Our tongues danced in perfect rhythm as Adaline wrapped her arms around me. The heat between us was insane. I’d never felt this way with anyone. It’s always been, Adaline.

“Let me take care of you, Addie.”

“O-okay.”

My hand moved over her as I took in Adaline’s body. Taking one of her nipples into my mouth, Adaline hissed as her body jumped. My hand moved slowly down to her stomach as I sucked in a breath and pushed my fingers inside of her.

As I moved my fingers in and out of her, a low growl came from the back of my throat. Lifting my head, I pinned her stare with my own. “Addie, you’re so wet.”

She lifted her hips in anticipation. “Emmit, please I want you so much.”

As much as I wanted to shower Adaline’s body with my lips and hands, I needed her. Pulling my fingers out of her, I reached over and grabbed my jeans. Pulling my wallet out of my pocket, I took out a condom.

I could feel Adaline’s eyes on me as I set the condom on the bed.

Turning to her, I positioned myself between her legs as I blew on her clit.

Adaline swallowed hard. “Emmit . . . w-what are you doing?”

I slowly pushed her legs open as I looked into her eyes. “I’m going to take care of your body, Addie.”

A quick swipe of my tongue and I sucked on her clit while I pushed two fingers inside. Adaline’s entire body shook as she grabbed onto the sheets.

“Oh God, Emmit.”

I knew it wouldn’t take her long to orgasm as I worked her body up. All I wanted to do was love her. Make up for the time we lost.

“Emmit!”

Adaline called out my name as her orgasm raced through her body and she grabbed my head, pulling me closer to her. The way she was moving her hips against my face had me fighting off the urge to come myself.

When I couldn’t take it any longer, I pulled my face and fingers away. Reaching for the condom, I ripped it open and quickly rolled it on.

I smiled as our eyes locked in a stare. “Addie, it’s always been you. It will forever be you.”

Adaline placed her hands on my face as she pulled my lips to hers.

Wrapping her legs around me, Adaline pulled me closer to her as I slowly pushed inside of her. Sucking in a breath, Adaline let out a whimper.

My forehead leaned against hers while I slowly worked my dick in and out of her. “Baby, you’re so tight.”

“It’s been a while,” she said with a giggle.

Guilt quickly raced through my veins as I stopped moving and lifted my head off of hers. The pained look on my face spoke how I was feeling. Adaline placed her hand on the side of my face and forced me to look at her.

“It’s only you and me right now, Emmit. This moment is all that matters.”

Closing my eyes, I fought like hell to keep my tears at bay.

“Emmit. Look at me please.”

Opening my eyes, a tear fell as Addie sucked in a breath. “I haven’t been with anyone in awhile, Addie and I’ve always used protection. I had a full physical four months ago and I’m clean.”

Slowly shaking her head, Adaline pinned me with her blue eyes. “I don’t care what happened in the past, Emmit. All I care about is now.”

My lips pressed to Adaline’s as I pushed myself in further while she dug her fingernails into my back. Trying to be gentle, I moved in and out until I was completely inside of her. I wasn’t sure how long I stayed like that while we kissed each other senseless.

Our lips parted as Adaline smiled and asked, “Are you going to move at all?”

I shook my head and said, “It feels so fucking perfect. I want to stay like this for the rest of the afternoon and night.”

Gently running her fingers over my lips, Adaline lifted an eyebrow, “You have a race tomorrow and Daddy is going to be pissed if you don’t get some sleep tonight.”

“Right now, Addie, the only thing I care about is being with you.”

Slowly moving in and out, Addie and I quickly got lost in our lovemaking. Flipping her over, it took Addie a moment to adjust to me before she started riding me to another orgasm. Collapsing onto my chest, I held her for a few moments as she caught her breath before I rolled us over. It didn’t take me long to go from slow to fast.

Adaline met me thrust for thrust as I called out her name and poured my cum into the condom. I’d have given anything to pour myself into her body again. To claim her again as mine.

Rolling off her body, I laid by her side as we both settled our breathing down.

“I wish we could stay here all night, Addie.”

Adaline turned and placed her chin on my chest. “That was beyond amazing, Emmit.”

My finger moved lazily over her arm as I spoke softly. “I love you, Addie.”

With a smile that I would kill to see every day for the rest of my life, Adaline said, “Emmit, I love you too. More than you’ll ever know.”

After spending another hour holding each other and talking, we got up and got dressed and headed back to the track.

As we stepped into the bus, Lola ran past me and right to Adaline. Laughing, Adaline dropped to her knees and showered Lola with attention. Glancing up at me, she said, “Want me to take her out?”

“No, I’ll take her. Just get your ass naked and into my bed and wait for me.”

Adaline stood up and smiled. Her eyes lit up and I couldn’t help but think about how many nights those eyes invaded my dreams.

“Sounds like a good plan.”

Adaline’s suitcase had been dropped off earlier. Grabbing it, she made her way toward the bedroom while I put Lola’s leash on and took her outside.

The air felt amazing. I felt amazing. It was as if a piece of me that had been missing was finally found. I hadn’t felt this whole since the last night I spent with Adaline.

I had Adaline back and there was no way in hell I would ever let her go again.

I’d give everything up before I ever let her go again.

AS I STEPPED OUT INTO the cool morning air, I took in a deep breath. Smiling, I followed Lola out and let her lead the way. There was no denying my body felt the after effects of yesterday afternoon and last night. I was sore, but at the same time it felt as if I were walking on puffy clouds of happiness.

Emmit had successfully managed to get only four hours of sleep last night. After returning back from the hotel, I made us something to eat. Emmit decided we needed to break the bus in. He made love to me on one of the leather sofas, in his bed and then again at two in the morning when he woke me up by showering me with kisses all over my body.

With a smile, I got lost in last night I walked aimlessly with Lola.

“I’d have to say that is the look of a very happy and satisfied woman.”

Looking up, I saw Malcolm standing there. Feeling my cheeks burn, I let out a small chuckle and said, “Good morning to you too, Malcolm.”

Lola jumped around as she saw the puppy Malcolm was walking. It was the cutest boxer puppy I’d ever seen. “Oh, my gosh! It’s a puppy, Lola!”

Malcolm laughed as he walked closer and let Lola and the dog introduce themselves. The puppy immediately rolled onto her back as Lola sniffed her over.

“Malcolm, you got a puppy?” I asked as I dropped down and reached for her. Lola wasn’t too sure about my actions, but she continued to smell the sweet little thing.

“Yeah well, I needed someone to keep me company. It gets pretty lonely sometimes.”

I couldn’t help but see the sadness in his eyes as I looked up at him. “You’re not dating anyone?”

Malcolm laughed. “No.”

I was momentarily taken aback. Malcolm was a very good looking guy, and for him to still be single was surprising to me. “Why not? I find it hard to believe you don’t have women lining up at your doorstep.”

Malcolm’s smile faded for a quick second before he shook his head and looked away. “Oh, I get plenty of fucking.”

“Nice, Malcolm,” I said as I watched Lola try to play with the puppy.

“You brought it up. The problem is, I’ve got plenty of them lining up but they all want the same thing. It’s either to say they hooked up with me or they want money.”

My heart hurt for Malcolm. I hadn’t really thought about what it must be like for a guy like him. Emmit probably dealt with the same thing while we weren’t together. The idea of women throwing themselves at Emmit angered me.

Standing up, I gave Malcolm a smile. “You’ll meet her, Malcolm. When you least expect it.”

Something passed over Malcolm’s face before he laughed. “Yeah well, I’m in no rush.” Looking my body over, Malcolm tilted his head. “You and Emmit back together I take it.”

Grinning from ear to ear, I nodded. “Yes, we are.”

Malcolm gave me a kind smile and said, “Good. He was a miserable bastard for the last three years. Maybe now he’ll stop taking it out on me on the track.”

“I don’t think that is ever going to change.”

Malcolm began walking toward the trailers, “No. You’re right about that.”

With a glance back over my shoulder I asked, “Hey! What’s the puppy’s name?”

“Emmit.”

I couldn’t help but giggle. “Really, Malcolm! What’s his name?”

Malcolm turned and walked backward; he gave me a wicked smile and said, “Deuce. Since he’s second in command.”

“I like it!” I called out as I started Lola back off on a walk. I was quickly consumed by thoughts of a future with Emmit as Lola and I wondered around for a bit before heading back to the bus.

As I stepped into Emmit’s bus, I went to call out for him when I came face to face with Stephanie. Emmit hadn’t had an assistant three years ago when we were together, so seeing her still caught me off guard.

“Hey, Adaline! It’s so good to see you.”

I gave her a polite smile. “Hi, Stephanie. It’s great to see you again too.” Looking back toward the bedroom, I asked, “Um, where’s Emmit?”

“Oh, he is off to do some interviews and then they have the drivers’ meeting.”

With a nod, I walked around to the kitchen and pulled open the refrigerator. “Would you like something to drink?” I asked as I grabbed a water.

“No thank you. Emmit had asked me to stay behind to let you know where he was. Will you be watching the race in here, or with your father?”

My eyes took in Stephanie. She was beautiful. Her hair was pulled up and done in a neat bun. She had on super tight jeans and a T-shirt that had Emmit’s name on it. Her perfectly done nails and designer shoes rounded out the whole package.

Taking in a deep breath, I gave her a grin as I said, “I’m going to sit with my father.”

She looked over at me surprised and asked, “Do you like racing? I got the impression from Emmit that you didn’t. That’s why you broke up with him.”

Emmit talked to her about us? I couldn’t help but wonder when and why Emmit would talk to his assistant about us.

“Emmit told me about you one night when he was pretty drunk. Mr. Elliot had called me to ask if I would come pick him up. He talked about you the whole way back to his house.”

As I stood a little taller, I asked, “When was this?”

Stephanie looked up and thought about it for a few seconds. “Let me think, I had just started working for him not too long before that so maybe two years ago.”

“Huh, well to answer your question, I’ve been around racing all my life. I love it. My life happened to lead me in a different direction before. It had nothing to do with my feelings toward Emmit.”

Stephanie held up her hand and said, “Adaline, I didn’t mean anything by it, and I shouldn’t have even said anything. I was out of line and for that please forgive me.”

Giving her a weak smile, I said, “No worries at all.”

“If you need anything, please be sure to let me know.” Pulling out a piece of paper, Stephanie wrote down a number and handed it to me. “Here is my cell phone number. I have it with me always.”

I glanced down at it and then back at Stephanie as I reached for it. “Thank you so much, Stephanie.”

With a small nod, she started toward the door. “Emmit has a few interviews, then the drivers’ meeting. After that he is open until about an hour and a half before race time. More interviews and then driver introductions. If you would like for me to have food delivered, just let me know.”

“O-okay, thank you,” I said as Stephanie called out goodbye and shut the door behind her. Looking at Lola, I smiled and said, “She seems nice.”

Lola barked and ran over to the sofa and growled. Walking over to her, I bent down and laughed. “I take it you don’t like sharing your man.”

Lola licked me as I fell backward and she jumped on me. It didn’t take long for her to start covering me with slobbery kisses.

“You better hope she doesn’t eat shit.”

I smiled when I turned and saw Hank, Emmit’s driver. “Hey, Hank!” I said jumping up. “What’s up with you?”

With a concerned look, he looked around the bus. “Not much. I take it Emmit’s already headed out?”

Brushing off Lola’s hair from my shorts and T-shirt, I said, “Yeah. Stephanie said he had some interviews.”

Hank turned to leave. Before stepping outside of the bus, Hank glanced back to me. “That boy loves you, Adaline.”

I bit on my lip and grinned before saying, “I love him too, Hank. I always have.”

Hank looked down before looking back up and into my eyes. “Watch your back, Adaline. Not everyone is who they seem.”

My smile dropped as Hank stepped out of the bus and shut the door.

A feeling of fear swept over my body. Swallowing hard, I put my hand to my stomach and said, “Holy shit.”

“Emmit, you want to let me know how you’re doing in that car?” Daddy asked as I glanced over to him and then back out to the racetrack.

Emmit had hardly talked since the race began. “Good. It’s a little loose in the turns still.”

My father looked over at me and winked.

“Bumper, bumper, door, all clear,” Emmit’s spotter said as Emmit passed another car and took fourth.

“Caution,” the spotter and Daddy said at the same time.

“Emmit, we’re going to pit next time around.”

“Make the adjustment, Waldo. I’m fucking tired of fighting with this car in the turns.”

Daddy widened his eyes and said, “Copy that.”

I stood so I could see Emmit and the rest of the cars coming down pit road. “Is everything okay? Why is he so quiet?” I asked my father.

“He’s in the zone. When he gets like this, I tend to just leave him alone. He’s worked himself up from twentieth to fourth, so whatever he’s doing I’m letting him do.”

I couldn’t help but wonder what was going through Emmit’s mind as he raced so hard. The only thing I did know was my leg bounced up and down nervously while I watched as the cars came in. Malcolm was in the pit box behind Emmit. He came to a screeching stop and his pit crew went to work with lightning speed.

“Five, four, three, two, one,” the spotter called as Emmit stopped.

Emmit quickly began talking to his crew. “Let’s go guys! Get me out before the twenty-three. We’ve got this!”

After making an adjustment to Emmit’s car, four new tires and gas, Daddy called out, “Go! Go! Go!”

Making a fist pump, I called out, “Yes!” when Emmit beat Malcolm out. Turning to Daddy, I smiled as he gave me a wink.

Daddy leaned over and whispered, “You’re on TV baby, don’t act too excited.”

I quickly sat back down and nodded. “Sorry.”

Two reporters had already asked me if I was Emmit Lewis’ new girlfriend. Smiling, I just kept walking. I knew how this game was from when Emmit first moved up to NASCAR.

“Have you told him yet?” Daddy asked me.

Shaking my head, I said, “No.”

“Don’t you think you should?”

My heart dropped as I looked back out onto the track. What if that’s why Emmit was so quiet? He was thinking how we were going to make this work.

I was about to say something when Emmit came over the radio. They were still under caution as the track crew cleaned up where a car hit the wall.

“Is my girl still sitting there with you, Waldo?” Emmit asked.

Daddy laughed and shook his head. “Yes.”

“Let me talk to her.”

My mouth dropped open as I shook my head. Daddy started laughing and motioned for me to talk. “Dad, people can hear whatever he says to me.”

“Hold on, I’m trying to talk her into it.”

“Ten-four,” Emmit said like it was no big deal that everyone and their mother would hear our conversation.

I held up my hands as I gave my father a stern look. “Ease the poor kid’s mind, Adaline.”

Holy shit this was not going to turn out well.

With a deep breath in, I pushed it out and hit the button. “Hey.”

“Hey, baby.”

I tried to keep my voice calm as I smiled. I’d never want Emmit to know how I was scared to death every time he climbed into that car.

“Wanted to hear your voice, Addie.”

I instantly saw a camera pointing up to the box as I looked away and talked back to him. “I forgot to tell you something, Emmit.”

Emmit chuckled and said, “Better tell me before we go green.”

Breathe, Adaline. “As of this morning, I’m officially working full time for Elliot Racing.”

“What?” Emmit asked as I looked at my father. Nodding his head for me to keep talking, I said, “Yep. Seems Elliot Racing wants a full time nurse on staff to travel with y’all.”

“Please tell me you’re not kidding.”

I couldn’t help but notice there was another camera pointed up at me as I let out a giggle. “You’re stuck with me, Emmit.”