Page 210 of Trading Paint
“Oh I listen toagirl all right, just not you mother. She doesn’t like me.”
“I know.” He seemed to think for a moment and then sighed again. “Can I sit in the car now?”
“You lose focus quickly, don’t you?”
“So do you.” Lane grinned widely. “Now hand me thatweehdthing.”
“The steering wheel?”
“Ugh, that’s what I said,” he added with another eye roll.
I handed him the steering wheel chuckling that this three year old was so damn entertaining to me.
“Does she know your plan?” Spencer asked as we leaned against the bar. It took us half the night to get here, but finally after all the media, most of my team and family made it out to downtown Charlotte for a scheduled appearance, at the Howl at the Moon bar. The appearance took on a life of its own though with the win.
Turning toward him, I spoke quietly, giving my words a solemnity appropriate to the occasion.
“I have no idea what you are talking about.”
He laughed tilting his beer my direction. “That’s bullshit.”
I honestly believe there comes a point when everything changes for you. You cross a bridge and you can’t go back. I’ve crossed a few bridges. The night I won the Triple Crown, the night I won the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals or my first cup win. Those moments changed the direction I was heading in as I crossed over—my life changed.
Tonight wasn’t any different. I knew if I acted upon what I was feeling, there was no going back. Did that stop me? No—hell no, that gritty side had taken over and I saw what I wanted, tempting me with each breath she took.
Somewhere between these blurred lines of our relationship, was a trust. A trust that I didn’t have with anyone butherand I knew right then, thiscouldwork.
“What are you doing?” Spencer asked when I left him standing by the bar.
“Going to talk to her,”
“In front of everyone?”
“I said I was going to talk to her,” I smiled over my shoulder. “notrape her.”
Approaching her from behind, I wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her against my chest.
She jumped, her shoulder bumping my jaw.
“Oh shit, I’m so sorry.” She sounded genuinely penitent. It wasn’t necessary.
Kissing her cheek, I smiled rubbing my jaw, slowly and suggestively. “It’s all right honey.” Whispering slowly in her ear, I heard the distinct hitch of her breath as mine blew across her neck. “You didn’t hurt me.”
She didn’t say anything, just gaped at me with wide eyes.
I gave up any pretence of making awisedecision tonight. I had to have her in some way. The need was pulling me beneath the surface I had tried to stay above for so long, consuming and confusing.
My name being sternly intoned broke my reverie. Glancing around the room, I noticed Darrin and his cousin, Kevin, step inside the bar.
“I’ll be right back.” I told Sway.
Darrin, obviously waiting for me, turned around when I approached him. “You lost?” I asked. “Last time I checked, this was an appearance set up bymysponsor.”
“Anyone can come into the bar, Jameson.” Darrin retorted sharply. From the corner of my eye, I knew who was standing next to him, but I refused to look her direction, refused to evenacknowledgeher presence.
“You should leave.” I warned with ominously to him and Chelsea. I was so sick of his shit that I wanted to hit him right then. My fists clenched instinctively, anticipating he’d make a scene. I couldn’t believe either of them showed up here.
“You act as though the world fucking revolves around your arrogant ass.” Darrin stepped closer to me. “Just because your dad provided the ride doesn’t mean you’re hot shit, Jameson.”
