When I pull back from our kiss, she looks as love-drunk as I am.
“Ready?”
She places a soft kiss above my eyebrow.
“Yes. Where are we going?”
Heather moves back and I rise to my feet. Taking her hand in mine I pull it to my lips and kiss her palm.
“You’ll see.”
My brothers have been vulnerable with her and I’ve held back. Tonight I want to let her in, completely, starting with my other love. Racing. If she wants to know how that began, I’ll tell her. It’s not pretty but it’s my story and part of who I am. My past isn’t something I'm especially proud of but I know it’s the same for her. It doesn’t define you but it certainly forms who you become.
“You’ll see.”
She shakes her head as we walk out to the car.
“Oh good, more secrets.”
I open the door to the 1969 Dodge Challenger I bought a few days ago and she slides in. After I get into the driver's seat, I place my hand on her thigh.
“No secrets, Tesoro. We are going to the race track. I want to show you more of myself. Anything you want to know, I’ll tell you.”
Her eyes fill with emotion as she blinks back unshed tears. Placing her hand over mine she breathes, “Thank you.”
As I drive just outside of the city I admit, “I’m a guarded man, Tesoro. I’ve kept my emotions to myself for most of my life but I don’t want to be like that with you.”
She squeezes my hand affectionately but it’s her words that steal the breath from my lungs.
“You’ve been my safe place, Knox. Let me be yours.”
My chest tightens with love for this woman. If I had the power to change anything about her, I’d change nothing. When I say she’s perfect it’s not lip service. I fucking mean it.
I pull into the parking garage and Heather points off to the left.
“Knox, this VIP parking. General is that way.”
I flash her a grin.
“Only the best for my girl.”
She rolls her eyes at me and I commit it to memory for later.
“I don’t need special treatment.”
After I park, I get out and walk around to her side and open the door for her. I take her hand and help her out.
“When you are with any of us you’ll be treated like the fucking queen you are, Tesoro. That’s non-negotiable. Besides, this is the best way to watch a race.”
We walk to the private elevator and I press the button S14 for our suite and watch her face for a reaction when the doors slide open and we walk into our suite.
Heather covers her mouth with a gasp.
“Knox. Wow.”
She quickly glances at the white sofa and matching over-sized chair before sprinting to the panoramic window that gives an expansive view of the track. Heather didn’t seem to notice the buffet of food on the left side but at some point I’ll make sure she eats.
I take a seat on the chair and she comes over and sits beside me, snuggling up against my chest.
