No matter how hard I tried not to think of her, those blue eyes would pop into my dreams.
Adaline had gone back to Austin and pursued her dreams of becoming a nurse. The first two months we talked every single day. Then it slowly began to be every other day until it was twice a week. Either she was busy with class or I was busy doing some interview or sitting in a racecar. When I would call, she would be studying or too exhausted to talk. Eventually, I stopped calling. Adaline had called a few times and left voice mails, but by then I was too hurt and angry to call back. We drifted apart and started living separate lives.
My phone buzzed and pulled me away from my thoughts. Looking down, I saw it was my boss, Jack Elliot. He owned the team I had raced for since I first started my career with NASCAR.
Jack: I need a favor.
Me: Anything, Jack.
I’d do just about anything for Jack Elliot. He took the chance on a young, cocky nineteen-year-old kid whose only dream was to be a NASCAR driver. I’d never forget that. He was closer to me than my own father.
Jack: My niece is going to be with me at the track this week. Her fiancé just left for a nine-month deployment. She’s looking to get in the business on the finance side of things but wants to see how this side of racing is.
Rolling my eyes, I cursed under my breath. Great. Jack wants me to babysit his damn niece. Fucking hell.
Me: Okay, what do you need me to do?
Jack: Keep her close to you, Emmit. Show her what it’s like behind the scenes. She’s also planned a small dinner for Friday night, so I want you there and I’d like for you to escort her. You’re the only one I trust.
There was the guilt. Jack had no idea how many women I had fucked around with the last two years. Once I found out Adaline and I were no more, I went a bit crazy with every blonde, blue-eyed woman I could find when Adaline invaded my thoughts.
Me: Will do Jack. I’ll make sure she has a good time and gets her mind off her fiancé.
With a quick glance up, I saw we were pulling into Texas Motor Speedway.
Here we go.
Jack: And Emmit. Keep your hands off of her. I know how much you like blondes.
I shook my head and smiled. “I guess Jack really does pay attention,” I said to no one but me.
Me: Pulling in now. See you in a bit.
I had decided to ride on my bus instead of flying. The less time I had to spend in Texas, the better.
“We’re here, Emmit. Would you like a few minutes?” Hank, one of my drivers, asked.
With a smile and a wink, I stood up and said, “Nah, I’m gonna take Lola out. I’m sure she’s ready to stretch her legs as much as I am.”
Glancing over my shoulder, I could see into my bedroom where my one-year-old black lab, Lola, had been crashed for the last two hours.
“Lola, we’re here.”
Jumping up, Lola dashed over and stood by my side. She was the only girl I could ever count on. Always faithful and loved the hell out of me.
I squatted down and pulled her closer to me as I ran my hand over her fur. “You’re my beautiful girl, aren’t you?”
With a bark, Lola caused Hank and me to laugh. “Damn dog loves the shit out of you.”
My heart ached as I stood. Adaline would love Lola. She’d always wanted a black lab. I shook my head to clear my thoughts, I grabbed Lola’s leash and headed to the door. “Thanks, Hank. We’re gonna go for a run.”
“Sure thing, boss. Have a good run.”
I pushed the door open as Lola waited for the steps to come out before she took off toward the first person she saw.
With a quick look around, I took in all the people already at the track.
“There he is,” Jack said as I turned to look at him. My eyes widened in surprise when I saw the beautiful blonde walking alongside of Jack. Good fucking thing he told me she was engaged.
“Jack, good to see you,” I said as I extended my hand out to him. Lola made a beeline over to Jack’s niece where she promptly fell to the ground and demanded a stomach rub.
Leaning over, the blonde quickly showered Lola with attention.
“Perfect chick magnet.”
With a laugh, I turned to Jack and said, “I like her already.”
Jack slapped me on the back and said, “Just don’t like her too much, Mr. Lewis.”
“Lynn, this is the one and only, Emmit Lewis.”
Giving Lola a good pat on the stomach, Lynn stood and made her way over to me as she reached her hand out for mine. “I bet NASCAR’s star driver is just thrilled to be babysitting me.”
I shot Lynn my signature smile and a wink that melted the girl’s hearts. “It’s not a problem at all. I’ll make sure you have a good time.”
Lynn’s eyes lit up as she gave me a smirk. I wasn’t sure how to read this girl. She was engaged and her uncle, who also happened to be my boss, stood right next to her as she seemed to flirt with me. “I bet you will.”