When we’re inside he walks me to the guest room he’s been letting me stay in.
“Do I need to call a doctor?” he asks as his brows furrow in concern.
“No, I’m fine. I’ll just take a quick shower and crash,” I tell him.
He smiles as he walks up to me and then presses a quick kiss to my head. “How about you don’t do anything relative to crashing again, yeah?”
I giggle before the pain grips my ribs, cutting me off.
“Don’t think for one second I won’t sit in that chair all night and babysit you, Lennon.”
I pat him on the arm. “I know you would, but I’m fine. Promise.”
His eyes narrow for a moment before he relents.
“Goodnight. I’m down the hall if you need anything.”
After my shower, I go to plug my phone in and see a new message from the unknown number, just like I knew I would…well, I hoped I would. It looks like I was right. He’s been virtually silent since I left North Carolina, but I knew this move would break the ice.
Unknown number: It seems like you’ve decided to fully engage in the game now, princess.
Me: I think that move would be called a checkmate.
Unknown number: It’s cute you think you’re about to capture me. But, princess, you’d have to know who I am for it to work.
Me: You’re a coward, then. Hiding behind anonymous texts and notes.
Unknown number: Once you know who I am, the game is over. But if you think you’re ready for our finale, I’ll be waiting for you with your race car at home.
Me: Name the day and time.
Unknown number: Tomorrow night at ten. Come alone.
Me: I am alone thanks to you.
Unknown number: Not true. You’ve got me, princess.
31
LENNON
It’s almost nine when I roll back into town. Vincent threatened to come back with me or even call Dash. Of all the nerve…
I had to tell him that Dash and I are nothing but a memory. He wasn’t too happy to hear about my broken heart, so he promised not to involve him unless he doesn’t hear from me later tonight. Then, I guess, all bets are off, and the all-business Vincent Rossi will tattle on me to my ex-boyfriend. But at least he didn’t threaten to call my dad or the police…yet.
Tyler Motorsports comes into view and the only things illuminating the building is the streetlights around it and the sign out front. I find myself circling the block a few times before cutting off my headlights and parking my car down the road behind where the track is.
The soft glow from the dashboard illuminates the interior just enough for me to see the picture of me and London on my sun visor. I trace her in the picture with my finger and whisperwhat I know she’d say if she knew what I was doing right now. “Mirror, mirror. My heart to shield.”
I turn off the engine and exit my GTO, shutting the driver’s door as softly as I can while clutching my keys. Then, on silent footsteps, I make my way to the back door of the garage and unlock it before punching in my alarm code.
I hope no one has the security system set up to alert them when it’s been disarmed. Especially my dad. The last thing I need is someone showing up to investigate and scare off my stalker when I’m finally about to confront him.
I move through the garage until I’m almost at my race car and the hair stands on the back of my neck. Suddenly, the fluorescent lights are flipped on overhead, and I squint from the stark contrast until my eyes adjust.
“Did you lose something, princess?” a voice sounds behind me and my stomach turns.
I turn and find Dillan standing there with a tire iron in his hand.
