“No, Bashful, I understand,” Charlie murmured as he kissed me again. “I’ll see you later, though.”
I smiled. “I’m looking forward to it.”
I found my clothes folded neatly on a chair in the corner. I pulled on my shorts, and when they were up over my hips, I rushed back over to where Charlie stood so I could wrap my arms around him.
“Thank you.”
“I’m not sure why you’re thanking me, but you’re welcome.” He squeezed me against his broad chest.
“For being you, Charlie.”
Chapter Twelve
Jones
Nerves riddled my body like a second skin. It was hotter than heck in my car tonight, and that wasn’t helping me either. I never got nervous before or during a race, but the thought of Charlie being out there, of him watching and how desperately I wanted to win for him, so he would be proud of me, made me anxious and skittish. I was thankful Mama had to work tonight. Glad I didn’t have to worry about her seeing Charlie sitting with Ollie and Travis after she told me not to see him anymore. Because I wasn’t about to stop.
He’s mine, Mama. I’m not giving him up, and I’ll run away with him if you try to make me.
The thought scared me. I loved Mama. She was the most amazing mother. I was lucky that she loved me, too, but this time I wasn’t going to budge. I wanted Charlie. He wanted me. And I wasn’t about to change my mind. He didn’t want to be with that girl back in Boston. He wanted me. We were going to be together, and no one would keep us apart.
Sweat trickled down my face behind my helmet as I made a pass for second place. I thought of how when they did driver introductions, Charlie, Ollie, and Travis had screamed like three lunatics. Like I was some sort ofsuperstar instead of just a no-name hick. I really was blessed to have such great friends. An amazing boyfriend.
I grinned to myself as I realized I was gaining first place. I gripped my steering wheel with my left hand, shifted gears with the right, and as I passed the car, I held my breath. I thought of those dark eyes, that smile, that mole, the coconut scent of his skin, and the way his lips were always so warm and soft. I let out a shout of triumph when I took first place, my foot pressed down on the gas pedal, determined to stay out front.
A part of me wished Mama were here tonight. She wasn’t going to be working at the diner for much longer. Remi had told her she could quit her job now that they were engaged, since she would be moving in with him, but she had given two weeks’ notice. It would be nice to have her see me win, too, but maybe next time. Because there would be a next time. Hopefully many, many more.
I watched the laps tick down on the scoreboard as I sped around the track, praying that no caution came out. Ten, eight, six, four, two, and when I crossed the start-finish line, with the checkered flag waving in the air, goosebumps breaking out across my skin. I was beside myself as I pulled my car into victory lane.
I was handed a hat as I removed my helmet to cover my horrendous hair, which was matted against my head with sweat and dirt. I climbed from my car, my gaze sweeping over the small crowd that had gathered, looking for Charlie. Ollie and Travis knew the drill. They knew to come here if I placed in the top three. When I saw him, my stomach filledwith butterflies, and a smile I couldn’t control spread over my face.
Winning here wasn’t like NASCAR. There was no pomp and circumstance. No confetti or champagne. I would get a small check, a trophy, my photo taken, and a few interviews. That was more than I needed. Because all I wanted was the man standing five feet away from me, holding a bouquet of flowers. It made my heart thump like crazy inside my chest.
“Jones!” Ollie nearly knocked me down when he attacked me, his giant body slamming into me in a tight hug. “That was amazing. You were like a rocket tonight.” He squeezed me tight enough to lift me straight off the ground.
I let out a wheeze. “Thanks.” I managed to answer him before he released me and then his brother hugged me. “You two are out of control.” I laughed, but my eyes were glued to Charlie. He was unusually quiet.
“Go get your man.” Travis knocked my shoulder with his. “We’ll catch up with you later.”
I gave Charlie a shy smile as he stepped closer. “Did you have fun? Did Ollie and Travis keep you entertained while I was out there? I know they can be a lot to handle sometimes, but they mean well. I hope you weren’t bored. I didn’t even think about how you might not enjoy racing. Gosh, I hope you didn’t regret coming tonight. It’s okay if you don’t like racing. I wouldn’t be upset. I know it’s not for everyone.”
“Jonesy, breathe.” Charlie’s hand came up to stroke my cheek. “You were so fucking amazing. I have never been prouder of someone. The way you handled that car...” A blush crept up his neck and over his cheek, which caught meoff guard. “I got you these.” He held out the flowers. “I wasn’t sure if it was the right thing to do or not, but I wanted to surprise you.”
I stared down at the bouquet before me. The assorted flowers and colors made my eyes swim with tears. “Th-thank you.” I brought them up to my nose and inhaled. They smelled amazing.
“Uh, I also...” Charlie turned to a tall gentleman behind him who was in the middle of a conversation with another driver, Niles Shelton. “This is a friend of my father’s.”
“Henry Richardson,” I blurted before I could stop myself. “Your father is friends with Henry Richardson?”
Charlie grinned. “You know him?”
Everyone who watched NASCAR knew who Henry Richardson is. He was one of the elite car owners.
“Charlie, why is he here?”
“You must be Jones.” Henry suddenly turned to look at me. He was a massive man, both in height and weight. He towered over both Charlie and me. “Wonderful job out there tonight, son. Just amazing. Charles has told me so much about you. Says you want to be a NASCAR driver.”
I felt dizzy. “Thank you, sir, and yes, sir. My plan is to hopefully one day race in NASCAR, sir.”
