Page 5 of Home Stretch
THREE
Malia
I can’t believethis is happening.
Who the hell puts a person up as collateral? Did I accidentally fall into a time machine that took me back to the 1850s? My blood is boiling, and I swear steam is about to shoot from my ears like an old cartoon. I knew Sterling was a jerk, but I underestimated how cruel he was.
As much as I want to claw my stupid date’s eyes out, I’m equally as crushed that Kade took the bet. My anger toward him is different, though. It feels like a part of me broke off and is withering away. I thought he was different.
I rub the heel of my hand over my heart, trying to ease the tightness and tension there. Blinking back frustrated tears, I try to get my emotions under control. This is no time to fall apart. If my upbringing taught me anything, it’s how to fake a smile and carry on until you can ugly cry alone in the bathroom.
I’m not all that shocked about Sterling doing something like this. I met plenty of guys like him when I lived with my parents. He doesn’t know me, which means I’m expendable. It’s obvious that he only cares about money, material things, and impressing his equally moronic friends. The only upside to this is that I have a surefire excuse for not going on a second date with him when my parents ask for an update.
Oh, who am I kidding? My parents honestly won’t care that Sterling tried to trade me like a piece of collateral. I can just picture my dad’s round face as he chuckles, telling me it’s all in good fun. Boys will be boys and all that. It’s disgusting and problematic but par for the course.
Kade was supposed to be different, though.
I can’t believe he accepted the bet. Part of my brain is trying to rationalize it, and I can almost make myself believe he only said yes because he was trying to help me. I didn’t exactly try to hide how disgusted I was with my date. There were other ways Sterling and his lackeys could have been handled, though. Like a kick to the balls or a broken nose. Just to name a few.
The race starts, and I hold my breath, my eyes glued to the track. It feels like my heart is lodged in my throat, and I swallow as I watch the cars zoom past me and into the first turn.
I briefly wonder if I should leave. I could try to find a friend in the crowd and get a ride back to my apartment. Hell, I could walk over to the Stud Farm, to Remy’s house, and see my best friend, Gwen. The two of them are such homebodies, and I know they’ll be home. She would give me a ride back to my place.
Before I can decide, though, the cars are in the home stretch. I won’t have time to make it even a few feet through the crowd before the winner of the race can get to me.
I know Kade will be the winner. He’s never lost a race, and even though Sterling’s car might be worth more money, Kade is the superior driver. He’s been ahead for the entire race, and I glance over at Thatcher and Francis. They both look pissed that their friend isn’t in the lead, and I smirk as I look back to the cars.
Kade’s car zips over the finish line, and I almost cheer for him like I always do. Then I remember I’m pissed and deserve an explanation. Did I really build Kade up in my head as a sweet and rugged cowboy when in reality, he’s just as shallow as everyone else?
Deep down, I know that can’t be true. I’ve seen Kade’s heart and soul. So why did he agree to that stupid bet? I guess there’s only one way to find out.
Straightening my shoulders, I take a deep breath and climb down from my spot on the wooden announcer stand. The crowd is still clapping for Kade’s win as the next two cars get ready at the starting line.
I head over to Kade while Thatcher and Francis both glare at me, then stomp off to Sterling’s car. The man himself is behind the wheel, scowling at everyone who walks past. What a sore loser, not that I expected anything less.
“Get a ride home,” Sterling snarls at me as he pulls up next to me in his car. I’m not surprised that the three of them are leaving right away. They just got embarrassed by these small-town kids and can’t wait to get back to Los Angeles so that they can remind themselves how much better they are with their parents’ money.
He mutters something about magic pussy my ass before spinning his tires, and I flip him off, grinning as I head toward Kade’s car. At least I had that little serotonin boost before dealing with Kade.
I take a deep breath as I turn and look at Kade. He’s got the driver’s side door open with one arm on the roof of his car as he stares at me. I’m still beyond annoyed, but god, just looking at him has some of my anger burning away and turning into lust.
Kade’s hair is a bit of a mess, but in that effortlessly sexy way, I could never pull off. My eyes follow the lines of his broad shoulders, muscled biceps, and strong forearms, the tendons flexing as he clenches his fists.
Deep brown eyes search mine, but I can’t quite place his look.
I close the distance between us and stop on the other side of the car. Kade’s dark eyes are heated, like melted chocolate as he watches my every move. What is he expecting from me? Does he think I’m going to sleep with him because he won the race?
My stupid heart flips, but my brain rebels. I want to be with Kade in every way, but not like this. Why did he have to go and ruin everything?
Neither of us says anything for a long moment. Everyone is trying to get his attention, guys clapping him on the back with words of congratulations while a few girls shimmy up to his massive frame, trying, unsuccessfully, to flirt. The entire time, his eyes never leave mine.
The world blurs and fades into the background, and I’m only vaguely aware of the engines revving up for the next race. Those damn eyes are filled with something meaningful, but I can’t for the life of me figure this man out.
“Want a ride?” he finally asks me, that southern drawl lulling me into a sense of safety. I’ve always loved the timbre of Kade’s voice.
I bite my lip as I slowly nod. I guess we’re going to have this talk sooner rather than later.
