“I mean—”
“Princess,” I warned him, and he smiled at me with happiness in his big doe eyes.
“I love you, Carson,” he whispered.
I leaned down to brush my lips over his. “I love you, too, boo.”
“So, do you think they’re sleeping together?” Ezra giggled when I clamped my hand over his mouth.
“Forever,” I added.
He nodded. “Forever.”
Ezra
February
The Daytona 500
I had never been so nervous in my entire life. CC had been racing for years. I had watched more than enough of them, but right now, watching the Daytona 500 live and in person? I was sure I would have no nails left by the time it was over. The makeup I had put on this morning was probably smeared all over my face from crying and sweating, because it was really hot. I was surely a mess from running my hands through my hair. How did everyone do this from week to week? I was going to give myself an ulcer or pass out from the excitement.
I gripped Holt’s hand tightly. “I can’t watch,” I shouted over the roar of the engines.
“It’s crazy, right?” He smiled brightly at me as Noel leaned into my side from the right.
Noel had won the Xfinity race yesterday and was smooth as silk. I wondered if he ever got upset about anything. Sex. That seemed to rifle his feathers a lot. Wyatt didn’t, though. He wasn’t here, but I knew for a fact he had called last night and congratulated Noel on his win. They both claimed they were just friends, but I had my doubts.
I wanted to cover my eyes. I wanted to turn away and bury my face in my hands for fear that something bad was going to happen. I had seen Watts’s crash. It had been terrible to watch. Even worse now that I had gotten to know him, gotten closer to Holt, and had become friends with the two of them. I couldn’t imagine what that had been like to go through.
I swallowed the nerves that were threatening to spill over as the laps began to wind down. As Mason continued to lead, CC kept pushing him in second place, and when the checkered flag waved, Brooks Racing became a winner in just their first race. Not just a first-time winner, they had finished one-two at the Daytona 500. I hugged Noel, not caring that he hated affection, and smiled when he returned my embrace. Funny how just a couple of months ago, I thought he hated me, and now I considered him one of my closest friends.
I felt tears in my eyes as Mason burned donuts into the front stretch, while Holt and Watts had their own moment together. A smile spread over my face as CC parked his car and climbed out. I wanted to run to him. I wanted to kiss the living hell out of him and tell him how proud of him I was as I watched him remove his helmet and push the damp hair back from his face. I knew he had interviews to do. I knew he would busy until God only knew when. Pride swelled inside of me at the prospects this would bring for CC, for Brooks Racing. New sponsorships. New deals that would have his name in households all over the United States. My fiancé was going to be so famous.
“Are you crying?” I turned to see Mason talking to Holt and Watts before he jumped in front of the camera that suddenly appeared. I adored him. He was a great friend and since this was going to be his last year racing, he deserved this win more than ever.
Arms wrapped around me. “Did you enjoy the race?” CC whispered into my ear.
“I’m so proud of you.” I gasped as I spun around to face him. “I might—”
My words were lost the moment CC’s mouth found mine, and I couldn’t think about anything but the feel of his tongue as it slipped between my lips and curled around mine. He was mine. Mine, mine, mine, and right now, everyone could see that.
“I have to go, but I needed to do that before the rush of everything. Promise me you won’t leave until I’m done?” He gripped my chin between his thumb and forefinger.
I put my hand over his wrist. “Baby, I’m not going anywhere.”
And I didn’t. I stayed while CC was interviewed. Photographed. Interviewed again. Had more pictures taken. I stifled yawns. I leaned against Holt and Matthias while their husbands had their own press to take care of. I didn’t want to miss anything, no matter how late this went on.
“Carson, you recently got engaged.” My ears perked up as Holt nudged me. “What can you tell us about that?” the interviewer asked.
CC’s eyes met mine across the room. “I’m going to marry my best friend.” His face broke into a huge smile. “Ezra’s amazing. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life making him as happy as he makes me.”
Tears stung my eyes as he continued to watch me, as the questions changed, as the night grew longer. How did I not realize CC was everything I ever needed or wanted in my life? Why did it take a kiss that night?
“I’m taking off.” Matthias squeezed my arm as he climbed to his feet. “My husband is waiting for me.”
I noticed Killian standing by the door as I hugged Matthias. “Text me tomorrow.”
“I will,” he assured me before he disappeared from the room.
