Ms. Murielle exclaimed, “Well, you heard Malcolm. This is your moment too.”
“I did, and it is. I can’t worry about Canaan’s reaction.” I hugged her again with the excitement I should’ve had all along.
The soft touch of his lips on my bent nape and his familiar scent caressed my nose. I removed my glasses and looked back at him. “I didn’t expect you home until much later.”
Canaan moved my computer off my lap and slid next to me on the sofa in the sunroom. “I missed you. I’ll get up earlier tomorrow to make up for the time.”
“Where’s Malcolm? Don’t feel like hearing his mouth,” I said teasingly. Since earlier today, I have developed a newfound respect for Malcolm, who, in his no-nonsense way, reminded me that my accomplishments matter too.
“You won’t. He actually agreed that I needed the break. We’re a week away.” He kissed me again. “What do you want to do tonight? Go out or stay home and sex all night.” He winked. “Or we can go and still fuck in some club.”
I half smiled.
His gaze narrowed. “What’s wrong?”
Picking up his hand, I started, “Don’t be mad. But I need to go to Raleigh next Thursday for an award.”
Canaan eased his hand from mine and slunk back onto the sofa. “We’re in the city on Thursday.”
I shifted to look at him. “I know. I can be back on Friday morning, the afternoon at the latest.”
“We have the opening gala on Thursday night, Kensie.”
“And that will be the only event I’ll miss.”
“And the breakfast the next morning, and might even miss my practice run if there are any flight delays. Come on, Kensie, I need you there. Can’t they just mail you the award?”
“Of course, they can mail it to me.” I bit back the frustration in my tone. “Yes, the timing sucks, but I just beat out every applicant from across the nation. I deserve to be there.”
Canaan tilted his head, assessing me. “Is this how it’s going to be every time? You choose your career over me?”
Jumping up from the sofa, I protested, “That’s not fair, Canaan. Your career isn’t more important than mine.”
He slammed his fist in his hand. “You will be my wife, and my career places me on the world stage. Rumors and lies spread when you’re not by my side.”
“So, I’m supposed to forget everything I’ve worked hard for since you’re the bigger star?”
“Star?Really?” He rose from the sofa. “I don’t want to do anything but race. All the other bullshit is a necessary part of being a top contender. You’re the one who wants her face plastered everywhere. Miss me on that.”
“Then miss me on believing that my social media presence matters that much to me and thinking that we could have a civil conversation.”
Canaan scoffed. “Thisiscivil. I’m expressing my frustration and anger that you won’t be by my side as you promised you would. What did you expect me to do? Huh? Hug you and smile and forget all the plans we made.”
“Yes,” I replied firmly. “You’re so selfish. You couldn’t even congratulate me. Did it ever occur to you that this ismyFormula One win, and the one person I want to celebrate with, can’t because ofhiscareer?”
His mouth snapped shut as I gathered my computer and earbuds.
“I’ll be back as soon as I can, if you still want me to be there.” I couldn’t look at him, didn’t want him to see me cry. Didn’t want him to see me broken.
“Are you leaving me again?” he asked quietly.
My head snapped up almost on its own volition. “What?”
“The last time you said you’ll be back, you left me that night with no words.” The hurt peeked over the anger in his tone.
“No. I won’t do that to you again.” I went to him and wrapped my arms around his waist. He didn’t return the embrace, but he also didn’t flinch from my touch. “I’m not planning to leave until Thursday morning. I figured we could still arrive together on Wednesday, and I’ll be gone just one day. Be happy for me.”
Canaan finally hugged me to him and kissed my forehead. “Sorry. Just caught me off guard. Of course, I’m happy for you. I’ll drag Malcolm to the gala with me and really have the tongues wagging that he and I are secret lovers.”
